Amazing Love

As we hit Romans 4-5, we see Paul digging into some deep theology, justification. By doing certain things, we deserve, we are justified in our actions right? Not so fast. The Law God has provided only shows us that we are unable to earn salvation. We fall short of God's perfect standard. Is all hope lost then? Certainly not! Paul declares God's love for us by explaining Jesus' sacrifice. In Ro 5:8, he notes that while we were sinners, He sent His son to die for us! I don't know about you, but I do not give even simple gifts to those I do not like or get along with. Actually, my selfish nature can keep me from giving to those I do like. But what God did is amazing. He provided the solution, even when that is rejected. Amazing love doesn't begin to describe!

Romans 1-3, The Set-Up

As I begin reading Romans ch1-3, I wonder why I don't feed on this book more. The depth and clarity of Romans is truly astounding. Paul lays out truth after truth, really coming to the point of the matter. Ro 3:23, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ALL have sinned! Paul condemns us who know the law as well as those who do not. Ch1v20 talks about general revelation. We should know about God by simply looking at His creation! These first three chpts are the setup. Paul is describing the problem, and that we humans cannot fix the problem-separation from God. All the door holding and helping old ladies across streets will not punch our ticket back to relationship with God. So what does? That is why Paul didn't end Romans at ch3....read on!

Frustrated Witness?

When we hear the truth, do we readily accept it? Paul is on trial before King Agrippa in Acts ch26. He details his own conversion a nd mission in Jesus. Agrippa, who is noted as knowledgable in Jewish teachings, replies"Do you think you can make me a Christian so quickly"? Paul is a super witness, having met with Jesus first hand. He also met and lived with the disciples of Jesus, who witnessed his earthly life first hand. If Paul were to have difficulties in his witnessing to others, should we not expect difficulties? Does the fear of rejection or having questions we are unable to answer hinder or stop us from a witness opportunity? Did it stop Paul?

Statues to Unknown Gods?

In Acts ch 17, Paul addresses a council of philosophers about their statue to an unknown God. In v24, Paul describes the True God of the universe, creator of Heaven and earth. One God. That is where our hope is placed. He gives life and breath and satisfies every need. He is greater than mere happenings here on earth. For me, this is important. I do not pretend to know or understand all of God's ways. He causes things to happen that seem bad at the time, but there comes good from it. So, things in life will disappoint and go a way you think is bad. But as Paul reminds us, God is in control and is working out His plan through our lives. He is greater than any one!

Our Actions Vs. God's Grace

Peter gets it! In Acts ch15v7-11, Peter makes a very good point as leaders are arguing whether new converts should be baptized and circumcized, and follow the law of Moses. Peter notes that they should not burden the Gentiles with a yoke that the Jews were unable to bear. It shows the purpose of the law! It was not meant that man should follow every letter, he cannot. It was to guide the Jews and help them understand sin exists. It was a way to demonstrate how far they were from God's perfect standards. The Christian faith is not based on our actions and rituals, rather it is solely God's grace. We forget that and go about the business judging others by how "religious" they are. Peter stifled the discussion 2,000 yrs ago, we need to stifle it today! Not by our actions!

Can't Stop God!

Acts ch5-7 discusses issues within the early church, from deciet with Ananias and Sapphira with holding money and lying about it, to having too much work and not enough workers. Ch5 also discusses the conversation of the Sanhedrin who were trying to decide what to do with the apostles' teaching on Jesus. Gamaliel, a wise member, rose up and declared that if this teaching was from man, it will eventually die out and fail. If it was from God, you will not be able to stop it. Here we are 2,000 years later....can't stop God! Ch7 has Stephen, a helper of the apostles, being tried by the Sanhedrin and providing an eloquent and quick history of the Jews. He concludes noting they have killed their prophets. Guilty! And they kill him too! The first martyr...

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

Something happened in Acts ch1-4 that caused these uncertain and fearful men to stand up boldly for the Gospel. The Holy Spirit gave them power, wisdom and courage. Peter, the one who denied Christ 3 times suddenly was preaching with authority in the temple courts! This radical change is proof enough for me that they witnessed what they said! Their character changed! No longer hiding in the shadows so they would not get caught, they proclaimed boldly. When the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are filled with such courage as well. The transformation creates the desire in us to share with others! Unfortunately, others often do not share the passion back and we become either discouraged or lukewarm. The enemy is cunning and patient. Don't allow your fire to go out. There is work to do!