Mirror Mirror....

Romans ch2 could be subtitled "the Mirror chapter". Paul writes on how we are quick to judge others, yet we have the same sin. We have to be aware of sin, and realize we all have it. The slippery slope is when we compare our sin with others and determine that we "aren't so bad". We have to be careful not to judge others. It is the heart that matters, what we seek, rather Who we seek. Our lives are definitely riddled with coloring outside the lines. It is by God's grace that we are afforded an opportunity to even turn from sin. See v4. Keep in mind, this life is not for a grade, we cannot earn or work towards a passing grade. But if we truly seek and desire God, He promises us eternity with Him. That is the goal. Be careful about judging others, we haven't been givven that task

Road to Salvation begins

Welcome to Summer '13! We begin in Romans. Written by the Apostle Paul,, this is great theology. His purpose is to show how God made us right in His sight, everyone. Kinda levels the playing field. Rome was filled with Pagans and those who worshipped idols and other gods. Like DC today? It was the seat of earthly power. Key verses in ch1 are v1-Paul introduces himself as a slave...the lowest possible relation, showing his humility, v16-17 Paul writes boldly of his purpose for the letter, and v20, we have no excuse for not seeking God. This is so appropriate today in our culture. We have lost our way and need these reminders. Are we slaves to Christ? Does He rule our lives? I deserve hanging for desertion! Come along in Romans...it is a powerful road!

The Road Ahead

In Acts ch20 we see the importance of evangelism in Paul's life. V24, Paul is determined to finish the work that the Lord has put before him. Paul had done much already and had endured many hardships, pain and suffering. But he realized that he was not done. When are we finished? Like Paul, never. Don't get discouraged by this. There will be ebbs and flows of your ministry. Each of us has a ministry! Like one in recovery, we need to take one day, one moment at a time, not focusing on the tremendous and long task ahead. Paul was not alone in his work. Throughout Acts, he is accompanied by other believers who help him, hold him accountable and press forward with him. We need do likewise. We might not be Pauls, but we can be the support team. Now, onto the next task!

Pray and wait

In Acts ch12, Peter is arrested. The believers meet together and pray for his release. Angels came and did just that. Peter flees back to where the believers are. He knoccks at the door, and a young servant girl comes to answer. In her excitement to tell the others, she does not open the door. The others do not believe her story that Peter is knocking at the door, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE PRAYING TO GOD FOR THIS VERY THING!!! How often do we pray to God, then either not believe that He can do it, or we decide He needs our help. We rush in to assist, and miss God's timing and purpose. Why do we pray? At times it seems more like asking permission rather than truly turning it over to God. We are in such a hurry. Why? Ours is truly the half hour sitcom life. Pray and wait!

Introducing God's Servant

Who can God use for His purpose? Anyone. In Acts ch 9, we see God using Saul, a noted terrorizor of Christians. God supernaturally called Saul. That might not happen everyday. God's ways are not our ways. Yet we can come to understand what God has revealed to us in His Word and by the Holy aSpirit. In Saul's case, God used an ordinary man and believer named Ananias. Are we willing to let God use us? Ananias feared for his life when called to approach Saul. Notice that God did not punish him for his hesitation, rather He encouraged Ananias. God encourages us as well. Are you being led? Are you listening for God? How can we if our lives are so jammed packed and busy. Margin in life is important not only for sanity and good health, it is important to hear God's leading.

How much you ask?

You can't buy the Holy Spirit. In Acts ch8v18-20, Simon attempts to offer money to Peter so that he could bless people with the HS. Peter rebukes him noting that serving God is not what we "get" out of it, but how we glorify Him. That is easier to forget than you think. We can be jealous of others who seem to "get it" while we struggle. We might even see others getting away with activities that are not good. Not to worry, God sees all. He knows our hearts and our motives. Simon was not asking to help further the kingdom, he was seeking fame and possibly another revenue stream. How do we use the gifts God has given us? For what we get out of them, or how we can glorify Him?

Introducing Paul!

Introducing, Paul. In Acts ch 7 at the end, we see the religious leaders stoning Stephen, an elder in the early church. Saul's intro to us is so hauntingly evil, it causes one to step back. The Jews are stoning Stephen and suddenly there is Saul, at who's feet the Jews put their coats. Normal practice in a good stoning is to remove one's coat! It is like something out of a movie. I can see the camera pulling back from the scene and there he is, evilly watching over the entire event, saying nothing but giving approval. Pride, arrogance, and egotism on full display. This is Saul! Wait, this is the same guys who will win hearts over to Christ? Talk about a change. See, our obstacles to growth in Christ are not new. As we read on, we'll see our story of change in SAUL - PAUL.