Acts 6.8-7.53 - Stephen's speech

One of the longest sections of Acts, the actions of Stephen's trial, speech, and stoning are an important story.  Stephen tells God's story through Moses and the old testament prophets and patriarchs.  Stephen's speech encapsulates the story of the witness of Israel to God in a way that convicts us even today.  The message of God the Creator's justice and mercy trumps everything else.  Humanity's disobedience is great; God's power is greater.  We have received the same law and the same righteous one.  How do we receive him, with humility and repentance? Or do we reject him?

Acts 5.12-42 - Gamaliel's Speech

The apostles reach a crossroad.  They've been hauled before the authorities once already.  This time, a new voice is heard.  We would expect to hear Joseph of Arimathea stand to defend the disciples, since he himself was a disciple of Jesus. But instead we hear the voice of Gamaliel, who taught Paul back when we was Saul of Tarsus.
The effects of Gamaliel's speech are clear. And his point resounds to us today. If what we do is human in origin, it will fail.  If what we do is of God, we cannot fail. Following God's plan, God's way, is the goal of life.  Following our own way is the road to destruction.  May we follow the pathway of God.

Acts 4.32-5.11 Great Grace

This weeks story shows us a marked contrast.  On the one hand, we have Barnabas, the cheerful giver who encourages others.

On the other hand, we have Ananias and Sapphira, who plot to withhold from God.
The penalty seems harsh (death), yet the matters are serious.

We know that we can lie to others and often get away with it; we deceive ourselves when we lie to God.  We often live worried about what others will see and as though God cannot see.
How can we live lives that show integrity and honesty to God? How can we encourage others?
The grace of God is great. His giving never ends.

Acts 4.23-31 - The Nations

Peter continually comments on the Psalms. In this passage, he refers to Psalm 2.  The Psalm says:

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth....
Happy are all who take refuge in him.

As you celebrate the 4th, remember your first freedom, the freedom of religion.  We are free to take refuge in God in this nation. Kings (dictators and presidents & prime ministers, congresses & parliaments) and governments cannot protect us. God will protect and guide.Our freedom makes us servants to God.

As a bonus, read the first place this freedom appeared in American law in Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

Acts 4.1-22 - Conflict in the Temple

When Peter and John and the apostles begin to speak boldly and heal the lame, the authorities in the temple listen. When God heals the lame man, the Sadducee are once again "annoyed" by the teaching that there is a resurrection, now proclaimed in Jesus. Unlike the Pharisees, the doctrine of the Sadducees denied the possibility of resurrection. Jesus' followers went a step further.  In addition to their anticipated resurrection at the end of time, they proclaimed that one man, Jesus, had already been raised.
The apostles are bold to answer when the authorities ask, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” They proclaim Jesus Christ.
This scene reminds us of the courage it takes sometimes to proclaim your faith. Peter had denied Jesus before the crucifixion. Now, with the Spirit's help, he is no longer ashamed of his Lord.
May we have the same Spirit and the same boldness to proclaim Christ, especially to those who need to hear of the power of the resurrection.

Acts 2.1-13 - Pentecost

This Sunday, we begin the season of Pentecost.  I know, I know, Pentecost is supposed to be a day, and not a season.  But we want to view the entire scene, not just the tongues descending, but Peter preaching and the people changing. So we should spend a few weeks hearing the entire story.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is a gift for the church today.  The people saved at Pentecost were saved from the political and spiritual oppression of their daily life. People can find the same salvation today and receive the gift of the Spirit.
As you prepare for Pentecost, read the story of the tower of Bable and hear why and how human language divides us (Genesis 11.1-9).  Land, ethnicity, and language may divide us; God's Spirit can unite us!

Resurrected Jesus in Luke

What was Christ's resurrected body like? Like us, he ate (Luke 24.41). Like his previous ministry, Christ instructed the disciples (Luke 24.44).  And the disciples were able to touch him (Luke 24.39). He was, as he said, "No ghost."
The resurrected Lord had overcome death; yet, he was still human and divine as before.  May we listen for his risen teaching and his final instructions (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 21; and Acts 1.1-11).