1 Corinthians 4

In the last chapter, Paul tells the Corinthians how not to view Christian teachers because it is leading to condescension and divisions within the church. In chapter 4, he tells them how they are to rightly view the servants of Christ.

The Corinthians are not to appoint themselves judges over God's servants, for in fact this leads to taking the very place of God. The only person capable of exacting perfect judgement is God. We will certainly see in tomorrow's reading that there is room for discernment and judgement on our part, but Paul wants to make sure that first we see that it is all too easy to go down the path of legalism.

The point Paul is trying to make is that we humans are finite, and have such a smaller view of things than God, that it becomes downright laughable when a person begins to make truly definitive claims about anything apart from what God has said. He actually subtly exemplifies this later in the passage: "But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills" (vs 19, italics mine). He recognizes that he cannot make definitive claims about his travel destinations (let alone make definitive judgments of his fellow workers in Christ!), apart from God's will.

See if you can develop this practice in your daily life. Anytime you make a claim about anything (what you're going to eat, when you will go to such and such a place, judging someone's character, etc.), make sure you properly acknowledge outwardly, that only God can know these things for sure.

1 Corinthians 3

Here Paul takes his argument a step further. Because the Corinthian focus is on the wisdom of men, they have a propensity to attach themselves to certain  teachers. This in turn creates divisions in the church. Some things don't change, do they?

Paul's point is simple enough: he and Apollos and the other teachers are not competitors; they are "fellow workers." In this case, Paul laid the foundation (he planted the church in Corinth), and others built on that foundation. 

Now from here he could have easily said something like, "Yes, we all as teachers of sound doctrine are to be equally revered as great men." But Paul knows that they are nothing without the power of God. He says it this way, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth (vv 6-7, italics mine).

There are many great teachers in Christendom today. I would encourage you to take advantage of their teaching through the many books, sermons, articles, etc. that are available. However, I would caution you not to fall into the same behavior as the Corinthians. The danger is to begin to attach yourself to certain teachers, and begin to make enemies of other Christian teachers (and the people who listen to their teaching).

As you dig in to the vast amounts of resources we have at our fingertips (which I sincerely hope you do), make sure it is not just to fill your head with knowledge from wise men. Yes, fill your head with knowledge, but only because that knowledge points you to the word of God, and brings your heart closer to the heart of God.

1 Corinthians 2

The Corinthian church seems to have had high regard for lofty speech and human wisdom, for Paul picks up the same point he made in chapter 1 and builds on it in chapter 2. And we'll see in the next chapter that this attitude is causing divisions in the church, which is one of Paul's primary reasons for writing to the Corinthians.

Paul's message to them was not in the wisdom of this age, but in demonstration of the wisdom and power of God. The problem with the Corinthians was that their faith was resting on the wisdom of man instead of on the power of God (vs 5).

Paul isn't saying that it's a sin to have worldly wisdom. Indeed in a practical sense worldly wisdom can be very helpful in understanding the things of this life. The sin is in placing our faith in it. Paul's reasoning is also practical: wisdom of this age is just that-of this age! It will pass away. But the wisdom of God will never pass away.

If you ever watch the news, you'll see that people like to make a lot of promises about what will happen in the future based on what has happened in the past. While this may be entertaining, it's hardly authoritative. If you want to know where your faith rests, just ask yourself, "Am I putting my trust in the promises of men, or in the promises of God?"

1 Corinthians 1

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth" (vs 26). It doesn't take much to realize that there are a lot of people in this world who are a lot smarter and wiser than me; people who are way more powerful; and I was certainly not noble in birth by any stretch of the imagination. 

The temptation here is to think that God will want to use the wise and strong and rich to accomplish his purposes, so that the world will see how great God is. But Paul says it's the exact opposite that will put God's glory on display. For if he were to use those people, they would have reason to boast about themselves.

"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (vs 27). Do you feel the freedom that brings us? God gets the most glory, not when we make much of ourselves, but when we make much of him! 

When you are serving others or sharing the gospel, are you thinking about how you are being seen? Or how God is being seen? See the difference? Don't waste your life trying to make yourself look good, or rich, or smart. Spend your life making much of our awesome God, who is all wise, all powerful, and all good!

Romans 16

In yesterday's reading Paul exhorted us to live in harmony with others, and to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Here in 16:17, he appeals to us "to watch out for those who cause divisions;" to "avoid" such people.

Paul is not saying that we should discard sound doctrine and avoid discussion altogether, in order not to offend anyone. For indeed Paul himself would go into the synagogues and reason with the religious leaders. What he is doing is making a distinction between those who come to the word of God humbly, and those who come to the word of God self-righteously.

Both of these types of people know the word of God in some capacity. But the first type will interact with others graciously, gently, compassionately; desiring for them to know what is right, but not at the cost of sacrificing those relationships. They know that communicating their value of people as most important to them, will make way for the truth to be most receptive.

The other type will interact with others harshly, definitively; desiring for them to know what is right even at the cost of those relationships. It is so important for them to be right, and for others to know what is right, that they will stop at nothing in order for the truth to be known.

When you think about interacting with these two types of people, how do you feel? Probably loved and cared for if you're talking with the first type. And probably hurt and distant if you're talking to the second type.

So which type are you? 

Romans 15

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (vv 5-6). Paul used those two words carefully and intentionally (and the alliteration makes it easier to remember).

First, endurance: Living in harmony with others is not easy. In fact, it is sometimes those closest to you, whether in your family or in the faith (or both!) that it is most difficult. It's easy for me to be angry at those who disagree with me, especially if I'm hurt by them emotionally. But by his grace God gives us endurance in the midst of those relationships, and the maturity to be at peace even if we disagree.

Second, encouragement: Living in harmony with others is—well, it's not easy! Yet again, by his grace, God also encourages us in the midst of difficult relationships. This usually comes to me as a precious gift, and it comes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it's a brother with a good word of encouragement, or it's an answer to a prayer I've been waiting for. Most often though, it is the sweetness of God's word that "brightens my eyes."

Think back on a relationship in your life that has been difficult. Maybe it is still difficult. Maybe it's somebody close to you like it is for me. How has God equipped you to endure with that person in harmony? In what ways has God encouraged you in that relationship?

Perhaps you haven't thought about God giving these gifts to you in the midst of this relationship. Go back and reread verses 5 and 6, and ask God to work in this tough relationship to allow you and that person to live in accord with Christ Jesus and with one voice bring glory to God.

Romans 14

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men" (vv 17-18).

Isn't it wonderful to know that the blessings of Christ's kingdom do not consist of rites and ceremonies?! The Pharisees didn't get this. Outwardly they had all the "right" practices in place, but God was not pleased with them because their hearts were "far from him."

The Christian life with which God is pleased is not bound up in works alone, or "Law," as the Pharisees thought. God is pleased with the Christian life that proceeds from faith, from a heart that prefers the service of God to all other services.

Do you feel the freedom in that? Augustine once said, "Love God, and do as you please." Now, you have to fill up the word "love" with a lot of the Bible, but he's right. If our hearts are abiding in God and his word, and seeking to love him by serving him, we can be sure that what pleases us to do will also be pleasing to him.

Is there anything in your life right now that you do so that God will be pleased with you? I would challenge you to check your heart in that matter. The next time you're tempted to do something in order to gain God's favor, first ask God to give you a heart of faith with which to please him; then let whatever you do next flow out of that.

Romans 13

Here Paul picks up the same theme that we found in the latter section of chapter 12. He says that all of the commandments can be summed up in one phrase: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (vs 9).

When Jesus taught this he was asked, "Who is my neighbor?" You remember Jesus responds by telling the story of the Good Samaritan. Two of the main points are: (1) loving your neighbor sometimes means helping someone even if you don't know them, and (2) loving your neighbor sometimes means personal sacrifice for you.

Two days ago a friend told me that he and his wife had stopped to meet a young couple who was asking for money on the side of the road. He found out both of them had just lost their jobs, their house, and then their car. So my friend offers to help them build resumes, drive them to interviews, oh, and that during that time they can stay at his place if they run out of hotel money.

Talk about true gospel-neighboring! I was so excited when he called to tell me! See, my friend knows that Jesus found him and saved him at the lowest point in his life, so he can't help but love his neighbors (the young couple) at the lowest point in their lives.

How can you love your neighbor as yourself today? This week? It may be someone you don't even know. It may cost you something as well. But don't let that stop you, it didn't stop Jesus from saving you.

Romans 12

In my Bible the last section of Romans 12 (vv 9-21) is titled, "Marks of the True Christian." Paul makes a series of short statements that should characterize the life of a true Christian, and they are completely counter-cultural. Each verse deserves an entire post, but here I will comment on verse 10 in two parts:

(1) "Love one another with brotherly affection." (2) "Outdo one another in showing honor."

(1)Paul starts off with love, I believe, because all of our duty towards one another is summed in that one word—love. This is only possible because, "God's love has been poured into our hearts" (Romans 5:5). The love that he has given to us is a genuine and free affection—a kindness that flows out of our changed hearts.

(2)In the second half of the verse, Paul says we are to honor each other, but not only that we are also to strive to prefer each others' honor over our own. He says it another way in Philippians 2:3: "In humility count others more significant than yourselves."

Paul acknowledges that the love described in this verse is given to us by God, yet we are still commanded to carry it out. So think of a relationship you have with someone you know pretty well (best friend, mom or dad, etc.), and spend an entire day putting their needs before your own. Be more pleased to hear them praised than yourself. Instead of contending for superiority, take the lower position in an effort to esteem them. Go out of your way to show that person the mark of a true Christian (God's love he put in your heart) by putting them before yourself.

Romans 11

Once again Paul foresees that what he has just said might stir a misunderstanding in his readers. Does it follow from the last two chapters that God has rejected all of Israel? "By no means!" (vs 1), for Paul himself is an Israelite. And just as in the time of Elijah, God has kept for himself "a remnant, chosen be grace" (vs 5).

So why did only some of God's people obtain salvation? The rest of this chapter has been understood in different ways in order to answer that question. In this space though, let's just get the main point and see what that means for us.

Paul makes it clear that God, in his sovereignty, has made a way for the Gentiles (that includes us) to receive salvation by grace just has the Jews did. It is a good thing for us to dig in and seek to understand this mystery. But we must also finally come to rest where Paul does when he exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and inscrutable his ways!" (vs 33).

To put it more simply, God is God, and we are not. We spend our lifetimes getting to know God, just as we do with a best friend here on earth. But if you cannot get to know everything about a best friend in this lifetime, how much more ridiculous is it to think we can do that with God?! We take our reason and understanding as far as we can, but a finite human cannot reason their way to a God who inhabits eternity. At last, with Paul, we must humble ourselves before the almighty God, and give praise to his infinite greatness.

Romans 10

Two observations:

(1) Paul continues to insist that salvation comes by faith to Jews and Gentiles alike. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (vv 9-10).

Paul here is not saying that salvation takes place in two steps, as verse 10 would suggest. It is better to think of justification and confession as parallel. Not because they mean the same thing (they don't), but because they go together: if you have faith in your heart but no confession of your sin then it is no faith at all. Conversely, if you confess your sin but it does not stem from a heart of faith then it becomes merely formal. As far as Paul is concerned, faith and confession go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other.

(2) Even though Paul spent so much of chapters 8 and 9 insisting that salvation does not depend on human will or exertion, but on God's mercy, it does not stop him from insisting in chapter 10 that sinners must still believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths. Furthermore, he says faith comes through hearing, so we who have faith are to go and tell of the great things God has done in our lives.

Get out a piece of paper and write down 3 great things that God has done for you. Be as specific as you can. Read back over them a few times and thank God for what he has done for you. Remember them throughout the rest of this week, and perhaps God will lead you to share them with others.

Romans 9

In this chapter Paul reinforces the doctrine of election (that before God created anything he chose those whom he would save). For centuries this doctrine has been the center of much controversy among Christians, but Paul actually makes a defense of this doctrine before the chapter is over.

First, Paul recalls God's promise to Abraham to show that not all of Abraham's offspring were counted as children of God. Only those who were children of the promise, meaning only those on whom God chose to have mercy, were counted as children of God. "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy" (vs 16). This is true for all mankind. Salvation does not rest on the shoulders of men; remember, it is God who justifies. "He has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills" (vs 18).

So the natural response becomes, "How can God still find fault in us if no one can resist his will?" Paul says to that: "Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'" The infinite God has the sovereign right to manage the affairs of his creation. All that he does is just. So even though this doctrine seems to us to be incompatible with human responsibility, God says it is not.
 
So what is our response? As those who love and fear the Lord we should humble ourselves before our almighty God; who, in his mercy, has brought us out of darkness and into the light. Instead of questioning God's ways, we should adore the grace he has given to us, and take great care to make our calling and election sure.

Might God be calling you to soften your heart and simply submit to him, and walk in obedience of what he has commanded?

Romans 8

I am sometimes asked, "How can I know for sure that I am saved?" Romans 8:16-18 offers two answers to that question:

First, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (vs 16). If you are a Christian, and the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart, then you will bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Your behavior towards your parents, friends, coaches etc. will be characterized such that other will describe you as being loving and kind and gentle, etc.

Second, Paul says if we are children of God we must suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with Christ (vs 17). How do we suffer with Christ? This is similar to when Paul says we are to "walk in a manner worthy of the gospel." Jesus' death on the cross is the greatest act of selflessness there ever was, dying the death that we deserved. Followers of Christ are so thankful for this gift that their desire is to glorify God by proclaiming Christ and giving their lives away for his service. The Bible tells us that we will suffer if we do this. We will be persecuted for telling others about Jesus, and helping others often comes at a great cost to the one who is serving.

If you are bearing good fruit in your life, and you have a desire to follow Christ, even though you know that you will suffer for it, the Bible says that those are very strong indicators that God has changed your heart by giving you his Spirit.

Paul says that God gives us his Spirit which changes our hearts, but that we must "live according to the Spirit" by setting our "minds on the things of the Spirit." Consider today how you can set your mind on the things of the Spirit: could be spending more time in God's word; could be memorizing a verse and meditating on it throughout the day; could be thinking of a way to help someone in need. What are some specific ways for you better to walk by the Spirit, who lives in you?

Romans 7

In the beginning of chapter 7 Paul reiterates what he has been saying: "But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive" (vs 6). Then he tackles one of the most frustrating questions a Christian could ask: Why do I continue to sin after I have been saved? If I have been made new, and set free from sin, why is it that I go on sinning? Talk about discouraging.

To address this problem Paul introduces this thing called "the flesh." He's not talking about our bodies or our skin; the flesh represents the sinful desires in our hearts. Before we were saved our flesh ruled over us, but even after becoming a Christian the flesh is still there. It hangs around to tempt us to sin, and we are called to fight against it, as we talked about in yesterday's reading.

But sometimes we don't do that. Sometimes we do what the Bible calls, "feeding the flesh." We give in to our sinful desires, and our flesh grows. Even Paul knows what that feels like: "For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (vv 23-24).

There is a war waging inside of us! Our inner being, which delights in God is fighting a war against our flesh, which delights in sin. Don't go to battle empty handed. If you were fighting a powerful adversary, you wouldn't just use your fists. Put a sword in your hands! Arm yourselves with the best weapon for fighting the devil: the sword of the Spirit. Use it to hit the enemy with a force he cannot resist! Use it to make war on your flesh! 

 

Romans 6

Let's go back to the end of chapter 5 for a minute. "Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (5:20-21). Paul says that in the lives of those who are saved, grace will reign through righteousness leading to eternal life. Well whose righteousness is it? Is it our own righteousness?

The answer is found in the opening to chapter 6: "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" (vv 1-2). Paul expects some of his readers to respond by desiring to sin all the more so that grace can abound all the more. This would only make sense if the righteousness they received was not their own, but the righteousness of Christ. Why would they desire to sin if their salvation was dependent on their own righteousness?

But even though it is Christ's righteousness given to them as a gift, Paul says we are not to go on sinning. We are dead to sin and alive to God; once we were slaves of sin, now we are slaves of righteousness.

So what? "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions." "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace"  (vv 12, 14).

Is there an area of your life where you feel like you are a slave to your sin? Like it still owns you? Do this if you can: tell a close friend about the area in which you are struggling. Have them pray with you once a week to ask for God's grace and forgiveness in your life, and for the strength to put that sin to death. God did not design us to walk the Christian life alone; he desires for Christ followers to walk together in their faith.

Romans 5

In chapter 4 Paul emphasizes that justification comes through faith. In chapter 5 we see that being justified by faith we have peace with God. This cannot be overstated. It is sin which separates us from God; he cannot be at peace with a sinner who is still under the guilt of sin. It is justification which takes away this guilt and makes way for peace.

This of course comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. But notice what the text says about the timing of his death on our behalf: "God shows is love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (vs 8, emphasis mine). Not only did God justify us by faith through the death of his Son, he did it while we were still enemies with him. Let this dispel any notion that a sinner must have his act cleaned up before he can receive justification. Jesus came to save those who are sick, not those who have no need of a physician.

The rest of the chapter (vv 12-21) exists to proclaim the life that is found in Christ. For sin came into the world through Adam, and death through sin, and death spread to all men. But those who "receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ" (vs 17).

Have you ever considered that phrase, "reign in life?" What does that mean? In 2 Corinthians 5 it says "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." It goes on to say that because of this we are "ambassadors for Christ." I think reigning in life means walking as ambassadors for Christ by sharing—and sometimes shouting—the news that we have been set free from sin and death, and by offering this free gift to others as often as we can. Will you make it a point to do that this week?

Romans 4

The point we picked up on at the end of yesterday's post is that faith is clearly the instrument by which we receive salvation—the righteousness of God given to us through Jesus Christ. This is Paul's focus in chapter 4, and he starts with the example of Abraham, whom the Jews held as their most renowned forefather. Abraham was justified by grace, through faith. If he had been justified by his own works then he would have something to boast about, because "to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due" (vs 4).

Not only was Abraham justified by faith, but God promised him that he would be the father of many nations. That's a big promise to make to anyone let alone a guy who's 100 years old! But look what the text says about Abraham's faith: "No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (vv 20-21).

Do you have that kind of faith? Not just the "positional faith" to know that you are justified as Abraham was, but what one of my pastors calls the "in-between faith." The kind of faith you have when you're stuck in between where you are and where you want to be. You're lonely so you want a boyfriend or girlfriend; you're broke so you want a job to get some money; you lost a close relative and you just want the hurting to stop—whatever it is for you. It's in these times when it's hardest for us to trust God, to put our faith in him. Ask yourself, no matter what your "in between" is, "Will I trust God's promises, giving glory to him, knowing that he is able to do what he has promised?"

Romans 3

If Paul used Romans 1 to show that we are all capable of knowing God through his creation, and Romans 2 to show that we are all morally culpable(responsible) for our actions, he uses Romans 3 to show that we have all sinned against God. "None is righteous, no, not one" (vs 10); "No one does good" (vs 12), and "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (vs 23).

But upon hearing this some would have naturally responded with a desire to justify themselves by doing good works that uphold the law. Paul anticipated that: "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin" (vs 20). So the law never had the power to save men, only to show them their sin.

This is called depravity: we are all separated from God by sin, and there is nothing we can do ourselves to close the gap. Sounds hopeless, doesn't it?

But then Paul writes one of the most hopeful passages in the Bible. "[All] are justified by grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith" (vv 24-25). Praise God! It is God who justifies! He sent his Son to die an undeserving death on the cross so that we, who deserve to die, could live forever with him.

If you have salvation it is because you were given salvation. There was nothing you could have done to earn it, and there is nothing you can do to lose it. All you can do is receive it, which Paul says is done through faith. So stop trying to earn your way to right standing with God; put your faith in him and trust him for the grace that is needed to give you eternal life.

Romans 2

Yesterday we talked about general revelation—that God can be known through what he has made. In Romans 2, Paul goes on to show that through their own intuition all men have knowledge of morality, which is rooted in God. "[The Gentiles] show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them" (vs 15).

This verse has compounding implications. All men are created in God's image, and grounded in God's image is his divine nature, and flowing from his nature is an awareness of right and wrong that is written on the hearts of men. Therefore Paul says in both 1:20 and 2:1 that we are simply without excuse. You might ask, "What about people who never hear the gospel?" On the day of wrath all men will be held accountable for their works based on at least these two things: that God has revealed himself to us through his creation (Rom. 1), and he has revealed himself through what he has written on our hearts. (Rom. 2).

Reflect on verses 7-8: "To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury." Brothers and sisters I praise God if you are one to whom he has given eternal life. If you are not saved though, I pray that you will approach tomorrow's reading with fresh eyes to read and meditate on one of the clearest gospel passages in the whole Bible.

Romans 1

While in Corinth on his third missionary journey, Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome. Though he had never been to Rome, he greatly desired to go there. He wanted to strengthen them, and be strengthened himself. So he wrote this letter to describe the power of God through the salvation of all who believe (1:16).

Look at verses 19-20: "For what can be known about God is plain to [all men], because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Paul is saying that simply by observing creation (mountains, waterfalls, animals, humans, etc.), we can know that a supernatural being created the universe. Not only that, we can also know that he is infinitely powerful and has always existed.

This is what some theologians call "general revelation." God has revealed himself in a general way through what he has made. Similar to how an artist's paintings or an author's books tell something of the artist or author.

Some say that the universe began as nothing, then exploded somehow, and then through millions of years of evolution we now have what you see today. The Bible says that creation itself testifies to a creator God, who made all that is seen and gives purpose to it. What do you see when you look at the world around you?

There are many explanations of how the world came to be, but whatever you choose to believe about how the universe came into being will have huge implications on how you live your life. More on that in tomorrow's reading.

Acts 28

In the last section of the last chapter of the book of Acts (vv 23-31) Paul has finally arrived in Rome. He is allowed to stay by himself, most likely because he found favor with the guard after all that transpired on their journey. Notice how verses 23 and 31 bookend the section by revealing what we already know to be Paul's mission in life: "testifying to the kingdom of God" (vs 23) and "proclaiming the kingdom of God" (vs 31), and "trying to convince them about Jesus" (vs 23) and "teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" (vs 31).

Once again, Paul persuaded others about Jesus; some were convinced, others disagreed. This has been and always will be the effect of the gospel. Some will hear and believe it, some will hear and reject it. While we're deeply saddened that some are hardened at the hearing of God's word, like Paul we rejoice that salvation is given to others. And following Paul's example we should be committed to preaching Christ and him crucified; not ashamed of that gospel but believing in its power.

As Christians our lives are full of distractions—obstacles that draw our attention away from our course. So get in the habit now of constantly asking yourself this question: "Is what I am doing right now bringing me, and others, closer to Jesus?"

Acts 27

Since Paul appealed to Caesar in chapter 25, he now begins his journey, with other prisoners, from Caesarea to Rome (see map). The voyage goes smoothly until they get to the island of Crete, and then things pretty much go south from there (literally). They are blown south by a "tempestuous wind," away from land and into the middle of the Adriatic Sea.

This must have been utterly terrifying, even for the most experienced of sailors. And in fact after almost two weeks of being violently tossed by the storm and thrown out to sea, Luke writes these words: "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay upon us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned" (vs 20 emphasis mine). Note:

When these sailors faced a storm of such magnitude that their lives were at stake, they did everything they could to survive, including throwing most of the cargo overboard. Then, upon seeing that their best efforts to save themselves had failed, they gave up. But it was only after they had lost hope that they would listen to Paul. So it is with us. It's only when we as sinners lose all hope that we are prepared to listen to and understand God's word, and trust in the mercy of Jesus.

You might be going through the fiercest "storm" of your life right now. Have you lost all hope of saving yourself yet?

Acts 26

The address Paul gives here to King Agrippa is not unlike his address to the people at the temple in Jerusalem in chapter 22. There the people shouted for Paul's death. Here Agrippa responds as one who has good reason to believe Christianity, but his heart is not changed. And then after withdrawing he makes that last comment that just causes your heart to sink: "This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar." Two observations:

First, it is with much difficulty that a person is persuaded that he needs a work of grace in his heart in order to receive salvation. Agrippa had all the right knowledge, but lacked the grace; he saw the cross but his eyes were not opened to its power. What's important to note is that Paul was powerless to change Agrippa's ability to see that, only God can open someone's eyes to the power of the cross. Yet even though Paul knows he is powerless to transform hearts, he still speaks with great persuading fervor in his desire to see all men become as he is—a faithful follower of Christ.

Second, we are tempted to wish that Paul did not appeal to Caesar. And yet we must be very careful here because providence is a mysterious thing. Paul is certainly being tried in a court system full of corruption, but let's not forget that God's sovereignty rules supreme. And it is that very appeal that will bring the gospel through Paul to Rome. Are you experiencing something now that you think is so unfair that you're shaking your fist at God? In light of Paul's obedience to God in hardship, would you consider trusting that God will ultimately use your current situation to bring about your good and his glory?

Acts 25

A cursory reading of this chapter would reveal that Festus, the man in charge of ruling over Paul's case, can't seem to find any fault in him, certainly nothing deserving of death as his accusers are insisting. And this assessment is accurate.

But upon a closer reading, one begins to get the sense that Festus doesn't see any real importance in this matter. "When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive" (vv 18-19). He speaks of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, his death and resurrection, and the argument between Jews and Christians about whether or not he is the promised Messiah, as if it were reduced to this: There's some guy named Jesus who some say is dead, and Paul says is alive.

There is no greater question to answer! The whole Bible points to Christ Jesus, who, although being God himself, was born into the likeness of men, lived a perfect life, died a sinner's death on the cross so that God the Father bestowed on him the name that is above every name. My pastor said yesterday that every knee will bow and every tongue confess, the difference is that some will do so in an act of worship, and the rest will do so in an act of self-incrimination.

Which will it be for you?

Acts 24

Back in Caesarea Paul now goes before Felix the governor. After Tertullus flatters the governor and accuses Paul, Paul gives a defense of himself (vv10-21).

He explains very plainly what actually took place in Jerusalem, and that he is not guilty of what they say he is, except one thing: "But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God."

If we are accused of earnestly following Christ, what is our reply? Would we acknowledge that we are guilty of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Let us be such devoted followers of Christ that we would risk the ridicule of the world to see God be pleased.

Acts 23

As dissension grew and became violent between the Pharisees and Saducees, Paul is rescued by the chief captain and put back into the barracks of the castle of Antonia, where he was before. And nestled in the middle of this chapter is a little visit to Paul from no ordinary person:

"The following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome'" (vs 11).

It seems like a strange way to encourage someone doesn't it? "Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have suffered so much for me already, so you must suffer a great deal more." But therein lies the comfort—that Paul had been serving Christ in what he had already endured, and was now only being detained for a short time until he will continue that service. See again Acts 20:24, nothing was more disheartening for Paul than the thought of being taken off his course, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Remember, no matter what hard things we go through, and no matter who it is that comes against us, we need not fear if the Lord stand by us.

Acts 22

At the close of the last chapter Paul is bound in chains, just as the prophet said he would be, and yet with what passion and cheerfulness does he speak of the glorious work Christ has done in him and through him! He tells of his experience on the Damascus road in verses 6-11. Reflect on a few things with me:

1) Paul is a Pharisee persecuting Christians, probably full of pride as most Pharisees were. Notice that as the light suddenly shone around him he has thrown to the ground. Surely this was humbling.

2)Then comes a voice from heaven. Christ's words to Paul are brief, but they give us a sweet consolation in the midst of the bitterness of our own persecution: whatever injury is done to Christ's children is done to him as well.

3)Paul responds, "What shall I do, Lord?" This is true turning from sin and turning to the Lord, ready to go wherever he commands.

So here's my question: Do we think we have been saved just to say, "Well I am a Christian!" and then go about life as usual? Or do we believe we have been saved to do what God has prepared for us to do, and so with humility ask, "What shall I do, Lord?"

Acts 21

You may notice that this chapter has a lot of "we" statements in it. It's worth noting that the book of Acts was written by Luke, and in fact he went with Paul on this journey. Paul goes through some crazy stuff by this account so it is nice to know that it was written by someone who was actually there.

Remember that Paul already made known to his friends who were accompanying him that the Holy Spirit had testified to him that persecution and imprisonment awaited him in Jerusalem. Now he has confirmation from a prophet that the Holy Spirit is saying he will be imprisoned. And his friends urge him not to go. Paul, knowing it is the will of God for him to suffer for the sake of Jesus, responds by saying, "What are you doing?" He's saying in effect, "I know that I am appointed to suffer and I am determined to go, so you ought to encourage me and strengthen my heart; but with your tears you discourage me, has not our Master told us to take up our cross?"

God doesn't give us the specifics of the future, but by his word he tells the Christian this: trouble will come. This is promised time and again in the New Testament to faithful followers of Christ. So, when trouble comes, will we say with Paul that we are ready even to die for the name of the Lord Jesus? We may not know what lies ahead, but underneath all of our decisions may we resolve to say with Paul and his friends, "Let the will of the Lord be done."

Acts 20

Here Paul addresses the Ephesian elders, with whom he has spent the last two years, and knowing that he will not see them again his address is just full of emotion. Let's look at verses 20-24:

Paul preaches two things: repentance toward God, and faith in Jesus Christ. If you're looking for an example of how to share the gospel faithfully look no further. For without these two things no sinner can escape God's wrath, but praise be to God that with these two none will come short of eternal life!

So Paul is compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. He only knows that he will suffer and be put in prison when he gets there. What an incredible example to us this action is. Having enough information to make a decision does not always mean you know exactly how that decision will turn out. Yet Paul faithfully travels to Jerusalem, and he makes one of my favorite statements in the whole Bible:
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

As children of God our ministry is the same as Paul's—to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Is your life so valuable to you that you must use it to do what you alone want to do? Or can you say with Paul that you have truly given your life to serving God, by sharing with others the marvelous work of grace he has done in your heart?

Acts 19

Paul begins his third missionary journey in Antioch, moving through Asia Minor visiting some of the cities where he preached while on his first two journeys, and now he is in Ephesus (See map).

Chapter 19 can be broken down into three parts:
          1) Paul encounters disciples of John (19:1-10)
          2) Paul encounters false religion at Ephesus (19:11-22)
          3) Paul experiences violent opposition at Ephesus (19:23-41)

Here we will focus on the second section. Paul actually spends a good amount of time in Ephesus, and during that time "God was doing extraordinary miracles" through Paul (vs 11). Now there were traveling Jewish exorcists who saw that Paul was doing these extraordinary things in the name of Jesus. So they decided to try it out too, as if referring to that name was nothing more than some magic phrase (vv 13-14). You can imagine their surprise when the evil spirit answers back, through the man it was possessing, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" (vs 15). Then the spirit leaped on the exorcists and beat up all seven of them (vs 16).

Note: It's easy to see why Jesus would be known by demons, no surprise there. But Paul is known too! Paul's ministry was given to him by Jesus, so when he comes against demonic powers in the name of Jesus, they recognize him!

If you were in this story, would you be like Paul? Or like one of the Jewish exorcists? In other words, when you use the name of Jesus are you using it because you see others using it? Or are you using it because you know Jesus, and he knows you, and when others see you they know that you represent him?

"Feed My Sheep"

In the 21st chapter of his gospel, John describes an exchange between Peter and Jesus, most of you know it well. Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" He asked him three times in fact. And three times Jesus committed his flock to Peter's care: Feed my lambs; feed my sheep; feed my sheep. Those whom Jesus committed to Peter are the church of Christ, his flock, which he purchased with his own blood.

I can imagine Jesus saying, "Peter, these are my lambs, my sheep. I love them dearly. I was beaten, spit on, and finally crucified for them. I paid the highest price, and will you not care for them as I did? Will you love them as I do? Hold them in your arms, lead them to green pastures, and risk your life to save theirs?"

I imagine Jesus saying that to me as he is committing a small flock of sheep and lambs to my care at the Franklin Campus. "Do you love me?" he says. "Then feed them, that is, teach them; for the doctrine of the gospel is spiritual food."

I believe God is asking me to feed his sheep, but I also believe that he is asking me to shepherd a flock where lambs and sheep can mature and eventually feed themselves. Said another way, "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, feed him for the rest of his life." 

So, I want to teach sheep how to fish. I want to help them mature in their faith by teaching them personal spiritual practices like prayer and reading God's word. I believe that students who are maturing in their faith will be students who are proclaiming Christ and giving their lives away. That's why we are going to Franklin: our mission is to proclaim Christ and give our lives away. 

If you're a student who is interested in coming to the Franklin Campus, I am so excited you're reading this! God is placing before you an opportunity to take the gospel to the city of Franklin. In the coming months I'll be showing you some of the people and places of Franklin, to give you an idea of who you'll meet and where you'll get to serve. I'll also give you a glimpse inside the facility that God has given us within which to gather and worship.

For now though, I'm encouraging you to commit to reading one chapter of your Bible each day with me this year. We're going to go through the books of the Bible, one chapter at a time, and I will put up a short post each day here on the blog with some of my thoughts, and some questions for you to consider. It will only take five to ten minutes of your day, but the affect on your spiritual life with God will be staggering.

Will you join me?