Words of Wisdom Acts 5:12-42

I first came across this scripture passage about twenty years ago. I was a young adult, new to the power of God’s word. The message I was hearing in Acts 5 rang so true for me.

The apostles had been arrested for preaching the news of Christ; God miraculously frees them from jail where they proceed to tell others about Jesus in the same place they had just been previously arrested. Now, captured again, the Chief Priest and Sadducees desiring to kill the apostles are forced to pause when a Pharisee named Gamaliel speaks.

“Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men!  Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing…

“So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”

I imagine Gamaliel as one who didn’t speak often, but when he did people listened. I surely listened. As a young believer I had many questions about God. The question always floated in my mind, “What if I’m wrong, and all this is a lie?”

Gamaliel’s words were powerful. A lie would never stand the test of time, and the message of Jesus has only grown stronger. It could only be through the power of a very real Holy Spirit that that could happen. I still get chills today.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Acts 5:12-42

The First Sermon After Pentecost. Acts 2:14-18, 21-24, 36-41

Today we see our first sermon after the Holy Spirit filled the apostles. Peter is delivering this message of hope, explaining what happened to Jesus,

“But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip…So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”” (Acts 2: 23-24, 34)

I love what happens next! Verse 37 says, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” I’m sure Peter was a good speaker. He chose his words well and probably paused at all the right moments, but what happens next is totally the work of the Holy Spirit.

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. (Acts 2:38,41)”

Can you imagine 3000 people repenting of their sins and accepting Christ after hearing you deliver the gospel message? That could only happen under the power of God. When I read passages like this I feel peace knowing it’s not up to me to save the world, it’s just up to me to do what God calls me to do.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Acts 2:14-18, 21-24, 36-41 

Want Some Salt With That? Matthew 16:13-28

Have you ever looked at the disciples and wondered which one you were most like? Perhaps you are like Thomas, a bit prone to doubting God when the pressure is on, but willing to repent and get on your knees when God reassures you.

Or are you more like James or John, Sons of thunder, you’d be eager stike anyone down with lightning if they disrespects your Lord, but often stub your toe trying to get a good seat in heaven.

Me, I’m like Peter. I bet Peter was a strong willed child. I not only was a strong willed child but I turned into a strong willed adult. I will be the first to proclaim Christ as Lord but could also buy stock in salt, for all the times I could use it to flavor my foot before it goes in my mouth.

Our scripture passage today highlights one of Peter’s brightest moments and one of his darkest. I feel bad for Peter because I can totally get him. I am encouraged though as I see myself in the text, because I know Jesus also gets Peter. That is why he called him to be his disciple. Jesus knows that despite his foot-in-mouth disease, Peter will be a huge asset for the kingdom.

God has called us too. He knows our flaws and still sees someone who he can use to build his church. Wow, that is amazing. Take some time today and thank God for seeing your potential and loving you through the rough edges.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway.com matthew 16:13-28

Living Free - 1 Peter 2:13-25

Are you living free? Peter tells us that as Christians we are free, but we are never free to do evil. Those who do not know Christ remain slaves to sin. True freedom comes with stepping up and obediently serving God.

Peter clarifies that our freedom comes with responsibilities. Authorities over us are humanly sinful just like every one else. However, God puts these authorities in place and they are to be respected. We have obligations to people with power over us, but our responsibilities to God and to other believers are more important. We love God and do not want to displease Him by sinning, nor do we want to lead others off track. Therefore, we must not obey if we are tempted or told to sin by those in power over us.

Jesus took our sins to the cross. We are set free by His death. Peter describes how Christ suffered and responded to unjust treatment. He never sinned or deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when insulted. He didn't threaten. Jesus was intent on obeying God's will.

I am reminded that experiencing difficult times while doing the right thing is part of what God asks of me. God is pleased when I am conscious of Him, and acknowledging He cares for me. I am to follow Christ's example in my daily life—at work, in my relationships and marriage, and towards the government. I pray daily that I might obediently follow Him, patiently face hard times, serve the Lord, and be an example of living free to others.

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Called to Love One Another - John 13:31-38

"I'll call you, let's go out to lunch." Have you said this to a friend or told someone you would pray for them, but didn't carry through? Usually the offers are sincere and intentions are good, but intentions don't make things happen in our lives. If we are truthful, we don't always commit and focus on following through.

Jesus speaks of the love of His followers for one another as proof of their faith in Him. This will tell the world the truth about Him and His salvation when He is no longer with them. It will show that Christians are different from the world.

The words are barely spoken when Peter proudly asks, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus knows that Peter is sincere and his intentions good, but He also knows Peter will not do it. Jesus tells him the truth of his future betrayal, "…before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!"

Peter is reprimanded for failing to love Christ as Christ has loved Him. The world will not be drawn to Christ through a close companion that is a liar and a betrayer. That is how ordinary men live their lives in the world.

We, as Christ's disciples, are called to be different than the world. He asks us to live a life of love for one another as He has shown us; love that will draw the world to Him.

The question on my mind right now is, "How am I doing at living this distinctive life of love?"

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Be Prepared - Mark 8:31-9:1

Remember Trivial Pursuit? The object of the game is to move around the board by correctly responding to trivia questions in various categories. While Trivial Pursuit is a fun game, it should not be our way of living. Busy lives make it easy to get lost in the pursuit of things we think are important.

In today's scripture, Jesus starts teaching the disciples about Himself. He is very clear that He must suffer, be rejected, die, and return to life after three days.

Peter doesn't get the message. He takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him. In response, Jesus admonishes Peter. Satan has put wrong thoughts into Peter's mind. Peter is in pursuit of stopping Jesus on His mission.

Jesus makes it clear that souls are too valuable to lose in pursuit of things that don't really matter. No matter what shame and humiliation or what we may have to endure, He must be at the center of our lives.

Satan constantly prowls around waiting for opportunities to get us to sin. He puts temptations before us to pursue wrong things and get us off track. Sometimes we don't see it, sometimes we know we are headed on the wrong path, but we sin anyway.

To guard our lives against sin and temptation we must be prepared by keeping our faith in God strong, being in the Word of God constantly, and having a meaningful daily prayer life. Remember our soul is priceless. We shouldn’t give it to anyone but God.

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Peter Meets Jesus - John 1:35-42

One day my college teacher called me to attend a meeting in his office. Five other students and I listened as he explained his plan for exploring a new curriculum of study. When he finished, he told each of us why he hoped we would be his first students. I became excited seeing the new program as a way onto a more fitting career path. This adventure held many unanswered questions and the possibilities of problems along the way, but I chose to take the offer. I had no idea how that meeting would change my life!

In today’s text, Andrew and two disciples see Jesus “passing by”. Andrew goes right away to tell his brother about finding the Messiah, the Christ. He then brings Simon to meet Jesus.

An introduction isn’t needed; Jesus looks at Simon and knows who he is. Jesus gives Simon a new name. He is now to be known as, “Peter.” Simon Peter has no idea how his life will change in the days ahead.

I am reminded that Jesus knows who I am! I must be prepared to follow what I sense God is telling me. It may mean an interruption and change in my life along with many challenges to overcome. God won’t just swoop in and magically make my life different. I have work to do. The change will come over time as I adjust my life and way of thinking to match His.

Jesus knows you well! Is He "passing by" in your life? Have you truly believed in Him, trusted Him, and allowed Him to change your life?

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