Continual Community

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke breadin their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, (NIV)

Acts 2:42 is a very popular verse, often referred to by small group leaders as an example of Christian practices. These four strong points illustrate how we live out our lives as followers of Jesus. They are noteworthy and worthy of our embrace: Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread, and Prayer. These are things we do to strengthen our faith and our witness. They are how we live out continual community.

Teaching- The teachings of Jesus and of His disciples are all in the Bible. Reading these stories and emulating their lessons will make us strong in our faith. When we study together we gain insight from each other.

Fellowship - One-anothering is often how we refer to living out our lives together.  Doing life together is so much better than trying to go it alone. We 'sharpen' each other when we hang out.

Breaking of Bread - Remembering Jesus and His sacrifice for us is accomplished each time we share the meal of Holy Communion. This blessed meal is meant to be taken in community.

Prayer - Prayer changes us. Prayer changes those around us and it can change our circumstances too. Prayer makes all the difference in the life of a Believer of Jesus. Praying with others is a powerful tool which can change hearts also.

Acts 2:42-46

It's Not the "OK" Commission

Sometimes I forget about the Great Commission. As if it’s hiding away in Matthew - a passage of power, directive, and promise, just slipped into the book as an afterthought, a little “by the way.” But that’s not true. It’s not the “lousy commission,” or the “maybe commission.” It’s the Great Commission! It’s got oomph!

So maybe I don’t forget so much as avoid it. With His authority, this is what Jesus tells His followers to do. He tells them to travel far, speak boldly, make a difference. That’s a pretty big deal. What if I’m too afraid, don’t know what to say, or feel insignificant? What if I don’t know how? 

Jesus tells the disciples to share of the miracles they saw, the things they learned, the risks they took; the bruises and blisters, cuts and scars they acquired; the long and cold nights, the responsibility, the meltdowns and times of doubt; when they leaned on each other and laid their heads in Jesus’s lap, and when they discussed and laughed with each other and with the Son of God over food and drink, or around a fire. He tells them to speak from where they are, and who they are. He tells them to share an opportunity with those who don’t yet know the wonder of living life with the King. He knows the gravity of this send-off; He knows what’s coming for His followers: ridicule, persecution, exile, death. And yet He still tells them to go. Because it’s not the “meh commission.” It’s great. It’s one of the most important things a follower of God will ever do. It’s no surprise, then when Jesus tells His followers that He’ll be right by their side, no matter what. 

When the One who has all authority, who gave me this responsibility and gift and path to take, says that He's with me until the end of the age, I know I’m covered. And I know, despite the fear and risks, that I want to be a part of something great. 

Matthew 28:16-20

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Teaching

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

Envision the Holy breath of God, exhaling His own words through the air into the heads and hearts of the scripture writers. Through them the Lords message was placed onto common scrolls transforming simple parchment into sacred documents from Heaven. What an honor to have been chosen by God as a vehicle for expressing His love.

Those writers were common folk, as are you and I. They became teachers as they discovered God’s design for themselves. Throughout the ages, their writings have impacted and changed the course of history.

We do not have to be teachers by profession to be instructors in the way of an honorable life. Others learn from us by our every word and action.

Romans 12:5 speaks of those in Christ belonging to each other. Our spiritual gifts are expressions of the Holy Spirit. I recall being stirred to reality a couple years ago when one of our young Pastors delivered a message on spiritual gifts, he summarized them as follows:

Prophecy         bringing the message of God to his people

Service            always seeking needs

Teaching         helping people understand biblical truth

Exhortation     an encourager-build people up

Giving             give freely to others to bring glory to God without recognition

Leader             get people organized and focused on God’s plan

Mercy             compassion, kindness, empathy-drawn to the hurting

Though I AM a teacher by vocation, I see that teaching is not necessarily my spiritual gift. Perhaps I am teaching in order to use my spiritual gifts to reach others who may not have otherwise been reachable. What are your spiritual gifts, and how are you using them to reach and teach; to change the course of history for yourself, and for others?

2 Timothy 3: 16-17

                 Looking for inspiration? “Google It!”

I did. As I read through the hundreds of inspirational quotes, it occurred to me that though not stated, a good portion of them were bible based whether the author of the message intended it to be or not. It is true that many quotes people think came from the bible,  have no biblical base, such as “God helps those who help themselves,” but to an extent it is good to know that God’s name is being referenced in the life of those who may not be truly committed. There are also verses spoken by preachers and teachers of the word that may not be directly taken from the bible yet reference how we are to live our lives based on biblical principles, like one of my favorites from Chuck Swindoll. 

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we are reminded: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

If we are familiar with God's word, we can make reference to his teachings and help others make connections to the bible; our training manual for life, when we have the opportunity. Everyone loves to be inspired, so let's use our daily circumstances and interactions to direct others to His Word. What does the bible say?

1 Chronicles 28:20                    James 1:23-25
Deuteronomy 31:6                    1 John 3:18
Joshua 1:9                                Colossians 3:23-24
Psalm 27:14                              1 Peter 1:13
1 John 1:9                                  Hebrews 6:11-12
Philippians 4:13                         Daniel 11:32
Proverbs 28:13                          Luke 11:9
James 4:10                               James 2: 14-17
...and many more                      ...and many more

            2 Corinthians 5:17

            James 1:12
            Romans 5: 3-5
            Matthew 24:13
            Hebrews 10:36
            Acts 2:38
            Matthew 18: 21-22
            Psalm 32:5
            Luke 23:43
            ...and many more

Ephesians 4: 1-16

Unity in the Body of Christ

The gifts God has given to us are meant to be given away for the benefit of others.

What is your gift?

Our pastor’s son delivered a message last year that included some of what is contained in this passage. He expanded on it to make it very personal and practical. I will summarize it to the best of my ability, for I believe it is worth contemplating.

Ephesians 4 states: “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up…”

1 Corinthians 12:12 speaks of finding clarity regarding God’s design for us, and 12:18 tells us our placement in the body is from and by God.

Romans 12:6 summarize once again these expressions of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts:

Prophecy

Service- always seeking needs

Teaching- Helping people understand biblical truth

Exhortation- Encourager, someone who builds up others

Giving- Giving freely to others to bring glory to God without recognition

Leader- Organizer of people, with a focus on God’s plan

Mercy- compassion, kindness, empathy-drawn to the hurting

Because you are a teacher does not automatically mean teaching is your gift. How then do we identify our God given gifts? We must first learn more about what these gifts are as noted above. We must ask God for guidance and inspiration as to his intended role for us, and we should ask others. We may be surprised at the response we get, but if we search deep within us and reach out for clarity, it will be revealed. The better we understand God’s design for us, the better we can fulfill it. What IS your gift?

Read/Listen to Ephesians 4: 1-16

John 14: 1-7, 32-29

Heaven

John 14 contains all the reminders we need. It holds comfort, guidance, truth and the promise of salvation in the words of Jesus.

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my house there are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may be where I am.”

Jesus the Way to The Father

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”

“I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

“You heard me say I am going away and am coming back to you. If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”

 ---

Each of these verses deserves a separate blog entry, for the power within them is immense. They do however, speak for themselves. I feel honored to be able to share so many powerful words of Jesus on one page.

Recently I attended the funeral of a friend's mother. The experiences reminded me of the grief I felt when I lost my parents, brother, and oldest son. Though the sorrow was at times overwhelming, I felt a peace knowing they were resting in the arms of God. I long for others to feel that sense of love and peace that comes only from knowing of, and trusting in these promises of the Lord delivered through Jesus.

Read/Listen to John 14

1 Corinthians 14:20-28

A few years ago I had the privilege of participating in a short term medical mission trip to Honduras. Not having medical training I could only be useful as a go-fer. When the doctors and nurses needed something - I would go fer it.

When I wasn't needed for this chore I was able to spend time with the people of that country and their children. I did not speak their language and when I wanted to communicate with them I needed an interpreter. Playing with the children was fun and teaching them an American game was amusing. We struggled to understand one another as there was not always an interpreter available.

I would use pantomime to instruct the children on the rules of a game. It became apparent to me I needed to speak the same language if I was going to teach them a game. It would be necessary for me to speak so they could understand me if I wanted to have a relationship with them. I also learned how much they respected my efforts to speak their tongue, how much more willing they were to listen.

That is exactly the lesson Paul is teaching us today, and the Corinthian people in his day. When we speak in a foreign language no one will understand us without a translator. We will only be the entertainment and not the messenger.

Read the text for today at Biblegateway here.