Important to walk in the spirit, not the flesh

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 7:25–8:8)

Flesh is a term for our old nature. It is intellect/mind, emotions/feelings, and volition/will and makes up our human soul. Without Christ, it is our life, decisions, preferences and choices because the spirit is dead. However, when in Jesus Christ by faith, the Holy Spirit becomes the connection to God and the source of new life. That old nature is no longer needed as before, only to heed what the Lord says through our new nature — the spirit made alive by Him.

Our issue is knowing the difference. The Holy Spirit produces fruit: 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23)

If this fruit is missing, then I know I’m not filled with the Spirit. But what about commands and actions? How do I know if my ideas are from Him or that old nature?

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19–21)

These are obvious and usually identify someone who is not a Christian at all. Yet what about those actions that are not so obvious? I’ve learned two things, both being gifts from the Lord:
Know His voice. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

 Read His Word. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

He makes things plain also when I refuse to rely on my own ideas, or become overwhelmed by negative emotions such as rage, worry, and others, or when I have strong I wants and say things like “I must have this now” rather than hearing it from the Lord. 

Jesus, I get stirred up by those with “I problems” yet realize how easily I can listen to myself instead of You. Keep me in the Word and keep working on my ears. I’m so thankful that You love me and refuse to give me those ‘I wants’ that will do me harm. Bless Your Holy Name! 
 

 

Confessing sin and being obedient is vital…

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? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (Romans 6:1–14)

Before Adam sinned, he reflected the image of God who created him. Alive in his inner spirit, he listened to God and expressed that life in his thinking, emotions, and will. After he sinned, that inner spirit became dead or separated from God and he was left with a soul and body that could not obey the Lord. This condition became the problem of all who came after him. 

No one could obey God with a dead spirit unless God revived that inner faculty. Such a person is only able to do things according to his own ideas, emotions, and choices, which the Bible calls our sin nature. Sadly, that sin-nature was passed down to all humans. All were born with our spirits dead to God and no longer able to function in union with Him. Since we were created to reflect God, humanity began to worship home-made gods, even our own selves and fed by outside forces; the world and the devil. This old nature was once powerful in Adam before he sinned but became unable to please God or bring life back to the deadness within. 

Given the appropriate circumstances and an appealing set of lies, Satan can influence people who seem like they have faith, but their faith is in themselves. One cult believes Jesus died to give them the right to earn their salvation, but He is not God in human flesh, only a created being that they do not worship. Not one Bible verse supports that so they rewrite a few!

On the other hand, God tells Christians that because of faith in Christ, our spirit is made alive and we can hear and obey Him. He tells us to renew our minds, base our emotions on His, and yield our will. This is why Jesus said, “Not my will but thine be done” even though His will was perfect and without sin. 

Religious people might try but no matter how good we might look, Isaiah 53:6 calls it “turning our own way” and “iniquity” if we try to please Him without that reborn spirit. However, Jesus will say, “Depart from me; I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Romans 8 adds that, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:5–8) A dead spirit cannot serve God. 

It is a challenge to listen to God in my spirit, to be filled with the spirit and refuse to let my old nature rule. It often wants comfort, an easy life, no worries or challenges, and having my way, but God's will is not like that.  

Jesus, when You toss difficulties my way, I’m learning to listen and obey rather than ask You to remove them. Very often You surprise me with great grace to face those issues in ways that I would not imagine. Your mind, Your feeling, Your will is so much better than what my selfishness can come up with. Thank You for saving me from myself!

 

The heart of the gospel…

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 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. (Romans 5:12–21)

One OT verse describes sin this way: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

Christian martyr Watchman Nee helps me understand the nature of sin. He describes humans as spirit, soul, and body. The inner spirit is what enables me to connect with God. The soul is my faculties of intellect, emotions, and will power. The body is the physical connection to the elements around me. Adam was created to communicate with God through his spirit, with the soul saying yes to what God says and his body responding in obedience.

Adam was given one command that he disobeyed. This broke the spiritual connection with God. He was left with a soul that confused or ignored what God wanted because he became spiritually dead to it. Not only would he die physically, but he would die without hope of being with the One that gave him his spirit. This broken condition is what is called sin.

The only cure for this condition is receiving new life to the spirit from the only One who can give it. However, many rely on the power of their soul to live and some do a fine job of what looks like an obedient-to-God life. They fill their minds with their ideas influenced by their peers, false teachers, etc. and train their desires to choose ‘good’ things, choices that bring them assurance they are righteous and okay with God. Yet without the life of Christ, these efforts do not awaken a dead spirit. Only Jesus can do that.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

Body facilities cannot think God's thoughts, experience His emotions, or will themselves into true spirituality and more than I can become an opera singer by positive thinking, or being at peace if my house is on fire, or be the next mayor of our city by wanting it to happen. Reading the rules informs my soul, but my soul is only able to fool myself into thinking how I think, feel, or act is what God wants. 

Confessing sin is an important step toward a renewed spirit yet that also involves listening to God. Any other voice, inside or outside might choose for self-pity or self-promotion rather than true humility. How desperately Jesus and God's Spirit is needed to get us out of sin’s trap.

Lord, even as a redeemed person, my ideas, feelings, and wants can strive for obedience rather than listen to You or even admit that inner war is trying to trip me up. Satan told Adam and Eve that if they just said no to God and yes to their desires, they would be like God, but they already were! At that, evil won — until You came, died, and defeated death for us and because You obeyed Father God rather than give in to Your perfect will. It is still a wonder and even a mystery, yet You are the way, the truth, and the only life that brings me out of sin’s bondage to live the way You intended.

 

Everyone needs Jesus

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:6–11)

A friend said, “I don’t know why faith is a big deal. I believe in God and that Jesus died for the sins of the world. So no big deal.”

I replied, “But what about your sins?”

Silence, then he said, “Oh, I see what you mean.”

Redemption, justification, salvation, and being reconciled to God is a personal relationship, not a philosophy, and none of it happens without the recognition and admission of personal sin. Yes, Jesus died for the ungodly, and that means you and me, because all have fallen short. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Yes, He died for the whole world, but the benefit of that death is for those who believe in Him and receive Him into their life. All who do this realize that their faith is a gift and not their own doing — or at least we should for He said:

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)

And the entire Bible repeats it. Salvation is not something anyone can do by ourself,  nor is faith: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9) 

And this is why I call Him “Lord Jesus” — because He is the Author and Finisher of my faith and uses all things to transform me into His image. I can only agree with Him, agree all that He says and asks me to think and to do, because He gives me the faith and the power to respond. Without Him, I can do nothing. (See John 15)

Lord Jesus, You gave me this new day to love and serve You, to pray, to care about others and do whatever You put before me. I am Your child and You are my very life.

 

Faith in Him to do what is right and good…

No unbelief made him (Abraham) 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. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 4:20–5:5)

There is a line between faith in God to do what I ask, and faith in Him to do His will. I can ask for what I want done, but if it is not part of His plan, that prayer bounces off the ceiling or seems like it. The answer could be “Wait” or “Not yet” but how can I know for sure?

One thing I do know is that telling God what to do does not work very well. It can have a hint of “I know better than You” in it, a ridiculous and prideful assumption. The more I know about the wisdom and power of God, the more I see how foolish I am to simple assume I know what to pray. Lately, it tends to go something like this: “God, here is the problem. I know what I’d like to happen, but surprise me with Your solution.” His answers are always unpredictable and delightful.

That being said, the Scriptures give instructions about how to pray. I’m to ask for wisdom and clear direction, forgiveness for known sin, boldness to share with others, and the spiritual well-being of myself and others. However, I need to remember that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” so be cautious when asking God to remove suffering. For myself or others, that could mess with growth that God wants to produce. In other words, I need to know the differences between my will and God's will. For this, it is vital to be in His Word:

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12–13)

I cannot always discern my bad attitudes but God can — and does — if I keep reading. This study of “therefore” has discerned intentions that I was totally unaware of and helped me confess my selfishness.

Jesus, You never fail to amaze me in how You use suffering to produce growth — and to change the way I pray for myself and others!
 

 

 

More than one type of judging…

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 1:28 - 2:1–5)

God speaks of those who refuse to acknowledge Him and deserve to die (be separated from Him) because they give approval to those who do the same thing. In other words, they are judging sinners to be okay. Then He warns not to judge any sin such as gossip, slander, etc. to be okay is the same as doing it yourself.

Too often I’ve read this passage as if judging the sin of others is wrong. Instead it is more about judging it as okay. Otherwise, all the OT prophets would be guilty and condemned for what they were doing!

Judging has one sense that I should not point fingers. If I am doing the same thing, I’m to clean up my act before saying anything, and I’m not to gossip to others about a third person’s sin without examining my own life. Jesus says it well;

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. (Matthew 7:1–5)

Other NT passages also address this with clarity that we not sin or judge that something is sin, but we must not be guilty of that sin ourselves or we are not fit to do (or say) anything about it in others without repenting and being not guilty ourselves. 

If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. (1 Corinthians 2:15)

I realize that when I point my finger at another, three fingers point back at me. My spiritual health is vital to proper discernment. Not only that, I must deal with it and not try to direct away any guilt on my part by seeing and judging it in someone else.
The OT prophets had to have clean lives. If not, God worked on their hearts and behavior first. Isaiah testified:

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and say to this people. . . .” (Isaiah 6:4–9)

Only those with pure hearts can properly see and evaluated sin in others. If I am guilty of the same sin, then I’m trying to avoid dealing with my own guilt by accusing or excusing it in someone else. 

Jesus, this is vital, not just for my own purity but gives me instruction in another way that You show me where I need to examine my own life and make sure that the sins I see in others are Your mirror to help me keep my own life clean.

Freedom to choose?

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, 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. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:18–27)

This is a touchy topic and while this passage says much about God's wrath against sin, it is the “therefore” sentence that catches my attention. It makes me think of the various sinful ideas that I have had. Even though those described here were not true of my ‘before Christ’ life, what if God had given me up to those sins? What a mess my life would be now if He had done that.

My husband and I like mystery stories yet as we watch them, many are about people that God gave up to the impure desires they had, and those desires ruined lives, even to the point that the fictional characters committed murder. Sin is destructive.

Here, the Lord says it begins by suppressing what truths are known about God. He says ignoring God leads to making inanimate idols that have no sight or sense of the evil they want to do. This bypasses consequences and punishment, or so they are convinced and can do whatever they want without concern of negative results.

This passage is not about hell or eternal punishment, but points to the consequence of continued sin with no thought of results. Aside from immoral sex, even bank robbers and embezzlers don’t think they will get caught. 

Evidence of great sins is one thing, but even a child hides from mom to sneak a cookie from the jar or candy before supper. Without the sense of God caring for our well-being, sin becomes appealing, possible, desirable. Many a child does not believe the stove is hot. Mom said so but he touches it anyway.

In a discussion at Bible study last night, I mentioned that too many of us who have been set free from sin’s penalty still struggle with its power because we have “I trouble” that is so easy to excuse instead of admit and repent. God, in His grace, sent Jesus to die for our sin, yet it takes a life-time of being obedient and living for Him instead of giving in to those “I can do it myself” ideas. 

The horrific line that “God gave them up” explains much. Keep insisting on selfishness, whatever form it takes, and those who do are stuck with it. They will not change because without the power of God, they cannot change.

Jesus, the reality of selfish thinking hits the news each day because so many people turn from You and Your love to carry out what they want and wind up with that as all they get. Because of the love, peace, joy, and goodness of trusting You, I weep when I read and see those who say no to that mercy and yes to their own desires — then wind up in darkness because they refuse Your goodness.

A remarkable series of events…

After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and. . . . he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar. . . .  therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 
And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” 
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: “ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28:17–31)

Paul made choices as the Spirit directed and wound up sharing the gospel with many more people than he would otherwise. He risked the trip to Caesar and God blessed his obedience with many opportunities with people who otherwise would not hear about Jesus.

As I watch world and local news, much of it about tragic events and suffering, I know that what God is doing will not be aired, mostly because the average person does not see it that way. However, since these verses are true, I know that God is using hard events for good reasons.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28–29)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

So whatever hits me and seems bad, hurts, brings sadness or great discomfort, God can use for good, but not just my good — if I imitate Paul. He experienced many hardship yet in it all, he told others about Jesus.

Oh Lord, enable me to be not only alert to opportunities, but to Your voice and follow up with loving obedience. The world is filled with sorrow and fear of death because so many have no idea what or when they will face trials or even death. Your news is good news — all because You died to set us free from guilt of sin and rose again to free us from fear of death. Oh the wonder of how You do it — using what we call terrible events.

 
 

A Guarded Heart

When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 
Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go. As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. . . .  The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land. (Acts 27:27–44)

Being rescued is one highlight of God's care, yet what strikes me is that the Holy Spirit gave Paul a cool head. His life was in danger but he knew what to do — urge everyone to eat so they had enough energy to toss their load and make it to land.

I’ve rarely been in panic situations but know panic and how it turns on fight or flight rather than making a sensible decision. However, I’ve also seen how the Spirit of the Lord can give a calm logic when it is needed. The verses before this tell how God did it:

Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.” (Acts 27:21–26)

Today we travel three hours to a funeral for a person who belonged to a cult. This is not the same as being in a ship in a storm yet there is a hint of anxiety in my heart of all the possibilities. Other family will be there. Some know Jesus, several do not. Will the ‘message’ be a convincing presentation of their false teaching? Will we be bombarded with lies that will affect those who don’t know the truth? Will an angel whisper in my ear what I need to say or do?

Lord Jesus, You are always with Your people, in the den of lions, in the fire, trapped in caves, or on sinking ships. May my heart remember Your care and to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to You, and experience the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding and will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

LATER: God answered prayer, not just for this event but my prayers that God would bring them to the truth. Nothing false was said at the funeral. All Scripture quoted was appropriate. It was rather amazing. Only those who are in the cult could have interpreted it in any other way, but it was not presented as their beliefs. Instead, it came out as what the Bible says. I’m amazed and glad to be surprised. 



 

It’s Simple…

“. . . . I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 
“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” (Acts 26:12–20)

Paul told, in less than 200 words, what happened to him when Christ came into his life. Then he told what happened after that in less than 50 words. Can I do that?

I was sitting in my living room reading a book on reincarnation trying to find out what happened when a person died. Suddenly the room seemed brighter and another person was there. Without being told, I knew it was Jesus, alive and giving me eternal life, forgiveness of sin, and a new nature. I also realized my search was over and the Bible I’d been reading for nearly 20 years started to make sense. He told me all that happened would be for my good and would transform me to be like Him. At heart an information gatherer, I began Bible study in earnest, found a godly mentor, and started telling others about Jesus. I often interpreted ‘knowing the truth’ as ‘obedience’ and spiritual growth didn’t come easy but He persevered until I began to not only see my weaknesses but rejoice in them as failures and inabilities drew me out of pride and always wanting to be right into seeing my need for Him and a desire to glorify Him in everything I do.

That is less than 175 words. However, for me this is easier to put in a blog than say out loud to a person who is not yet a believer.

Lord Jesus, give me confidence to tell others and many opportunities to open my mouth. I’ve not considered myself a soul-winner, but You are. So if I am to be like You, this is part of it. Too often I feel more like a coward than someone who has been given many heavenly visions. Yet telling my story is a lot simpler than I thought. Thank You for reminding me.

 

Placed & Protected

Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. . . . Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 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. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 
Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.” So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.” (Acts 25:13–27)

Never underestimate the power of God to put His people where He wants us. In this case, He wanted Paul to tell the king of the Roman Empire about Jesus. Agrippa was the last king of the Herodian line, son of Agrippa I who persecuted the church in Acts 12. Any ordinary person would seldom be invited to this man’s presence, never mind a Christian.

This reminds me of the time my daughter sat next to a famous movie star on an airplane. It also reminds me of an event where a very well-known person and speaker for it was seated for lunch at my table. I learned some important things that day, certainly that God can put me where He wants me.

Being seated with a noted person isn’t a big deal; but having God determine that should happen is a big deal. Because of Paul’s summons to meet Agrippa and his wife, we can read his remarkable testimony that is recorded in the next passage. Few people have the opportunity to share Christ with the king of a nation. Although Agrippa remained loyal to Rome and his Jewish heritage rather than joining the early Christian church, millions of people can read the gospel Paul shared with him.

Another truth seen here is that God puts me where He wants me. Paul knew that. He witnessed to those who put him in jail where most Christians would be wanting others to pray for their release. A couple years ago, I was taken to hospital by ambulance with pneumonia and thought this was God's will. I learned much from that experience. Although the doctor said my fast recovery set a record for their hospital, I knew why the Lord wanted me there.  

Jesus, trusting You in all situations is vital to inner peace, but I also must  be alert to why You want me to be in that situation. Understanding Your will changes a trial into an amazing experience that brings You glory — and me closer to You with deeper understanding and greater trust.

 

Protected by God even if it isn’t obvious at first

When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” 
Now the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 
So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.” Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” (Acts 23:12–24)

I love this story. Paul was arrested. More than three dozen plotted to kill this man of God and God used a young man and a Roman military leader to stop the plot with several hundred soldiers to ensure that Paul would be safe. No doubt Paul’s sister was praying!

This week I heard an expert on brain research who used technical equipment to discover that parts of the brain rev up when a person prays and parts shut down. Peace and joy often accompany prayer and this brain activity increases when people pray in groups. It is a huge help for loneliness in the sense that people who pray also understand they are talking to God (or at least someone) and they do not feel alone.

This research also looked into the other ways that prayer changes things. Contrary to much of my experience, prayer for people unseen, far away, and personally unknown very often makes any difference to the one in need. Sometimes their situation even becomes worse. In wondering about that, I’ve thought two things; one, it is difficult to know how to pray for such a person. Most prayers are, “This is what I would want God to do if I were in that situation.” In other words, they prayer is not always based on the will of God.

Also, because God promises to use all things for good for His people, the trials we experience are for His purpose to transform us into the image of Christ. Yet rarely do most see a trial as a good thing. We tend to ask God to remove it or fix the problem rather than to glorify Jesus Christ in us. Those “fix it” prayers might be answered, but not always. God has a plan to use the trial hence does not answer that prayer.

O Father, we love these stories of deliverance and cringe when answers seem delayed or do not happen. My way is comfort and success, but Jesus rarely experienced such glories. His greatest accomplishment was initiated by a cruel death. Later, it was crowned by resurrection and salvation for sinners. Help me to trust You in both the relief of sorrows and in the pain of trials that lead to transformation. May Your will be done!

 
 

Holy Spirit Unity

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. (Acts 21:17–26)

A commentary says Paul is making a compromise here by allowing the Jews to have their desire to follow ceremonial law and encouraging them to be content without putting their practices on Gentile believers. In our day, this would be like encouraging peace between those who worship on the sixth day with those who insist on the seventh day.

It seems to me that compromise is not the point. I’ve had conversations with those who claim to be Christians and have ideas about how to practice their ‘faith’ that are different from others. The issue is not that they worship a different day, but that they insist if others do not do the same, they cannot be saved. That is, if I am guided by the Holy Spirit and someone else is, we will agree. If not, either one or both of us are ‘doing our own thing’ and not listening to the Lord. The Spirit is not the author of contrary commands but unity.

What then was Paul doing when he told the Gentiles to refrain from certain sins? Could it be that these sins governed their old life before they were redeemed and could easily be stumbling blocks of temptation? As for the Jews, rule-keeping is not wrong, but basing salvation on it instead of faith in Jesus Christ is, just read Galatians!

At the same time, there are conflicts like faith being a gift that the Spirit does for us vs. the need for us to believe in Christ, as if we do that without help. I tend to go with what God does, for when I do, He gets the glory. When I base my redemption on my decision, then I tend to fall into boasting. Jesus explained it with this parable:

(Jesus) also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9–14)

Human pride too often confuses truth with the strength of my ego and being ‘certain’ that I know what I’m talking about. Only can God's Word and His Spirit keep my heart holding to the truth and living it.  

And, Lord Jesus, You know who is saved and who thinks they are but are not, and those who base their salvation on You, and those who say, “I did it” and pat themselves on the back. Sometimes it is easy to tell the difference, but not always. Genuine Christians can boast “I accepted Christ” or can say, “Christ drew me to Himself” but those who think they are saved by their own doing honor their way rather than Your way. Even those who truly believe can fall into the trap of self-glory and pride. Lord, have mercy. I need You to block my pride and keep my heart yielded to  You. Proof of salvation is a changed life!

 

More than those favorite verses…

And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:25–35)

Our fall session group Bible study started last night in Galatians. This NT letter is evidence that what Paul warned here had already began. People were twisting the gospel to draw the people of God after them. They told non-Jewish believers that they must be circumcised to be saved. As I’ve said, that eliminates half the population, but it also eliminates grace by adding human works as a redemption requirement.

First, this passage is Paul’s defense that he did none of that, but taught them the whole counsel of God. This stresses the importance of total Bible study, not merely picking out favorite parts but studying all of it.

He gives reasons. For instance, some spiritual leaders will be in it for money. This points to the current “prosperity” gospel which appeals to many who do not know what the Scriptures say about money or true prosperity.

Some leaders also use their followers only to meet their own needs instead of ministering to them. While we who warm the pews are to take care of our leaders, their task is not a money-making venture, but to help those in need and lead by example.

There are many examples of what not to do, yet his main role was to teach them all that God says. I’ve been in churches that had a focus, or a pet topic, or ignored the OT, or talked more about current events of philosophy rather than the “whole counsel of God” and it was easy to see the effects. 

This is not always the fault of the pastors. Every church has people who don’t listen, or dismiss truth that offends their ego, or want to do things their way instead of God's way, no matter how well they are taught. No wonder Paul admonished with tears in warning them about “wolves” who speak twisted things.

Jesus, getting into Your Word takes time, thought, and sometimes wrestling. I’m thankful for the habit, but not just the doing of it, but the results. How easily my self-centered thinking listens to whatever gives that sense of “I can do this myself” instead of obeying You. Those Holy Spirit assignments call for faith, humility, and self-sacrifice. I know You want good for me and You can use the tough stuff to draw me into that ultimate goal of being like You. May I always be willing.

What about today’s conflicts?

About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” When they heard this they were enraged. . . . the city was filled with the confusion. . . . some cried out one thing, some another. . . . the assembly was in confusion. . . .  for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”. . . . the town clerk quieted the crowd, he said. . . . “the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis. . . .  these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. . . . . For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:30–41)

These days with certain leaders part of great conflicts, I’m encouraged by this passage. The Christians were threatened because the idol makers were afraid their business was in danger. This was not a battle about truth, but about money. However, it was settled by a third party who simple suggested if the idol was in control, they had nothing to worry about. 

He didn’t say “If Paul’s message is true, you better pay attention” yet that pops into my mind as I’m hearing both sides of a debate over one leader. Some say he is right and has a righteous plan, and others say he is deranged and destructive. With this story, the solution is not to riot over it, or let personal fears cause conflict. For Christians, the solution is to trust God. In this event, the believers were taken captive but they did not retaliate or even verbally respond. And how did God rescue them? He sent an unnamed town clerk who reminded the fearful idol worshipers to do things lawfully rather than be charged with rioting over something they could not justify.

In other words, the Christians were not breaking any laws. What does that tell me? Behave during these current events just as they did. Let the opposition to righteousness do whatever they are doing and let God take care of His people and take care of those who are more worried about money and their reputation, etc. than about their accountability to God. He will use whatever method needed to keep His promises to care for His people.

Lord, when I saw the topic for today, at first I didn’t see what it had to do with me, but today we are spending time with a person that thinks the idol worshippers in world leadership are going to win. My reaction was to oppose that notion, but now see that I just need to trust You. You will do whatever is right and I do not need to say anything or try to prove that these leaders are far more interested in self and power than they are in blessing others. Grant me the grace to stay silent. You are sovereign and always love and protect Your children. In this case, I don’t need to say a word. Amen. 

 

Thoughtful sharing…

So (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. (Acts 17:17–25)

This week, God used this and other NT examples to help me use the way my listeners talk and think to present further truth about His will and His ways. In this narrative, the people were open to hear new ideas and open to discuss matters of worship. Paul went from there to explain more, and eventually told them about Jesus: 

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:30–31)

This moved the philosophers from their idle chatter to realize Paul was talking about far more than they usually talked about. Their idle conversation still happens these days and sharing how Paul did is not difficult. Could it be that talking as he did would get the same reaction from contemporary groups of idle conversationalists?

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. (Acts 17:32–34)

I note two things. First, he started with where they were, showing he understood something about their ideas. Had he jumped in without doing that, they may have responded by defending their belief system as if any form of worship was mere philosophy. One time I jumped in too quick about what I believe, and the listener responded with her beliefs, as if whatever anyone thinks is okay for them, rather than considering if it is true.

The second thing is that Paul didn’t push it or argue with the mockers. He pointed to the resurrection and let that sit in their heads. He knew that God works with ideas like seeds, which need time and the right conditions to grow. This process cannot be forced.

Yesterday I shared with someone about an incident of answered prayer. She said she had been told not to bother God with small issues, but she did pray to a ‘saint’ when she lost something. I remarked that God knows the hairs on our heads, so isn’t bothered by trivial requests. I wanted to say more, but the Spirit told me to let the truth about God sit. It is enough for her to think about, a seed for Him to water and make grow.

Jesus, don’t let my impatience mess with Your plans. People who quilt often say, “Finished is better than perfect” but when it comes to telling others about You, I could turn them off if I pushed for getting a positive response far sooner than they were ready for it. I need to trust You with the time needed, and never be pushy or insisting on a “finish” that could result in mockery or argument rather than, “I want to hear more.”

 

Gender wars?

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. (Acts 17:10–12)

I attended a quilting retreat this weekend. The others have varying skills and levels of expertise, but nearly all of them are eager to learn new techniques. In my years of leading or attending Bible studies, eager students have the most positive effect on my own desire to learn. I thank God for them.

This is likely why the Holy Spirit included them when this history of the early church was inspired and written. These men and women had a positive effect on one another. Besides, women in that culture were not usually well-educated or well-treated in a strong patriarchal society. The gospel changed that. Perhaps this change was part of the appeal, yet faith in Christ includes repentance and humility, so women who were “respected” were not using this as a way to gain that respect. They wanted to be godly as well as enjoy a new status in Christ.  

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons (children) of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:26–29)

Those early Christian women were involved in many activities even though a few passages restricted a few, perhaps because many of them where still in “bootcamp” and learning how to be children of God. These days, some denominations or individual churches maintain those restrictions and the controversy has resulted in much division.

Personally, I’m far more concerned that women learn from the passages that tell us what we can do and the attitudes that we should have as we follow Christ. Ephesians 5 and Titus 2 for instance. 

Years ago we attended a church that believed women should not teach men. One study night the pastor divided us into two groups and asked me to lead the other one. It had men in it so I protested, but he said, “I am the leader here and giving you permission to do it.” 

Our current church has six pastors. Two women lead women’s activities and counsel women. They occasionally preach. These are godly women, filled with the Spirit, and the Spirit of God is using them to increase faith and obedience. Some say they are as good or better preacher than the men.

The warnings in the NT for women usurping authority still stand in my mind, but when church authorities tell them to preach, then what? Could it be that usurping is taking a role without any right, while obedience means following the rules and orders of a rightful leader? Who tells women to go to the mission field? Or make disciples? Or work at home, or buy a vineyard?

I also wonder about the results after the first couple sinned. God told them that each would want to rule the other. How much of that sinful desire to always be the boss is mixed up in the church conflict over the roles of men and women?

Lord, I don’t know the answers. I only know that I need to listen to You and obey You without being a self-centered know-it-all. You don’t want me to sin so that means walking carefully and trusting You to lead me into righteousness, for I know my sin nature sometimes wants its old ways and I need You to both recognize when that happens and consider myself dead to it and alive in You. I also know that You are not the source of conflict and disorder, so I cannot upset others by insisting that I am always right about everything. Best that I trust You and let You resolve this issue. Amen.

Only God…

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. 
But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. (Acts 16:25–40)

This is one of those “only God” stories. The time of the earthquake, the shaking opened prison doors, the Christian prisoners stayed put, the jailer was protected (losing prisoners was an automatic death sentence), and not only that, he was given faith and saved — a changed man.

To top it off, the people who persecuted these Christian men decided to free them. But what did Paul do? He demanded they be treated according to their law that said Roman citizens should not be treated that way. They didn’t go out as they were told.

Right now, in our country Christians can be charged for breaking a law that protects certain kinds of sin. Perhaps we should spend more time praying and singing to God? 

Lord, You are perfectly able to protect Your people from unfair or illegal treatment. Yet we should pray for Holy Spirit boldness rather than stay silent in fear of being tossed in jail or worse. I’m thinking that silence could cause me to miss opportunities to see jailers (for instance) experience Your amazing grace. If I don’t see You in action, should I be wondering why not?

 

Free Gift, not earned or deserved…

But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:5–11)

Some who claimed faith in Jesus Christ also thought that no one could be saved unless they were keeping the OT law. This idea easily creeps into the mind of those filled with pride along with the idea that “I have to do something” to be saved. This is in direct conflict with the gospel that says otherwise. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Circumcision was a physical reminder of the OT covenant made to Abraham and his descendants. If it was important to salvation, then why was it necessary for men only? God did not leave out 50% of the population when He provided salvation by faith.

This NT situation concerned believing Jews who were offended. They were told to not consume blood before the Law of Moses was given, because life is in the blood (think of the blood of Christ shed to redeem us) and this law about blood was far more significant than circumcision being a symbol of being saved. With this in mind, the apostles had to make a decision.

Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, “ ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.’ Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. (Acts 15:14–20)

Why then did these restrictions be given to the Gentile believers? In those days, these sins were hugely offensive to the Jews. The apostles would rather them say, “If you do these things, how then can you be saved?” Then, “You need to be circumcised like us before you can be saved.” Salvation is about a Holy Spirit changed life, not about  a symbol like circumcision.

Today, some think that to be a Christian, you must go to church, or give money, etc. but non-Christians attend church too. That means nothing unless the Holy Spirit has changed their life and prompted new behavior. Jesus illustrated these attitudes:

Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 18:10–14)

No one is ever saved by law-keeping, mainly because if we break one, we break all. We are saved by faith, not our own doing — and when salvation happens, the doing changes, not by my prideful self-effort, but by the Holy Spirit who changes my heart.

Jesus, humility is only uncomfortable if I want to have control over my life rather than letting You have Your way. I cannot be what You want me to be without You doing the work in my heart that makes sin give way to living in humility. Such a wonder that You grant salvation freely and even the faith to believe is by Your grace. I could not trust You at all without You granting me the faith to do so. Such a wonder.

 

Simple, logical good news…

And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “ ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “ ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ Therefore he says also in another psalm, “ ‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’ ” As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. (Acts 13:32–44)

Paul began a lengthy message reviewing the history of his listeners. He identified with them and they knew that he understood them. However he quickly moved to tell them about Jesus and how he died, and then this portion above to explain how that was part of OT prophecy. He was logical in showing that the familiar verses from the psalms applied to their Messiah, who is Jesus. 

Some Bible students say that this message had to be an edited version because it was too simple and not long enough to convince those who heard it. That could be true, yet from what they heard, they wanted more. This audience became interested in the good news from a simple yet logical message. 

This is an example for today too. Consider modern evangelists and how the simple messages of men like Billy Graham have affected thousands. In our church, all six pastors begin their message with stories we can relate to, everything from a tiff with a neighbor, to the difficulty raising children, or taking care of pets, or dealing with traffic. These pastors identify with our struggles as they share their own. Even Paul said, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Then, and soon, they go into what the Bible says and how Jesus is the answer to our sinful lives. He died to bring us eternal life. Most of the time, the message is so relevant that myself and others feel as if we were the only ones on the receiving end. 

This is a God-thing. The Holy Spirit uses open sharing, His Word, and the trials of life to make His good news important to everyone and every situation. Those who hear it want to show up next week to hear more. Some started to attend because of a gentle inner urging and to their surprise, met Jesus and became part of His family.

In our city, other congregations present a simple yet logical message from speakers who have an honest and open heart. Many report a similar response. Those who desire to know God are finding Him when they hear the good news about Jesus. 

Dear Lord, You are the answer to every need, the desire of every hungry heart. Forgive us for at times making our message too complicated. Forgiveness of sin is simple. Being set free from the stress of life by a God who loves us is simple. The hardest part is dropping the idea that we can handle it ourselves — which is the core of the sin issue — “I can do it my way.” Thank You for the logical cure of hearing it told by those who admit they also have had the same problem.

 

Covetousness — a capital sin…

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” (Acts 8:14–24)

Wanting what other people have is covetousness. God bestows gifts as He wills, and my part is to be content with the gift and obedient when given opportunities to use it, not to want what others have.

Simon was so taken with the spiritual abilities of the apostles that he wanted the same thing too, but he had the wrong idea in thinking he had to pay for it or do something to get it. A gift is a gift, not a purchase. In the case of spiritual gifts, they are part of what motivates Christians and draws us to various ministries:

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:3–8)

These gifts are to be used in the power of the Holy Spirit. That means that no matter what this Simon character wanted or why, it had to be Spirit-motivated and Spirit-driven. And the Spirit was given by God, even though He used these apostles as part of the giving process. They needed to be Spirit-filled to do it, led by God even when to do it. To think that money had anything to do being filled with the Spirit was a grave misunderstanding that completely ignored all that Jesus and His disciples taught and were doing.

It still happens. AI gives a similar example to what Simon did: “In many local congregations, a wealthy individual attempts to use their financial leverage to dictate church policy, hiring decisions, or theological direction. This dynamic is often referred to by church consultants as "wealth-based governance" or the "major donor trap.” Simon was blind to the truth of how God works. 

Prideful greed can be very destructive, along with coveting what others have but I don’t have. If envy is in my heart, or I am not thankful for what I have, or if I gossip and am unkind toward those who have what I want, and I am upset with God for not giving it to me, I’m guilty and even measuring personal worth by what I don’t have rather than what Christ has done for me. 

Jesus, I am so thankful that You gave me a mother who set me a wonderful example of how to be contented. Even though I’ve had times of wanting what others have, You so always remind me that having You is enough.