Acts 15 [The Message]

In the early church, the issue of whether or not to require the Gentiles to observe the Mosaic Law caused great contention, so much so that Paul traveled to Jerusalem to hash it out with the Church leadership council.

It all boiled down to this; does a believer become more God-like by observing external rituals such as circumcision, or does their faith work from the inside out directed by the life of Christ inside? We know that this occasion provided a big breakthrough in the doctrine of the Early Church. It was agreed that the external ritual of circumcision, or any requirement of the law, was not to be strictly imposed upon the Gentiles. Faith in Christ and water baptism were the essential criteria for salvation. [Mk. 16:16]

To this point, Paul would later say, “A jew is not one outwardly (external evidence), but one inwardly (internal Holy Spirit control.)

Acts 3 [The Message]

What’s worth more? Money or a miraculous healing?

Obviously ten out of ten would say, “I’d rather be HEALED!”

This points up the fact that we are very rich if we know Christ and have the boldness to pray for people (and ourselves) in the name of our beloved Savior. What’s more, Peter acted as if it was his possession … “such as I HAVE, I give to you.” If you are a born-again believer, you HAVE that name and all the power that goes with it. They key element is your faith and boldness. Notice Peter did not say, “Hey buddy, just try it, lightly at first, to see if you can stand up and walk.” Peter used his bold urgency to declare, “Rise up and walk!” Then, Peter grabbed the man by his hand and pulled him up. THAT was faith in action. (Notice … Peter and the Disciples were on the way to a prayer meeting … but they were obviously already prayed up)

Let’s begin using our faith and make some bold, urgent declarations of faith for healing in the Name of Jesus.

Acts 2 [The Message]

Eugene Peterson uses this description of Peter when he stood up to address the pilgrims in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost who wondered what was happening to the Disciples. This is, to me, a good explanation of what it means to be “endued with Power after the Holy Ghost” comes upon you.

The Apostle Peter delivered a profound sermon to all who gathered, explaining how this was the Promise of the Father referred to by the Prophet Joel. [2:28, 29] His anointed message yielded 3000 converts that day. Many evangelical denominations poo-poo the Baptism of the Holy Ghost saying it isn’t for our day. God said it was for “All who are afar off.” God doesn’t lie nor leave unfulfilled promises.

Peter said it was the power to be witnesses. Friend, do you need this power in your life? I would be honored to pray with you. Dean, 404-392-3384

Acts 1 [The Message]

Jesus told His Disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.They did wait, and they DID receive. (We will tackle chapter two tomorrow.)

The principle of waiting seems to be a lost art in Christian churches today. In Pentecostal circles, they use the word “tarry.” Christ used this word in Luke 29:49 [KJV] in describing how they should wait and seek the Promise of the Father.

When he was in the army in training, my dad attended a small Pentecostal church in Illinois one weekend. He was seeking the Holy Ghost. He was prayed for in the morning service, but didn’t receive all he knew God had for him. He stayed at the church all day long and “tarried.” He was gloriously filled to overflowing with the evidence of speaking on tongues. He literally exploded with the joy of the experience. He related to me that he knew he was even distracting in the evening service because of his zeal. He got it REAL GOOD.

John 17 [The Message]

Although the prayer modeled in Matthew 6 is essential, John 17 contains Christ’s dialogue with the Father in Heaven. Here are significant points to consider;

• The splendor of Christ – Jesus shone because of His obedience to His Father in Heaven.
• Christ displayed God’s character – that character is now to be displayed through us because of our relationship with Jesus.
• Christ’s request for our protection – in the same was we are to pray for the protection of those we love.
• The godless world hated Christ – it will hate us too.
• Our holiness through God’s Word – it comes no other way.
• Witnesses – that we would faithfully share the Gospel to the world.
• Gods love – that it would be shone through us to all.

John 15 [The Message]

Here is another “chestnut” passage to hear Eugene Peterson’s take.

• Pruning – the necessity of pruning to achieve maximum fruit. Painful though it is, God’s knife to our life is the only way to get the best yield of fruit.
• Staying connected – Branches turn brown and wither when they are not connected to the trunk. Daily devotions is the best way to maintain a healthy green Christian life.
• Benefits of obedience – sense of belonging and deep joy.
• Identified with Christ – because the world hated Jesus, we too will experience rejection and persecution. We grow closer to Him through the fellowship of suffering.

Although our current life’s challenges may be painful and exhausting, we are to be encouraged because we will OVERCOME because of Christ’s triumph over every trial life brings.

GOOD FRUIT IS COMING!

Matt. 7 [The Message}

This is a mature lesson: putting the premium upon character and integrity rather than showy giftings. Too often, the gifted rely upon their gift and let their integrity slide. Elvis had a gift, but shipwrecked because of his vices.

In this lifetime you will probably never hear about the people ahead of us in Heaven. They applied their energies to seeking to please God when nobody was looking. Their reward will be great in the Hereafter.

Matthew 6 [The Message]

In this chapter, Peterson interprets much of Christ’s teaching as aimed at keeping us out of superficial performance. He rather emphasizes doing acts of Christian service to be seen by God alone. Then, God gets the credit and not us.

The Psalmist stated this theme when he declared, “Not unto us, O Lord. Not unto us but unto THY NAME receive glory.” [Ps. 115:1]

For nearly 27 years I was a worship leader. God branded this principle into my heart … seek to glorify God rather than self. For one thing, we should all be seeking the rewards that will come in heaven RATHER than those doled out here on earth.

Matthew 5 [MSG]

I am enjoying listening to key passages in The Message paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. He was a Presbyterian pastor with Pentecostal roots who wrote 30 books, the most popular being the Bible paraphrase. He put a contemporary, plain English spin on God’s Word that stirs a deeper understanding and application of it to our daily lives.

Today’s assignment: Read or listen to Matthew 5 in The Message. Tomorrow we do chapter 6.

Philippians 4 [MSG]

Since we are taking a little detour from a through-the-Bible approach, here is another
“chestnut” passage worth examining. Philippians chapter four includes some key passages critical to the New Testament believer’s MO (modus operandi).

• Pray about everything – this is how you take Christ with you wherever you go. (v.7)
• Don’t fret or worry – pray instead. (v.6)
• Think healthily – here is a catalogue of what should be in your mind. (v.8)
• Be content – this s a key to continual happiness. (v.11,12)
• Live in Christ’s sufficiency – actually, Jesus is ALL YOU NEED. (v.13)
• Be generous – always be quick to try to meet the needs of others. (v.16-18)
• Recognize God as your Source – you will NEVER LACK. (v.19)