The Cross of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 “And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
We are coming upon the Easter season where many have a flawed view of what happened on Golgotha’s hill over 2000 years ago. In his letter to the Corinthian church Paul is stressing not education, wisdom of men or points of law. He is reminding the Corinthians that true Christianity owes nothing to human wisdom.
At first glance this is a very strange statement for Paul to make that he did not come with great words, motivational speeches or vast knowledge of theology. Surely he talked about more than just what happened at Calvary? Paul was a very educated man and a student of the law. He knew theology inside and out. How could this then be a description of his ministry? You mean to tell me Paul did not talk about morality, about points of law about theology in general, both past and present? I am sure he did but that is not what I feel Paul is talking about here. I think his meaning is very clear in the last part of verse 2, “Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Everything Paul talked about centered around Christ, the cross and what happened on the cross. Issues of morality are centered on the cross, theology has its roots on the cross and only with a true understanding of the cross can either be understood. And all history, including the entire Old Testament, is only properly understood in relation to the cross. Paul was telling us everything we teach and preach should be centered on the cross. Grace, joy, grief, sacrifice, purpose, hope, love are evidenced on the cross. To be able to properly understand any of these we must clearly know and fully understand what happened on the cross and why it happened.
The cross was not an accident; it was not a practice run; it was not just a good example. Jesus Christ carried our sins, in his own body, on the tree so that we, being freed from sin, would live a life that exalts his name. The cross is the pivot-point of history. It is the impetus and standard for morality. And it is the center stage of theology. Had Jesus not gone to the cross suffered and died for our sins we would not be having this discussion. Without the cross all we would have is a hollow theology, an educated but distorted view of God and still would be living with no hope. So it stands to reason then not only is it therefore right to focus all our attention on the cross of Christ, it is wrong not to. Easter is not for colored eggs, fluffy bunnies or new clothes. Christ died on the cross and after three days He rose from the dead with my salvation in His hand. So then Paul made it very clear everything we do or say should be centered on the cross. All inspiration does not come from human wisdom. “And my speech and preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” Vs 4-5
May the cross, today, be the focus of your vision and the fullness of your heart. May you know nothing among your friends, your co-workers, your family, save Jesus Christ and him crucified. To preach less would have no meaning.

Young or Old

Psalms 113:3 “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.”
No matter who you are how young or how old you are God expects you and I to praise Him. Praise means to give honor and admiration to the Lord. It does not matter where you live, where you travel or what profession you choose for life there is only one thing that should remain constant---to praise the Lord in all you do, say and think. The Psalm shows us from horizon to horizon we are to give God glory and praise. It matters not what time of the day or night we are to honor and praise God. In rush hour traffic do we give honor to the Lord? We are supposed to. If we did it would make our commute a lot better. How about when we are doing our daily chores which may seem distasteful like changing dirty diapers, studying for a midterm exam, or setting up late at night with a sick child do we praise God? We should. We should never let a day pass that we do not sing His praises and do something that will bring honor and glory to Christ. When we are proud of something we always seem to be able to bring that into a conversation. Paul could have been proud of his education, his position in the Jewish community but he discounted all that. What did he talk about to all he came in contact with? Christ and Him crucified. What are you most proud of and share will all you meet?
Not only daily are we to praise him but in every stage of our lives. With the exuberance of youth in the morning of our lives God is due our obedience and worship. In middle age when we are most active and involved God is due our worship. As the sun is setting into our golden years then too are we to sing His praises and give Him honor for the life we have lived and the price paid for us. What better witness than at this time to show how God has carried you through the storms of life and provided strength when we were weak.
There is no place, no stage of our lives that we should not bring glory to our Maker and Savior. From the glory of heaven to the cross of Calvary Christ has come to pay for you and for me. To save us from an eternity in misery and pain; paid our sin debt and set us free. Should we then not be willing to give Him the glory and worship He deserves?

The Grace of God

The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablished, strengthen, settled you. 1 Peter 5:10
What a great statement, “God is of all grace.” Peter is explaining in chapter 5 the Christian service in view of the second coming of Christ. Here we are shown the first and primary example of the grace of God when we are called unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus. As we all know salvation is by grace and not of works. It is not something we have to buy or earn or deserve. Salvation is freely given by a loving God and is proven by Him sending His son to die in our stead. In Romans 3:24 Paul tells us we are justified freely by this grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Let’s face it none of us deserve salvation. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Yet God still loves us no matter how we act or what we do. Paul goes on to show us a picture of salvation in Romans 5:20, “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
“But God commended his love toward us, it that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:8-9.
God’s grace not only was sent for our salvation but also to carry us to heaven in the future, to train and mature and strengthen us in the everyday challenges sorrows and pains that will come our way.
God’s grace is a here-and-now grace that also matures, establishes, strengthens, and settles us through the suffering we experience in this world. God’s grace is sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
We can’t earn, buy or pretend to have salvation. You are either saved or you are not by their fruits ye shall know them Jesus said. God freely gave salvation to all who ask and trust in the name that is above every name, Jesus. God is a loving God and He does not want any to perish. Yet many will! To know the grace of God you must first know His son. Have you met Jesus?

Faith to Follow

Luke 5:27-28 “and after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, setting at the receipt of customs: and he said unto him, “Follow me.” And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
It won’t take long if you study the bible to discover that God has many attributes. The most amazing is that he is unpredictable. He chooses those no one else would ever believe could be of use. Who could have ever thought the man who was to write the first book of the New Testament would be a tax collector. Why does that seem so strange? In Jesus’ day tax collectors or publicans as they were called were classed with the lowest of the low in society. These men were placed in the same class as harlots and heathen. The church going crowd had not use for publicans and sinners. Looked down their noises at them. Yet Jesus saw something in Matthew (Levi) that he felt would be of great service to God. Was Levi doing something that should have merited this great honor? No he was setting at the receipt of customs, doing his job. Had he been to some great crusade and heard fantastic preaching? Again no he was setting colleting taxes. If gauged by social standards this man was not fit for anything. He was probably not a church going man. What happened that would make a man drop everything and walk into a new way of life? He met Jesus! Jesus looked to his heart not at his social standing and saw a man He could use. When Jesus called look what Levi did, he left all and followed him. We see with that simple act of faith Matthew (Levi) rose up and followed Jesus. Let us look at exactly what Matthew did. First he gave up a lucrative position to follow a lowly carpenter, a radical in the view of some. He not only left behind his livelihood but he also left his former lifestyle to follow Jesus. He dropped everything that was attached to his sinful life and followed Jesus. Was he called crazy? You can bet he was called many things that day. One thing was sure God spoke to Levi and he heard and answered that call. As a result God used him in a mighty way.
Later we see Matthew honoring Jesus at a feast he paid for. We also see a man who had gone from one of Harod’s publican tax collectors to a publisher of the gospel of Jesus. What better picture of the transforming power of Christ than the picture of Matthew? When one is truly born again and trusts Jesus as saviour everything changes; life, thoughts, actions and most important heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”
Two words changed this man’s life, “Follow me.” Has He changed your life? Would you follow Him if He called? Do you even know Him? You can you know. Seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you.

Pray Without Ceasing

Pray without ceasing- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? What is the last thing you do before you close your eyes at night? When you go through your day where do your priorities lay? What holds your attention and affects your thoughts all day long? Goes God enter into your thought process? Do you have communication with Him? If not, why not? Most only pray when they need or want something, are having problems, or are in trouble. When do you pray? God would like to hear from you all the time not just once in a while.
We go to every place in this world seeking guidance, strength, attention and love we need for relationships. We search the internet trying to find what we need for living. When we pray we enter into the presence of God and we communicate with Him through our heart. If there were a place where we could find all the strength, power and direction to live a productive and successful life should we not go there? God who is the creator of all things, the keeper of all wisdom, and the protector of all who seek His presence has provided just such a place. Through the blood sacrifice on the cross Jesus has opened the door to a place we can find peace strength and direction.
Maybe that is why Paul is instructing us with such a strong command—pray without ceasing. Does this mean we are to spend all our days and nights on our knees in prayer. No but we are to be in a constant state of prayer and communication with God. We are not to pray to appease some vague sense of guilt or obligation, but to enjoy the great pleasures, pursue the great holiness, and enter the great presence of the One who loved us so much He sent His son to die for us.
Verizon claims to rule the air. Even with that claim Verizon drops call occasionally. God on the other hand never drops a call never looses a signal and never asks us to update our phone. We do have to turn our phone on to get and make calls. His line is never busy and He does not have voice mail. He answers when you call, but you do have to call. Paul said pray without ceasing. Or don’t stop praying stay in total communication with God. Praying is a two way line of communication, you talking to God and God talking to you. Sometimes if God has not heard from you He will make a call. Do you hear the phone ring? You will if you are in a constant state of prayer and in communication with God. In other words keep your phone turned on. Here is something to think about God can’t answer your prayer if you don’t call Him. He can’t talk to you if you don’t answer. Have you talked to God today?

Where Is the Cornerstone?

Acts 4:11-13
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

The reference Peter makes to "the stone you builders rejected which has become the capstone" refers to Psalm 118:22. Tradition has it that in Solomon's day during the construction of the temple, the engineers called the quarry for the cornerstone. They responded saying, "We sent it to you weeks ago." But the builders, not knowing what it was (it didn't fit), rolled it into the Valley of Gehenna -- the place where all the refuse or waste went. They went searching and indeed found it there, this vitally important component of construction -- upon which everything else is based.

Jesus walked and taught among all the people. He went to church went to the market and traveled around the country. All the while the religious leaders were seeking and waiting for the Messiah. They knew he was coming but were so blinded by their traditions and self importance they did not see Jesus as He was. In other words, they received something they didn't understand, so they rejected it -- sent it away with all the garbage. But Peter reminds us, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men, by which we must be saved." This man Jesus, the foretold messiah -- like the cornerstone was thrown away -- yet had great value. They wanted a king and the king came riding on a donkey. They wanted a leader who would change the political climate and they hung the only who could do that on a cross.

Verse 13 tells us that when the Jewish leaders saw the courage of Peter and John, and they knew these men had not been educated yet they clearly understood scripture they were astonished -- they took note of the fact these men had been with Jesus. I think those words are worth repeating, "these men had been with Jesus". We too are changed from the inside out when we spend time with Jesus.
Be honest with yourself, how much time do you spend with Jesus each day? If you are struggling in any area of your life, the solution will start with one-on-one time spent with the Lord. Begin slowly at first, commit to a time and a place, then stay committed. This time you spend with Jesus will become the most valuable part of your day. It will become the "cornerstone" in the construction of your life -- from which everything else is measured, adjusted, and built upon.

Managing Fear

Acts 4:29-31
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Peter and John walked out of that court room where they had just had a confrontation with the Sanhedrin. Stood before men who not only wanted them to be quite but also wanted to kill them. Do you think they were just a little bit fearful? Their human nature made sure of that. Sometimes when we read the Bible we forget these were real men with real human emotion. You would think that they would be boasting that they had just stared down the most powerful religious rulers in the region. After all they had just seen a great miracle with the healing of the lame man. They had been with Jesus, walked with Him and seen all he could do. I am sure there was a fear emotion that was hovering around Peter and John.
That was not the first time Peter had been scared. Remember when Jesus told him to come to Him on the water and Peter climbed out of the boat. He was scare but he knew Jesus was there and would help him. They had seen God control the high priest and his hinch men. Yet I would bet Peter and John were just a little fearful as they walked out into the sun light looked at each other sighed, took a deep breath and thanked God for what had just happened. If you or I had just been in jail and taken before the high court would we be scared? I would. If we had just experienced a great miracle as did Peter and John would we come out changed? We should.
Peter and John had experienced many miracles in their lives (walking on water, feeding five thousand, seeing the lame walk, the blind see etc.) -- and were changed men because of it. Yet they were still human and concerned about the threats made by the chief priests and elders. Their spiritual side was praising God while their carnal side was shaking in their boots. We are like this as well. When we see God perform miracles in our life we are thankful. Yet there still is concern about some other perceived threat.
Before someone accepts Jesus as saviour you are lost and wandering scared and alone. You have heard there is a great judge who has power to condemn you to a prison or kill you. You are scared. Then Jesus comes along and stands before the court and pleads your case. By His sacrifice you are set free. In other words you have just witnessed a miracle and you are changed because of it. Does all the fear go away? The fear of dyeing does but the human nature and the fear is still there. However now you have someone who stands with you, someone who can protect you can make things change. Jesus said, “I will never leave you not forsake you.”

Have you ever felt or been threatened with bodily harm because of your faith or witness for Jesus? What would your first reaction be? In these perilous times you may get a chance to answer that question. Are you ready?

Right In The Sight Of God

Acts 4:14-19
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Here was a man, crippled since birth who was over forty years old standing before the most powerful religious group in Jerusalem (the Sanhedrin) -- healed. They were hard pressed to deny what was standing right in front of them. Had they made an issue of this man and tried to say he was something he was not would have been something that would have severely damaged their credibility. Did it matter what they believed? You bet it did matter! Everyone in Jerusalem had seen or knew what had just happened. Egos were hurt and their authority was certainly being challenged. The Sanhedrin had a problem they needed to stop this thing from spreading, so what was their solution? Stop them (Peter and John) from giving credit to Jesus (verse 17, "speak no longer to anyone in this name"). Sounds simple, just tell them to stop.

I love Peter and John's reply, “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.” How often do we, when confronted with opposition to the gospel, sidestep around an issue or even worse be silent? Does it matter what you believe? It matters to God! Today Christians will not stand up for what they believe. Look what happened when God was taken out of our schools. Did we protest in the streets, write congressmen, no we just stood by and shook our heads and let it happen. What about when the Ten commands were taken down off the court house wall, did we say anything? Can’t pray at the ball game or at a social gathering for fear someone might get offended? Once again like a whipped pup we just stool with our heads down and said nothing. Is it any wonder few really believe we are really a Christian Nation? Who will you obey, the world or God? Will you succumb to societal and peer pressure, or will you stand firm in your convictions and beliefs?

But what if the choice isn't black and white -- what if there are different points of view or perspectives? After all, the Bible doesn't speak specifically to every issue on which we may be confronted. I think you can find the answer in the phrase "in God's sight". This really cleans up the doubt (although I don't always like the answer). "Right in God's sight" is not always the most obvious, easiest, least confrontational, or convenient. But it is always right. The next time you feel a little confused on the right thing to do, place it in God's sight. Your decision will become much clearer.
Have you been ignoring or sidestepping around an issue? For example, have you been trying to convince yourself that un-Christian language is okay on the golf course, or inappropriate joke telling is fine as long as it's with your friends? Answer this question, what is right in God's sight? Would you do or say what you do or say if Jesus was standing by your side? Guess what He is!

You Shall Be My Witnesses

Acts 1:8-11
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

When Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth," we automatically think foreign missions. We get the impression that Jesus wants us to give up all we have and go overseas. We tend to think this means we need to go out and speak to everyone about Jesus. Although I firmly believe we need to get out and preach the good news, I would like to look at an interesting choice of words: "You will be my witnesses" -- in other words, your life, as much as your words, is witness to the world about Jesus. What does the world see when they look at you and me? Do they see a carnal worldly person or do they see Jesus? Jesus is saying He wants us to not only tell others about Him but that we are to show the world we have been with Him. When Peter and John were brought up on charges and had to defend what they were preaching to the religious crowd look at what the critics saw. Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” I feel this is what Jesus is talking about when He says we are to be His witnesses. While it is true we need to go into the highways and hedges and bring them in so that His house might be filled, it is how we are seen as we go that will be most important.
This is a heady concept: That what I do -- how I live -- matters as much, or more than my words. Could this be one of the reasons so many people are turned off to Christianity. They don't want to be like us. They don't see any benefit in being a Christian. They don't see any difference between Christians and everyone else. Those who accused Peter immediately saw he had been with Jesus. There was something different about him, about the way he talked and about the way he acted. He was different and he had something they didn’t have. If you are saved and know Jesus as saviour does it show? Would other people want what you have? Can anyone tell you have been with Jesus? Are you one way at church and another on the drive home? What kind of a witness are you?
What kind of a witness do you want to be? What is inconsistent in the witness of your life? Where is there inconsistency between your life and your message?
Jesus said,”You shall be my witnesses”. Are you ready to show the world you have been with Jesus or are you like those wide eyed disciples who were standing in awe and amazement as Jesus was taken up? Do you need to be reminded He is coming back just like those men of Galilee, “why stand here gazing up into heaven.” You have work to do; you have to be a witness for the King.

Seeing The Real Need

Acts 3:1-4a
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

This passage is a good example of how we miss something that is right in front of us. Most of the time we jump past the first four verses and look only at verse 6. I would like to look at the first part of verse 4. “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John…” What did Peter see? He did not see the same old beggar who was at the gate every day begging for alms. He did not see a cripple who should be ignored. He did not see an opportunity to make a name for himself. Peter looked and saw the need. He saw this man needed help. Help to stand up and walk. Help to be able to go into worship without having to be carried. He saw a man who needed Jesus. It was only then that Peter knew how to help this man. He first had to see the need. Yes the man needed money. Yes this man needed help to get around, but that is not what Peter saw. Put yourself in Peter’s place and ask yourself what would you see if there was a cripple man setting at the door of your church on Sunday morning asking for a handout? What would you give him? Would you run inside and tell the preacher to do something about the bum cluttering up our church? When we see someone in need do we reach in our pocket for some loose change and run the other way, or do we look straight at him or her and see the real person hidden inside? Be honest with yourself, how do you feel around people who are not like you -- in wheelchairs, deformed, homeless, alcoholic/addict, or mentally retarded? Are you willing to really look at that person? Are you afraid of what you might see? What if it were you in that condition? How would you want to be seen?
It's sometimes hard for us to look at people in need. We don't want to embarrass them by paying too much attention. Our society has taught us to not look. We are only conditioned to see the need after the wreck. In Japan we all see the need to help those who have fallen victim to nature. But did wee see the need of those same people before the quake or flood? Did we see the need to share Jesus with them? Did we see a soul who would be lost without the love of Christ? Did we see God’s heart being broken as those who died would be lost to Him forever because no one saw their need? No probably not we only saw the destruction and sighed, “those poor people somebody should help them.”
So then can we only see after the wreck? Then it may be too late. What will it take for us to see the need of those in our town, in our neighborhood, in our church? What kind of wreck will make us see? We give to disaster relief and that is a good thing but what about grief relief, addiction relief, depression relief, homeless relief and most of all relief from being lost to God? What would you give to any of those? There are people in every city and town who need help. Not only do they need physical help they need spiritual help. Those hooked on drugs and spend nights in an alcoholic fog need help to loose the chains that bind them. There are those who are trapped in a broken body who only want to be seen as a person to love. How about those who have fought for your freedom and can no longer function in society due to the trauma they endured? Should we forget them?
In short are we like most who went into the temple that day ahead of Peter and John and only saw the same old beggar wanting money. Afraid to look into that man’s eyes because they could not stand the reflection. Jesus told the twelve after he had fed five thousand when ask about them forgetting to take bread, “Having eyes ye see not? And having ears, hear not …” Is He asking us the same question today?
Can we only see the need after the wreck?

Preparing to Be Heard

Acts 4:1-4
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

The leaders of the religious community in Jerusalem had a pretty significant problem on their hands. These two preachers, Peter and John continued to talk to the people, they couldn't keep them quiet. The problem was the people were beginning to listen. How can we stop this madness they thought? Let’s put them in jail until the next day. Then we can try to explain that they need to stop spreading this message that is going against all we believe.
Is there a similar problem today? Most certainly there is. How so you ask? Well we can’t post the ten commands in government buildings; we can’t pray in schools, our children can’t be taught about how this country was founded on Christian ideals and principles (at least not in school). At work new policies are put in place so we cannot mention religious ideas or put up religious sayings on our desk. After all we might offend a non believer. There is a movement to remove God from our daily lives. So in short we are just like Peter and John we are being put in jail—if only figuratively. Guess what today it is working our witness is being shut down. Or it is trying to be shut down. For if people begin to listen and are saved this world would really change. We sure would not want a world where there was peace and folks loved each other and cared for each other and God was the center of every life—would we?

Witnessing is like that. It seems as if we're making no progress. Our words are falling on deaf ears. We have nothing but opposition, disagreement, and argumentative people. Who is opposing the gospel the most? Those who are afraid it will put light on them and what they are doing. We are just to be witnesses as did Peter and John and tell the world about Jesus. We need to let God do the rest.
Whatever the circumstances, it can feel like you are making no progress at sharing the message. The encouragement for me is in Verse 4, "but many who heard the message believed". Despite the fact that Peter and John were now in jail -- many who had heard believed. In other words God’s Word will not return to Him void. Look what God did—“and the number of the men was about five thousand.” You think if you were going to be put in jail for preaching Jesus that you would get an audience like that? Would you even start preaching?

The people's hearts were prepared to hear by witnessing the healing of a man crippled since birth, someone they had all seen or known about. It wasn't as if these people had never heard about Jesus, His claims, or the claims of His followers. The difference was the circumstance -- before their eyes the cripple was healed -- the example or demonstration of Jesus power. In other words God had prepared the field the seed had been sown, the preachers or witnesses watered and God gave the increase.
What is the example or power that is evident in your life? Think carefully about that. If you are having a problem with getting people to listen to you about Jesus, then it could be He is not evident in your life? You are the witness, is your life convincing?
If you were to be tried in a court for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?

What Do You Cling To?

Acts 3:10-12
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Try to imagine: If the beggar's healing had made today's news headlines -- who would get the credit? How would the world explain his healing? Would God get the credit? It is doubtful God would even get an honorable mention. Many would give credit to the doctors who worked on him or to some new and wonder working drug. There would even be those who would claim it is due to membership is some special group who had been given special powers. Have you ever thought why we don’t see this same kind of miracle today? Ok I know God does work miracles today and He still heals many ailments. Lets look for a moment and see what would happen if you saw your pastor at the mall and there was a man in a wheel chair setting waiting for another to push him around. The pastor stops and talks to the man for a few moments then he speaks as Peter spoke. The crippled man leaps out of his chair and starts running around the mall. Who would get all the attention—the man, the pastor or God? The pastor knows who did the healing but who do the bystanders think did the healing? Right ---just as those in the temple with Peter and John did –everyone would gather around the pastor and stand in amazement at how he had done this great thing. Even the one who is now standing would shout praises for the pastor.

There is a warning given to us in the last sentence of this story: "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" Our own power or our own godliness. If we error here then we miss the point as did those at the temple that day. God is the same today as He was then so why don’t we see the same kind of miracles? I feel it is because today man would get the glory over God. Keep in mind Peter had been with Jesus had seen what the power of God was really all about. He knew he was but a simple fisherman but he also knew that having total faith in God would and could do great things. He had seen evidence of how that worked. Maybe our vision is blurred today. Maybe our faith is weak or maybe we are too logical to think God can do what He said He can do. Logic says man can change if he wants to change. Logic says all we need to do is to work hard think right and all will be well. Let me know how that is working for you.
Let us go one step farther. How would you explain how God can save a soul? How does he do that? When I was introduced to Jesus and I prayed the sinner’s prayer was it the one who showed me the way who changed me? Or did he show me some magical logical method that changed me? Not by a long shot. Could anyone on the nightly news explain how I was changed from a drunken lost soul to one God called into His service? I can’t but I know that it did happen. I know I was changed in an instant. It was a miracle that happened in my living room that night. Can you explain how your salvation was accomplished? You are saved aren’t you?
The crowd's focus was on Peter and John, not on Jesus. We need to watch this as well. When God does a miracle, do we take credit for our own power (ignore God), or do we give God the glory but take credit for our own godliness? This is tricky ground. How would you respond? How do you think God wants you to respond?

Cut To The Heart

Acts 2:29-37
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Scripture is like that -- it "cuts to the heart" (verse 37). Many times we get caught up in the thought that we must have all the education, all the most impressive words or have a delivery that will shake the world. We think how we tell someone about Jesus is what matters. Often times I find myself thinking I'm the one who needs to speak fine and eloquent words to witness effectively, as if my words are the main factor in someone's decision to come to know Christ. Guess what -- my words and your words don't matter much. What matters is that we simply tell someone about Jesus.

If you look closely at what Peter is saying you will see, Peter has done a scholarly job of interpreting Scripture as well as prophesy relating to the Messiah. His words are convincing and convicting, so therefore it was Peter who led three thousand people to Christ that day, right? Wrong. Just the opposite is true. Peter was an uneducated common fisherman; he wasn't a scholar (like Paul); so where did he get the words? Answer: he was fully surrendered to the power of the Spirit. The Word was in him and the Spirit was upon him -- he was simply an instrument. In short he had been with Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Do you think a person has to be a believer before Scripture can "cut them to the heart"? The Word of God speaks to everyone no matter who they are or what they profess to believe. Scripture cuts to the heart then begs to answer the next question: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Look what Peter told them to do. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Simple plane and to the point.

Guilty As Charged

Acts 2:22-28
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Peter is talking to a crowd of Jews but he could just as well been talking to a group of Baptist, "Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, and YE have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." I take this very personal -- he's talking to me -- as if he's singled me out and is pointing his finger at me with the accusation -- "YOU!" “YOU killed Jesus” I know some of you may be thinking, “Now wait a minute preacher I had nothing to do with that. Peter is talking to the Jews." Yes I understand what the setting is. But you and I have everything to do with that. You and I are guilty of doing just that. Every time we listen to seducing spirits to do wrong we are nailing Jesus back on the cross. Jesus died for all of us and all of our sins, even the ones that haven't been committed. How then does that change Peter's statement for you today?

Every time we ignore Jesus, we are "helping wicked men" put Him to death. Have you ever noticed how the more you become involved in the world and what the world considers right, the less Jesus influences you. You may not have called for His execution, but when you ignore Jesus you are "helping wicked men put him to death." So may I ask how many times does He have to be crucified before we understand we are guilty of killing God’s son? In other words, you are allowing the world and its seductive nature to place Jesus in the back seat of your life -- He becomes "dead" in your life. Your sin is once again "nailing Him to the cross." Remember, the term is not "nailed," as if it happened in the past and only one time. The term used is "nailing," which is in the present tense -- meaning it continues on to this day. Are you NAILING Jesus to a cross daily?

Romans 6:6-7 teaches us that our sinful nature died with Jesus, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
What Paul is telling us is we no longer have to sin -- our sinful nature no longer controls us (we died with Christ and therefore are free from sin). The message is: Although your sin is nailing Jesus to the cross, you don't have to sin anymore -- you have a choice
What sin do you still hold on to that you need to let go of? What choice will you make?

What Now Peter?

What Now Peter?
Acts 3:17-20
“And now brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins ma be blotted out, when times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which was preached unto you.”
Peter is replying to a situation after God had healed a lame man at Peter’s word. Remember Peter told the lame man silver and gold have I none but what I have I give unto you. In the name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk. The people ran to Peter and John and were amazed at what they had just seen. Peter saw a great opportunity to preach unto them Jesus. Peter knew the power of God and God spoke through him to these people. Look at the question Peter ask. Why marvel ye at this? You think we did this through our own power. No the power of God changed this man now this man can walk. He then goes on to show how these people had denied Jesus before Pilate. How they had wanted him to be put to death. How they wanted a murderer instead of the Prince of Peace. He cuts them down but then he builds them up. He shows that through ignorance and disbelief following the gods of the world they were as lame as this man. He then shows them that faith in God could change a cripple to a sound human being. He then preached unto them Jesus. These entire things were foretold by the prophets. What you see is nothing more but the power of God. You can have the same thing if you will but repent of your sin and call on His name. Verse 19 “Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
Here is the sequence Peter gives us: repentance, a turn toward God, sin is forgiven and forgotten (wiped out) -- then a time of "refreshing" occurs. This same pattern was repeated every forty years or so throughout Israel's history. For example, the people turned away from God (idol worship, etc.); they then were oppressed and suffered at the hands of an enemy; they cried out and turned towards God and away from sin; God forgave them and raised up a leader; they were victorious over their oppressor; following the victory came the blessing (peace and prosperity) or the "refreshing" -- the living within God's will and intention for their lives. Unfortunately, about one generation later they were back to their evil ways.

How much like this are we? We are blessed, then we begin to ignore God and get caught up in the world -- things really start to go wrong, then we cry out to God -- repent -- and turn back to God. We are One Nation under God, founded on godly principles, now we turn our backs on all that. Guess what happens? Let’s see crime violence economic disaster all kinds of perversion and then we wonder why? Israel had the same problem. God has a solution If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.

Why Did Felix Tremble?

Why did Felix Tremble?
Acts 24:24-27
As the apostle Paul stood before those who accused him of all manner of incorrect actions he took this opportunity to tell his story about how he met Jesus. Picture this Paul was brought from prison to stand before the Roman governor and state his case. Also there were the Jews, the religious elite, who were jealous and afraid of Paul. Not only were they afraid of Paul they were afraid of Jesus. We see the most powerful political figure in the region with the authority to kill or spare a man’s life. Felix was not afraid of Paul nor was he afraid of the Jews. So what did Paul say that made this powerful man tremble?
Paul only knew one thing for sure—he had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had heard His voice and he had felt a peace that passeth all understanding fill his heart. He also knew Jesus, God’s only son, had died at the hands of sinful men just like those who now were accusing him. In short Paul preached Jesus to this powerful Roman governor. He told Felix how Jesus died—the just for the unjust. How on the third day he rose from the dead and was alive today. He told Felix about hell and the consequences of sin. He also told Felix how he and all those who stood as his accusers would one day stand before a Holy Righteous God to be judged for their actions. I think this last part really got Felix’s attention. He understood judgment and he understood what it meant to be judged as he was a judge himself. As Paul preached the Jews got nervous and Felix started to tremble at this most powerful message this prisoner was sending.
Paul also was not afraid of Felix nor was he afraid of the Jews. He was sure of his salvation and sure of the message he was sent to share with his world. Unlike many today Paul never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. He told his whole world what Jesus did for him and what he could do for them. When Paul was preaching he knew he was risking his own life just mentioning the name Jesus. There were many who wanted Paul to be put to death to shut him up. Paul did not care about his life his only concern was to see others come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Paul knew all about the traditions of the Jews. After all he was a Pharisee of Pharisees. He knew all about the law and he knew the religious crowd was jealous. Paul didn’t get hung up on tradition nor did he get hung up on being politically correct. He did know Jesus and him crucified.
So why did Felix tremble? Paul had no power to do anything to him. Paul was a prisoner in chains. Felix trembled because he was shown his sinful condition and the facts concerning his condition. He was also shown the results if he did not make some changes in his life. Paul told Felix he was going to die and spend eternity in a devils hell if he did not change. He told Felix to ignore the Jews and their traditions and laws and look to the King of Kings the savior of the world. He told him salvation waited for him in the name of Jesus and all he had to do was call on that name. Then Paul made a very strong statement. If Felix refused and rejected Jesus offer that he would one day stand before someone more powerful than August Caesar. Stand before and be judged by someone who had the power to destroy body and soul in hell. He also told Felix he would have to give account for all his words. Yes that alone made Felix tremble.
There is nothing more freighting than to walk into a place that is unfamiliar and with known hostility all around. Knowing danger lurks around every corner and not knowing where or when an attack might come is a very scary thing. Felix did not know his destiny; could not see the future. This alone scared this powerful man. He did not know what lay ahead. Just like us today we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Many today are afraid not to trust Jesus. Yet the world has such a strong hold on them that they can’t or won’t let go. They don’t want to die. They don’t want to go the hell. They don’t want to stand before the most powerful judge and state why they rejected the Son of God. Yet they all want to be politically correct. Does that make you tremble? It did Felix.
Paul is still sending a warning to us today. You are going to die with or without Jesus. With Him heaven will be your home. Without Him Hell is waiting and is filling up fast. Jesus is weeping and waiting for you. He died for you. Shed His blood on a cruel Roman cross for you. God loves you so much He sent His son to die for you. What are you going to do?

Look Up Not down

Each day we make choices that affect how we act, live, love and be. Those choices cause us to look up or down.
Look up the Psalmist said “I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my strength.” Psalms 121:1
One thing I have learned over the years is that the Lord always has our best interest at heart. We sometimes are reluctant to listen to what He has to say. It’s not socially acceptable to be seen in public with the Lord. There again that is a choice we make.
Those who are recovering form an addiction I find are all seeking an answer. None know where to find it. They are too busy looking down to see all that is around them. The same thing is true for those who are lost and do not know the Lord.
Have you ever felt as though you were down on hands and knees with no power to get up? Daily loads seem to get bigger and larger forcing your down even lower. I am reminded of a quote from the AA book, “Let go and let God.” Picture if you will yourself on hands and knees under a very heavy load. Standing right beside you is the Lord. He places His hand on your shoulder and gently says, “Let me take some of that load off you.” Then He says, “Give me your hand and I will help you up.” If you take His hand He will raise you to your feet. After you are standing once again you think you can handle things again and you say, “Thanks I can take it from here.” The Lord looks straight ahead and says, “I don’t think you are ready to walk just yet. Hold my hand and let’s just take one step. See how you feel about that.” “Oh, that works well now can I run.” “Not yet there are still loads that you are not ready and should not be carrying.” “But”, you insist,” I can handle things now.” Gently the Lord says, “Let us take one step at a time; it would be much easier if you would drop all those burdens you are carrying.” “What burdens?” “The grudges, the hatred, the unforgiving spirit, all the things that weigh you down and get in the way.” You may be trying to run while still on crutches.
If you are down look up and take the hand that is ready to lift you and support you. Jesus is the answer and has the solution. If you need to talk to someone about Jesus seek and ye shall find.

Hindrances to Prayer

Hindrances to Prayer
In I Peter 3:7 Peter writes the words, “that your prayers be not hindered.” “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” So reads Psalm 66:18. Every child of God should pay close attention to these two statements. To do less has the potential of keeping us from God’s richest blessings. As Christians we need a prayer life and we need to have our prayers answered. If there is something amiss in our lives that are causing our prayers to go unanswered then maybe we need to look within ourselves and see what is causing the problem.
Jesus gave us an outline how we are to pray. He taught His disciples to ask for daily bread and expect to get it. He taught us to ask for daily forgiveness and deliverance from evil. He set the example we are to follow when we pray. Remember as He prayed in the garden He said, “I knew that thou hearest me always.” (John 11:42) Based on that verse we should believe the normal Christian life to be a life of regular, daily answer to prayer. But sadly far too many do not have a normal prayer life. The only time they pray is when they need something or get into trouble.
Peter taught that wrong relationship between husbands and wives could cause our prayers not to be answered. I Peter 3:1-7 admonish us to take a close look at our home life. Do you find hindrances there? If so seek the answer from God’s Word about how to make a home life that is pleasing to God.
Jesus taught in Matthew 5:23,24 that wrongs unrighted, debts unpaid, and offended brothers unreconciled, all have a direct bearing on our prayer lives. There is a way to correct this flaw in our lives. Seek God and ask Him to show you how to make all things right. Ask for forgiveness from God. You do believe God will forgive you? He will only if you are willing to forgive others. If you hold a grudge and are unwilling to forgive your brother or sister God may be unwilling to hear and answer your prayers.
A unforgiving spirit greaves the heart of God. Jesus said, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt 6:15)
One of the greatest hindrances to prayer in the church is covetousness. God truly hates this sin in His people. Yet many in the church today are eaten up with this cancer. They seek power, position, money material gain and possessions to be seen of men. Any church member who is guilty of this great sin cannot expect to get his/her prayers answered and will hinder the growth of the church they attend. The spirit will be hindered and one that may need to get saved just might not get that chance. God’s record books will show how this sin is to be dealt with. How do you want God to judge you should your sin keep someone from meeting Jesus or causing the church Jesus died for to stagnate? If this sin is not removed from the Christian then God cannot hear their prayer.
If you have a problem you need God’s help with all you have to do is ask. But first you must make sure you are in the right place, in the right frame of mind and right with God. Have you forgiven all who have wronged you? To get forgiven you must forgive.
God will do His part but He expects you to do your part.

Rise Up and Build

The Bible has many examples of building, and how it is to be done. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah teach us about building the city of Jerusalem and God’s Temple. The New Testament teaches how to build the church. Building is as old as time. Man has always built something from simple shelter to massive cathedrals. Most of the building man has done down through the ages has been for the wrong reasons. Seldom does man build anything to honor the Lord.
God’s children ought to be builders, but should be sure they are erecting the right kinds of buildings. We definitely need to build strong Christian homes. Our homes today reflect our strength. Satan from the very beginning has sought to destroy the home. For he knows if he succeeds there he can defeat God’s people. Today we do not have a strong home life centered on God the Bible and the church. No nation is stronger than the homes of which it consists. No church is stronger than the homes, which represent that body.
As individual believers we need to build our character. Character is what a person is made of. His reputation is what others think of him. Yet a person is more that the opinions of others. This generation has tried to substitute money for character; it doesn’t work now and never will. If Christian character is not built into a child in the home and in the church he has very little chance of becoming somebody in this world.
Our churches should be built on strong doctrine not on traditional thinking of man-made ideas. Today we see churches with small congregations and some with multitudes in attendance. There are congregations made up of wealthy people and there are those made up of poor people. Neither of which should a church be build around. Some churches are built around a pastor because of his strong personality. God pity the man who wants to build around himself! The problem in most churches today is the lack of God inspired and spirit filled leaders and teachers. We need men and women in every area of the church who are sound in doctrine and grounded in faith and are washed in the blood. There is much confusion today in the church caused by those who are not sound in the faith.
We cannot build strong churches today and cling to the ways of the world. The church must be in the world, but the world must not be in the church. Many preachers today find it easy to compromise with the world, because it helps them to grow in number. Building a church means building a people who will walk in God’s way. Who have faith God will provide and care if a sinner is lost or saved.
We need to build evangelistic churches. Done God’s way and in God’s time. In the book of Acts we find God added to the church such as should be saved, and added three thousand in one day. Once a person is saved and baptized there needs to be discipleship, people being taught about and from God’s Word. The Great commission is to reach the world with the gospel. That world starts in your neighborhood. When was the last time you invited your neighbor to church?
We must build for the glory of God. To do less is to build for the glory of man.