Category: Good Life Journal

Journal Acts 23 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: But on the next day, [the Centurion] desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

 

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”

 

And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

 

Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you going to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

 

Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?”

 

And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” (Acts 22:30 to Acts 23:5)

 

Observation: Looks like Paul got caught in an “oops…” I love (not) those, “Aw phooey! Sorry, for ‘…it is written…’”

 

Application: There are layers of instruction within the Scriptures to ferret out. Personal study allows for preparation.

 

This is a significant record for the leading Jews wanted to treat Paul according to Jewish tradition but were heading straight into a Roman wall of legalities. Paul is a Jew AND a natural born Roman citizen. To get to here, Paul pulled the Roman citizenship card, waved it around, and avoided a flogging.

 

It may be sort of silly to think that Paul was all calm, cool, and collected during this episode. I wouldn’t be, and not too many other people would be either. Tensions and emotions might have been high, and Paul’s flight or fight responses may have been producing a little hostility—and I am soft pedaling this a bit because I am reading into the text.

 

But isn’t that the way I react? Somebody comes at me, and my defenses rise, and I probably go on the offense just like Paul did? Unfortunately, “you whitewashed wall” would probably be replaced with something less colorful and more profane.

 

Paul was told that this was the high priest, and he went, “Oops. I didn’t know.” And what followed? “For it is written…”

 

Was this a humble response? Humility was certainly forced in a practical way by the Word of God, for the Holy Spirit brought the scripture immediately to mind. How? Because Paul prepared some time ago and planted this in his heart and mind.

 

Did Paul give his corrected response through gritted teeth? Maybe. I probably would have.

 

The key here is PREPARATION…planting the living word in my heart, doing like the Psalmist writes in Psalm 119 about embracing the doctrines, precepts, and the Law; making them my DELIGHT…and doing this in the times that are peaceful so that they are a ready response on my lips in times of any intensity of turmoil.

 

Paul wrote this snippet to the church at Colossae, as an exhortation and encouragement:

“…we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the KNOWLEDGE of his will (in all spiritual wisdom and understanding), so as to WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE LORD, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD; being strengthened with all power (according to his glorious might), for all endurance and patience with joy…” (Col 1:9b-11)

 

I have found out the hard way that spiritual wisdom isn’t a button I can push when I need or want it. If I want to be changed, I need to hold hands with the Holy Spirit and put my nose to the grindstone so I can be “filled with the knowledge of his will” and “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him” and bear good fruit. (for those wanting the theological description, this is the Human Responsibility part of the Sanctification process…)

 

Prayer: Lord, after this morning’s minor conflict, I sure wish that I listened to you and responded biblically to my wife…I tripped over my mouth and tongue and out spewed salt water (c. James 3:11). I am reminded of James, “…be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19b-20)

My goodness, I wish this stuff rushed to my mind before I opened my mouth today.

 

Please make the appropriate difference in my life, O God. I want to serve you intensely all my days.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture – 

Acts 22:15-16 – for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.  And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name. 

Observation – 

Paul is giving his testimony before the Jewish people when he was arrested in the temple. In verses 15-16, Paul relays what Ananias told him that Jesus had said about Paul.  Paul will be a witness to all that he had seen and heard from Jesus on the road to Damascus. His response is to tell everyone about Jesus and be baptized into the Christian faith by calling on the name of Jesus for forgiveness of sins.

Application – 

Pauls calling relayed to him by Ananias is the same calling Jesus has given me in the Great Commission.  I am to believe, take action without delay, be baptized and begin to share the gospel with everyone.  I am commissioned to be an Ambassador for the Kingdom of God while here on earth.  Everyone’s greatest need is the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter where they are from and whatever burden they are carrying.  I need to  disciple all, teach them to obey Christ beginning with the two greatest commandments  to love God and love all neighbors as self.  This includes neighbors who have different worldviews and don’t know Jesus.

Prayer – 

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word and your steadfast love.  Let the Spirit give me boldness and focus like Paul to share your gospel in love and disciple others to extend your glory.  

Journal Acts 20 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: (Paul speaking to the elders at Ephesus) “…how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable and teaching you in public and from house to house—testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem—constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

 

(skipping to verse 27) “…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…” (Acts 20:20-31a)

 

Observation: Every so often, the Holy Spirit switches text from speaking to the church at large/in general, to speaking to church leadership (official and unofficial), and finally speaking to individuals (like Timothy and Titus, for example).

 

However, like the Holy Spirit through Paul indicates, “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Tim 3:16)

 

So, I probably should pay attention even when the subject matter audience may not concern me directly…

 

Application: In this Acts 20 reference, Paul refers to a main thing:”… repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

After the Holy Spirit stuff in just about all the 19 previous chapters that has been highlighted, I might think/assume that the “main” message was about Jesus’ baptism and the Holy Spirit.

 

Not so.

The text indicates that Paul was not unaware of the Spirit’s hands-on activity in a disciple’s life, the main message begins with the Gospel: Repentance, Grace, and the Cross.

 

I introduce and remind myself that the Cross is where the function of Redemption begins: “…(which he obtained with his own blood).”

 

Back on track: I still see the function of the Holy Spirit gifting (prophecy) in the testimony of Paul’s warnings from every city: “…except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.”

 

In the light of this, Paul admonishes and warns the leadership of Ephesus to be aware of “…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…”. Note that these “wolves” will arise from among the local church—discernment will need to be at a high sensitivity.

 

A thought: Are the elders Paul is now speaking warnings to in Chapter 20 the same guys he asked what baptism they were baptized about in Chapter 19? Doesn’t say, but it makes me wonder…

 

So, what do I concentrate on? What do I do? I remind myself of the basics (a classic, recommended for every Christian’s library, “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald Whitney—), things like:

1. Review of the Gospel as it applies personally (read slowly Lam 3)
2. Daily (or consistent) Bible intake (Daily Bible Readings)
3. Prayer
4. Worship (there are good bands like Indelible Grace who adapt old hymns to new arrangements to explore)
5. Journaling (duh!)
6. Learning
7. Perseverance in disciplines: Make a plan for Christian growth; take the Fruit of the Spirit and work on one or two fruits at a time, then add another and another, etc. is a suggestion.

 

I can’t look in the Mirror and say that I nail any of these well. I am not sure these are in any order of importance except maybe for the top three. I see “fellowship” or “fostering biblical friendships” isn’t listed here and I would think these would be up there even before “evangelism.” So perhaps there is room for contemplation here…

 

Prayer:  Lord God, you are so good. Please help me from wandering in my writing and stay on target. However, if you would, use me in any way you would so my writing would forever indicate that my only boast is You.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Acts 19 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.

And [Paul] said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”

On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying—there were about 12 men in all.

And [Paul] entered the synagogue and for 3 months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, [Paul] withdrew from them… (Acts 19:1-9a)

Observation: An innocent, clarifying question leads to a powerful explanation to the disciples, but apparently does not change the message much in the synagogue.

Application: Again, taking advantage of my handy-dandy ESV.org computer program, I can readily see that the scriptures indicate a distinction in two types of baptism: John’s baptism for repentance and Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit (all four of the Gospels and Acts are in agreement of reporting):

“John answered them all, saying, ‘I baptize you with water, but he (who is mightier than I) is coming—the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16)

“I (John) will baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I (whose sandals I am not worthy to carry). He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matt 3:11) [c. also, Mark 1:8, John 1:33, Acts 1:5, Acts 2:38, and Acts 8:14-17)

 

So, there are two baptisms to review here from the Acts 19 passages: 1) John’s baptism and 2) Jesus’ baptism.

Paul understood the distinctions and acted with conviction and authority accordingly to those 12 disciples—maybe formed from what he said later to the church at Colossae as a mission statement, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Col 1:28)

So, what?

I am aware that there is (and has been) an ongoing disagreement about (bluntly) the function, application, and operation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I am convicted to read the scriptures literally, plainly, and in verbatim—not with an agenda (much, anyway. Of course, I have a bias or 20; that is being candid with showing my soul)—but I tend to read in Journaling what is there, not what isn’t. Doing it this way helps me to lean on the Father for understanding and for two other things: 1) Gives me background on my own mind when I eventually review this writing and, 2) Gives the reader the same background into my mind.

 

On the “understanding” front, the scriptures are plain:

• “…making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding…” Prov 2:2
• “…call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding…” Prov 2:3
• “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding…” Prov 2:6
• “…discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.” Prov 2:11
• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Prov 3:5
• “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge…” Prov 15:14

 

Candidly, while I am on the Reformed plank (Doctrines of Grace), I have a significant Charismatic doctrine weaving in and out in me. I have no apology for my positions. The book of Acts is full of the movement of the Holy Spirit with considerable examples of execution for believers to consider and mimic.

 

Today, with this passage of Acts 19 supporting, I seek to persuade that any biblical conviction held is based on the positive intent of God’s Living Word, the Holy Scriptures.

Paul had a biblical conviction based on knowledge and experience; he didn’t shy away from asking questions of the guys at Ephesus and then, acting accordingly to assist them to maturity.

 

Prayer: Lord God, I varied from my journaling procedure today. I sensed that it was right to do so. I leave conviction in your hands, Holy Spirit.

Is this how biblical persuasion is supposed to work?

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Acts 18 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: Now a Jew named Apollos (a native of Alexandria (Egypt)) came to Ephesus.

 

He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord.

 

And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus—though he only knew the baptism of John.

 

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

 

And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. (Acts 18:24-28)

 

Observation: Are there guys like Apollos in our midst today?

 

Much more importantly, are there couples like Priscilla and Aquila?

 

Application: Knowing and doing; education and action; knowledge and application. Where is the place in the local church for theological expertise?

 

Apollos arrives from Egypt to Ephesus and goes to the local synagogue. He displays obvious competence in the Scriptures and accurately teaches about Jesus and the Way.

 

Even with this obvious competence, Apollos only comes from it knowing only the baptism of John—understood broadly as a baptism of repentance only.

 

Still, results are evident and measurable.

 

Priscilla and Aquila see this guy, perhaps they sit in the bleachers hearing him fervently preach, teach, and speak about Jesus and the Way. Still, something is off, not big, no great deviance, but off just the same. So, what do they do? And how does Apollos handle it?

 

It takes great composure to take someone who is speaking publicly with renown and results aside to say, “I have something you should add…” and then to explain themselves with humble authority. Perhaps the card added to Apollo’s deck was the Grace card.

 

It takes as much or more composure to receive such adjustments (correction is too blunt a word) with humility. Apollos did and increased in such competence that the report from Luke was, “…he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus…”

 

I don’t wonder if there are Apollos’ around, I wonder if there are Priscilla and Aquila around?

 

And the Apollo’s that are around, are they humble enough to sit receptively to hear others?

 

Prayer: Father, the tussle between knowing and doing is strong. To “do” well and with competence I think takes knowledge, mature knowledge—knowledge that is supported by experience. This sounds like I am reasoning in circles.

 

If there are Priscillas and Aquilas in the midst of this local church, thank you and reveal them if you will.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture

 

VS 2 And Paul went in (the synagogue), as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures

VS 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead …

 

VS 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.

 

VS 10 … When (Paul and Silas) arrived (at Berea), they went into the Jewish synagogue.

VS 11 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.

VS 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

 

VS 16 Now while Paul was at Athens …

VS 17 … he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

VS 18 … he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

 

VS 19 And (the Stoics and Epicureans) took him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is?

Vs 20 … We wish to know therefore what these things mean.”

 

VS 22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive …

VS 23 … What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

VS 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples …

 

Vs 27 … Yet he is actually not far from each one of us …”

 

VS 32 Now when they heard …  some mocked.

VS 34 But some men joined him and believed …

 

Observation

 

Acts 17 shows a clear pattern of Paul’s ways … and a pattern of response from the recipients of those ways.

 

First, he goes the synagogue … (“as was his custom”) …  And then he “reasoned with them from the scriptures”.

So, Paul started with what he knew.

And in response “some” believed.

 

When Paul was not in the synagogue, for example, the Areopagus, Paul did not start with “reasoning” from the “scriptures”.

It’s noteworthy that Paul “perceived” the people.

 

Paul already understood the scriptures, but to communicate to this new people, he had to understand them.

In the marketplace of ideas, Paul could not start with “Jesus fulfilled the Prophets and the Law”.

In the Areopagus, Paul’s message begins with “the God who made the world and everything in it”.

(Exactly as we just read in Acts 14 when Paul was being worshipped as a Greek god and told them, “NO! I am  a man like you! Turn to the God who made heaven and earth and everything in it.”

 

Ans the response, again, is the same … “some believed” … “some mocked”.

 

Application

 

So, I love gaining an understanding of the “scriptures”.

And I love “reasoning” about them with the people around me.

 

The question I ask myself this morning though is, “Do I perceive the people around me?”

Do I understand them before I engage the scripture with them?

 

The people Paul was “perceiving” were “very religious in every way”.

I’m living in an era that often despises “religion”.

 

So, what can I “perceive” about this?

Perhaps, a common cultural refrain can help me.

I often hear the phrase, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.”

This is at least an open door the supernatural.

This is an opportunity to begin with “the God who created the world and everything in it”.

 

Of course, atheism is on the rise … or at least the “nones”.

How can I “perceive” them?

Perhaps, instead of beginning with “the beginning of creation”, I begin with “the beginning of their ‘noneness’.”

Why? How? and When? Did you NOT believe?

Bad church history? … Family tradition of nonbelief? … Hate the “rigid morality”?

People have a “reason” for nonbelief.

How can I “perceive” it?

 

And if I do this, with the love of the Holy Spirit, and leading to the love of Christ …

Perhaps some will believe.

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, God, for you Word

Help me understand it

Teach me Holy Spirit to reason with it

Help me perceive the people around me

And love them with the love of Christ

In Jesus name

Amen

Journal Acts 16 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.

 

And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia—but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.

 

So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

 

And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the Gospel to them. (Acts 16:6-10)

 

Observation: Being forbidden by the Spirit of God to go somewhere and preach the Gospel…what does that feel like?

 

Application: I think that I can identify 5 issues in me that would keep me from preaching the Gospel.

 

• The first one is Fear. Fear of Man. Fear of Ridicule, and other related fears.
• The second one is not feeling like I am prepared (which is firmly related to Fear of Man)—I have not practiced.
• The third one is lack of opportunity (which is also related to issues 1 and 2 above)
• The fourth one is prequalifying a candidate—too clean/dirty, it won’t take, too good/too bad, etc.
• The fifth one is being prohibited by the Spirit—which, candidly, I don’t think I have ever experienced in a positive feedback sort of way. (“Lord, I want to preach the Gospel to that guy over there…” “No, son, I don’t want you to do that…I am supernaturally holding you back…” “Ok, Lord, I won’t go because you say so…”)

 

Nope, I would like to think that I have been supernaturally prohibited from sharing the Gospel, laying hands and praying for the sick, tossing out demons, raising the dead, and all that—but it wouldn’t track true. I fight with the fear of man and usually the fear wins.

 

These guys, Paul, Silas, and Tim the rookie, were seemingly not afraid.

 

Back to operational thinking, how did these guys know that the Holy Spirit was preventing the Gospel being preached in Asia and Bithynia? Paul was specifically called out for having a vision in a dream—but what about the others? I have no answer.

 

It must go back to recognizing God’s sovereignty, that he is the Potter and we are the Clay, he is the Creator and we are the created—He has the right to do whatever He wishes. Man doesn’t get that—it is difficult to think that is fair. But that “fairness” is observing the issue from Man’s perspective. Fairness from God’s perspective is that the totality of Man deserves God’s full, fierce, and total wrath.  Only that is “fair.”

 

Man today experiences Mercy, not fairness, from God in everyday life. He gives Man, out of His Mercy, life and breath. He also provides a way of Redemption from this state of Sin that Man is in.

 

The Gospel—so powerful, so incomprehensible—proof of God’s Love and Mercy towards Man because He didn’t have to do it. He didn’t have to provide a way…

 

It makes me wonder why the Spirit of God prohibited the guys from going to certain places. Should I be listening harder and not just assume that He is sending folks everywhere?

 

What else am I not listening for?

 

Prayer: Father, I don’t mean to be whatever it is I am doing. I am aware that I can tend to be double minded, arguing with myself about your Word. That is exactly what I don’t want to be.

 

I suppose that is why you provide foundations, stuff to grow upon, block by block, focusing on precept by precept—learning how to be mature while practicing on how to be a disciple.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture –

Acts 15:10-11 – “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 our Lord Jesus, just as they will.”  

Observation –

This is Peter’s response when Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem to dissent with Jewish believers who were suggesting that Gentile converts must be circumcised. Peter is tells the Council that no one is able to keep the law.  The way to salvation is by the grace of God to place your faith in Jesus and his resurrection to overcome death. This is the same grace offered to people from every tongue and tribe.

Application – 

The law is to convict one of sin and can’t be kept for salvation.  My salvation is by the grace of God when I place my faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.  There is nothing else I can add or no amount of works righteousness that can change my salvation.  Only the blood of Jesus is able to wash away my sin.  Jesus tells us all who are have laden that  he is gentle and lowly and in him you will for rest. Jesus yoke is easy and his burden light.  Therefore, I need not place any other restrictions on myself or others other than faith in Jesus to believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that he is my risen Savior and Lord of my life. I must remember, there is no sin nor any person that are too far gone from the saving grace of God.  That is everyone’s greatest need to repent, be reconciled and have true restoration and healing in the name of Jesus.

Prayer- 

Father,  

Thank you for your love and grace in sending Jesus to pay for my sins so I can be repentant, be reconciled to know you and make you known. Let the Spirit guide me not to place any barriers to your grace on me or others but  to reflect your love to glorify you. 

Journal Acts 13 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers—Barnabas, Simeon (who was called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch), and…Saul.

 

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’

 

Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hand on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:1-3)

 

Observation: I think I am seeing how the function and operation works in a local church—at least the one at Antioch.

 

Is it THE example, or one example?

 

Application: While the above reference could be broadly about sending missionaries, I am wondering about the foundations of the Antioch church that precedes this—what was the Antioch church like?

 

I think I see the following:

• The general church at Antioch is perceived to be in one accord—and that wasn’t a Honda.
• The sense of the Holy Spirit was predominate and palatable.
• The church knew and supported the gift of prophetic ability and had recognized teachers (that may or may not have been pastors and elders—it doesn’t say and, being true to the text, should not be inferred).
• These folks took their following as disciples seriously in worship and fasting (being a fat guy, I am impressed).

 

These guys (and maybe others, the text doesn’t say) sensed the Holy Spirit giving them a specific message. However, that wasn’t enough—they continued fasting and praying for some time longer (how long it doesn’t say) before commissioning their journey by laying hands on them.

 

And off Barnabas and Saul go…

 

While I am aware that the missionary sending aspect gets attention, what about everything that leads up to this? However this can be placed in churchy language, what were the operational and logistic foundations preceding? And did every church operate like Antioch did? Should they have? I am not sure…

 

Part of the reference scripture infers the following:

• Antioch recognized gifts of men—“…there were prophets and teachers…”—perhaps leaders, but not necessarily leadership.
• Antioch knew intimately and experientially about the moving of the Holy Spirit and trusted it.
• Antioch engaged and exercised worship, not limited to regular meetings; they knew how to worship wherever they gathered.
• Antioch knew that the Holy Spirit brought and used a disparate group of people, including Manaen (boyhood buddy of Herod the bad guy) and Saul (once a leader of Murder, Inc. for the Jerusalem synagogue).
• Antioch knew that New Testament prophecy was different from Old Testament prophecy and double checked via prayer and fasting—they weren’t quick to authorize operations.

 

On the subject of “was this the SOP of other churches”, I remember the descriptions of churches from Revelation (Antioch wasn’t mentioned there). Every church in Revelation mentioned had good things…and not so good things.

 

What came first in the vision of those local churches? The mission statement of desired outputs, or the vision of how to present their local gathering unto the Lord at the End of Days? Why did they gather?

 

I have attended and been a functional member of maybe half a dozen gatherings of believers in my days—not a church hopper looking for a “perfect church” because I found out quickly that as soon as I walked in the door, it stopped being a “perfect church.”

 

Prayer: Lord God, help me keep my nose to the grindstone; my head in the clouds AND my feet on terra firma. Thank you for allowing me grace to pull this apart and hopefully stay on a straight track.

 

Journaling is a meditative exercise, good for the mind and the soul. “Think, reason, and worship” is good to do. I want my mind to be firm to the Gospel. Journaling allows me to think out loud and review later for either encouragement or correction of course.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Acts 12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: (from the end of Acts 11) “Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them (named Agabus) stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

 

So, (as a result of this) the disciples determined—every one according to his ability—to send relief to the brothers living in Judea; and they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

 

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James (the brother of John) with the sword and (when he saw that it pleased the Jews) he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the days of Unleavened Bread)

 

And when he seized [Peter], he put him in prison, delivering him over to 4 squads of soldiers (16 to 40 soldiers) to guard him—intending after the Passover (7 days later) to bring him out to the people.

 

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” (Acts 11:27 through Acts 12:1-5)

 

Observation: This struck me as significant: The local churches were multitasking–depending on the Trinitarian God in operation through the church and church body.

 

Application: Breaking down what I read in the Holy Scriptures:

1. I assume that the church at Antioch was meeting prior to the Passover week.
2. New Testament prophets came from Jerusalem to assist and meet.
3. A significant prophetic word occurred.
4. The church at Antioch developed a responsive action and executed it.
5. Around the same time frame (prior to the Passover week), Herod got a burr in his six and decided to be vicious—to the extent that James was killed; Peter was imprisoned.
6. The church at Jerusalem developed a responsive action and executed it.

 

Conclusion: Local churches may have different things going on…and still may be operating in faithful interest with each other.

Antioch:

1. The prophets probably didn’t pick up and leave Jerusalem to visit Antioch without leadership involvement.
2. Antioch, because of the prophetic word faithfully delivered, set their sights on accumulating a care package for Judea.

Jerusalem:

3. Jerusalem, without the prophets there, experienced Herod’s murderous anger—James killed, Peter seized.
4. Jerusalem responded with earnest prayer (whatever that looks like).

 

What do I do?

 

I tend to be myopic, only addressing one issue at a time. Could this section of Scripture be there to show me how the Body works—not just the local body, but the greater Body?

 

Prayer: Father, is there an integrated lesson to extract from these scriptures, or is it an interesting story?

 

Either way, I get to read about your Hand in action.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Acts 11 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: “As I (Peter) began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized us with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

 

If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way (be an obstruction)?

 

When they (the brothers at Jerusalem, from the circumcision party/faction) heard these things they fell silent.

 

And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.’” (Acts 11:15-18)

 

Observation: What is it about the acts, process, and function of the Holy Spirit that causes turmoil in the Church these days?

 

Application: Knowing that this may cause issues, I can’t do anything but follow the plain text and testimony of the Scriptures about the Holy Spirit.

 

One of the issues I encounter a lot is how to read without inserting prejudice. I have encountered many ways to read this section and, depending on the prejudice I have, can interpret, or influence the answer to my own bias.

 

I think I would rather say “I don’t know” and trust the Holy Spirit and wait years for an answer than to try to come up with an answer to fit my own preconceived notion. Refer to Deut 29:29 to validate this action.

 

That’s the point of journaling; write down stuff that encourages you, have questions about, have insight about, and stuff that is better off in my hip pocket to meditate and call upon the Lord about later.

 

Journaling is not hiding from correction if that is what is needed. In fact, journaling is imperative for growth. It gets thoughts out there objectively for review at another time.

 

Journaling will also lead to the need of counseling. God gave leadership in the local church to assist with that—but did not invalidate the requirement to “see if these things were so” in personal study—just like the Bereans:

“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.” (Acts 17:10-11)

 

Just like the yahoos on Ancient Aliens, “you gotta ask yourself, ‘Are these things so?’”

 

Prayer:  Father, question after question. You, the Son, and the Spirit are all One in the same. Why is it that there are questions about the Holy Spirit and how he is described? Everywhere you are described by name, Jesus, I should be able to insert “Holy Spirit” and not miss a beat.

 

Lord, help me be humble and persistent but not combative. Let me have persuasive words that honor You and only You.

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture

VS 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

VS 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision …

VS 9 The next day, … Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.

Vs 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened …

Vs 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

Vs 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”

Vs 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

Vs 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

Vs 17 Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean …

Vs 25 When (they returned to Caesarea) Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.

VS 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”

Vs 28 And he said to them, “… God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.

Vs 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection.”

 

VS 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Vs 36 As for the word … Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all).”

Observation

Peter, and Jew, and Cornelius, a Roman centurion, each receive visions from God.

Beyond the ultimate “point” of this interaction, there are interesting and specific descriptors of the two men.

The visions both occurred during intentional times of prayer.

Peter got hungry. In the vision he was told to “Rise, kill & eat.”

Peter objected to God, “By no means, Lord!”

Peter got the vison three times!

Peter was still “inwardly perplexed” by the visions meaning.

Peter came to Cornelius, the Roman, “without objection”.

Cornelius worshipped Peter.

Peter stopped him from doing so.

Ultimately, Peter was able to say, “God has shown me” … and … “Truly I understand”.

Application

Am I open to God showing me new things?

Peter was the closest to Jesus, Himself, and experienced not only His teaching but His life up close.

If anyone could say “I know it all”, it would be Peter.

And that was Peter’s initial response to God’s vision and “new” teaching: “No, God! I don’t do wrong things!”

It took a circumstance in Peter’s life for Peter to go from “perplexed” to “truly I understand”.

Peter had to experience something in his life that he was able to connect with what God was showing him.

When Peter encountered this, there was no objection.

Something significant came between “God has shown me” and “Truly I understand”.

Peter went from “inwardly perplexed” to “without objection”.

In between these two contrasting thoughts of Peter was human interaction …

A human interaction Peter would have previously thought absurd!

But God “shows no partiality”! … Do I?

There are important descriptors, of course, to who’s acceptable … “fears him and does what is right”

So, I should have no partiality, but not everything is acceptable.

So now I ask myself:

Am I intentional and concerted in my prayers?

Am I open to a “new vision” if God wants me to understand something differently than I do?

What am I “inwardly perplexed” by?

Do I want “true understanding” and for “God to show me” something?

Is my heart and mind open to those around me God may want me to see differently than I have before?

Are there people around me I need to more boldly indicate that “Jesus is Lord of all”?!

Prayer

Thank you God for your word

Help me pray intentionally and consistently

And boldly for what you want and will

Help me go from perplex to understanding

Help me see people the way you do

In Jesus name

Amen

Journal Acts 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: [Saul proclaims Jesus in synagogues] “For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

(and) Immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ And all who heard him were amazed and said, ‘Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?’

But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ…

And when [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. (Acts 9:19-22 and 26)

Observation: Looking backward, I wonder if these folks might feel a little foolish…doubting Paul and his calling?

Back to the discernment drawing board, I guess…

Application: The more questionable a reputation should lead to a stronger doubt, yes? It did for Saul—and it should have.

The scripture probably doesn’t do Saul’s real reputation justice. Out of every word Saul was described with, the end description “murderer” sums it all up. I can imagine every story concerning religious terrorists in the Middle East and Saul could have been right there.

I am wondering–Saul had a conversion experience like no other. If I discount the experience (so I don’t envy or idolize it), then Saul was functionally converted the same as I was. What were Saul’s responses?

• Got baptized.
• Broke bread with the local church.
• Hung out with the disciples at Damascus for several days; not hours, days.

After that, argued in the local temple that Jesus is the Christ, and put the priest’s panties in a knot. And then, wanting to hang out with more disciples, they held him off at arm’s length because of fear.

There are a few things to pull out of this:

1. Fellowshipping (hanging out) is an imperative for new believers. However, note there are purposes for this:
2. To learn from those who have trod the road before you got there, and;
3. Learning biblical friendship is important.
4. Break bread, share meals (even if it is just coffee). Take the time to ask questions about new faith and listen to others for a while.
5. Learn what happened to you and then learn how to share it authentically. Be OK with making mistakes. Best way to learn? Share first with other believers.

Most conversions don’t have the theological background that Saul had—he was an extremely learned man.

It doesn’t mean that I cannot catch up. I can start with coffee and pie…

Prayer: Father, there are several things I am grateful for in yearning to be a mature man. One is that the basic message of the Gospel and the process doesn’t change—the process order may get jumbled around, but they don’t change.

Bring deep, abiding, biblical friendships, please Lord.

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture – 

Acts 8:4-6 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.  And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.

Observation- 

The church is being persecuted and all but the apostles are scattered.  They did not go into hiding, the went about to preach the word.  Philip went into Samaria and proclaimed Jesus.  The crowds listened and were in agreement with the message and saw the power of Christ that Philip had within him.  This began the fulfillment of Jesus words from Acts 1:8 that when the Spirit came on the disciples, they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

Application – 

This is still my call and everyone who is a believer in Jesus Christ to be a witness for Christ where we are and wherever we are lead by the Spirit to go and proclaim His name.  Persecution scattered the Church but it did not stop the Church.  On the contrary, the Church grew and spread just as Jesus said it would.  Philip didn’t do anything different other than preach the word and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.  When we share the Love of Christ in truth people will listen, not all will like and some will be opposed. I need to listen to the power of the Spirit within and be willing to come alongside people, meet them where they are and share what Christ lovingly has done for me and all who believe in His name. People today have the same greatest need as those in the 1st century to know the truth that God loves them and sent Jesus to pay for the sins of everyone so those who have faith can be reconciled with God.

Prayer –  

Father,

Thank you for your love and the truth in your word.  Let the power of the Spirit give me boldness to cleary share your gospel in love to glorify you.  

Journal Acts 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation and notes are mine)

 

Scripture: [Readers: Acts 7 must be read fully on your own. Summary follows…]

 

• The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham…
• God removed him (Abraham) from his kindred…
• God spoke to this effect…
• “I will judge the nation they (Abraham’s offspring) serve…”, said God…
• God was with him (Joseph)…
• But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham…
• (Moses)…was beautiful in God’s sight…
• (Moses) supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his (Moses’) hand…
• (Moses) was amazed at the sight (of the burning bush) and as he drew near…came the voice of the Lord: I am the God of your fathers…
• This Moses…God sent as both ruler and redeemer…
• This Moses…who said…”God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers…
• But God turned away (from the idolatry of the Hebrew nation at the foot of the Sinai and beyond)…

 

Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says…

“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest?

 

Did not my hand make all these things?”

 

You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit—as your fathers did, so do you. (heavily excerpted from Acts 7:2-53)

 

Observation: How was Stephen ready to present this at a moment of high stress? Was it a supernatural moment of words that were not his own? Or was it practicing, meditating, and practicing some more? Maybe a little of both?

 

Reading this section out loud took just shy of 8 minutes.

 

Application: This is about how I think about the Gospel.

 

If Stephen’s presentation, in the face of hostility and stress, having the authorities of the Temple and an antagonistic public present, gave the history and final denunciation, clearly summarized so that everyone understood and reacted (they ground their teeth and were enraged),

 

how do I store the Gospel in my mind and heart?

 

I have read this and thought, “God will give me a clear and powerful summary when I need it, just before I am martyred…” and then didn’t give it another thought.

 

But then I would miss the part of cherishing the Gospel.

 

Stephen appears to be reciting a story that he cherished, thought about deeply and often.

 

Do I cherish and think about the Gospel in a similar way? Does it take 8 minutes to recite the Gospel testimony beginning from before Time Began to the New Heaven and Earth, or is 20-30 seconds all I have in my heart?

 

Prayer: Father, slam me against the wall one more time, please. Convict my heart to pursue You with fierce resolve…

 

AMEN.

Ricky Two Shoes