THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 8-9 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15) These two chapters are an inspiring vision of generosity. The Macedonians are still inspiring many with their cheerful giving. Paul writes many memorable sentences to convey this miracle of giving. And after everything he says, he still calls it ‘indescribable’. When…
Author: Norm
New creation living!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 5-7 “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) The bible begins with creation, and ends with new creation. From beginning to end, this world is our focus, our intended home. But we live in between, in the cursed creation, clothed in misery. In the middle of this…
Would I submit or resist Jesus?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 7:17-29 “Who made you ruler and judge over us?” (Acts 7:27) Stephen wants to show how Jesus, like Moses was rejected by “his own people” (7:23) “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:1) Often in the bible it is God’s own people that…
Better than the Temple and the Law!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 7:1-16 “God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles.” (Acts 7:9-10) Stephen is accused of slandering the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14). The Temple represents ‘God with us’, God living with His people. The Law represents God speaking with His people. Stephen wants to show them that Jesus fulfills…
Spirit-inspired words of wisdom!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 6:8-15 “They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him.” (Acts 6:10) Stephen and the other early disciples were not educated (Acts 4:13). But some of them had been with Jesus, or had the Spirit of Jesus. Stephen’s ability to speak well came from Jesus, and the Spirit. As Jesus…
Giving your full attention to your ministry?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 6:1-7 “Give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4) Reading this passage, it seems that ‘waiting on tables’ is beneath them. But it is not beneath them, it is not their specific calling. They were commissioned as first disciples to oversee the ministry of the word. By…
When shame is good?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 129 “May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.” (Psalm 129:5) For the Jews, the hill called Zion symbolized all God’s promises. Not only their capitol, it was the city of David their king. And the location of their temple, where God lived with them. To hate Zion is to…
Focus on Jesus!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 3-4 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan is only the ‘god of this age’ through deception. Ever since Genesis 3, he has been deceiving God’s image-bearer rulers. We are deceived, confused, lost, far from paradise, restless wanderers. Our world would have been a glorious kingdom,…
YES in Christ!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 1-2 “Our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) No matter what happens, God is working affirmatively in our lives. God is not fickle or contrary; God always loves us, and wants the best! But we make that hard, for we are constantly ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Humans are inconsistent…
Love and grace cannot be stopped!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 5:33-42 “If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.” (Acts 5:38) This is wise advice, but it is also wise advice for Jesus followers. When new movements or religious ideas arise, many Christians attack. We need to agree with everything, but we shouldn’t be mean or aggressive. The…