SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:5-8 “So there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 5:8) Philip’s presence in this city results in great joy. Makes me wonder about the city where we live, and what response we produce? Is there great joy in our city because of the presence of Jesus’ followers? When they hear what we say, and…
Author: Norm
Seed scattered!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:2-4 “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4) The word (message) about Jesus is spreading, despite persecution. Wherever people go, they talk about what they have seen, heard and believed. Even though talking would make them targets for people like Saul, they did. They talked at work, they talked…
A still, quiet soul
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 131 “I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Life and reality are more complicated than we care to admit. We like to reduce everything – including God – to a formula that we can understand. We are critical when God and things about God don’t make…
The benefit of weakness
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12-13 “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7) God does not tempt me, but He does allow me to be tempted. Each person has unique struggles, but the same Deceiver is behind them all. Like Paul we may find ourselves pleading to God to take…
Feeling weak?
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 10-11 “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” (2 Corinthians 10:4) The world values strength, charisma, skill, success, money, numbers, etc. Too often the church plays this game too, trying to put on a good show. Paul admits that he is a poor speaker, and unimpressive compared to other speakers. But…
Scattered to the ends of the earth!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:54-8:1 “All except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1) Jesus sent His disciples Jerusalem, to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Not until Stephen’s murder and persecution do they leave Jerusalem – to Judea and Samaria! There is always a danger that Jesus’ followers get stuck in…
What if…
I am wrestling with what this looks like for our church. How do you set up a church that equips for, but does not take away from, our task in the world. Even though we are trying to focus on our mission, just maintaining our church services takes a lot of effort. How do we…
Just like… Jesus?
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:44-53 “You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 7:52) The word ‘stiff-necked’ means hard to control, haughty or stubborn. Anyone who knows the history of Israel knows that they had a see-saw relationship with God. They were often guilty of dishonouring God, the temple, the law and the prophets….
Turning back to ‘Egypt’?
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:39-43 “They rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.” (ACTS 7:39) Egypt represents bondage, misery, hopelessness, despair, death. Why would anyone turn back to these? Jesus represents freedom, joy, hope, life. Why wouldn’t anyone turn towards Him? Apparently humans have a predisposition towards that which is NOT GOOD for us. Can you…
Jesus IS the living word!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:30-38 “He received living words to pass on to us.” (Acts 7:38) Moses received living words from God. The promises of justice, mercy, forgiveness, hope, victory. And the promise of a prophet to come who would have God’s words in his mouth (Deuteronomy 18:18). Jesus is the promised prophet, but unlike Moses He doesn’t receive ‘living…