THE STORY OF JESUS: Galatians 1-3 “Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” (Galatians 3:25) The root meaning of ‘faith’ is confidence, not doctrine or beliefs. Jesus has come, giving us confidence we are forgiven and accepted by grace. My confidence with God is not because of all the religious or…
Baptism moment!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:26-40 “The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” (Acts 8:29) When it comes to sharing my faith, I do not like being pushy. All my reasons are likely mere excuses, but I still hold back. But I like how the Spirit simply prompts Philip to go near…
The Spirit shows up in a special way!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:9-25 “Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:17) To have the Spirit, and to receive the Spirit, are two sides of the same coin. The baptism of the Spirit happens to all of us when we’re baptized. This ‘baptism’ is the filling or…
Sharing Jesus’s love with all!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:5-8 “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.” (Acts 8:5) In Jesus’s time, there was a real animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Each thought they were the true religion, and the other a heresy. Jesus breaks down these barriers, and works and speaks with Samaritans. And…
Gratitude or worry?
Seed scattered!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 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…
A still, quiet soul!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 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 we can understand. We are critical when God and things about God…
Am I eager to strengthen others?
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 12-13 “Everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.” (2 Corinthians 12:19) Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian disciples is strained. They have been bad-mouthing Paul’s weaknesses and failures. Paul stresses that his mission has always been for their blessing. Like Jesus, he wants to build up, not tear down (2 Corinthians 13:10). As a…
Feeling weak?
THE STORY OF JESUS: 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…
I see Jesus standing!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 7:54-8:1 “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) Often Jesus is described as ‘sitting’ at the right hand of God. But here Stephen sees Jesus standing, ready to step in and support Him. Stephen is not ignoring the angry people threatening…