THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Peter 1 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” (2 Peter 1:3) We were made – and saved – to live God-like (godly) lives (Genesis 1:26-28). God equipped us with His Spirit to fully equip us for living with, like and for Him. The fall into sin ruined our…
Our leaders need grace and mercy!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 22:30 – 23:5 “For it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” (Acts 23:5) Jesus followers should not be disrespectful, they should speak the truth in love. If Paul was disrespectful for calling the high priest a ‘whitewashed wall’, what about Jesus? Jesus called Pharisees “whitewashed tombs…
Kingdom citizenship for all!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 22:22-29 “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” (Acts 22:25) Paul is a Roman citizen; I am a Canadian citizen. In this world, citizenship has its perks and pitfalls. Right now I would not want to be a Greek citizen. Paul claims the…
Witness to grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 22:6-21 “You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.” (Acts 22:15) My experience of Jesus is changing me, and I am not afraid to admit it. In fact, I want others to know that they can experience this life change also. Jesus doesn’t make me…
Radical grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 21:37 – 22:5 “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death.” (Acts 22:4) Paul was a fanatic and a terrorist, killing people in the name of God. There were families of his victims who lived with the consequences. No doubt people then struggled with anger and unforgiveness too. It strikes…
He still reigns (and we reign with Him!)
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 145 “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom!” (Psalm 145:13) This Psalm is a celebration of God’s reigning goodness in the world. God has always been in charge of the Universe, and always will be. When Adam and Eve were made rulers in creation, God did not lose control Himself. When Adam and…
Grace flowing through me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Peter 3-5 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10) God created and graced us to be His stewards of blessing in the world. Through our words and deeds (4:11), we convey God’s love and mercy…
Set free for love and goodness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Peter 1-2 “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” (1 Peter 2:16) Peter begins with praise for the victory of Jesus over sin and death. He reminds believers of who they are as God’s chosen people, His living temple. Then he urges them to live accordingly,…
Blessed are the peacemakers!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 21:27-36 “This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people.” (Acts 21:28) Paul is charged with being anti-semitic, but the charge was not true. It is the spirit of Satan, not Jesus, that inspires this kind of violence. Satan provokes people to anger and violence so he can thwart God’s…
Sensitive to those who think differently than me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 21:17-26 “That you yourself are living in obedience to the law.” (Acts 21:24) To follow the law of Moses or not – this was a serious controversy. For Jewish Jesus followers, the law was ingrained into their whole being. They knew Jesus fulfilled the law, but it was still important to them….