THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 23:12-22 “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.” (Acts 23:14) In the name of the Lord, these men vow to murder Paul. And the religious leaders join in by being accomplices to the ambush. How is it that religious people can turn violence into…
My faith on trial!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 23:6-11 “I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” (Acts 23:6) Is Paul being shrewd, dividing his opponents with the resurrection topic? It certainly did have that result, but it also reflected Paul’s faith. Paul knew how important Jesus’s resurrection was (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). As a Jesus follower,…
Being someone who disciples others
“Being someone who disciples others does not mean that you are perfect, and because of that you show them how to live. It means making yourself available to be observed at all times by your students, showing them what your relationship with Jesus looks like. It means showing them what it looks like to apologize…
I vote for Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 146 “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3) Which political system is best for establishing world peace and blessing? Communism, Socialism, Capitalism, Democracy… Conservatives, Liberals, New Democrats? Religion doesn’t do much better – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Atheism? Every religious leader and politician believes their…
Fixing our minds on Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Peter 2-3 “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard.” (2 Peter 3:17) Peter is warning Jesus followers about false disciples and dangerous times. I find myself wondering whether we are facing the same dangers. Are there people secretly introducing destructive heresies among us? Are we supposed to be suspicious…
Making EVERY effort!!!
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…