Jesus follower

SCRIPTURE: Galatians 1-4 “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24) When our kids were small, we had household rules: — don’t touch the stereo, be home before dark, don’t play with knives The Law of Moses (what Paul means by ‘law’) was like these rules, temporary,…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:26-40 “Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35) This is how I prefer to read the bible, looking for clues to Jesus. The many stories, the flow of history, songs and prophecies, laws and miracles… These all somehow shed light on Jesus – on…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:9-25 “You thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20) When God’s Spirit takes hold of someone, there are significant changes. This story shows how the gift of the Spirit is not something we control. Simon could not get the ‘ability’ by buying it. But notice, the Samaritans did not just…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…