Holy Spirit power – Be Still…

Acts 5:17-42 – Message of Life

The angels told Peter and John to give the “message of life” to the people. Moments before, this angel had freed them from their jail cell so they could do just that. The jealousy of the religious leaders had landed the apostles in jail again. The message was too important, so God sent his rescue angel.

Can you imagine how surprised the officials were to find an empty jail cell? I’m sure the temple guard feared discipline for having “lost” the prisoners. Even more perplexed were the leaders to hear and wonder how the men made it back to teaching at the Temple. Shouldn’t they have run away to safety or hiding if they had broken out?

Once again, the apostles were brought before the authorities. Once again, the leaders were told this message: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” The message the apostles had was burning in their hearts. The jail cell couldn’t even contain them. They were witnesses to the Messiah’s time on earth, including his brutal death ordered by these same religious leaders. That was a fact they never kept quiet. Can you imagine the emotions coursing through their veins?

What did you think of the brave leader, Gamaliel? Such a bold move. Thankfully, one of the Pharisees tried to rein in the rage of these jealous leaders. Even so, it seems that even Gamaliel thought that Peter and the other apostles would just fade away eventually, just like the others before them.

Gamaliel was at least open to another possibility, the truth. He said about the apostle’s ministry, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” You and I are living proof that the message was from God, and it has yet to be overthrown. God used Gamaliel in a very tangible way.

The message of Christ has always ruffled feathers, even still today. The number of persecuted Christians today continues to rise. Think of all the uninformed or misinformed people who are fighting a losing battle with God! Those who reject Jesus don’t know what they are missing. Those who kill faithful Christians who stand on Biblical truth should have the ultimate fear. God will be very angry about those who harm his precious children.

For those of us who have felt persecution for our faith, it is an honor. Looking back and seeing how God is using my life has been a joy and a privilege, despite the costs. I can resonate with verse 41: “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” Does that reasoning or response seem odd or foreign to you? Are you hungering for a deeper relationship with Jesus?

Spending time in God’s word, learning about how the faithful lived their lives, is so helpful for our own walk of faith. Read the passage again, especially if you find yourself with opposing viewpoints with another person, whether they’re a believer or not. Shouldn’t we be ready to call on the Holy Spirit’s power for our direction and protection like Peter?

Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you continue to reach through time and space and speak to my heart. Having great men of faith in my life extends to the heroes on the pages of Scripture. I thank you for each lesson you teach me and desire more and more of you, Lord. Cleanse me from any evil thoughts that might try to crowd into my head. I rely on your power to energize me. Shine through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 2:29-47 – Community of Believers

Read Acts 2:29-47

Peter’s sermon continues here as he tries to help the people listening catch up and understand the great opportunity they had been given. They were living in the days shortly following Jesus’ resurrection, an event that changed history forever. Can you imagine being one of the ones who witnessed Jesus’ return from the grave? Reading about it is great, but having witnessed it happening in real time would have been crazy!

Peter’s words “pierced their hearts” into action. The people were hungry and asked what they could do. How many times have you been so moved by a sermon? Peter’s response to those seeking more of Jesus was to repent and be baptized. If they choose to do that, they will receive the Holy Spirit. Continue reading “Acts 2:29-47 – Community of Believers”

Acts 2:1-28 – Come Holy Spirit

Read Acts 2:1-28

The day finally arrived for the disciples. The Holy Spirit came in a mighty way. I would not have expected anything less. The baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised was fulfilled on Pentecost that year, approximately 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead and 10 days after Jesus ascended to the Father.

From the way Luke describes it, there could be no question that something unusual was happening. Can you imagine hearing this message in your own language from someone foreign to you? “And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” All of these people from different backgrounds shared a faith and marveled at the same God. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-28 – Come Holy Spirit”

John 15:18-27 – Where Hate Comes From

Read John 15:18-27

The word “hate” gets thrown around so loosely these days. But using this “buzzword” is nothing new. In fact, Jesus reminds us that people hated him, and he warns us that as his followers, we can expect to be hated as well. Does this reading give you a new and different perspective on what it means to hate or be hated?

For me, I see people saying bad things about Christians all the time on social media. The “h” word is usually part of the conversation, but the claims are usually that Christians are the ones who hate. That breaks my heart. Jesus has been telling us repeatedly in our last couple of readings that we are to set ourselves apart by loving one another. According to Jesus, hate comes at us for our allegiance to him. Continue reading “John 15:18-27 – Where Hate Comes From”

John 8:31-59 – Best Freedom Ever

Read John 8:31-59

The people didn’t understand, nor could they see. To Jews, Abraham was their father in common, and God in heaven was their heavenly Father. They didn’t really “know” God, though, did they? The people couldn’t wrap their minds around the fact that Jesus had met Abraham. They lived centuries apart after all. I wonder how it felt to be blinded and not know it?

Verse 32 is one of those iconic verses that many memorize but often forget the context. While Jesus is in the middle of a very heavy confrontation of teachable moments, he says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” He was speaking to those who actively listen to and trust him, and yet his crowd appeared to be on an entirely different page. This truth was and is hard to grasp. As believers, we can pray for guidance as we study these passages.

What Jesus teaches here is huge. We are no longer slaves to sin when the truth sets us free. As Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” It doesn’t sound like the people of that day had thought about being captive to sin before. If they were familiar with the sacrificial system at all, they would know the proper sequence for seeking forgiveness for their sins at prescribed times of year by slaughtering certain animals and making other sacrificial offerings. Thankfully, Jesus’ own sacrifice puts an end to this system, for those who believe in Him are set free.

Did you notice anything familiar with what the people were saying? They were claiming an inheritance that wasn’t theirs. If they were truly children of Abraham, claiming God as their Father, they would have recognized Jesus. That was Jesus’ claim, and it makes total sense. We all know people today who claim to be Christian, but who don’t know what that means or are as disillusioned about God as the people encountering Jesus in our reading.

Jesus unashamedly calls them out when he says, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does.” Jesus says several insightful things about the devil’s manipulations. It’s quite frightening when we see examples of this playing out around the world. The devil schemes to cause division, confusion, jealousy, selfishness, greed, and distrust, to name a few examples.

The devil’s hold on us won’t last forever. Jesus has said it several times in different ways, but verse 51 says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” We know better than those who first heard Jesus speak these words. We know that death comes, but it is not final for those who believe. There is eternal life available with Jesus in the place where he’s going. Evil can’t exist there.

We need to hold on a little while, keeping that devil at bay with the help of the Holy Spirit. When we arm ourselves with the Word of God and ask the Spirit to guide our lives, we’re given a power that most people don’t have to combat the devil’s lies. That’s the power I want to tap into regularly. I feel sorry for the people who don’t know about this every present help!

Who needs to hear about Jesus’ saving and freeing power? Pray for them and look for openings to share with them how Jesus has changed your life. You’ve begun to experience the best freedom ever!

Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, protect me from the evil one’s schemes. I feel like I am being crushed at times. My heart breaks for all the people who don’t know your life-sustaining power. They don’t realize you are the way, the truth, and the life. Open my eyes to see those who need to hear your voice and help me move forward on your behalf. We are captives no more. Thank you for my freedom! In Jesus’ name. Amen.