Speaking Boldly for The Lord

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

 March 8, 2021

Speaking Boldly for The Lord

But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Acts 14:2

Read: Acts 14:1-7 

A wife put up a plaque in the hallway with the inscribed words: prayer changes things. When her husband came home he took it down. She was stunned and inquired why, "Don't you like prayer?" He replied, "I like prayer, I don't like change!" That explains the jealousy and resistance Paul encountered from many of the Jews, but their resistance to change was deeply rooted in their heritage.

The Jews believed that God was going to establish His Kingdom in the ‘age to come’ where everything would be made right, and truth and justice would flourish. This would not be some spiritual experience above and beyond life on earth; it would be new life on the earth as the paradise God intended. The Jews longed for the coming of this age. They believed by keeping themselves pure and separated from the Gentiles they would inherit this age to come.

Into this longing, Paul and the Apostles came announcing that this age to come began on Easter Sunday. God’s promise has been fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah. God has opened the doors of this age, His Kingdom, to everyone. Yes, even the Gentiles, who the Jews think of as defiled, are invited to come in, just as they are.

The Jews could not see that their heritage got off track from God’s intended purpose for His people. God was using Paul to make a mid-course correction. The Jews had to decide what they wanted the most: do they want God; or do they want their notion of what the age to come should be like.

My Takeaway: This brief story of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium serves as a reminder to me to always guard the priority of my life. Every day, church, denomination, country, family and friends vie for priority in my life. Because my life belongs to God, knowing Him, and doing His will is my priority.

Sē’lah

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Pride Goes Before the Fall

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

March 5, 2021

Pride Goes Before the Fall

(Provers 16:18)

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13:52

Read: Acts 13:44-52       

Miles Stanford, in his series, The Green Letters, notes that preaching grace before people have been convicted of sin seldom produces long lasting fruit. Paul first proclaimed the truth of Christ, and the good news of forgiveness for sins. That this forgiveness would yield “a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses” (v.39) apparently captivated the entire city as “On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” (v.44) Although the Jews received Paul warmly the previous Sabbath and even invited him back to the synagogue on this occasion, seeing the enthusiastic response to Paul’s message by so many in the city, they were filled with jealousy, a fruit of pride, not of the Spirit.

I believe their jealousy was related both to Paul’s popularity being greater than their own, and also that the Jewish people were exclusive and Paul’s message was inclusive: “everyone who believes is set free from every sin.” (v.39) Although there had been Gentiles who worshipped God in the synagogue the previous Sabbath, they were few in number, and now Paul was proclaiming Good News to all who will believe in Jesus.

Although Paul did not mention eternal life in his message the previous Sabbath, he now told the Jews that by turning against his message, they are rejecting eternal life. Paul’s then pivots to his primary mission: “we now turn to the Gentiles.”

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (v.47)

My Takeaway: After two missionary stops, we see yet another pattern: three groups of people. There were the angry people inciting resistance to Paul and Barnabas, the new “disciples (who) were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (v. 52), and Paul and Barnabas moving on to another town. I want to be continually in the middle group – filled with joy and the Holy Spirit!

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Continue in The Grace of God

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

March 4, 2021

Continue in The Grace of God 

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Acts 13:38

Read: Acts 13:26-43       

As Paul concludes his message in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, he spends most of his time proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. This was the foundation the Apostles first laid in Acts 1:22, “For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” Paul quoted three different Old Testament texts to make his point about the resurrection of Jesus, once again connecting the Good News of Jesus to the history of the Jews.  (Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, and Psalm 16:10)

The leaders in the synagogue were intrigued by Paul’s message and invited him to come back on the following Sabbath. Some even followed him out of the synagogue to talk further. Paul encouraged them to continue in the grace of God. Paul didn’t use the word grace in his proclamation in the synagogue; however, he certainly alluded to God’s grace. After he said forgiveness of sins is through Jesus, he noted this forgiveness yields “a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” (v.39)

My Takeaway: In our readings so far in chapter thirteen, I am seeing patterns which I believe are desperately needed in our twenty-first century churches: worship (in truth and Spirit – see John 4:24), fasting and prayer, a proclamation of the Gospel grounded on the resurrection of Jesus, and forgiveness of sins (which assumes a confession of sins).

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Our Witness for Christ

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

March 3, 2021

Our Witness for Christ

“From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.”

Acts 13:23

Read: Acts 13:13-25       

From Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas sailed back to Turkey and traveled to Pisidian Antioch, which was located in west-central Turkey. Following their pattern, Paul and Barnabas went to the synagogue, and there we see yet another pattern. Paul always would begin where the people are. He started first with their own Jewish history, and through the brief summary, he began to show how God’s plan of redemption is fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

As I read today’s passage, I was struck by Paul’s assumption that his audience of Jews, far removed from Jerusalem, were very familiar with current events in Israel. Paul’s first mention of Jesus is proclaiming that “God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.” (v.23) The same is true for John the Baptist, being only referred to as John, assuming his audience knew of the voice calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Jesus. (Luke 3:4)

My Takeaway: I saw Paul’s pattern modeled in a TV show recently. (NCIS) One of the character’s (Jimmy) wife died during the pandemic, and he wasn’t able to be with her or to tell her good-bye. Another of the characters (Gibbs), had a similar life experience. Gibbs was able to meet Jimmy where he was and help him move further through the stages of grief. Our witnessing for Christ can follow this same pattern. Meet a person where they are and share out of our own experience with Christ.

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Sent on Their Way by The Holy Spirit

Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

March 2, 2021

Sent on Their Way by The Holy Spirit

When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Acts 13:12

Read: Acts 13:1-12

About four years after Herod’s death (12:23), Paul, Barnabas, and his cousin, John Mark set off for Cyprus. That the prophets and teachers were well known in Antioch shows that Antioch had become the second center, after Jerusalem, of the new Christian church. In our passage today, two patterns of the new church are revealed.

First, the life of the church was characterized by worship, fasting and prayer. In this environment, there was an anticipation the Holy Spirit would lead the church. And he did; Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit, and they were sent on their way by the Holy Spirit. In many churches today, the congregation is separated from the leadership, and it is not clear if either the congregation or leaders follow this pattern of worship, fasting and prayer seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What if our churches followed this pattern today?

Secondly, they first proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. This is a pattern Paul would follow throughout his missionary journeys. There is also another pattern; the proclamation of the Gospel was met with resistance. This was true two thousand years ago, and it is true today. While the Gospel proclaims Jesus came that we may have life, and have it to the full, the forces of evil come only to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10)

My Takeaway: Saul changes his name to Paul lest his Jewish name would be a stumbling block to his mission as the apostle to the Gentiles. That was the extent of his becoming culturally relevant. He never retreated from knowing nothing but Jesus and Jesus crucified for our sins. May it be so for the followers of Jesus today. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Different Translation

 A Different Translation

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Yesterday, (February 28, 2021) I was listening to a teaching on 1 Peter 5 when the pastor came to one of the most often quoted passages in the New Testament. Sometimes, it is quoted as, “Cast your cares on God because he cares for you.”

I had one of my favorite Bibles next to me, The New English Bible, New Testament (1961), that I purchased when I was a senior in High School. This is how the NEB translates this verse:

“Cast all your cares on him, for you are his charge.”

I don’t recall much the pastor said after I read this translation. I’ve always loved this verse, and have often quoted it in church services or when visiting a parishioner. But this translation has taken the verse to a much deeper level for me. Yes, it is comforting to know God cares for me, but to know I am his charge connotes he has taken responsibility for me. Hence, when I don’t know how to pray, he prays for me (Romans 8:26); he is at work within me (Philippians 2:13); he will work in me until Christ is fully formed in me (Philippians 1:6, Galatians 4:19).

I am his charge.

I think of those within my charge and the level of concern, love, and care I have for them – and that’s just like seeing “in a mirror, dimly” compared to God’s concern, love and care for those for whom he has charge.

I am his charge.

My Takeaway: I often quote Psalm 23:4 when I am experiencing a difficult time: “. . . thou art with me.” I think now I will modify that phrase, just a little.

Thou art with me, for I am your charge.

 

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

The Word of Our God Endures Forever

 Meditations on The Acts of the Apostles

March 1, 2021

The Word of Our God Endures Forever

But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

Acts 12:24

Read: Acts 12:20-25       

As we begin our third month in the Book of Acts, we conclude Part One. Part One has followed the Day of Pentecost for twelve years. During this time, the New Community of Believers encountered resistance and persecution from the religious leaders in Jerusalem and from the King of Israel who attempted to execute their leaders. Even so, the word of God continued to spread and flourish. The Christian church expanded to Samaria, Damascus, Lydda, Joppa, Caesarea, and Antioch.

Peter was central to the development of the church in Part One of Acts. However, except for a brief mention in chapter 15 after Peter’s encounter with the angel in chapter 12, he is not mentioned anymore in Acts. In the closing scene in today’s reading, the same Greek word used for the angel striking Peter on the side to wake him, (12:7) is used for the angel striking Herod down. We have no indication where Luke received the details of Herod’s death. The contemporary historian Josephus wrote of Herod’s death and said he was in agony for five days. I believe Luke includes the details to show the power of God preserving His church.

We will begin Part Two tomorrow with Paul’s first missionary journey.

My Takeaway:

⁸ The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of our God endures forever.”

Isaiah 40:8

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2021 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.