trying to find His way
“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people all about this new life.” (Acts 5:20) What ‘new life’ does the angel want them to tell the people about?The original Greek says ‘the words of this life’.In the previous section ‘this life’ was a life of blessing and healing.People were being rescued, restored, healed, helped…
“That Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” (Acts 5:14) In many parts of the world, the church is experiencing dramatic growth.Except for some reason in originally churched western nations.There many churches are shrinking, or dying, or barely holding on.What strikes me here is how positive people felt about Jesus’s followers.“They…
“Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?” (Acts 5:4) This story challenges my view of God; does a God of love slay people for lying?If this was how God worked, how many people would drop dead in church today?I always assumed that God…
“We talk a lot about learning new truths, but the hardest part of growth is often unlearning the things that hurt us. Letting go of fear-based theology, rigid black-and-white thinking, and institutional guilt takes time. Be patient with your mind as you unpack the heavy bags you were handed.” Deconstruction Trail
“How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?” (Acts 5:3) This story is a reminder that Jesus’s church remains a perfect church.Peter observes that Satan has filled Ananias’s heart.Even in the church Satan still works to undermine the Spirit’s work.The Spirit comes to fill our hearts…
“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 4:33) Why was the message of the resurrection so important for the apostles?It was not just because it was an amazing story to tell.The resurrection dramatically changed them, and how they viewed life.The resurrection gave them a new philosophy for…
“No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32) This first church was not perfect, but this description is amazing.Despite their divisions and differences, they aimed to be radically one.They even renounced ‘private property’ to generously sharing everything!Not claiming our possessions as our own seems so…
“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” (Acts 4:28) What is God’s will for us?As I understand it, God’s will is that we love God and love people.God used His power to create this kingdom of love, where His will was done.When this verse is read, we normally think of God’s…
“Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29) Jesus knew what His mission was, and the what risks involved.A commitment to living for God’s love will make you a target.The first disciples are committed to this same mission, with the same risks.They are threatened, but notice what…
“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) Those who have experienced God’s love in Jesus cannot help speaking about it.Jesus and the Jesus Way are so radically different and superior to all others.The way that this love blesses, heals and transforms people is incredible!How can I not…