God Uses Individuals, Not Microphones

August 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I am so excited about the opportunity to share Acts 5 this weekend. I have been challenged by my time in this passage this week. If you are one of the many reading this in Hilo, take the time to read through this passage prior to Sunday and make every attempt to be with us Sunday a.m. For those of you scattered in other places, be sure to join your family in worship this weekend.

Aloha,
allen

Thoughts
If there is one thing the book of Acts makes clear, it is the fact that the religious world simply is dumbfounded as how it should handle the Spirit-filled believer and Church. Take for example the events of Acts 3 and 4. A well-known man, born lame, untreatable by modern medicine, is healed in the name of Jesus Christ at the temple. Thousands bear witness to this remarkable healing. Even the most elite of religious doubters must confess that a miracle has taken place. Nevertheless, they are outraged because of the authority with which the Christian community places in the name and person of Jesus Christ. And beyond this, these believers are neither government supplanters (unless one would consider their introduction of the Kingdom of God on earth), nor are they violent defenders.

When it comes to Christianity, in its purest form, the world really has yet to figure out what to make of it. Certainly it makes personal demands for repentance and confession of sin by all, but it offers in return the testimony and miracle of transformed lives. Healings and signs and wonders confirm that there is truly something to the claims that this community of faith proclaims.

In many regards the current resistance the American Christian faces is nothing in comparison to that which the believers experienced in Acts. Few are beaten, crucified, stoned, imprisoned, burned at the stake, etc. in today’s church. Nevertheless, the denial and hatred that arises from the claim of Christ’s deity is increasing. And in many cases the testimony of the believers are succumbing to these pressures. Perhaps, our prayers should begin to resemble that of the disciples in Acts 4…

“And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)

This has become my newfound prayer for my life and church. Rather than bending to the pressures of an unbelieving and denying world of critics. Imagine what God could do through a people who would speak His word with all confidence as He extends His hands to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of … Jesus?! Though the voice of an unbelieving generation may resound through the speakers, the greatest witness of our faith will remain in the voice of individuals and the lives they touch in Christ’s name.

Application
Has the criticism of another individual ever caused you to change your belief?

Who has had the most impact on your life: the people with the microphone or the individuals closest to you?

Would you dare to pray the prayer of Acts 4:29-31 for your life and church daily?

Prayer
Father,

My prayer is simple today. In the midst of an unbelieving generation, will You empower me with courage to share the truth of Jesus Christ. As I share those things which I have seen and heard, will You extend Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus Christ? This is how You built Your Church in Acts and I know that You can do it again in my generation.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Archived Blog Tagged With: , ,

Unity and Prayer

August 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Today we cover the final two components that helped the early Church stay focused on the mission of Jesus Christ. In addition to the centralization of the Gospel, empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and a From Here to There motion, the early Church marched forward in unity and prayer. These final two elements were as vital as the others.

Thoughts:
One doesn’t have to look very far in the book of Acts to see how vital unity and prayer was to the Church. Without unity the entire plan of God could have fallen apart within moments of Christ’s ascension. The sudden void of a physical leader could have sparked a skirmish for power and position. It was the perfect medium for pride to take root and produce a fruit of dissension. Nevertheless, this body of like-minded and like-hearted believers committed themselves to one another and to prayer, a characteristic that holds true throughout the book (e.g., 6:1-6; ch.15).

Perhaps, there is something for the twenty-first century to learn from the behaviors of the first-century church. Whereas our tendency seems to be to abandon one fellowship for another without ever committing the issue to prayer, this group of believers prayerfully worked through their differences. No one quickly bailed out, became factionists, or sought to undermine the leadership. And, if they did, they were properly dealt with by the Holy Spirit.

United in their cause for Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and seeking to reveal the truth of Christ’s work at home, the believers rallied together to dispel darkness with the power of Christ’s light. Certainly there was enough resistance from the work of Satan without. They did not need further resistance from within.

If we, as a Church of Jesus Christ, are going to bear witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ, we must unite together in purpose and prayer. The early Church prevailed with these two elements. We, too, can see a mighty move of God among us if we will avail ourselves to one another and to Christ. Let’s be the Church we have been called to be, rally around the spiritual leadership that Christ has placed over us, and battle spiritually what is defeating us in the natural.

Prayer is both the thermometer and the thermostat of the local church;

for the “spiritual temperature” either goes up or down, depending on how God’s people pray.

Warren Wiersbe, Be Dynamic

Application:
When things within the confines of the church do not go as you would plan or imagine them to, how do you respond? (tell others, leave, pray, discuss it with the leader, etc.)

When have you seen a church hindered by disunity? When have you seen it empowered by unity and prayer?

Which are you seeking to promote at this time of your life: Unity or Disunity? How are you praying for your church?

Prayer:
Father,

Please send the work of Your Spirit into my heart and life today. May I embody what these early believers embodied, namely a passion for unity and a dependence upon prayer. It seems they did nothing of their own selfish accord and without praying first. Stir in my a passionate prayer life. May I truly change the temperature of my church and its work through the power of prayer. I desire to see You move among us, use us, and change us!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Archived Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

Who’s Driving Your Carriage?

April 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

April 24, 2009
Text: Philippians 4:6-7
Title: Who’s Driving Your Carriage?

Thoughts:

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP)

Last night we had the opportunity to partner with Dave Ramsey and his team in the broadcast of his Town Hall For Hope. Seeking to calm the fears of the American people, Dave shared of his own experience with a “spirit of fear” concerning the economy. Sitting in a New York steakhouse, the “what-ifs” began to stir doubt and confusion within him. Yet, it was in taking the matter to God in prayer that Dave found the “peace of God” (Phil. 4:7).

A brush with the “spirit of fear” is a universal human experience. The consuming and debilitating thoughts of “what if?” consumes us all at some point or another. Thankfully, the apostle Paul reminds us that we have the most profound and powerful weapon in the battle against fear: prayer. And, in turn, that prayer produces God’s peace, which guards us.

Ralph Martin writes,

“The Philippians, living in a garrison town, would be familiar with the sight of the Roman sentry, maintaining his watch. Likewise, comments the apostle, God’s peace will garrison and protect your hearts and minds. Bunyan’s use of this picture in the appointment and patrol of Mr. God’s-Peace in the town of Mansoul should be read in conjunction with this verse. ‘Nothing was to be found but harmony, happiness, joy and health’ so long as Mr. God’s-Peace maintained his office. But when Prince Emmanuel was grieved away from the town, he laid down this commission and departed also. It is the salutary reminder that we enjoy God’s gift only in Christ Jesus, i.e. by our obedience to him and submission to his authority.” (Ralph Martin, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: Philippians, p.173)

Dave Ramsey says, “Fear is the antithesis of hope.” If fear is driving you today, you’re riding in the wrong carriage. Through prayer, transition to the caravan and company of a loving Father who arms you with His perfect and incomprehensible peace.

Application:

Recall a time when you encountered a “spirit of fear”. How did you respond? What prompted it: a truth or a lie?

When have you experienced the “peace of God” in your life, despite your circumstances?

What worry or concern do you need to take to the Lord in prayer today?

Prayer:

Father,

I must admit, I’ve hired the wrong carriage at times in my life. I’ve allowed the enemy to drive me around in his carriage of fear at the expense of my faith and hope in You. Will You ignite in me the faith to turn to You in all things. When fear comes in to paralyze me, may I stand in defiance through prayer and experience Your peace. As Daniel stood in perfect peace in the lion’s den, may I stand confidently in the face of my enemy today.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Filed Under: Archived Blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,