He Gives Life

 Act 17:28,25
For in Him we live, and move, and have our being;..seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things..

He is all in all. With our whole being we make Him Lord of our Life. We live because He lives and provides us with all that is needed to survive on earth, and life beyond the grave. No one holds their own destiny. We make choices that determine our destiny, but our life is ultimately in the hands of God. The breath we take daily is given to us by our Creator, who determines when we will take our last. We live each day thinking there will always be a tomorrow, but out of nowhere, like vapor, it is gone. A tragic accident, a heart attack, or cancer makes its way into our life, and we are now counting the days. We don’t hold the number of days, we can only hold on to Christ who is our life, even in death He is our substance and our being. 
As my wife and I walked around the cemetery on the mountain side of Morrison to start making arrangements for our burial place, I was made aware of the certainty of death and the unpredictability of life. Gravestone markers of people of all ages. I wondered how many knew Jesus. Did they have eternal life that only Jesus can give?
 There are many teachings out in the world that give false hope. Paul faced this in Athens, where images of false gods were erected throughout the land. He acknowledged that they had been blinded to the truth, but He preached Jesus, and admonished them to repent. We still live in a day of many false gods. We who are born of God, and have life in Christ, have the answer to the truth. Jesus is the way, the truth, and life, and He alone can take that which is dead and give it life and life everlasting.  

Worshipping Idols.

 Acts 17:25
Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.

The hand of God wrote on the tablets of stone. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them.” We still find such images in the world today. Statues and shrines are erected and worshipers gather around them to pray and give oblations. Such religions can also be found in America. I live down the street from a buddhist temple, and they have erected a 25-30 foot goddess statue in the middle of their yard. I am ignorant of the purpose of the statue, but it does appear to be a shrine made to attract followers to come and worship. Christians must be careful when erecting buildings or statues to honor saints. Buildings are erected to provide a place for believers to gather together to worship, and we want to respect the house of God, but scripture clearly states that we should not confine God to a place . “seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” (V24) We are the church, and should bring God with us to the house of worship. Many preachers and writers have preached and written on idol worship in our day. One need not make a statue to worship an idol. In a nutshell, anything that comes between you and God is an idol. The list of things are as diverse as there are people. We live by faith alone, and we serve a God who desires all of our hearts. Worshiping Him in holiness requires that we give to God all that we love in this world and place our love and affection to the things above (Col 3:1).

God's Purpose

 Acts 9:36
 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.
Tabitha was known for her ministry in making clothes for those in need. Her life was spent helping others and giving herself to make life easier on others. When she passed away, many gathered to mourn her passing. Upon hearing that Peter and his disciples were nearby, they sent messengers to have him come. It is unclear if they just wanted Peter to come and pay respects, or if they hoped for a miracle. It was God’s will that a miracle happen. Miracles don’t always happen just because we pray they will. God always has a purpose to manifest his power. God was not done with Tabitha. The miracle from death to life brought many to believe in Christ. Tabitha was not a preacher, she was a woman who demonstrated Christ in her life through her good works and giving her life to the service of helping people. No doubt, after God raised her from the dead, she continued to be faithful in making garments and giving to others who had needs.

Obey God, Not Men

 Act 5:29
…We ought to obey God rather than men.
The laws of our land are slowly shifting away from the moral laws of God. Christians in America are facing challenges that they never had to deal with in the past. A nation that once honored the Bible and the Ten Commandment has turned its back on God and what is morally right. The laws of marriage between same genders is not only accepted, but it is to be celebrated. Anyone who speaks against such lifestyles is condemned as a bigot and hate monger. We are living in the days of Noah, and Sodom and Gomorrah, every man doing that which seems right in their own eyes, refusing to obey God, and the moral law He has given to man. The world is attempting to silence the church and the teachings of Jesus. They only take from the word what is pleasing to them and fits their ideology and philosophy of life. God is love, and we as Christians need to love others by showing God’s love to others and sharing God’s grace. But it is an injustice to others and their eternal soul not to preach the whole counsel of God. Paul obeyed God when he penned the words to abstain the appearance of evil, putting off sin and all that is unholy. We have a message of deliverance from sin, and a lifestyle that loves and gives. Let us continue to share Christ to others, and to obey God rather than men.

Kick Against the Pricks

 Acts. 9:5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

“To kick against the pricks” is an idiom that implies the fruitlessness of resisting authority or truth. Saul (Paul) on his way to Damascus, encounters his resistance (Jesus). He came face to face with God, and try as he might he could no longer resist that inner voice that no doubt was speaking to him since the day he witnessed the death of Stephen. The Holy Spirit had arrested Paul with convictions, and Paul finally quit resisting and yielded his heart to Jesus. It is difficult to resist the prodding of the Holy Spirit when He convicts the heart of sin. When people do so, they only bring more hurt to themselves. God will use every means to bring others to the light. He will not force submission, but in His faithfulness, He will continue to “prick” to show others the way to go to find true peace. Let us not “kick” against the moving of God, but let us yield to His will and let Him have complete control of our lives.

Give What You Have

 Acts 3: 6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

We may not have a lot of money to give out and help everyone that crosses our pathway who has a need, but such as we have, God wants us to give. What do we have? We have the greatest treasure this world has ever known. A treasure far greater than silver and gold, far greater than the wealth of this world. Houses and land, riches untold grow dim in the light of eternity with Jesus. Jesus, the name I highly treasure. Jesus alone is all I need. God has seen fit to give me some of the things of this world, and I do enjoy some of these earthly treasures, but they will also pass away, and what is left is what abides in the heart. He is the one who can take a sinner and make him whole again. It is Jesus who changes a heart from hate to love. It is Jesus who heals the body and brings comfort to the soul. The world is blinded and lives in darkness. Such as we have, the light of Christ, let it shine as we journey this side of this world.

Acts 24-25

“When I have a convenient occasion I will call for thee.”- Many of those who live lives of comfort, live life’s of convenience. We like to put things off till it suits our schedule or our mood. In matters that don’t affect eternal choices or life’s journey, it may be just fine to have such care free attitude. But, decisions that affect our eternal destiny, a convenient time may never arise again. Putting off a vital relationship with God is not in our best interest. The Word still speaks, “Now is the time to seek the Lord”. Tomorrow may never come. (Act 24)

“To the Jews have I done no wrong”- Accusations will always be made from those who find fault with your actions. Some accusations are complete made up and others have enough truth in it that it would seem believable. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He desire to do harm to one’s reputation and influences. In many situations, we leave such accusations with God, but there are times when it is right to stand up for truth. Let the Holy Spirit lead if you should stand or let it fall on deaf ears. (Acts 25a)

Acts 18

“expounded unto him the Way of God more perfectly.”- There is always room to grow and learn more about God. Learning to walk with God is a journey with many events and experiences. Having the knowledge that Jesus died for our sins and that through His death we can have our sins forgiven is our first awakening to new spiritual life. The Spirit is faithful to led us, if we are willing to follow into a Way more perfect. The promise of the Father is for all who believe. The Comforter desires to abide in His fullness to give us the power to live a life of holiness. In the human, we our weak and incapable to live more perfectly, but with God, all things are possible. For it is He who give us the grace we need to walk in the Way more perfectly. (Acts 18)

Acts 17

“they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were so.”- We must be ever mindful that we don’t believe everything we hear. There are many false prophets that teach doctrine that is not consistent with the Scriptures. There are those who have been deceived by Satan into accepting a doctrine that is not consistent with holy living. When all possible, we should search the Scripture to validate what we hear from the pulpit or from one who says that they are a messenger of God. We must always be diligent and not be led astray by those who desire a form of godliness, but deny the power of the Holy Spirit to keep them from sin and unrighteousness. (Acts 17)

“The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now He commandeth all men everywhere to repent”- We will some day stand before God to give an account of what we know to be true. God’s judgment is tempered by our ignorance to truth. He is faithful to speak in some form or another to all who live, and God who knows the heart will have the final say. It is our responsibility to respond to truth when it is brought to our conscience. When darkness becomes light, we as Christians are admonished to walk in it. (Acts 17b)

Act 17

“Come over into Macedonia and help us.”- The Spirit is faithful to guide and direct our path. His voice is often heard in various manifestations. Circumstances often dictate the decision we make and the course that we take. The needs of the world are all around us and there is no possible way to answer the call to meet every need, but God often will burden our hearts to hear the call for help, He often will impress on our hearts a burden to assist and reach out. It is so important that we be sensitive to His calling and answer the call when He speaks. (Acts 16)

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”- The most important question that a person can ask.   In light of eternity, there is no greater question that on can ask. Within these words rest the salvation of soul and eternal life. It is the difference between living with Jesus forever, or being separated from God in hell. Ultimately, every man, women, and child who is of an accountable age, will come to this crossroads in their life. The answer comes to people a different ways, but the root of the answer is always the same. Believe in Jesus! This is the foundation of the Christian Faith. Believe in His death and resurrection. Believe in His teaching, believe that He is God in the flesh come to bring salvation to a world of darkness. (Acts 16b)

Acts 14-15

“We also are men of like passions as you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God” It is always dangerous to exalt men, and elevating them to a status of “God” A true vessel of God will rebuke anyone who attempts to let others lift them up. People have an tendency to create heroes and idolize individuals. We must always be aware that it is God who exalts and brings down the statue of man. It is incumbent that we always have an attitude of submission, giving glory to God in all that happens to us and in us. (Act 14)

“And God, who knoweth the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost even as He did unto us and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”- Who really knows the heart of men except God! Before the Holy Spirit is given, one must believe that Jesus Christ is God and He died for their sins. It is God who knows if one truly believes. A true believer is now in the position to receive the Holy Spirit, making them holy consecrated to serve God. It is not up to man to judge the validity of God’s filling, but God who may choose to reveal it to men, is the only one who can truly vouch that a heart has been purified by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 15)

“the contention was so sharp between them that they parted asunder,”-The Lord’s work often requires that we part ways with those that we have built relationships with. Paul and Barnabas spent a year together working side by side growing in the grace of God and working together in His kingdom. He who knows the working of men’s heart calls those to service for a special task. We must be willing to part company if the calling of God takes us another direction. It is never pleasant to have strong disagreements among those you have develop strong bonds and relationship with. The reality of life is that no one will always see things the same way. It is hard to imagine that Paul and Barnabas could not have worked something out to avoid such a dramatic parting. But, such was the case between these two holy men of God. Nevertheless, I believe that it is almost always beneficial to work out a solution if possible. If this is not possible, then parting may be the only alternative to keep the work of God from become stalemated and contentions. Unity is critical if the work of God is to continue on. (Acts 15b)

Acts 11-13

 “the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning”.- Receiving the Holy Spirit is not indiscriminately given to anyone for the taking. It is for all who are will to be used of God and live a life to glorify God. The Holy Spirit fell on the believers who were filled with the power of God to do might works for Him. The Holy Spirit falls on us to give us the power to live a life that is pleasing to Him and to give us the boldness to do His will. (Act 11)

“but prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.”- Circumstances in life often put us in situations that are hard to understand. Doing the will of God often will require us to suffer things that we normally could have avoided. How important it is that we pray for those who are going through difficult times. We are often in the dark knowing what God’s will is, but we still need to pray for God to give grace to those who are going through times of trail and tribulation. (Acts 12)

“Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”-   Being singled out for ministry is God’s calling. He has a calling for everyone to be set apart to work His Kingdom. May we be in a spiritual condition that He can call us to work in His vineyard. (Acts 13)

“It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you. But seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” - The Jews rejected the message of Salvation through Jesus Christ. God gave them their opportunity to repent and turn to God, but their self righteousness kept them from humbling themselves before God. The Gospel light is given to mankind both Jews and Gentiles alike. God is no respecter of person, salvation is to any who will turn to Jesus, but rejection of this gift has it’s consequences. May we always receive His grace with praise and thanksgiving. (Act 13b)

Acts 10

 “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”- We often get trapped in our own little box trying to figure out how things should be. Influence by our past experiences and training, we see things with a slanted prospective. God does not limit His work in our box, He is not necessarily displeased with our box, but neither does He want us to be constrained and trapped by it’s limitations. Peter had to get out of his own little world and open his eyes to the world that God wanted him to see.  Moving outside of our little world does not mean we throw away the things that God has given us, it just mean we should allow God to expand our horizons and be ready to be led by God even if it means we have to work outside of our comfort zone. (act 10a)

“In truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons”- The culture in most parts of the world very often develop into social classes. The hierarchy of social communities give greater privileges to those who have royal blood, money, or who obtained fame. Greater respect and honor are given to those with such position, but in the eyes of God all men are equal. All men are born in sin and are lost without God. God does not favor people based on their wealth or position in life. All is made equal at the cross. All men will bow the knee to Christ, and all men will be judge according to the condition of their heart. (act 10b)

Acts 9

The power of God to change a life. How awesome it is to see and witness take a person who is lost and and blinded to spiritual things, have his eyes open and see Jesus for who He is. The conversion of Saul of Tarsus turned the world upside down. The greatest missionary that ever lived was sent forth to suffer for Christ that the Name of Christ may be lifted up and glorified. Seeing Jesus, He fell on the ground and turned His life over to Christ. Being blind for 3 days, Paul then experience the in filling of the Holy Spirit in all of it’s power. He became one of the greatest men to experience God’s grace and lead the world to His saving grace. (acts9)

The power of God to heal the sick and and bring life to the dead is manifested in times past to show the Glory of God and help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Such demonstration was seen in the days of Peter and Paul for a specific purpose and reason. God is still able to perform such miracles, but the Holy Spirit now uses the Word to speak and deal with the souls of men. We still see on occasion the true healing of God to heal the leper and to make the cripple walk again, but the greatest miracle is to see God open the blinded eyes of those who are lost in sin and need to find their way out. Amazing grace, that saved a wrench like. I once was blind, but now I see. I once was crippled, but now I walk, I once was dead in trespasses and sins, but now I live my life in Christ. (Acts 9b)

Acts 26-28

“Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian.”- How sad to come to the edge of eternal destiny, only to fall short after being convince of the truth. It is not unusual for one to know what is true, but is unwilling to take action on the truth in a positive way. To be persuaded is to embrace the truth and believe it not only in mind, but in heart. When facing God at the judgment, “almost” will not be good enough. May we be altogether persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, who died for our sins. May we embrace this to our hearts. (Act 26b)

“be of good cheer, for I believe God”- Knowing the will of God is to know peace and contentment. The storms of life will cause our little boat of life to rock and life’s future becomes unpredictable. There are times in our humanity that we make bad choices, against better judgement we launch out into the deep without any consideration to the warning of danger. But, God is a merciful God who will give us cheer if we but believe that He will see us through. With resolution, we can say, “I believe God” no matter how things turn out. (Acts 27) 

“Unless these remain in the ship, ye cannot be saved.”- It not always easy to stay on board when thing don’t look good. Survival is our human instinct. We are prone to jump ship when things get tough and it would appear that our situation is hopeless. Know when to jump and when to stay on board requires that we listen to the voice of God. Be mindful of his Spirit. He knows best when it is time to jump ship or to hold on and wait for God work the situation out. (Act 27b) 

“And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not”- All humanity were predestine to serve and love their Maker. It is the will of God that all would come to Christ and receive atonement. But, man has a free will and is given the option to go against the will of God. Some hear the Word of God and receive it gladly and walk in the light of His will, other turn their backs on God’s will, desiring to live for self will and choose not to believe God. The choice is ours to make. (Acts 28)

Acts 5-8

It is one thing to lie to man and be guilt of baring false witness, but to lie to God is blaspheme. The consequences of trying to deceive the Holy Spirit is a punishment of death and total separation from God. The Holy Spirit is not to be grieved if one is to find favor with God. Honesty is the best policy when dealing with the Holy Spirit. A sincere and contrite spirit God will not reject. May I always be sensitive to His Spirit as He deals with me and leads me on my journey to heaven. (act 5) 

Act 6-7) ?

What does it mean to believe or love with all your heart? From the heart the real issues of life spring forth. It is the heart that represents the passion and love that one shows toward on object. To love Jesus with all your heart means that nothing else in life matters as long as you can please the love of your life. To believe or love with all your heart indicates that there is no sharing of your affections with anyone else. it reveals that there is no reservations, no doubt, no hesitation to trust God. It is full abandonment of faith in a living God who will do what He says he will do. To believe with all your heart is to be willing to die for that belief and suffer any consequences because God has sealed His promise to your heart that He will do what He says He will do. (Acts8)

Acts 3-4

The works of the Holy Spirit once again is manifested through Peter and John. The power to heal was not derived from any righteousness of Peter or John. They gave their lives to be used as instruments in the hands of God. Their lives were yielded to the Holy Spirit who used them to heal the lame man who sat by the gate of Beautiful. It is dangerous to start to think that we in our own power can do anything of worth when it comes to the Salvation of men. It is through the fruit of the Spirit in ours lives that God is able to touch others for Jesus. May we always submit ourselves to God, so that He can use us to touch souls that need God. (Act 3)

If one is to be a true follower of Jesus and His teachings, then one can only conclude that there is no other way to obtained salvation from sin unless one comes to Christ and confesses their sins and believes that Jesus is Savior of mankind who died to redeem man back to God. There is no other religion that will satisfied this requirement. A true believer does not believe that there are many ways to get to heaven. The Apostle Peter made it clear to the the ruler of the Jews, that unless they confess Christ, there is no other way to know the Father. Such is the position of Christianity. Not arrogant, but faithful to the Word of God who spoke of this while He walked the dusty roads of earth. (Act 4)

Acts 1-2

Jesus made a promise that He would send the Holy Spirit to baptized His follows with the fire of God. Jesus keeps His promises, but promises are often followed by conditions. Wait in Jerusalem, tarry and pray. The Holy Ghost did come and power was given to them to go forth to spread the gospel of Christ. (acts 1)

The experience that the disciples had on the day of Pentecost is claimed by some churches that the evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is to speak in tongues. This experiences also is used by the holiness church that there is an experience after being saved of the filling of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Holy Spirit filling the believer is symbolized in the way the Spirit came on the day of Pentecost. The cloven tongues of fire representing the baptism by fire of the purging of self desires and ambition. This is clearly seen in the change life of Peter as all self inhibitions are cast aside to declare the gospel of Jesus. Power of the Spirit was given to believers to speak boldly the things of God. The claiming of speaking in tongues as evidence is debunked by the fact that the gift was given for a specific purpose, since there were many there who spoke different languages. The experience of the filling of the Holy Spirit is real today. He still desires that those that follow Him be filled with the Holy Spirit that they may be led into all truth and to be controlled by His Power through the Spirit. (acts 2)

The assertive personality of Peter is now controlled by the Holy Spirit. He now is able to speak boldly the things that have happen and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ without fear or favor of men. This is not the same Peter that hid behind the campfire outside of Pilot’s halls. The Holy Spirit gave Peter the power to speak the truth in the face of danger. The message was clear. Repent from ours sins, be baptized, and God will remove the penalty of sin and pay the debt that was charged to us because of sin that reigned in our hearts. After we do this, God will give us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, so we may live free from sin and be able to follow Jesus with all ours heart. (Act 2b)