You are patient, Father.
You welcome me back with grace when I don’t deserve it. When I have trampled and made a mockery of Your Name, You still embrace me with love when I run back to You.
I serve a gracious God. He is always faithful, meeting every need I have at the most perfect time.
And yet, I still have days I struggle to trust. There are still days fear and doubt creep into my mind and effect my perception of who God really is.
Following Jesus doesn’t mean I have it all figured out, that I have somehow arrived at perfection while I still walk this earth. It’s also not an excuse, a crutch to live a life emboldened by sin where I wave my “get out of jail free” card when the flames of Hell get too hot.
Following Jesus means He is above everything else in my life. My pursuit in life is His pleasure, and from that everything else finds its rightful place.
Following Jesus means I yearn and strive to reflect Him in everything I do. From the little to the big, the 90’s phrase-question “What would Jesus Do” causes me to reflect on my approach and decision I make.
Following Jesus means I serve, and I serve because I love what matters to Him. What Jesus values, I value. I pour myself into meeting the needs of those around me, because He set the example of the perfect servant when He deserved glory and honor.
I serve a loving and gracious God. A Father who loved me so much He gave His most prized possession to rescue me from the grip of Hell. Jesus, on a cross in my place. A physical display of ultimate sacrifice, that won the eternal battle for my soul.
I follow Jesus not out of guilt, or fear. I follow Jesus out of gratitude. Because He willingly took a place meant for me, so that I could stand with Him before the Father. He wanted me, because He loves me. And He wants you for the same reason.
The sacrifice He made for me, He did for you too. The joy He gives me, He wants you to have also. Following Jesus isn’t about getting it right all the time, or never struggling again.
Following Jesus is about recognizing the gift laid before us, the sacrifice that was made on our behalf because our Creator saw it right to restore us to Himself. It’s about finding peace that I often times can’t wrap my head around, but it helps me walk through the storms with confidence that I am not alone.
It doesn’t matter what your past looks like, what kind of baggage you are hanging onto, Jesus wants you. He wants you to let go, to fall into Him and trust that He will hold you.
He wants you.
It’s easy in life to be overwhelmed. Life’s situations can come from all directions and all at once, quickly taking you from a sense of being on top of the world to looking for the nearest rock to hide under. When fears and doubts creep up, they can quickly tear us down and make us question every decision we make and thought we have.
Strength is a term that seems to have different meanings for different people. Yet, we often use the word in the same contexts. I tell my little boy all the time he is so strong when he is pushing open a door. I tell my wife she is a strong mom as she actively works to raise our children together in a Godly home. We use the word strong, but we apply its meaning based on the current context we are in. Mental, physical, emotional; all areas we each need strength in.
But what about the spiritual?
See, what I have learned in my short life so far is that my physical, emotional and mental strength will never be adequate apart from deep rooted spiritual strength in Jesus Christ. I can spend my days working out (and if you know me, that’s not my jam), reading and studying till I fall asleep at the desk, or going through exercises to gain better control over my emotions. But that time, while it might seem fruitful on the outside, will be spent in vain if I am in spiritual decay. If my faith in Jesus is weak, all other aspects of my life will be too.
I recently got back from some traveling in the South, and while I was there I took some pictures of the popular Live Oak trees that populate the region I was in. I found myself fascinated by their size. The ones I photographed are estimated to be 250-500 years old! Their trunks are over 25 feet around, and while not very tall they are spread out over 100 feet. These trees are massive!
They are also incredibly strong.
Their root systems are immense, going deep and wide to support themselves. They provide shade and shelter from the hot southern sun. But more impressive than what they do is what they have been through.
Storms. Hurricanes. Intense heat. Floods.
These trees over the last several hundred years have been battered and abused by the elements of nature, and yet they have stood strong and secure in their place. Each one started as a small seed, something we might consider insignificant. But with time, they grew deep, developing in strength under the earth with an incredible root system. See, their outward appearance is impressive, but it wouldn’t be possible if what you can’t see below the ground didn’t exist.
Our spiritual health as a Believer is more important than any other aspect of our life. The majesty of the Live Oak brought that home for me.
When we neglect our spiritual development in Jesus Christ, everything else we do is in vain. While the world may give it value, in the eyes of God it has none. Our physical, emotional and mental strength can only sustain us so long. They do not provide the longevity, they do not posses the stamina we require to truly weather the storms we face in life.
Paul’s words to the church in Philippi encourage me to put priority to my spiritual development, to place the growth and wellbeing of my faith in Jesus Christ above all other areas of my life.
“Therefore my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”
Philippians 4:1
Paul has just finished writing to them about joining him in the ultimate pursuit: living a holy life, striving to imitate their Savior Jesus Christ. Paul knew that his fellow Believers would face hardship, and that what would ultimately be tested was not their intellect or physical strength. It would be their heart. Like deep roots of an old Live Oak tree support the immense weight and size above the ground, Paul is encouraging Believers to stand firm in Jesus Christ by way of a deep rooted faith in Jesus Christ. So when the storms of life come, the hurricane and destructive forces of nature roll into your life, you can stand firm and weather the storm.
You might be tired, maybe even a little bruised. But you will be standing firm and secure because your roots are deep.
Acts chapter 3 is often broken into two parts, and while this can make sense it is important to take them together. The first section, in which Peter and John interact with a lame beggar helps preface their following interaction in the Temple. Keep in mind this section we will now examine takes place soon after the new Church had just experienced an explosion of growth. Thousands of new Believers have experienced the life giving transformation of surrendering themselves to Jesus Christ, and have experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The young Church was alive and growing!
Word has spread throughout Jerusalem and has begun creeping into the surrounding areas of the country. The Jesus who was condemned, hung on a cross, and buried has risen from the dead and is alive! His followers are speaking boldly, and performing miracles and wonders before the people.
It’s with this backdrop that we find Peter and John on their way to the Temple, something they clearly continued to practice as Believing Jews. It was morning time, the 9th hour according the Scripture, when they encountered a lame bigger just outside the Temple at the Beautiful Gate.
A man lame from birth was being carried, whom they had laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
– Acts 3:2-3
It was not uncommon to find people in the same condition as this beggar at the temple gates, or the many pools of water within the city. They were busy public places, high foot traffic areas. In other words, the likelihood of receiving alms was increased for them by positioning themselves in these areas because of their increased exposure to people. Alms is not a word commonly used now, but its meaning is one we all understand. To give alms was to be charitable; the idea behind the word was to exercise compassion to someone in need. For the lame beggar to seek alms from others was to seek charitable compassion from those more fortunate and able than he.
In many ways, this lame beggar perfectly illustrates the condition of every man who doesn’t know Jesus. The Scripture tells us that this man was born lame, that he has spent his entire life existing unable to help himself, forever dependent on the abilities and care of others. Most of us grow out of being dependent on others as we age, but with respect to our spiritual condition our dependence never goes away. As this beggar was physically lame, we are spiritually lame without Jesus. Every person is born a sinner, unable to meet our own spiritual needs. There is nothing we can do to rectify this, no different than the lame beggar’s inability to walk on his own feet for himself. And just like a sinner apart from the saving grace of Jesus, he was stuck outside the fellowship, begging for someone to save him. Someone to have mercy and compassion, delivering hope that would satisfy him. Apart from knowing Jesus we have no hope. There is no grace to experience that can bring restoration between us and God. We are as crippled and helpless as the beggar laid at the temple gate each day.
But then something changed.
This time, the beggar asked for compassion from the right person. This time, he would have an encounter with Jesus through His Apostles. This time, he would receive what he sought in a way that would leave him needing no more.
And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
– Acts 3:4-7
I don’t know about you, but I get shivers down my spine when I read this! The idea of a man standing to his feet for the first time IN HIS LIFE! In an instant, life change takes place. This man was laid at the temple gate expecting to be gifted material things to meet his needs, but here we see Peter go beyond. Not only was this beggar’s physical needs met by the healing of his body, he experienced the life giving mercy and grace of Jesus through the miraculous act of compassion.
Have you experienced healing? Have you experienced restoration with Jesus? Maybe you are still the beggar waiting outside the temple gate, seeking something that you think will meet your needs and satisfy the emptiness in side you. Friend, we have all been there. The difference for me is that I’ve had an encounter with Jesus like the lame beggar. My needs have been met in a way that goes far beyond today. The eternal need of my soul being reconciled to God has been met. And it’s something you can experience to (ask me how!!).
Peter did a miracle by the power of the Holy Spirit, and it changed lives. It impacted not only the beggar, but the people around. What can you do today as a follower of Jesus to make a difference? Sure, you might not perform a physical miracle. But your words and actions might be the miracle someone needs to experience, that brings them into a right relationship with God through Jesus. You have a Peter moment with your name written on it, waiting for you to allow the Spirit of God to lead you. Speak new life, speak healing. Help someone find restoration today.
Stand up, and help others get on their feet too.
It’s easy when we find ourself in a questionable situation to blame everyone and everything but us. I’m convinced that accepting responsibility for our own mistakes and failures is one of the hardest things for a person to do. No one likes to be wrong.
There have been countless times I’ve found myself in situations I regret, because of my own selfish desires and passions. Thinking it’s ok, justifying my choices at the beginning. But when the unwanted consequences surface, I’m quick to shirk the blame.
See, in the moment it seems right. I think it’s good. There is something enticing about what I want. But when my heart is guided by selfish desires, I’ll want wrong things. Paul gave us a glimpse of this when he wrote Romans 7:15.
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
– Romans 7:15
Paul understood well, that if we are not surrendered to the Spirit of God we will continually walk into sin. When we allow the desires of our flesh to dictate the posture of our heart, we will always turn away from God and find ourself in compromising situations. Pornography, drug and alcohol addiction, workaholics, physical and emotional abusers, infidelity, toxic relationships; unhealthy, sinful behavior and thinking is rooted in being separated from God and seeking the desires of ourself.
Paul understood there is a war within us. As followers of Jesus we are called to be holy, but our flesh is still sinful. Jesus died to eternally forgive our sins, to restore our fellowship with God, and it is by His Spirit dwelling in us we can find the strength in the face of temptation to turn away from the desires of our flesh.
It’s a constant battle we are engaged in. And we are often our worst enemy, failing to surrender to God and hold the ground. But there is hope, there is grace. That even when we find ourself in a compromising situation, rescue is always possible.
The question we have to answer is difficult in its simplicity.
Which desire within us is greater?
What I want, or what God wants for me?
The new Church has just exploded in growth. Powerful displays of God’s grace have been witnessed, lives changed, and miracles being performed. Within one day, some three thousand people came to believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Messiah. We witnessed in Peter’s bold message to the Jews, perhaps the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to him in Matthew 16:18.
If nothing else has been shown to us in the previous passage we reviewed, it’s that God can do a mighty work. With every high though, we must come down at some point. This is where we pick up and finish Chapter 2.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
– Acts 2:42-47
Wrapping up our study of Chapter 2 is a short section, but it is rich. While coming off the spiritual high of the previous passages, we should note how they conducted themselves. Their descent from the high was not one to a deep valley, one of sadness or depression as Elijah had experienced. This in part could have been because of their choice in conduct. Notice in verse 42 that they wasted no time. They quickly “devoted themselves” to study and community. The Greek Luke uses for devoted is προσκαρτερέω (prŏskartĕrĕō), which can be defined as to be earnest towards, constantly diligent, to adhere closely. The new Believers were committed at a deep level to understand the teachings of the Apostles, handed down by their Savior, and to fellowship with each other. We get a fuller idea of what this devotion and practice looks like in the following verses.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
– Acts 2:44-45
We see here the first charitable movement of the new Church. Believers putting the needs of others before themselves. To have things in common meant they shared what they had. There was a sense of community not only in their fellowship, but their belongings as well. If a brother or sister needed something, it was available. More than the practice of communal sharing, they freely gave up what they had to provide for the needs of others. They did this without grumbling, without hesitation as to how it might effect them. It points to the position and condition of their heart, one changed by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
As noted above though, their change in attitude and practice was not limited too material things. There is important attention given by Luke to the communal aspect of relationships within the Church as well. The new Believers did not simply wait till the next Sabbath to worship, study and learn about their Lord. They did not reserve just one time a week to gather together in fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
– Acts 2:46-47
The new Believers made it a habit right away, to be in community with one another. They understood from the very beginning the value and importance of being in fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ. But notice this community aspect was not just simple conversation. It was studying, going to the temple, it was sitting around the table together for a meal. The fellowship and community of the early Church was deeply and intimately relational. They did not hesitate to invite one another into their homes, their most personal space. Notice also the attitude in which they did these things. It was with a heart and mind postured towards God with thankfulness and gratitude! What a lesson for us! And it was because of this that they first found favor with the people around them, and God blessed them by increasing their number daily.
This short passage challenges my heart and mind, and I hope it does the same for you. If I call myself a Christian, is my heart and mind postured towards Him with thankfulness? Am I willing to invite others into my home, to let down my guard and be willing to allow my brothers and sisters in Christ know me at a deeper and more intimate level? Am I willing to put the needs of others above my own, to make sacrifices of plenty to meet the needs of those less fortunate than me? The early Church understood what it meant to follow Christ at a level that seems too often be missed today. Following Jesus is more than personal Bible Study and Devotions. It’s more than dropping some change in the offering when we feel like it. Following Jesus should bring us to a whole new level of understanding charity, community and service.
These were aspects of a new life that the early Church was fully devoted to. The practices they exhibited became engrained in their life, so much that this is what the early Church became known for. It was something many were willing and often did, die for. How willing are we to go to the lengths the first Believers did? Christ calls us too much more than Sunday attendance. He calls us to full devotion seeking Him. Studying His Word, supporting the local Church and its Shepherds. Opening our homes to others, diving into community and relationship with other Believers.
Following Jesus isn’t easy, and it’s often messy. But for me, I’d rather dive in without hesitation and reap the blessings in full, knowing I had a part in growing the Kingdom for God just like the Believers of the early Church!
Check out our latest series at The Anchor Church in Lawrence! Watch the third message below.
Check out our latest series at The Anchor Church in Lawrence! Watch the second message below.
Check out our latest series at The Anchor Church in Lawrence! Watch the first message below.
The second chapter of Acts can be easily and logically broken into 3 parts. Chances are, your Bible has already done this for you. In the last post we looked at most of the first part, minus the last verse. I intentionally left that verse out because it sets up the miles part of the chapter, which is a powerful message Peter delivers. Verse 13 gives us an idea of what some present when the Apostles spoke in tongues thought of the miraculous display.
But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
– Acts 2:13
While most were amazed at the miraculous display of power, others were accusing them of being drunk. Their false and inaccurate criticism of what they were witnessing became the best setup for Peter to step forward and preach a powerful message to a crowd in need of truth.
But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
– Acts 2:14-15
Peter was quick to address those making accusations. Knowing that their accusation was that they must be drunk, he is quick to point out the absurdity of their claim by noting the time of day. In their time and culture, the new day began at 6 in the morning. The identification of the third hour means it was only 9 in the morning, far too early for anyone to have drank enough wine to become drunk. By squashing this absurd accusation, Peter further emphasizes the magnitude of what the people have witnessed, a miracle of God.
Peter wastes no time now that he has the full attention of the crowd. He moves on from addressing the accusation to preaching a sermon highlighting one primary theme: Jesus is the Messiah. With the beginning of his message, Peter explains what they have witnessed as a fulfillment of the Prophet Joel, something they as devout Jews would have been familiar with.
But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
– Acts 2:16-21
By quoting the Old Testament Prophet, Peter captivated the attention of the crowd. He knew how to reach the people around him, something we should take note of. Just like Jesus ministering to those He came in contact with, Peter understood how to connect with the people in his midst while still communicating truth. With the start of the Prophet’s words, Peter launches into the heart of his message to the crowd.
He continues on making clear to the crowd that Jesus was the One prophecies about so many hundred years before. It was Jesus that David spoke of when he spoke of his Lord in Psalm 110:1. It was this Jesus, the Messiah they had been waiting for, the One that they crucified. Peter connected with the people, and he delivered the truth they needed to hear. But he didn’t just deliver the truth, he called them to act upon it. Check out how he ends his message!
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
– Acts 2:36
Peter finished his message to them with a concise review of what he had just preached. This Jesus you condemned and crucified is the One whom you had been waiting for. He is the Lord and Christ of which the Prophets spoke of. He is the Savior of the world. What are you going to do about it?
The crowd erupted with response when Peter finished his message. Luke’s account says “they were cut to the heart” by what Peter had said. The Greek Luke uses for the word “cut” here is κατανύσσομαι (katanyssomai), and it has such a strong literal meaning. What Luke was saying is that the words of Peter struck so hard and deep in their heart’s it was like being pierced or stabbed with a sword. Language and imagery that was vivid and familiar in that day. It paints such a picture of the impact God’s word did and can have on the listener. Being overcome with conviction by Peter’s words, the crowd asked what they should do in response. Peter wasted no time in giving them direction:
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
– Acts 2:38-40
Repent and be baptized. Simple, direct. Peter recognized their understanding of his message, the truth about who Jesus was and what He did. And because of that, Peter knew that they had to act on their knowledge. To be baptized is a fairly easy thing to understand for us, but the concept of repenting can be a little more difficult. The Greek μετανοέω (mĕtanŏĕō) carried the idea of changing your mind, to turn in your ways. Peter was instructing the crowd to change their thinking based on the message they had just received. Change your unbelief in who and what Jesus was and did, to belief! Believe He is the Messiah, He is the Christ that was foretold long ago! And in response to this change, be baptized!
Peter follows up this instruction by encouraging them to save themselves from their wicked generation. In other words, repent, be baptized, and don’t fall back into the old sinful habits Jesus has redeemed you from. Change your ways and continually seek after Jesus! Peter did not just give them instructions, he provided them with a promise as well. It was the same promise He and the other Apostles received from Jesus! The gift of the Holy Spirit after they followed the instructions to repent and be baptized.
What a response Peter and the other Apostles see from the crowd! Luke tells us that after Peter’s message and instructions those who heard and accepted it were then baptized and counted as part of the group of believers. Over 3000 new believers and followers of Jesus Christ were counted that day. Not people who recognized Jesus as a great teacher, or prophet, but as their Messiah.
Luke gives us such incredible insight into the very beginnings of the Early Church through the book of Acts. As we continue to dive into this, it’s important to remember how it began. Peter, a man who was often times quick to speak and act, landing himself in tricky situations has now stepped up as Jesus called him too. Giving what you could call the first evangelistic sermon, the hearts of over 3000 people were convicted by the Spirit that day, significantly expanding the Church. Peter shared his testimony with the crowds, testifying to the sovereignty and omnipotence of God through His Son Jesus Christ.
Peter is not the only one with a testimony that can move hearts. You and I have one also. It’s easy to be intimidated and fearful to speak about our experience following Jesus, and I’m sure at some level Peter wrestled with this too. The beautiful thing though, is that he didn’t rely on his own strength to communicate his message, and neither do we. The Holy Spirit in us, as followers of Jesus Christ empowers us. Your story might be the one thing someone in your life needs to hear. You sharing how God has changed your life by following Jesus might be the push someone needs to put their own trust in Him. You and your story might be the catalyst to pierce a heart with conviction, and lead someone to the feet of Jesus.
Are we trusting the Spirit to guide our words? Are we trusting God to give us the courage and strength by His Spirit when we feel afraid or nervous to speak? Just like the Spirit empowered Peter to speak to the crowd in Jerusalem that day, He can do the same for you. Don’t let your fear hold you back from speaking into the life of someone else. Trust that the Spirit in you as a follower of Jesus is the same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead. Through Him your testimony can be just as powerful!
Pastor Luke
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