Acts 9 - My Quick thoughts

The conversion of Saul to Paul has always been an important scripture to me. I've referred to it many times when talking with middle school kids and often to remind myself the depravity of our human condition and in turn the amazingness (a Lindsie word) of Christ's death on the cross and the redemptive power it has over our condition of Sin. At first its easy for me to separate myself from Saul and compare our lives, telling myself that I am not that bad, or have never committed acts on the level that he did, but am quickly convicted that I too was born under Sin and am in need of Christ's gift. Another thing that strikes me in Ch. 9 is how trusting Ananias is of God's calling, even though he has no idea what God's plan is and is afraid. It really goes to show that we can be used for such a higher purpose. I need to remind myself that God's plan for me is not just not for ourselves or our own well being or future. We may be afraid or feel unwilling/unsure, but thats not the important thing. Anyways, those are a few of my thoughts. Linz

Acts chapter 9

In the chapters leading up to Acts 9, we read stories about Saul(Paul) persecuting the believers. I find it amazing that in 9:4 Jesus speaks to Saul and says, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?", as if to say Saul's actions towards the believers are actions dealt upon Jesus himself. It reminds me of Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." It makes it all the more apparent that through Christ, there is no longer a gap between us and God. We are in constant communion with Christ, and as revealed here in His words, actually experience oneness with Him. Not to confuse ourselves with Christ(didn't want to sound crazy) - just rejoicing in the fact that we are a part of the vine - John 15:4 "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." If we are in Christ, and Christ is in us.....it can't get any better than that.

Collin

Acts 5

The beginning of Acts 5 has always been puzzling to me. Ananias and Sapphira have sold a piece of their property and proceed to lie about the amount of money they received for the sale. Peter confronts each of them individually with their sin, and as the story reveals, they both fall down and die. What I find most interesting about this story is this - the text does not give specific cause to these events.
The account of Ananias's death is stated like this - "When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died." The story does not tell us what caused Ananias to die. I think we tend to assume that at that moment God took Ananias's life, but the text only reveals that Ananias "fell down and died." I think we should obviously consider the possibility that God took Ananias's life - that the Power of the Holy Spirit was too overwhelming in that moment for Ananias. But are there other possibilities? Was Ananias overtaken by his own guilt and shame to the point of death? The people had obviously seen the Apostles do some miraculous things. Was Ananias, having seen the great deeds that had been done through Peter, stricken with uncontrollable fear when Peter confronted him?
One of the common themes in the early part of Acts is the power and movement of the Holy Spirit. I think this leads us to believe that the Holy Spirit had something to do with the death of Ananias and Sapphira, but I find it interesting that the text does not designate blame. I think after reading the story a few times the bottom line is this - the mystery of the Holy Spirit continues to grow.

See everyone on Wednesday
Collin

Anger in one city...

Hi guys. This post isn't so much going to involve my thoughts on Acts 5 and 6. More, I want to bring up the issue of prayer, and praying for our city.

Yesterday I had an AP3 workshop. There were about 20 teachers in attendance and it was an all-day Saturday thing. There were moments for teachers to respond or contribute their comments about the material (educational psychology). As I've witnessed in my former workshops, teachers would contribute, but their responses were angry more often than not. The workshop environment quickly developes into a big angry mess, as one person is defensive from what another had to say. I find myself wanting an escape. I get tired of all of the overwhelming intensity. I know that there are so many reasons to be angry; Insecurity, the stress of the job, the inability to make up for what the parents have not provided, the lack of financial, physical, emotional, mental support for dealing with kids that are so messed up already, the traffic, the demands of home, etc. It's understandable, sure, but I don't want it to be acceptable. I find this anger in myself as well...earlier that morning I was cut-off in traffic and instantly had a few choice words to throw in the driver's direction.

During my drive home and detox from the workshop environment, I got to thinking about anger- it's stimulus and the result. A teacher in the workshop told me that just this week one of her students was jumped by two other students who beat him in the head with a pipe. He had to be airlifted because his injuries were to such an extent. It seems that "Survival of the Fittest" is the name of the game...If they don't get me first, then I'll get them. It's sickening and infectious. Research shows that young children will model the aggression that they see in their parents, hear in music, or watch on TV. I think satan delights in all of this...anger is a disease. It will spread and infect and destroy.

I was pretty sad yesterday...and felt very small in the midst of everything. I have a tendency to overthink things, and I was feeling that I just want to get away from it all (Miami feels much more angry than the midwest and I was wanting to pack my bags and leave tomorrow). I was praying and asking God, "What can one person do? What can a few people do? It's all too much." About that time, I was reminded that my hope is in Christ alone. I instantly felt relieved by that thought. Christ is my hope, and no matter what happens on this earth, I know that I am in God's hands- and He is big enough. There's something so freeing about that thought. I was challenged in my spirit to begin praying for this city...praying for Christ to intervene and not allow the darkness to stomp out His light. I was also praying that I would carry Christ's light into the darkness...that I wouldn't dim that light with my own angry actions. I don't want to become what I see...I want to act for Christ- to do something different. I must act for Christ if I want to diminish the anger, the violence, the hurt. Please join me in praying that God would rain down upon this city, scattering the darkness, and surrounding us with his strength when we, God's people, are feeling suffocated and alone; so that we might be something different, bolder in Christ, refreshing and bright- his light in this dark world.

Acts 5 - Lindsie's Comments

As we work our way through Acts 5 I am convicted and touched by several passages that are key for me. In the beginning of the chapter when we hear the account of Ananias and his wife "lying" to God and His reaction of striking them dead . This was such a powerful reaction and puts the "Fear of God" in my heart, challenging me to be honest most importantly in the eyes of God, not just men. As a people pleaser, I struggle with this at times.

Once gain I am touched by Peter and the apostles boldness as they face imprisonment and flogging for speaking about Jesus. I love their response in verse 29, "We must obey God rather than men." It seems that there becomes a time when we as believers must draw a line in the sand, so to speak, when it comes to doing the right thing. For them, it was a matter of prison or death when they choose to live for the Lord. When I look at my life, I feel I face similar situations except its not prison or death that I face, but merely the uncomfortableness of standing up to someone, being seen as an outsider, or giving up my personal time or comfort to do what I know to be pleasing to God. It seems so minuscule in comparison. . . Another challenge!!!

The last thing that stands out to me and just brings such joy are verses 38 - 39, when Gamaliel gives advice to his fellow Pharisees in regards to the apostles, "So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." I just love this. Just a few of my thoughts. See you all Wednesday.

Lindsie's Thoughts, Acts 4

There are some great things going on in Acts 4. A few key things that stand out for me. Mostly, the overall sense of the Lord working through the apostles and the movement of His spirit, as well as the boldness of Peter and John in speaking about Christ, I love verses 19 and 20. At first glance, I felt like a bystander to an amazing experience for the apostles and those whose life was so deeply touched through them. However, as I look closer into the passage I realize that much of what took place there for the first time, also took place in my heart. The Lord used people to catch my attention and call me to Himself and what an amazing gift that is.
Im also grateful for this account of the Lord using as it says in verse 13, the uneducated and untrained to be His light. I think that alone can speak a great deal for people we come across who may feel uncomfortable with the institutionalized church. It also reminds me that, although I catch myself feeling like a common person, not always worthy to such a high calling, I too am a part of His plan to call others to faith in Christ. But I don't have to worry or bear that task by myself, it is with the Lord's spirit and power that we are able to speak. As the end of verse 31 says, "they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness" Mostly, I am reminded that it is through the Lord that all things happen and that takes the "me"out of it. This helps me to focus on Him and I feel when I do that it not only brings me closer to Him but provides a greater opportunity to be used for His purposes. All this brings great joy and comfort, especially in a world full of uncertainty . . . Well this is about it for tired me. See you all tomorrow!

Getting together

Hey guys. It looks like Wednesdays are good for everyone right now, so we'll get together next Wednesday at our place - 7p.m.

Collin

Thoughts about "what I have" and Acts 3

Sorry it's taken me a while to write. Things get crazy around the holidays and I keep forgetting. Collin and I are in a hotel in Macon, GA (for those who don't know) and we're somewhat stranded here until we buy a car to drive home. Long story, but keep us in your prayers as we have some big decisions to make in the next 24.

About Acts 3. I'm always intrigued by the fact that the temple gate was called "beautiful". I wonder if this gate served a purpose for directing thoughts and preparing those who would enter God's house. The gate was so important, the preparation for entering the temple so notable, that it was named! I'm considering God's temple in the physical sense, and my body being "God's temple". Do I display God's beauty as the gate in Acts 3? Does my presence reflect God and encourage others to want to know God, in such a way? Random thoughts...but this is where my spirit took me.

Also, Peter says to the blind man, (Message version) "I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you...." This was interesting to me because it challenged me to consider what I have been given, or what I "have" in Christ that I could offer another. The Spirit of God in Peter beckoned him to respond to this man in such a way that he could bring healing with words and faith. What has God given me to strengthen my faith? Do I respond to God's probing of my spirit with such faith? I'm tired, so these thoughts may be a little jumbled. I apologize if so.

Acts 3

Hey All,

Glad to hear Holly that it went smoother than expected with your bro. And Melanie, we've been praying for you, hope that its calming down for you and your fam. I am doing good. Not a whole lot going on. Enjoying the quiet time off and not being as productive as I'd hoped, but that's okay.

As for Acts 3, Collin . . . I agree that nothing big really pops out at me, but I do get interested in how the Jews then and now share the same sentiment about Christ. Its so interesting how it is so clearly spelled out to them, with examples from the OT and prophets they should relate to and understand and their hearts are just hardened. On the flip side, it really makes me appreciate God's plan and goodness in His calling people to Himself in His timing, so although I don't understand why the Jews and others who strongly oppose Christ do so, I can take comfort in God's plan, which I know is perfect. Thats all for now . . . Hope everyone is doing well :)

THOUGHTS ON ACTS

I've been looking through Acts chapter 3. Unlike chapters 1 & 2, I'm not necessarily finding any specific verses or sections that are jumping out at me with huge revelations. I'm more convicted by the attitude of the Apostles during this section of the book. They are incredibly bold with their faith. I don't believe that I shy away from my faith, but after reading this chapter I feel that I'm not vocal enough about it. I should be more intentional about finding opportunities to share what I believe - and I should be even more intentional about finding ways to show it. Any thoughts?

Collin