I will confess, I never saw myself as a lead pastor. And in God’s sovereignty, He used a year of me at Morningside Baptist to help me see in me what He desired. That was the first time I ever was able to see God’s preparation for me. When I shared with Hilary what door […]
Resolution Check-In
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It is the third week of the new year and now it is time for some accountability. How are you doing with all of those resolutions? Perhaps you committed to stop drinking, start exercising, or re-define your view of self by talking back to all those insecurities. If you are like me, all the best […]
Choose Jesus – Acts 3:14
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3:14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
Choices matter. For the people of Israel, they were able to see Jesus in the flesh and witness His miraculous power on display but they denied who He was and instead chose Barabbas.
In modern times, we are no different. Through the Living Word of the Bible, the presence of His Church, and the miraculous work of His creation and supernatural intervention, all of mankind can see Him so that “No man is without excuse”, according to Romans 1:20.
Yet many still deny Him and choose instead a substitute that is provided they the Devil. Let us heed Joshua 24:15, and on this day let’s look at both blessing and cursing and choose life in Christ.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 3:14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
Starting Point of Apologetics – Acts 2.16
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2:16 “But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ”
We know that God has mandated that we share His message of redemption to the world. We desire to obey God, but the fear that invades our body and mind when we begin a conversation with a stranger about Jesus or the Bible can cripple us, or even lead to disobedience.
Often the hurdle to overcome is identifying a starting point for the conversation. We have learned to utilize crutches like a survey, or we have learned to lead with a question that is not even considered in a post-Christian world; like, “If you were to die tonight, where would you be?” Peter utilized sound apologetics in Acts 2 that provides sound advice relevant today.
Peter’s response to the skeptics teaches us a great deal about a proper approach to apologetics. In 2:15 Peter acknowledged their observation and judgment of drunkenness. With the aim of sharing the Gospel, Peter pivots the conversation toward the Gospel but begins with a spiritual position of common ground.
Recognizing that he was addressing a Jewish audience, he captured their attention by referencing a respected prophet. Given that Old Testament prophets are undeniable authoritarians on God’s diving plan, Peter’s use of Joel’s prophetic words allows the listeners to understand the context better and be in a position to receive the hopeful word.
A lesson to be learned for modern day apologists, we must understand our culture and their spiritual questions asked. This will allow us to listen and respond in grace and truth in a way that engages their mind so that the Holy Spirit can capture their hearts.
Paul models this in Acts 17 when he engages the Athenian people regarding their pagan gods. In an era of post-truth is behooves the modern day believer to recognize the spiritual questions that people are asking that often relate to the desire for peace and hope in one’s life today.
The presuppositions of basic Bible knowledge no longer exist and the modern day apologist must sincerely study culture to engage in Gospel conversations. We are caretakers of God’s message of hope and truth for eternity but also for the here and now. For those who are seeking peace and hope today, we can model life with Christ in how we love others. More-so, we can share the hope of Jesus with open and honest conversations that share our story and His story of redemption and love.
If you work with students in your church and would like to learn more on how you can equip them to understand and share the Gospel, check out thisismystoryga.com
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 2:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Breaking News of the Holy Spirit; Acts 2:2
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2:2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
Breaking news! This alert may come to our devices as an unexpected notification. With the screen flash may come news of celebration of heartbreak.
BREAKING NEWS
A report of change was ushered in as Acts 2:2 describes the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is described as a sound from heaven, and the word “echos”, translated as sound, means “noise,” “report,” and “news.”
It was this proclamation from God to His church that fulfilled the promise of Jesus a few days earlier at His ascension. While God often speaks in a still small voice, here He chose to speak through a rushing wind; as He did in Job 38:1 and Ezekiel 1:4. His power and might were displayed in the method of this breaking news to emphasize the power and impact of its display.
FAITHFULLY WAITING
The apostles, who had been devoted to prayer, were consumed with the presence of God at this moment while they were sitting. It is noteworthy that they were content to remain where God has called them to be and continue in the work of prayer He had commissioned them to do.
In Acts 1:4, Jesus had ordered them to not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for this promise. Often we are impatient and try to force the hand of God, rather than remaining faithful where He has placed us and patiently waiting for His timing.
A fundamental question to consider is whether or not we are faithful and patient in the waiting to obey Him while we expect the news to break for another sweeping move of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 2:2). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Catch the Spirit | A.1:8
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1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Perhaps the most critical person on the baseball team is the catcher. When I watch a game I find myself drawn to his calls of defensive positions, pitches, and posture. He truly is the commander on the field. He is more appropriately called by the baseball community, a “receiver”. This is because how we receives the ball often influences the call more than just it landing in his mit. His position, movement, and command can dictate the flow of the game. In Acts, we are challenged and commanded to be a “receiver”.
To receive anything requires intent of the giver and taking by the receiver. Jesus promised that power would be given and should be received. His intent is not to bless us, but to redeem the world. We are told to receive diving power, which is from the word, dynamis. This word is the same one used to describe the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. The power of the Spirit that healed the sick is the same Spirit that lives in us. Be careful that this power doesn’t move you to ego.
The second part of the command and promise of Acts 1:8 is that you will receive power and that you will be a witness to the ends of the Earth. By definition, a witness declares what they have seen others do. Our mission is to walk in the power of the Spirit in order to proclaim the message of Jesus to the world.
Like the catcher, our position, movement, and command can often dictate the flow of the game. When we deflect any praise to Him, and when we walk according to the rhythm of the Spirit we then begin to move into the flow of His game and not ours.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 1:8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
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