[Acts 8, Proverbs 15]

H – Acts 8:21, “You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.”

E – Saving Faith!

The story of Simon has captured my attention today. I can’t tell you how many times I have read it. But, today was different. 

Simon was a magician. He must have been pretty good at his trade because the people thought he was great and amazing (8:9-11). However, when Philip showed up in town he had something totally different. He had the power of Christ as he preached the “good news” about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (8:12). This was different than anything Simon had experienced or could do. People in his presence were being transformed and healed. Simon saw real signs and real miracles. Nothing was manipulated. Totally amazed he said “I BELIEVE” and was even Baptized (8:13). 

He must have now been a Christian, right? I mean, he went through the church rituals and was even baptized. 

However, we learn something different about what Simon believed in. It appears that Simon’s commitment was towards the signs and miracles and not to the name Jesus. Simon even tried to buy his way in and manipulate the Holy Spirit to do for him what he desired (8:18). He wanted others to take control and intercede on his behalf to even get it (8:24). Yet, Peter told him all of the things that he was doing in an attempt to buy, manipulate, and earn the favor of God would die with him (8:20). Simon was now confronted with the truth – He was not part of God’s Kingdom. 

The reality is, salvation is a gift (8:20) that is only received through genuine repentance (8:22). Anything else is superficial and disingenuous. Without genuine repentance, turning from our sin (wickedness) and selfishness and turning to the Lord Jesus Christ, we will continue in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity (8:23). We will die in our sin. 

Repentance and Faith in Jesus alone will atone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Not what I believe, what I did (baptism), what I have, what I think I deserve, our what others can do for me. Only Jesus!

The sad testimony of Acts 8 is there is no record of Simon repenting. The gospel message was more of what is in it for me (selfishness) instead of surrender. 

A – Genuine belief and faith in Jesus turns me away from wickedness and into His presence. Remain in a heart of repentance. Cling to His Word. Be filled with His Spirit. 

Keep this weeks memory verse at the forefront of my days. 

Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Lord, help me to walk in full surrender. God, help me to speak truth like Peter. Help me to know when to boldly speak or humbly be silent. Lord, I pray I see and experience the miracles of genuine salvation. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 6, Proverbs 11]

H – Acts 6:7, “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

E – Missional Maturity!

The desire of His church should be for the Word to increase (not just in the 4 walls) in which others are lead to Jesus, believers are trained and discipled, and disciples sent out to impact the world. However, there is a clear reality in Acts 6 that continues today. It’s called “growing pains.” I have never not known a church that grows numerically not have some type of issues. The most common still today is that people feel left out, or someone was not getting ministered to the way they thought they should be. The majority of the time it’s because they were not plugged in, unified in direction, and simply the right persons didn’t know. Regardless, there is a feeling of neglect. 

That’s what was happening in Acts 6; neglect. I can tell you how most of neglect has been handled over the years. It usually begins with, “Preacher, you need to ……” or “Preacher, you haven’t ……” I believe the church would have been a lot better off if Preachers/Pastors/Priest would have had a backbone and responded, “Sir/Ma’am, you need to grow up in missional maturity and take on responsibility of being part of His church.”

The first thing that needed to be address was the main thing – THE WORD. The apostles knew that it was not right for them to neglect time in prayer, study of the Word, and preaching of the Word to minister to daily neglects (6:2). Now hear me, that does not mean that Preachers/Pastors/Priest/Elders/Bishops never minster to those neglected. It means that it’s not common practice to those inside the church. 

Here is why! Because it was never meant to be their responsibility. It was meant to be the responsibility of the church. Notice in 6:2 that the 12 called and summoned “THE FULL NUMBER OF DISCIPLES.” They were all in this thing together and it was everyones responsibility. (Read 1 Corinthians 12)

The second thing that needed to be address was – WHO. It was specifically in Acts 6 – MEN. (However, we also see in the NT where women are called to serve the needs of others). They were to be respected, full of The Spirit, full of wisdom, and ready to serve (6:3). Well, shouldn’t that be everyone who has been part of His church for a substantial time? One would hope! But, that’s not the case when we see that statistically 10% or less do 90% or more.

What would happen if “THE CHURCH” grew up in Missional Maturity?

Acts 6 gives us a little insight – The Word would continue to increase, the church would grow (more people would be saved), and The Church Body would obey (from the Priest – down). 

If the church wants to be obedient to the faith, Acts 6 is a great model. May it be the heart of each of us to grow in Missional Maturity – respectful, full of His Spirit and wisdom, ready to serve, meeting the needs of all people. 

A – Grow in the Word. Teach The Word. Lead From The Word. Lead Others In The Word. Look For Others to Share The Word. Raise Up Leaders To Administer The Word. Meet Needs By The Word. 

R – Lord God, thank you for a clear picture of your church. Lord, I pray your church would become obedient to the faith. Lord, I pray that we would hunger and thirst for your Word and for your Word to lead us in Spirit and Truth. Father, I pray you would raise up MEN in biblical maturity to biblical manhood. I pray MEN would set the precedent for Biblical priority. God would you continue to teach us what your church should look like? Help and Lead us to surrender to your desires above our own. God, Grow your people. Raise up leaders. Grow your church. 

In Jesus Name! 

[Acts 5, Proverbs 10]

H – Acts 5:29–32, “[29] But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. [30] The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. [31] God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [32] And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.””

E – Obedience!

Peter and the apostles were watching God do a great work through the boldness of their testimony. People were being saved, sick were being healed, and others were continually bringing friends to hear of this Jesus. However, there were a group of religious leaders called the Sadducees who had rejected all claims of the resurrection. This group could not stand the testimony of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Therefore, they had the apostles locked up. However, you can’t stop God’s plan and He miraculously freed the apostles and commanded them to continue speaking to all the people the words of Life (5:20). 

Upon witnessing this the Sadducees demanded the apostles to stop speaking. But, they reminded these deviants that their obedience was not to them but God (5:29). It’s interesting to look at the progression of obedience in the highlighted passage and what comes with it. 

Genuine Obedience to Jesus as Lord leads to Repentance; Repentance produces Forgiveness; Living in Light of His Forgiveness gives Testimony; Testimony produces Power from His Holy Spirit. It’s all wrapped up in and through obedience. 

If you want the Holy Spirit. It’s given to those who Obey Him (5:32). 

A – Obedience should be the desire of a believer. It should be my desire. Obedience begins with my confession that Jesus is Lord and leads to a life that pursues Him with everything. Make Jesus my priority. 

R – Lord God, Thank you for giving me an opportunity to obey you, despite the many times that   I have failed. You are the God of countless second chances and I praise you for that. Lord, I desire obedience. Lead me through conviction and may I respond by repentance. Lord, I love you and I praise you for Who you Are. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 3, Proverbs 8]

H – Acts 3:19–20a, “[19] Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, [20] that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,……”

E – Refreshed!

After the great Pentecost moment in Acts 2 Peter continues to press forward with the Gospel. As he enters the local temple he encounters a lame beggar. This beggar wants alms, but Peter gives him something else. He gives him healing from the Lord. People were amazed, however he boldly lets them know that this healing did not come from him, but from faith in and through Jesus (3:16). The One they had delivered to be judged (3:13), denied before each other (3:14), and killed (3:15).

Yet, Peter shows grace for their ignorance (3:17). However he again boldly proclaims that their ignorance in failing to understand that Jesus was the Messiah does not absolve the responsibility for their actions, nor their eternal state. 

They like everyone who desires forgiveness must believe upon the Lord, repent of their sin, and turn to God. Only then will they experience the presence of the Lord and the refreshing that comes from His presence and forgiveness. 

It is also something that must take place daily in the life of those that have put their faith in Christ; continual repentance and seeking after the heart of God.

A – Keep seeking after the Lord. Respond to any conviction by repenting. Turn to Him anew each day. Walk in His presence. Be Refreshed. 

R – Lord God, thank you for giving me your spirit. Lord, thank you for forgiveness and the joy that it brings. It is truly refreshing. Lord, lead me in conviction through your Holy Spirit. Help me to see when and from what I need to repent of. Lord, thank you for burdening me to seek after you. I want to know you more. So Lord, pour your Spirit out on me anew. 

In Jesus Name!

[Acts 2, Proverbs 7]

H – Acts 2:21, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”

E – Never Getting Over It!

I tell my testimony all the time. One reason is because I never want to get over it. I know what the pangs of death feels like. I know what lostness feels like. I know what hopelessness feels like. And, I know what salvation feels like. Therefore, I never want to get over it. 

Acts 2 is one of the most amazing moments in Christian history. Jesus had just completed the will of God to take on the wrath of humanity by being crushing to the point of death, buried in a borrowed tomb, and victoriously resurrecting three days later. And Peter, along with those in one accord, filled with the Holy Spirit of God, had to tell somebody. God miraculously allowed them to speak in native languages that all people may hear; “This Jesus whom you crucified is God.”

Then Peter begins to address this truth through the words of the prophet Joel, who had professed over 600 years before this moment what was to take place and what would be offered through this Christ; Salvation. 

From one end to the other the Bible points to our one need; Jesus. And, when God is drawing someone to himself (2:39) and they call upon Him (2:21), they can have the hope of eternal salvation.

But, this calling is more than just a verbal acknowledgement. It’s a calling of full surrender and transfer of ownership. This calling leads to a new devotion (2:42-47). This calling, even according to Joel, involves giving the Lord all of our heart (Joel 2:12–13). Quit simply my calling on the Lord leads to a calling on my life to be transformed daily into His image. 

My calling for HELP has lead to a calling of devotion, and I never want to get over it. 

A – Remember my Salvation. Devote my time, talents, and treasures to the One that Saved me. Proclaim The Real Gospel to all who the Lord allows – Jesus Died, Was Buried, and Rose Again.

R – Lord God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for drawing me to yourself. Thank you for rescuing me. Thank you for your steadfast love, mercy, and grace. Thank you for the Joy of Salvation. Lord, I never want to get over it. Help me to daily surrender in devotion and proclaim the Gospel through my words and with my life. Lord, I pray I see others rescued. 

In Jesus Name!

[Luke 24. Proverbs 3]

H – Luke 24:45–48, “[45] Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, [46] and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, [47] and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. [48] You are witnesses of these things.”

E – Open the Eyes of My Heart!

True understanding of the Scriptures, so that one understands how all of redemptive history fits together, is a gift of God. This Gospel is a mystery (Col. 2:16). This mystery is hidden to those that truly do not know the redemptive purpose of God, through Christ. 

This Gospel is life to the Christ follower. The totality of the Gospel is of first importance. Paul stated, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, “[3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,……”

It is the Gospel that is first importance and only when it is of first importance will we begin to understand the Scriptures, which is Christ suffered to the point of death, was buried, and rose again on the third day so that any who call on Him will be saved. For those that believe and repent will be forgiven. And, when we truly know forgiveness, we remember (24:8) the “peace to us” (24:36) that comes from a genuine belief of the Gospel, that has now lead to a changed life. 

When my life has been changed I can’t help but proclaim The One that has changed me. I am a witness of the Gospel. For I was once dead in my sin, but now I am alive in Christ. 

Therefore, I should continue to desire my heart to burn for Him, The One who changed me, and continues to change me, as I walk through the Scriptures (24:32). 

A – I want my heart to burn as He opens up the Scriptures before me. Allow The Gospel to have continual transformation in my life that I would proclaim His name to all He allows me to. 

R – Lord God, thank you for changing my life. Thank you for suffering for my sins and defeating death and hell by rising on the third day. Lord, would you allow my heart to continue to burn for you as I read your Word? Breathe life change into my life anew each day. And Lord, allow me the opportunities to be UnAshamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16) and proclaim your name to any you see fit to put in my path. 

In Jesus Name!

[Luke 22, Proverbs 1]

H – Luke 22:31b–32, “[31] ……., Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

E – Failure Is Not Final!

There is no denying the enemies desire to bring a Christian down. There are so many instances throughout Scripture that point to this truth. John 10:10 describes the Enemy as a thief who only comes to kill, still, and destroy. 1 Peter 5:8 describes the Enemy as a roaring lion seeking to devour. The imagery used against the Satan could go on and on. We know who the enemy is, what he is like, and what his desire is for the Christian. 

And here is the truth – Sometimes we fail to his stinking schemes. But notice this, temporary failure does not have to be eternally final.

Jesus prayer for His disciples is that their faith would be greater than the deception around them. He prayed that their faith would not fail them. Imagine being completely clothed in Him and His armor, withstanding the schemes of the enemy. That’s Christ prayer for His. 

But remember the persistence of the Enemy. I can’t help but think of his temptations against Jesus himself. Luke 4:13, says, “And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” The enemy consistently looks for an opportunity in which he can wreak havoc and sift us like wheat. Moments of weakness to pounce and destroy. 

However, there is Power given to us that the Enemy cannot overcome. Here is it – REPENTANCE.

Notice what Jesus says, I have prayed that your faith may not fail, but when it does TURN AGAIN. The word “turn again” means walking away from what has lead to the failure. It’s turning from sin and turning anew to Jesus. It’s reestablishing our Faith in Christ and surrendering to His primacy in our lives again and again and again. 

The life of Peter teaches that The Lord is truly a God of countless second chances. From denying to testifying, yep there is power in repentance and that makes failure not final. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). 

A – Live a Life of Repentance. Strengthen my faith in Him through daily surrender and learning from my failures. Testify of Christ and strengthen others. 

R – Lord God, thank you that my failure is not final because of my faith in you. Thank you for forgiveness. Lord I pray my faith would grow. I pray that I would allow your discipline to guide me in wisdom (Proverbs 1). Lord, help me to see the beauty of Repentance. Help me to know that my need for you is great than anything that deceives me away from that truth. Lord, help me to live today in light of your abundance and everything I do I would do it in remembrance of You. 

In Jesus Name!

[Luke 21, Proverbs 31]

H – Luke 21:34, “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”

E – These words have stuck with me all day and I’m just getting a chance to journal about it. 

Jesus is Coming Again!

This truth is undeniable. It will happen. There is coming a day that Jesus will step out of Heaven, we will stand before Him, and He will act upon everything prophesied and promised. His admonishment to His disciples was: watch yourselves (v.34), stay awake (v.36), and pray for strength (v.36). 

The reality is not everyone will be ready for His return or stand justified before Him. Rather, there are those that will stand judged because they were eternally distracted from proclaiming, Jesus is Lord. There are two things that Jesus proclaims could be issues in distracting ones attention away from His return. 

1) The first of these is drunken parties in which you dull your mind with alcohol until you have no capacity to think about Jesus and his coming. 

2) The second is the stress of life so that you concentrate so much on worldly matters and your position in the world that you forget that this world is not eternal and that your eternal life depends on your readiness for the next world.

Jesus has given signs. We have no excuse not to be ready. He has warned us of ways that will keep us from being ready. Do not get caught up in drunkenness or in this world’s stress.

Keep your eye on the signs of the times and avoid the trap.

A – Live each moment watching, waiting, and anticipating Christ’ return.

R – Lord God, thank you for loving us. Thank you for fulfilling your promises and giving us everything we need to stand before you in Victory. Your love for us so great. Lord, give me strength to keep pressing!

In Jesus Name!

[Luke 20, Proverbs 28]

H – Luke 20:38, “Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” 

E – Alive!

The resurrection of Christ is the subject matter of much of the New Testament. The Pharisees doubted the resurrection, the Sadducees were a sect of religious people who never believed the resurrection, and false teachers preached against the resurrection. 

Yet, Jesus is living proof of the resurrection. Just as he proclaimed to His disciples (Luke 11:29-32; 18:31-34; 21:25-28; ), the Son of God would die for the sins of humanity and be raised to life (resurrected). 

The apostles proclaim the resurrection. They knew it was of first importance, so they proclaimed it in their teachings and in their writings, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…. (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). (Read the Epistles)

Here is the truth. The Gospel is incomplete without the resurrection. There is no “Good News” unless death was defeated through the resurrection. There is no hope for a sinful humanity that confessed their need for Jesus without the resurrection. There is no promised Holy Spirit without the resurrection. There is no life without the resurrection. 

The Gospel is Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. That’s the Good News! That’s our Hope! That gives us our promised Help! That is what gives us Life, abundant and eternal. 

So here is what Jesus is saying, “Only living people can have a God,” and those that live their life through Him are ALIVE, forevermore. 

Because of Jesus’s resurrection I have the ability to LIVE and be ALIVE today, right now, and forevermore. 

A – Live today. Be alive today. Rejoice and Cling to the Gospel and never get over; Jesus lived, died, was buried, and rose again. 

R – Lord God, thank you for life. Thank you that I’m alive and in you will forever be. Thank you for the hope that you have given; by dying for my sins and raising to life to defeat its grip, that I may live. You are the God of forgiveness and you are the God of eternal hope. Lord, I praise you. 

In Jesus Name!

[Luke 18, Proverbs 26]

H – Luke 18:18, “And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

E – Justified!

There is only one way to be justified. In Luke 18 there are 2 parables that Jesus gave (The Pharisee and the Tax Collector – The Rich Ruler) that points to our need for genuine salvation and eternal life. 

The Pharisee justified his ‘salvation’ by what he had and did. He based his righteousness and self worth by the things that he did in the name of religion. He prayed, fasted, and gave his tithe faithfully, but he was not considered righteous.

The Rich Ruler justified his ‘salvation’ by what he did also. He claimed to have kept the commandments all the way from his youth. Yet, when he heard the truth about what one must do to inherit eternal life he left sad and defeated. 

Both The Pharisee and The Rich Ruler failed to see what true justification was and is; humbleness before God. To be justified before God means to fully surrender to Jesus through repentance. The only way that I can be justified is to have been redeemed, through faith in Jesus and Jesus alone. There is nothing that I can do to earn my salvation and eternal life or to be justified. It’s simple Jesus. 

It’s Jesus in me and Jesus through me. 

A – Both The Pharisee and Rich Ruler points to my need to humble myself before the Lord, lay before Him in repentance, surrender a new each day, and give of myself as I follow Him.

R – Lord God, thank you that I have found my worth in you. I know I’m only justified because of your great grace and my faith in you. Lord, I humble ask that you convict me of the things that have a grip on my life, fill me anew today, create in me a clean heart, and renew your Spirit in me. Thank you for the promise of eternal life. 

In Jesus Name!