David Bahn – Reflections – Page 339 – Light from the Word and through the lens

Cause Celebre

October 14, 2013

Acts 4:32-27

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet,and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Please Note: We purchased this video for use at St. John. So while this link is to the “Preview Only” version we actually do have the rights to show the video. I was unable to upload it, however, and chose to insert this preview version.

Whether it’s the fight against AIDS, breast cancer, human trafficking, or bullying, causes come and go. For a time they hit the center stage of world concern. Hollywood makes movies about the issue. Books are written. Charities and foundations are set up. But todays cause celebre is tomorrow’s old news. We are too quickly distracted from one good care to another crisis.

That isn’t the case with the newly-forming church. Luke tells us about the life of the early Christians, and to some extent it looks like a time of exceptional interest with all the makings of the latest craze. People are united and graciously concerned about one another. A strong witness to the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection was the centerpiece of the apostles’ preaching. People were being extraordinarily generous with their lives and money. Surely this would fade away. This is just the overly-excited eagerness of a bunch of new converts.

Or maybe not. Throughout its history the Church has had its share of controversy. But those sad and distressing moments are the exception not the rule. We may not think we will ever do it as well as the Early Church, but take a look ahead and you will see that corruption and deception is nothing new. And though in fact the church is a hospital for sinners, it is a place where sharing, love, understanding, compassion, support, charity, generosity and love are held up as goals and aspirations for us all.

Perhaps we need to take a look at the behavior of these early Christians to see what of our first love we have lost. Maybe there is a wake-up call for us to answer in regard to our lives under Christ. But this life of love, grace, generosity, and conviction is no passing fad. These have been the marks of God’s people for 2000 years. Inspired by Christ himself, assured as blessed by his resurrection, these good works are the beautiful adornment of lives forgiven and hearts changed by the grace of God in Jesus. Is there a place where that grace needs to shine through in your life today?
Lions and tigers and bears: Bring ’em on!

October 11, 2013
Acts 4:23-31

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, ²⁵who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
²⁶The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

²⁷for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, ²⁸to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. ²⁹And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, ³⁰while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Though it didn’t look promising, Seth Smith went to the plate in Game 5 of an American League baseball division series in Oakland, Calif., last night (Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013). With two outs he didn’t throw in the towel. Down 3-0 the A’s didn’t skip the 9th inning. Having lost this game they will not now give up baseball. But too often we Christians strike out on the first pitch. And that should not be.

Having been arrested for healing a lame man in the name of Jesus, imprisoned, and now released from custody, these Jesus-followers determined to pray for boldness to speak the word. They didn’t ask for a pass. They didn’t give up witnessing. They asked God to consider the threats of their persecutors, and prayed that God would give them the courage to continue to spread his word.

Even more interesting, however, is the matter-of-fact conviction that God was reigning over all, and that he would continue his good work in Jesus’ name. In an almost offhanded manner, they prayed for boldness, “…while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” They knew God reigned over all things. They knew they were securely in the care of the One who had faced, tasted, and conquered death. They knew God’s work would go on – no matter what. So they remained steadfast. They didn’t give up when challenged. They didn’t lose heart.

I need that kind of resolute conviction. I’d rather not have to fight to give witness to my God. Even in the face of subtle persecution, it’s easy to back off. And while I don’t believe we need to be bullies for Jesus, we don’t need to be wimps in the face of persecution either. Christians today are literally facing death because of their faith. In North Korea, Syria, Libya, Egypt, the Sudan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan – to name a few – bombings, torture, imprisonment, and worse fates are visited on those who follow Jesus. It’s a good day to pray for boldness, realizing that God’s reign is not shaken even in the worst situations of injustice, and look for signs of his reign in our daily lives.

Michael Frost recently said there are four ways that the reign of God is manifest, and which we may demonstrate that to others:
- Reconciliation between God and between peoples
- Justice – in particular for the poor and those who have no voice
- Beauty – as opposed to the squalor of sin, violence, debauchery, and decay
- Wholeness – health and wellness: a body-mind-spirit redemption
Which of these might you boldly demonstrate today?
Boldness, conundrums, and clarity

October 10, 2013

Acts 4:13-22

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. ¹⁵But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, ¹⁶saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.”¹⁸So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, ²⁰for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” ²¹And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.²²For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

“It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.” So the saying goes – usually with a west Texas twang, maybe spoken by a former Midland or Odessa high school football player. Tough guys, with more true grit than John Wayne. In the case of Peter, John, and the now-healed man, however, it wasn’t bragging and truth; it was boldness and reality. And that brought a conundrum into play for the religious authorities: The disciples were bold beyond their natural abilities. The healed man was in plain view. All this was done in the name of Jesus. But they wanted to squash the teachings of Jesus. What to do? How to deal with these men and the incessant growth of Jesus’ followers?

Their solution was simple but ineffectual: Peter and John were to cease and desist from speaking in Jesus’ name. In fact the name of Jesus was so odious that Luke quotes their words, “…speak no more in this name” [emphasis added]. They wouldn’t even speak Jesus’ name! Peter and John’s reply was simple and straight-forward: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” That’s clarity – a sorely lacking commodity in today’s world.

Politics and too often even religion is filled with word-spinning artful dodgers. Pundits and advisors, consultants and PR gurus will advise “useful ambiguity.” Jesus’ name boldly embraced may cause some uncomfortable moments. But we have heard the Good News and seen Jesus change lives. We have confessed his name in worship. When the time comes the example of Peter and John may well remind and encourage us to be bold and courageous. That’s a gift of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised to send to his followers. Sometimes the evidence of his work simply needs to be embraced.
Clarity has consequences

October 9, 2013

Acts 4:1-12

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, ²greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ³And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.⁴But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

⁵On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, ⁶with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. ⁷And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” ⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, ⁹if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, ¹⁰let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. ¹¹This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. ¹²And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

A Coptic Christian pastor was beaten and tortured to death not long ago in Libya. There is wholesale Christian persecution – including whole families being shot in North Korea. This is chronicled in the book Persecuted, the Global Assault on Christians, by Paul Marshall, Nena Shea, Lila Gilbert. This is happening much in the Islamic and Communist countries. Sadly, this is nothing new. While we face a more subtle challenge in the United States, it is nothing like what our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Still, it is neither politically correct nor often welcomed even to pray publicly in Jesus’ name. A fellow pastor was told that he could not use Jesus’ name in a prayer for a Boy Scout program. Schools and governments regularly limit any explicit reference to Jesus in their programs or assemblies. At work, one can be charged with hate speech in certain religious conversations.

Sadly, this is nothing new. Peter and the apostles faced such challenges from the earliest times. But they met it head on. In the end Peter used this encounter with the authorities to proclaim, “…there is no other name [than Jesus]…by which we must be saved.” He and John had just been released from prison for their witness to Jesus. They would face continued persecution and imprisonment because they would not keep quiet. And the Christian Church would continue to grow.

Sometimes clarity has negative consequences. Sometimes those are harsh. But in the end, the greatest consequence of clarity in our witness to Jesus is that people are brought to faith. People are saved. A Christian woman is consistently witnessing to her faith at work. She recently told me that if it comes to being thrown in prison for her witness, that would be OK. That’s because if “John” (the man to whom she is regularly witnessing about Jesus, life, and salvation) is in heaven it will be worth it. I wonder whether we could make that same statement. Peter did. I certainly hope we would too.
Refreshing Repentance

October 8, 2013

Acts 3:17-26

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. ¹⁸But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. ¹⁹Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, ²⁰that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, ²¹whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. ²²Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. ²³And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ ²⁴And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. ²⁵You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ ²⁶God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Interior of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany

“When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said “Repent”, He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” This is the first of Martin Luther’s 95 theses which he posted on the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany nearly 500 years ago. Jesus’ first message recorded in Mark’s gospel is, “The time has come, the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-16). Peter’s message to the people in the temple is the same: “Repent,…” but with a compelling promise: not only would their sins be blotted out, but also “times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (v.19-20).

Such a clear and consistent message forms the foundation for the Christian life. But the call for repentance – while consistent and lifelong – takes on ever new and nuanced meaning as we grow and mature in our Christian faith. The people of Peter’s day had to come to grips with their need for repentance, forgiveness and refreshment – even as religious and pious as they were. They had factored the Son of God out of their lives, but he is the source of refreshing grace and liberating truth. Jesus’ message had to do with recognizing the reign of God in daily life and the Good News of his presence and power in the world. Luther faced a church which had replaced true religion with formalistic religious ritual.

Our challenge today is to turn away from the rat race, to close our eyes to the glitz, glamor, and glare of affluence and worldly pleasures, and to find true refreshment in the presence of Jesus in all of life. Jesus has been known to turn people’s lives upside down. His message is challenging and radical: “Love your enemy. Do good to those who persecute you. Take up your cross and follow me.” But his words to the humble are refreshing: “I am the good shepherd, and I lay down my life for the sheep. Come to me all you who labor…and I will give you rest. Whoever believes in me will have eternal life.”

Repentance is an attitude of the heart of humility before God and in the presence of others. It puts us in the position of being refreshed by Jesus’ presence and promises. But to experience that fully we must be willing to embrace our utter and desperate need for such refreshment. Most days I am only vaguely aware of that need. Thanks be to God when he calls me to repent and believe the gospel, refreshing me in his presence! How about you?
October 7, 2013

Acts 3:11-16

While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. ¹²And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? ¹³The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. ¹⁴But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, ¹⁵and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. ¹⁶And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

“IHS” the first three letters of the name “Jesus” in Greek: IHSUS. As a child I thought the three letters meant, “In His Service.”

Perhaps you’ve heard the inspirational poem The Race. It describes a young man who falls three times in a race, and determines to get up each time. He loses the race but receives the greatest cheers of all when he crosses the finish line far behind all the others. It is a touching encouragement to get up and rejoin the race whatever it is and wherever we may fall. The idea: keep on keeping on until you draw your last breath. Give it your all and embrace every challenge again and again until you succeed or die trying.

Jesus would seem to be the greatest example of one who got back up and rejoined the race – even after his death! Peter makes a point of the people’s part in unjust treatment Jesus endured and makes but a small allusion to Jesus’ resurrection. But Peter makes a larger point of the fact that it was by Jesus’ name, and faith in him that the once-lame man was now “walking, leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:6-8).

Jesus didn’t just get back into a race when he rose from the dead. He rose continued his work – now through his apostles. By Jesus’ name, and through faith in his name the lame man was made strong. The man now standing before them was testimony to the power of faith properly founded.

Peter makes the point of attaching the miracle of this man’s healing to Jesus’ name. It is by his name, and through faith in his name that the man was healed. Jesus is the healer. Peter’s and John’s own power or piety had nothing to do with it. What if we prayed as though Jesus himself were praying? What if we sought healing for our friends or family members as though Jesus himself were at work? What if Jesus’ name was never a throw-away phrase, or merely a religious incantation? What if we believed that Jesus resurrection didn’t signal only his triumph over sin, the devil, and death, but also God’s on-going work in our lives through Jesus?

We can live and act as though Jesus’ resurrection is an important religious belief, or we can live as though Jesus’ resurrection signaled the ongoing work of God through Jesus. We can realize that Jesus didn’t merely rise from the dead 2000 years ago, but that his glory extends over all time, and in his name great things continue to happen. What might that mean for you today?
Spectator’s Prerogative

October 4, 2013

Acts 3:1-10

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they 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. 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. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

London Theatre (Not NHL) “cheap” seats

We were sitting in the cheap seats (cheap being a relative term!) at an NHL hockey game. Along with the usual cheers and boos one particularly boystrous fan felt compelled to shout an obscene word that used to be reserved for R-rated movies and locker rooms. Once, then twice came the expletive. Rather than enduring it (along with my family), I got the fan’s attention and said, “Don’t do that.” And somehow that worked. The language changed from R-rated to PG.
On this occasion of the lame man’s healing the spectators were filled with awe when they saw the once-lame man walking and leaping and praising God. I’m not certain just why the people in the temple didn’t have a stronger reaction against this event. Perhaps the priests, Sadducees, and temple guards didn’t immediately realize that all this was being done in the name of Jesus. That would change soon enough (chapter 4). But the common folks were in awe. The implication is that they realized something extraordinary was going on. They weren’t put off by this commotion, else Luke surely would have told us so. In stead, God had gotten their attention and they listened to Peter as he called them to repent.
Although we may not often see such dramatic demonstrations of God’s power and work in people’s lives, we do have some choice in how we respond as we do see God at work. We can yawn in bored apathy. We can seek to debunk or deny the hand of God in the affairs of men and women. Or we can embrace these events as a call to discern God’s work in the lives of people. We can recognize that God’s kingdom is breaking into our world; something important has happened.
Over the past few years I have been seeking to discern the presence and breakthrough of the Kingdom of God, and as that happens, been asking myself and others, “What is God saying to me here? And, what am I going to do about it?” These two questions, of course, change us from spectators into participants in God’s reign (kingdom). As we ask these questions in a deliberate and thoughtful manner we are better able to see God’s kingdom more often, and more regularly are given the opportunity to participate in God’s work in others’ lives. That is a far better option than yelling expletives, or seeking to shut down people’s praise.
The reign of God has been established by Jesus’ death and resurrection. He is still at work in the world today. What do you see today that would move you to listen for God’s voice; and as you discern his kingdom’s presence, what will you do about it?
When good things happen to bad people

October 1, 2013

Acts 2:46-47

And day by day,attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The age-old question is often asked: Why do bad things happen to good people. We rail at seemingly unfair treatment when it goes against us or other innocent folks. But we seldom struggle with the opposite – except in the case of resentment. When good things happen to someone else than us, we easily become resentful. When our co-worker gets a promotion he doesn’t deserve, or when a neighbor’s daughter does well in spite of the shambles of her family life, we take notice. When the rich get a tax break for which we don’t qualify we notice.

But when we get the raise, or our daughter does well, or we find a tax loophole we embrace it more easily. We think little of it and may even fail to thank God for it. God’s grace comes to us undeserved. You cannot earn grace, for it becomes something else altogether if it’s earned. God does not wait until we are deserving to shower his blessings on us, or else we would never receive them.

The converts on Pentecost are bold examples of this truth. One moment they are described as the ones who “crucified and killed” Jesus (cf. Acts 2:23), the next they are “praising God and having favor with all the people.” Notice, however, that there is more to the description of their behavior. They now have glad and generous hearts. They praise God. They enjoy food and fellowship in each others’ homes. Their lives are changed.

It may not be obvious to those of us who have grown up in the Christian faith, but our lives are different too. Praising God, having glad and generous hearts or opening our lives and homes to one another is a decidedly different thing to do. But it is part of the changed life of one who has encountered the goodness of God.

We’re all formerly-bad people. We need to remember that. But a very good thing has happened to us. God has redeemed us by the death and resurrection of his Son. He has brought us into his kingdom of grace. Though undeserving, God has reached out to us with his love. We are eternally changed by that love. Do you know someone who is undeserving to whom you can announce and demonstrate God’s love?

Acts 2:37-47

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸And 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. ³⁹For 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.”⁴⁰And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying,“Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” ⁴¹So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

⁴²And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶And day by day,attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their foodwith glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Shocked then Awed

September 30, 2013

Acts 2:37, 43

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” …

And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

Nearly 25 years ago I attended the National Conference on Small Groups. This was a gathering of the most insightful people in the then-nascent small group movement. The speakers were insightful and thoughtful. We learned about the challenges of building small groups within a congregation, as well as the blessings that come when people develop intimate ties in gatherings of 6-12 people. One speaker, however, said something at the beginning of her presentation that has stuck with me all these years.

This sweet sister from the Roman Catholic Church began her presentation with these words: “Renewal always begins with repentance.” That truth is on bold display here in the events of the first Christian Pentecost. After Peter brings a no-holes-barred call to account for the death of Jesus, the people are cut to the heart and ask, “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer: “Repent and be baptized…” His answer was simple but profound. They responded – at least 3000 of the people did, and they were added to the number of Jesus followers on that day.

While the call to repentance is vital for the church, it seems we tend more toward the promise side of the equation, and emphasize the Good News almost to the exclusion of the call to repentance. Peter’s words to those who asked were ladened with Good News promises: forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, available for all – young and old alike. We must never lose sight of that.

But the need for genuine repentance remains. When was the last time you were cut to the heart; filled with sorrow over your sins, humility, and brokenness before God? I don’t think that needs to be a tearful and traumatic, “what-shall-we-do” experience every day, nor even every week. But, honestly, when was the last time you were deeply touched by the message of the Law of God? When was the last time you realized that if there is no grace of God there is no hope for you.

I’ve been there once or twice. But I might honestly protect my heart from such deep sadness more than I should. I an thankful to God for his mercy to be sure. But renewal begins with repentance. I need that daily. How about you?

Acts 2:37-47

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸And 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. ³⁹For 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.”⁴⁰And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying,“Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” ⁴¹So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

⁴²And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶And day by day,attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Centerpiece

September 27, 2013

Acts 2:32-36

This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

I have been at the FiveTwo WIKI Conference for the past three days. During that time I have heard from some excellent speakers, visited with some great friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and colleagues in ministry, as well as having participated in some edifying workshops. High on the list of great speakers are Michael Frost, Dr. Lorena Gonzales, and Bob Goff. Each brought a different perspective and focus regarding missional living.

Michael Frost spoke about the Reign of God as something to announce and demonstrate. Bob Goff talked about holding out cups of water lightly by the rim (a marathon running analogy). Dr. Gonzales shared her encounter with real people living in poverty and how God lifted them out of poverty, and eventually also out of economic poverty.

The centerpiece of all this? Jesus’ work in people’s hearts and lives to redeem, give hope, restore lives, and bring salvation. Frost told of “STREET PASTORS” ministered to people in a community dramatically reducing the incidents of alcohol-related violence, while sharing Jesus’ message of forgiveness with broken people. Gonzales told the story of a five-time convicted felon who was redeemed from a life of drug abuse, then introduced her and let her tell her story of shame turned to delight. Bob Goff shared how he helped bring the first Ugandan witch doctor to trial and conviction for the brutal attempted murder of an eight-year-old boy. He used his story to urge us all to “do Tuesday” rather than “do ministry.” In other words, live your life for Christ rather than compartmentalize your Christian witness or service.

What gets just a bit tricky has to do with a reaction I heard of from some of the participants. For the message was heavily centered in the realm of God’s reign (sovereignty) rather than our more familiar and well-founded (Lutheran) Christo-centric message. This was a nagging concern of mine as well, but not to the point of dismissing the message. In fact, I believe the “Reign of God” (a preferred term to “Kingdom of God”) is an important corrective to our sometimes one-deminsional message of salvation. We have a great handle on justification by grace through faith. It’s the center of Lutheran theology. We sometimes, however, neglect to talk about the purpose for Jesus’ redemption, “that I may be his own and live under him in his kingdom…” (cf. Luther’s Small Catechism, 2nd Article).

This week was that corrective. It’s all centered in Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God. He is the King of kings and the One before whose name all people will bow. He is our Redeemer and the centerpiece of history and faith. So just as a beautiful centerpiece adorns a table, I want Christ to adorn my life and be on prominent display in all that I do. I’m deeply thankful for his redemption and his continuing grace in my life. I want to live under him in his kingdom and serve him today. How about you?

Acts 2:29-41

“Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. ³²This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. ³³Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. ³⁴For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
³⁵ until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

³⁶Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

³⁷Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸And 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. ³⁹For 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.”⁴⁰And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying,“Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” ⁴¹So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.