Good Morning “Blessed Through Suffering.”  Today we’re in Romans 5.

Blessed through suffering… what a strange concept.  Having hope in the midst of darkness is indeed a blessing but how does that kind of hope come?  According to Paul, who is no stranger to either - hope comes through suffering.

“And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In fact all the byproducts of suffering are counted as blessing.  James seems to agree (James 1).  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we suffer through tough life stuff we don’t usually count it as joy.  Recognize however that some of the best lessons, some of the deepest growth happens through the tough stuff.  In sports we know that training for competition isn’t typically fun.  It is however essential.  A good training program produces success.

Furthermore, there are aspects of Gods character we only get to see in the midst of suffering.  There has to be a trial for us to experience peace that transcends all understanding in the midst (Philippians 4:6).  We often don’t recognize answered prayers until we’re on our face pleading.  How would we know God is still in the business of doing miracles unless we need one? Through suffering we can move from knowing Gods nature to TRULY knowing we are loved and cared for, and thus be moved to love Him back.

Don’t mistake happiness for Joy.  Joy isn’t dependent on circumstances - happiness is.  Pure joy only comes through Jesus in us (Galatians 5:22-23).  It can’t be temporarily manufactured by the world’s offerings.  I don’t think James or Paul are suggesting that we’re gitty happy when things go bad, but we can be full of joy knowing Gods got a plan, and is about to do something big!  In the end even if we don’t like the plan, we have promise that it’s GOOD (Psalm 100:5; Jeremiah 29:11)!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “By Faith.” Today we are in Romans 4.  

Paul is addressing the question, “How were people saved before Jesus came?”  How could someone be saved by faith in Jesus and His blood shed on the cross for their sins when that had not yet happened?  

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  People before Jesus were saved by faith in God and Jesus to come, just like we today are saved by faith in Jesus.    They demonstrated their faith by obeying the law.  When they sinned, blood was required.  They demonstrated their faith by offering a blood sacrifice.  However; their animal sacrifices never took their sin away, they just temporarily covered their sin.  A once and for all sacrifice was required… they knew Jesus was coming.  Their obedience to the law wasn’t their salvation, it was the piece that demonstrated their faith.  Like we always say, their works didn’t save them - their works demonstrated their belief.  

Check it out:

“What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We too demonstrate our faith when we are obedient the Word of God.  We too are required to demonstrate our Faith by offering a sacrifice - daily.   What?  Yup, remember Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

They offered blood sacrifices in the form of animals - we offer ourselves as living sacrifices.   When we sin, blood is required.  But the blood of animals doesn’t cut it… never did (Hebrews 10:1-4). Apart from receiving Jesus blood shed on the cross for our sins there is no adequate payment.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Justified by Grace through Faith”.  Today we are in Romans 3!  

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this chapter Paul is dealing with the idea that when we sin, our unrighteousness shines even more light on Gods righteousness.  While that is true, any notion that we should keep on sinning so that Gods glory might be better exhibited - is RIDICULOUS!  Would you ever hope your kids would continue in disobedience so that you might show them grace?  God is glorified when we choose Him and His ways despite the many alternatives of the world!

Again, it’s not the way we live or the things we do that save us… but they should accompany a truly repentant heart demonstrating a life changed by Holy Spirit who dwells in us.  What does it say if there is no change?

It’s all Him!  Always was, always is.  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “All in The Boat”.  Today we are in Romans 2.  

Bible publishers broke the Bible into chapters - the writers didn’t.  Paul’s letter to the Romans was continuous.  At the end of Romans 1 we read this, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Then Paul continues “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What’s Paul referring to?  What things?  He’s referring to the list of sins that define the Romans at the time.  It has been said this list defines us well.  Right after noting that they had begun to worship created things rather than the creator, he gives them over to lust condemning any and all sexual sin.  That is, any and all sexual sin outside of Gods design for marriage.  But then, check out what’s next on the list, “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s easy to read through a chapter like this and think… that’s not me, I’m in the clear.  But… envy, gossips, slanderers, arrogant, boastful, disobey parents… what???  Yeah, these things too are markers of our depravity.  We not only see an increase in these kinds of sins as well, but now a justification of them.  

“You can see why they are upset… no wonder they’re rioting.”  

“Well of course he’s going to disobey his parents, they’re unreasonable.”  

“Did you hear what she did?  I’m only telling you so you can pray for her.  It’s not gossip.”

Glorification of sin in nearly every form has become prime time television, and viral social media.

So what’s Paul’s point?  Keep our mouths shut?  Live and let live?  I don’t believe that’s it since he’s just given a stern warning about giving hearty approval to sin.  I believe he’s charging them to clean up their own house.  Look in the mirror.  Let the Holy Spirit change you from the inside out.  The way of the world NEVER trumps the way of God even if EVERYONE gives approval to it!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Truth of God Seers”! Today we begin Romans with chapter 1.

How could a good God send someone to Hell who has never heard about Him?  First of all the question makes incorrect assumptions to begin with. Because of sin and our sin nature, the DEFAULT is hell. We’re already going. That’s the destination for the unrepentant sinner period.  God gave us a different option - Jesus. And… Scripture speaks to the fact that we ALL know God exists without someone even telling us.  Check it out… You ready?  

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Creation echos His name.  As a result we ought each seek Him out.  Apart from deception, rejection of Truth, acceptance of lies, and embracing totally unlikely scenarios it’s plain to see!  Because we are control freaks, unwilling to yield our lives to a Holy God who has expectations for the way we live - we will cling to any belief system that leaves us in control of our own lives.  We’ll welcome any system that lets us live the way we want to live, convincing ourselves it’s somehow good!  Unfortunately some even distort The Truth and expectation of Gods Word to this end.

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, while he was in Corinth… sometime around Acts 20. It is jam packed with application for us today!  Check it out!  Pay special attention to the descriptions of the 3 levels of the decent of man.  Years ago, there was a general agreement regarding right and wrong.  We could not imagine a world in which we would begin to justify, condone and give approval to sin.  We’re here!  Isn’t that the norm in our world today? There is an applicable warning originally given to the nation of Israel that applies here!

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isaiah 5:20 keep going in Isaiah…

If we read on we see that The Lord loves His people and as such - He will not let their turning away go uncorrected.

“Therefore the Lord’s anger burns against his people; his hand is raised and he strikes them down. The mountains shake, and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.” Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Check out the rest of Romans 1.  Look at the collection of sins noted there and consider where we… where you fit.  It’s one thing to be caught up in sin, but quite another to start saying it’s ok - to normalize it.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Truth Receivers”.  Today we are in Acts 28.

Paul ends up preaching in Rome - as he had set out to do.  For two years he taught them about Jesus.  Some believed but some didn’t - just as Isaiah prophesied!  

““ ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭28‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Please tell me you have not become calloused.  You hear The Word, surely it sinks in?  Are your eyes open to the Truth?  Is your heart soft, moldable like clay?  Is The Word the Foundation for all you believe?  Does It instruct how you live?  Does It make you who you are?  That’s the intent.  

You can read your Bible daily, even listen to an incredible message, but if you do not receive The Word, believe It and obey and submit to it - you’re missing the boat!  

Don’t be that person.  First dive in!  Then, let It sink in!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “In God Trusters”.  Today we are in Acts 27.

We have confidence knowing that no matter what storms of life we face, God is in control.  Many times He most definitely protects us from harm, or what we would deem as bad stuff.   Check out this chapter and how He miraculously protects Paul and everyone else on board through more than 2 weeks of furious storm and ultimate shipwreck!  

They most definitely experienced near hell on Earth for two weeks.  Ultimately He protected them all physically.  But what if He hadn’t?  Would that indicate it was all somehow out of His control?  Absolutely not.   True faith comes when we trust that God has a plan for us and that it is good!  Jeremiah 29:11  Remember however; only God gets to define what is good!  Our perception is skewed by our comfort, and pleasure.  We don’t get to sit over Him, and with our limited knowledge and understanding - define good and bad as it is handed out from a limitless unfathomable God!  His ways are not our ways, and often the best lessons are learned through suffering (James 1:2-8).   Given the power of suffering, what if suffering our blessing and the absence of it is simply the waiting?

He is all powerful!  Nothing touches us that is not part of His plan and will.  That said, True Faith puts our trust in God - that He alone knows best - EVEN if we don’t like it.  He does not always protect from the “bad stuff” but He does promise to be with us through it (Romans 8:35-39)!

How’s your faith?  Is it strong as long as it all goes your way - Bunnies and rainbows according to how you define good?  Or is it True Faith?  “Gods got this, and will accomplish His purpose in me… even if it means suffering.”

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Changed”.  Today we are in Acts 26.

Paul is now standing in defense before King Agrippa.  Once again, Paul is not really defending himself but sharing his testimony and the Truth of Jesus.   After reading through Acts and the way Paul and the his team have served the kingdom,  you kind of forget where Paul came from.  Reading his testimony again is kind of mind blowing.  His transformation is really quite incredible - definitely not who he used to be.

Truthfully none of us are who we were before our encounter with Jesus.  “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer me who lives but Christ who lives in me.” Galatians 2:20  

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Paul gets it.  He has submitted fully to Gods plan and the Holy Spirit in him.  It’s not about us trying to do, it’s about us getting out of the way and letting the Holy Spirit reign through us.  We do that by saying no to what our flesh wants.  Check out how Peter puts it,

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We cannot be Holy… it is only Him in us that is Holy.  We are one with Him.  “Remember it’s not your good work that saves you, neither do they make you holy; but those good works and your life should be consistent with genuine repentance! (Vs. 20)

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Above Reproach”.  Today we are in Acts 25.

Paul is still in prison in Caesarea, but the Jews would love to see him killed.  They petition Governor Festus to send him back to Jerusalem for trial - so that that might kill him.  There’s a problem though.  They can find NO evidence that Paul did any of the things they are claiming.  

After his conversion Paul has lived his life serving God by sharing the Good News of Jesus… they simply didn’t like it.  That’s it!  Paul had honored their customs and respected the Jews in such a way that they had no real evidence against him.

What’s the application for us?  Live your life above board!  Stay so far away from “the line” that even if someone was to accuse you of something it would get laughed off.  Live a life of integrity and your character will speak for its self.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Reasoners With Scripture”.  Today we are in Acts 24.  

The Word of God is sufficient for life and living (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  It is powerful!  Capable of convicting the heart and dividing soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12).  Here we see Paul before Governor Felix.  The Jews are literally trying to get him executed, but not wanting blood on their hands - looking for someone else to do their dirty work.  After a brief defense and explanation, Felix sends Paul away only to send for him later.  This time when Paul gets an opportunity to speak check out what happens:

“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”” Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Did you catch that?  Paul is in prison and content.  Felix is free, living his “best life now” and afraid.  When we are consumed by sin, like Felix was at the time, The Word of God and the Truth can be horrifying.  Why?  Because our sin requires a payment, one that we could never pay.  The penalty for our sin is death - eternal separation from God.  That’s the consequence.  Apart from Jesus there is no hope.   But receiving His payment for our sins demands we humble ourselves, admit we’re lost and broken.  True belief is demonstrated by repentance.  Unfortunately many like Felix can’t see past their current deception to see there is so much more to life than feeding our flesh and indulging in whatever the world can throw our way.  

Trying to fabricate happiness in our lives on our own is a futile endeavor… it’s NEVER enough.  With each next thing, the realization that NOTHING satisfies is depressing.   Pro tip… the God sized hole we all have inside of us cannot be filled with anything but Jesus.  What’s a relationship with Jesus get me… besides eternal security?  

“… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭

At the root, isn’t that ultimately what we are chasing after?

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “NOT Worriers”Gods got it!  Today we are in Acts 23.

Paul is on trial - before the Sanhedrin.  The Sanhedrin had the power to pressure Paul’s death.  They all wanted him dead.  This Gospel of Grace he was preaching set people free!  The religious leaders feared they were losing their power, for if the people followed Jesus they no longer would be easily manipulated by the religious leaders.  

Paul orchestrates a dispute among the Pharisees and Sadducee’s to turn their attention away from him.  It works!

“The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”  Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There’s a whole mob of other Jews that had already determined to kill him.  More than 40 committed not to eat or drink until Paul was dead.  That’s some commitment right there.  Paul learns of the plot but isn’t rattled or discouraged in his purpose.  Why would he be?  God told him he had to also testify for Rome.  He knew this would not be the end because God had plans he had not yet accomplished!  

We too can take courage knowing Gods got a plan!  His promises are real and they include us!  You’ll have to dig in to see how Paul gets out of this one.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning - What’s your story?  Today we are in Acts 22

Paul’s been arrested and falsely accused.  He’s facing flogging and likely death.  When given a chance to defend himself and speak, he shares his story - his testimony.  Paul’s conversion testimony (being blinded by Jesus on the road to Damascus) is pretty incredible for sure.  What’s your conversion story… your testimony.  I know what you’re thinking… it’s nothing like Paul’s.  Look, anytime the God of all creation works in and through a human it’s incredible - miraculous even.  Never underestimate Gods ability to use what He’s done in your life.  

Learn to recognize His work in and through you and then learn to talk about it.  The bulk of Scripture is simply testimony.  Men, inspired by God wrote down what they experienced, and look how powerful it is (2 Peter 1:21)!  It’s alive and active, capable of dividing joint and marrow (Hebrews 4:12).  

What’s your story?  “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Living it Out at All Cost.”  Today we are in Acts 21.  

Living for Jesus can be tough sometimes.  The world’s temptations can cause quite a struggle with our flesh when we are not dialed in with Jesus, Holy Spirit and The Word (Joshua 1:8; Ephesians 6:10-18).  We might even be persecuted.  But… frankly, we don’t know struggle and persecution as it relates to Paul.

Paul has been told there is danger in Jerusalem.  He’s been urged not to go.  “Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭21‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It wasn’t just talk, they still went, and yes Paul was arrested.  Yes he was beaten severely!  Have you ever been so committed to a cause you were truly ready to die for it?  How about for the Gospel?  How about simply to continue to spread the Gospel - maybe to those who have already rejected it?  

You’ll have to dig and read to see what happens.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “You Who Put God First!” Today we are in Acts 20.

Paul lives daily acknowledging that this day could be his last day.  Things are heating up!  Everywhere he goes there is plotting against him by those who reject the Truth of Jesus and the message of grace and repentance.  As he meets with the Elders of Ephesus he says his goodbyes and leaves them with encouragement.  He makes it clear, however; until the end he’s got work to do.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”  Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

Like Paul our days are numbered, before one of them came to be they were numbered by our creator.  We don’t know when those days will run out.  

“A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” Job 14‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What’s on your bucket list?  Ride a bull, skydive, visit a far away country, or learn to surf?  How many of our lists include: Share The Gospel with this friend or family member, ask forgiveness - or give it, start a non profit, or even bigger take the Gospel to an un-reached nation?  

Most followers of Jesus, when asked, would quickly respond “YES, He is first!”  “I’m all about serving Him”.  “He has my whole life.”  But do our lists reflect that?  Daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and bucket lists.  What’s on them?

Love ‘Em Like Jesus!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Spirit Filled”. Today we are in Acts 19.  

“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.” Acts‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What is going on here?  These Disciples don’t have the Holy Spirit?  How is that a thing?  We don’t commonly see this as we study Paul’s missionary journeys.  We also don’t commonly see him asking, “have you received the Holy Spirit?”  So there are a few things I think we can grab onto from this exchange.

- Apparently there was something visible about these guys that prompted Paul to ask.  The did not “look” like they had the Holy Spirit.  Were they not shining the light?  Was their countenance somehow different?  They were called Disciples so they clearly were following, but were they just going through the motions?

-  It appears that they had an incomplete understanding of the Gospel.  They didn’t seem to understand clearly what they were baptized into nor had they ever even heard of the Holy Spirit.

- They KNEW they needed what Paul was preaching - they evidently knew in themselves something was missing.  Spurgeon once said if you’ve been filled with the Holy Spirit you know it!  Like touching an electric fence you know!

When I think of these guys I think  of those that maybe “raised a hand”, “walked an isle”, “prayed a prayer”, maybe even were “baptized”, or went through “catechism”… but never truly understood their depravity or had a real desire for Jesus.   Maybe their hearts weren’t right in the beginning.  Maybe their whole Sunday school class did it and they didn’t want to be left out.  Maybe it was just the expectation of the family around them so they felt pressured.  Who knows.  

One thing is clear in Scripture - it’s all about your heart.  Where is it?  All Jesus wants is your heart, and your life… ALL of it.  That’s all.  Does he have it?  Are you ready to give it to Him?  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out! I

Good Morning “Courageous Servants”.  Today we are in Acts 18.

Everywhere the Disciples go they are met with some opposition.  Why is it that when someone is on the wrong track they are so violently opposed to The Truth?  My theory: We know Truth convicts, and conviction stinks.  Conviction feels like intense guilt, but it’s even more.  Conviction prompts us to repent, but if going the other way means our way of life has to change we resist it.  If repenting means we don’t get to be who we want to be then, we oppose it… maybe violently.  Right or wrong doesn’t seem to matter.  We all get defensive when we are accused of wrong.  This has always been the case, and still seems to be.

Paul having already been arrested, beaten and stoned is a bit reactive at this point.  Wouldn’t you be?  Met with opposition he’s ready to leave Corinth as was their practice, and Jesus instructions.  “If they reject the Gospel, dust off your feet and go on to the next town”. Matthew 10:14  But God had other plans for Corinth.  He knows there are many future believers in this area.  Check it out.  

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.” Acts‬ ‭18‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭

Remember he’d already been stoned and left for dead, he’d already stood by and watched Stephen’ stoning, James had been put to the sword - his concern WAS REAL.  No matter, when God speaks, we listen.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Fact Checkers”.  Today we are in Acts 17.

Have you ever played 2 truths and a lie?  How do you determine which is the lie?  

Now, stop and considered your current process for determining what’s true.  Any truth.  Is there “absolute truth” anymore?  The answer to that question is very simple.  What is 1+1?  Always?  We live in a world that is currently trying to say no - there is no longer absolute truth…. But this is something you yourself can research and conclude.

How do you know something is true?  Do you simply believe because it’s the popular belief?  Do you believe what your friends believe, your family believes, or someone you respect told you?  Do you believe because the one who told you is in a position of authority; a Teacher, a Pastor, the Government, or because they have more than 10,000 followers on Social Media?  Why do you believe the things you believe?  

God gave us brains to reason and research.  We live in an age when you literally have libraries of information at your fingertips - no excuses!  Acts 17 offers a very valuable lesson in this regard.  “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Berean’s received Paul’s teaching with eagerness, but then went and further The Scriptures themselves to see if what he was teaching was true.  Why?  Because they realized Paul was just a man.  As humans we are all capable of being deceived, and we have an evil adversary that is bent on doing just that.  This is a principle that is easily and should be logically applied to every area of life especially Bible teaching.  Don’t take my word for it - or your Pastors!  

It’s your responsibility to make sure that what you believe, allow to shape your life and determine your steps is true - especially if you plan to repeat it or share it with others!  We’re responsible for the things we share that lead others astray!  ESPECIALLY when it comes to the things of God (James 3:1; Matthew 18:6-7).  When we stand before God someday… “It’s just what I was taught won’t be an acceptable answer.”

Bonus, check out how wise Paul is as he shares the Gospel with this in this chapter!  

Dig in!  Know why you believe what you believe - in every area!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Worshipers in the Storm”.  Today we are in Acts 16.

I don’t know about you, but I find it easy to worship and praise God when things are going good.  My faith is tested and I really have to press in and remember His promises when they aren’t.  Even though some of our culture denies God, He’s typically the first to get cursed when things go bad.  Do we do that to?  Maybe we don’t curse Him, but do we question?  Why God?  Where are you?  I’m trying to serve you?  

Check out Paul and Silas in this chapter!  They cast a demon out of a future-telling slave releasing her from bondage.  Her owners become irate because they had been making a lot of money off of her.  The owners seize Paul and Silas, drag them into the marketplace.  They stir up the magistrates with lies and Paul and Silas get stripped and beaten with rods.  Scripture has a way of understating the severity of certain things.  Beatings, floggings, stoning’s and crucifixions were common.  So, when The Bible says they were “flogged severely” - it was bad!

They put them in prison, post a guard and lock their feet in the stocks.  Likely in very bad shape… guess what they do?  

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You gotta dig in and read the rest of this!  Check it out!  We could learn a lot about praising God in the midst of the storm from these guys.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “By Faith”.  Today we are in Acts 15.  

Sometimes the old ways are best.  Sometimes, depending on the purpose for the “old ways” they are not!  

The Law, and Sacrificial system given to Israel (the Jewish nation) had a couple purposes.

- Define sin:  These are the rules

- Incite sin:  Any time we’re told not to do something, in our sin nature - we want to.  Don’t think about elephants… what are you thinking about right now?  Rules / Laws don’t keep people from breaking them - heart transformation does.  Stirring up sin was required to recognize we need a Savior.  

- Bring the Jews to a place that they knew without a doubt that they could NEVER keep the law and the sacrificial system.  They needed a Sacrifice that paid for sin once and for all.

Check it out; in Acts 15 some people still committed to the “old way” came down preaching their old customs and beliefs to the new Gentile Believers - stirring them up.  We see some of that even today.  

Let’s be clear… Anything other than the Gospel of Grace - is a false Gospel at this point.  True Belief in Jesus and only Jesus, His blood shed on the cross for our sins plus nothing is what is required for Salvation.  Our good works can’t save us, but can demonstrate repentance in those that are saved.

If you find yourself still doubting here are a few verses to clarify:
John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9, Romans 5:6-8, 15-17, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Titus 3:4-7  

Honestly I could go on and on with more verses.  In fact you would have to toss out most of the New Testament and much of Old Testament prophecy regarding The Messiah to get to Salvation based on works and doing.  You CANNOT ever do enough to earn Salvation.  That’s the point.

It’s ALL Jesus.  Only Jesus!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Unstoppable”. Today we are in Acts 14.  

Paul and Barnabas continue spreading the Truth of Jesus - urging everyone they see to repent and turn to God.  The Jews in turn continue to spread lies and turn the crowds against them.  Jews and Gentiles alike plot to harm these guys - to stone them.  Often they find out about it and head on to the next town.  This time however they didn’t.

“Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭19‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A few things hit me in this chapter:

- The number of towns they went to was incredible. This was their life!  They were all about it!

-  I’m struck by how offensive the Truth of Jesus was, and how easily people were swayed.  Do you think it’s much different today?  False teaching and ridiculous self serving gospels are accepted and spread like wildfire - while the Truth continues to be rejected!

-  Paul gets stoned, so badly they thought he was dead.  Not only does he NOT quit, he gets up and goes back into the same city!  Then gets right back at it!

We could learn a lot from the level of Paul’s commitment to the Gospel.  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Fearless, Faithful, Followers.” Today we are in Acts 13.

Catch their passion!  Saul who once was one of the persecutors, is seemingly leading the charge, one of the most unlikely to be chosen to serve - was to be minister to the Gentiles.  Now together with Barnabas they are officially commissioned in the POWER of The Holy Spirit.  It was happening, just as God told Ananias in Acts 9:15, when he was afraid to go to Saul.  “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

Check it out:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”  Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

With every new convert, resistance grew.  Saul of all people, knew what they were capable of - yet they continued faithful.  The Jewish leaders plotted, and plotted, even stirring up God fearing women to rise up.  They continued - going to town after town preaching the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus.  Each time they were kicked out, they dusted off their sandals as they were instructed, and moved on.  

How do you keep going when people are against you?  I fear we have gotten soft, or perhaps we’re just not finding our strength through the Holy Spirit as they did.  That’s their secret!  That’s the answer.

We don’t have to do it alone - we’ve got the Holy Spirit.  We just gotta get out of our own way.  It’s not about us, it’s about Him!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “In The Sovereignty of God”.  Today we are in Acts 12.

God is sovereign… what does that mean?  He is in control of all things.  All means all and that’s all all means (Acts 10:36; Colossians 1:17-18)!  He's even numbered our days, and ordered their content (Psalm 139:16). NOTHING (except that which He ordains) can touch us, hold us, or take us until those days are up  (Job 2:3; Romans 8:38-39; Luke 12:25)

In today’s chapter persecution of the early church continues and now King Herod is getting in on it (Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬-‭3‬).

Stephen had already been stoned, now James was the first of the Apostles to be martyred.  Why didn't God protect them?  They were doing His work.  Perhaps to display their courage to the rest of the followers?  Perhaps to make sure the rest knew the cost?  Perhaps to testify to the Truth of Jesus - people typically don't die for what they know to be a lie.  But… they will go to their grave for The Truth!  Or perhaps as in Stephens case, to display the goodness and love of Jesus through them.  

Remember Stephen glowing with the face of an Angel, praying out loud for God to forgive his killers even as they stoned him?  Im not sure that depth of love and Faith can be displayed any other way - but in death.  Jesus told them in this life they would have trouble.  Jesus told them men would come to kill them because of their message.  Now it's happening.  

But what of Peter?  Spoiler alert, God intervenes and Peter is freed miraculously.  Why?  Perhaps God wanted His followers to be reminded that He is still in control.  Both the deaths of the others and the saving of Peter were within His control!  

We’ll never understand ALL of Gods plan (Isaiah 55:8-9; Isaiah 40:13; Romans 11:33).  But what is more scary: To acknowledge that He is so immense, His ways are not our ways, and we will never fully understand Him?  Or…to believe God doesn't do things we deem bad - which suggests there are things out of His control?  If He's not in control who is?  That's horrifying!  God IS in ABSOLUTE control!  THATS The Truth of Scripture.  

He IS STILL in control of it all, no matter how crazy it seems to us.  True faith is demonstrated as we trust regardless of our inability to figure it all out.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Cross Cultural Ministers of the Gospel.” Today we’re in Acts 11.  

They’re getting after it.  The Disciples continue to share the Good News of Jesus.  Those they share with are sharing, and in turn those new converts are sharing also!  It’s multiplication.  For example say 1 shared with just 10.  Then that 10 shares with 10 each, so - 100.  That 100 goes out and shares with 10 each… so 1000.  In the meantime all keep sharing with even more.  Are you beginning to get a sense of what’s possible?

Jews and Gentiles are giving their lives to Jesus - becoming followers of Christ.  This is still a new thing.  Jews ministering to Gentiles was out of the ordinary - but it was happening.  The Church in Antioch is born, converts were called Christians, and Barnabas and Saul get involved.  

Jump in and check it out!  Soak up the excitement as The Word is spread and the Church of Jesus Christ explodes!  Good News is contagious and the Grace of God  - Salvation through Jesus is the Greatest News ever!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “No favoritism show-ers”.  Today we are in Acts 10

Ever look at someone and think to yourself… yeah, Jesus isn’t for that guy?  This is a story of “that guy” as Peter may have seen him.

Cornelius has a vision.  An angel of the Lord appears.  The message he gets is simple really, God has witnessed his good works - and he is to send for Peter and bring him back.  At first glance this seems normal, but get this; Cornelius was a Centurion.  (A Roman soldier over 100 men).  He was also a Gentile.  It still was not common for Jews to associate with Gentiles, especially not Roman Soldiers!  Remember who arrested and carried out the execution of Jesus?

Peter still had a bit of a problem believing the Gospel was for Gentiles.  So… Around the same time Peter was receiving a vision.  Peter’s vision included animals that had been considered unclean and were forbidden food under Jewish law.  The fact that Gentiles did NOT consider these foods unclean, and ate freely was one of the major separating factors.  Jews could be considered “unclean” for associating with Gentiles who had eaten “unclean” food.  God wipes this concern out, with Peter.  As many formerly unclean animals appear in Peters vision God declares “…Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”” Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬, ‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Peter understood that Gods message was about more than just food - it was about the Gentile as well.  Check out Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭34‬-35 “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
‭‭
We’ve already read about many conversions of Jews and Gentiles that were far from expected.  Peter was now able to see, even better - Cornelius the way Jesus saw Cornelius.  

The Gospel is for EVERYONE!  

Check it out to see how God puts this whole thing together.  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Those Who Now See Clearly”.   Today we are in Acts 9

I’m not sure who or what blows me away more from chapter 9 of Acts.
 - Saul and his conversion
- Ananias and the Faith he had to have to go minister to him - a killer!
- The Disciples ultimately accepting Paul into their group
- Or… Peter and the Disciples being used by Jesus to heal and even raise people from the dead… what?  

Saul was all about it.  Zealous for God.  He actually thought He was honoring God by persecuting these so called Christians.  Interesting to note, when Jesus blinds him on the road to Damascus He doesn’t say “Saul, Saul why do you persecute my followers.”  Check out Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭4‬.

Jesus takes it personally, He’s in us and we in Him.  When His children are persecuted - it’s Him they are attacking.

Saul was blind in more ways than one, even though his eyes worked fine to start with.  He was blinded by the culture and world around him that didn’t accept what they did not understand.  The majority were not willing to give up their customs, their way of life, their “feeling good about themselves”, to surrender their lives to Jesus.  Sound familiar?

Jesus had a plan for Saul.  First He had to get his attention.  Nothing like physical blindness to do that.  But God had more for Saul.  “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬ ‭

Check it out - if Jesus can take one of the most voracious persecutors of Christians and turn him into a “Gospel Preaching, Church Planting, Bible Book  Writing, People Loving - Rock Star”… He can mold and make you into a useful tool for the kingdom!

When Jesus uses broken tools - He gets the glory!  Are you broken and humble?  Then you’re qualified!  

Let Him have you!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!