Listening to the Word

Job 17; Acts 24-26 “When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: ‘I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.’…As Paul discoursed on 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 24:10, 25 Paul’s life was at stake as he stood before Governors Felix and Festus, and later King Agrippa, and finally Caesar. Yet Paul was unafraid to speak truth to power. He boldly shared the gospel and its application to Governor Felix’ life in the areas of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. No one who fears for their life engages in these topics! Yet Paul’s love for these leaders and his concern for their eternal destiny was greater than his concern for his own life. How courageous are we in our conversations about the gospel in our family, friendships, and in conversations where the Lord...

Job 16; Acts 21-23 “Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” Job 16:19-21 Job’s confidence was in his advocate, God, who was interceding for him through the pain of his testing. We now know that advocate, that intercessor, that friend is the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not alone in our pain, our tests, or our temptations. Our tears are noticed by the Lord. As we cry out to God, he hears our call and pours out his Spirit and his grace upon us. Job’s test included listening to well-meaning friends who didn’t know what to say to him in his time of need. This is not the case as we listen to the Word, the Lord Jesus. His promises to us are truth and his own life of testing and temptation, reminding us that he understands. Jesus lives to make intercession for us before the Father. He is the friend who will never leave us. “Lord Jesus, my advocate, my...

Job 15; Acts 19-20   “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.” Acts 20:32-34 Why did Paul conclude his final words with the leadership of the Ephesian Church with his convictions about finances and full reliance on the Lord?   He knew the foundational DNA of the Church would be under attack in the years to come. Instead of relying on God and the Word of his grace, the Church began to rely on the security and strength of money. For centuries the Church was (and in many places still is) aligned with political power and accumulated incredible wealth. Coveting wealth has been the downfall of many leaders and ministries. Paul’s principle of self-funded churches, ministries, and support, while challenging, is also liberating. ...

Job 13-14; Acts 17-18   As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead…So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.” Acts 17:2, 3, 17 What was Paul’s priority as he traveled from city to city? Was it the food, or the architecture, or the natural beauty, or the local entertainment? Paul’s focus was on sharing the gospel with anyone who would listen, beginning with the God-fearing Jews and Gentiles. The many God-fearing Greeks who attended Jewish synagogues had rejected idolatry and worshiped a Creator God of covenant. They had no choice but to convert to Judaism in order to establish this covenant with God. Paul’s gospel presented another way through the suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new covenant, prop...

Job 11-12; Acts 15-16   “Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ This brought Paul and Barnabus into sharp dispute and debate with them…” Acts 15:1, 2 Why would “certain people” travel from Jerusalem to Antioch without the blessing of the Jerusalem elders to bring their personal doctrinal beliefs to the emerging church in Antioch? They believed their convictions to be the right ones and an important foundation for the new believers. The same exporting of theology is happening today within the fast growing African and Asian churches. The internet and television have made exporting our theological distinctives easier than ever before. However, we lack the discernment, consensus-building, and authority of the Jerusalem Council. Today, self-proclaimed apostles, prophets, and evangelists do what is right in their own eyes. Validation comes through their test...

Job 9-10; Acts 13-14   “The Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ‘You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you…’” Acts 13:9-11 Why did Paul confront Elymas in the presence of the proconsul? Paul discerned that Elymas was deliberately deceiving the proconsul and opposing the gospel. This bold confrontation required Paul to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He was opposing spiritual forces of darkness that would have prevented the gospel from spreading throughout the island of Cyprus. Are we facing similar opposition to the gospel from people who also are a “child of the devil” and an “enemy of everything that is right”? Avoiding these confrontations will not work. Prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit continue to be weapons the Lord has given us as we ...