Is your church perfect? (Acts 6:1)

Acts 6:1

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

6 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.



When we read the descriptions of the early church - the miracles, the sharing and generosity, the fellowship - we may wish we could of been a part of this "perfect" church. In reality, the early church had problems just as we do today. No church has ever been or will be perfect until Christ and His followers are united at His second coming. All churches have problems. If your church's shortcomings distress you, ask yourself: "Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?" Then do what you can to make your church better. A church does not have to be perfect to be faithful.




Joe
















 

Are you willing to suffer? (Acts 5:40-42)

Acts 5:40-42

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁴⁰ The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.^[42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”




Peter and John were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued in spite of the threats. We, too, should live as Christ asked us to, sharing our faith no matter what the cost. We may not be beaten or thrown in jail, but we may be ridiculed, ostracized, or slandered. To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the gospel with others?





Joe

Is it really yours? (Acts 4:32)

Acts 4:32

New Living Translation (NLT)

³² All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.



None of these Christians felt that what they had was their own, and so they were able to give and share, eliminating poverty among them. They would not let a brother or sister suffer when others had plenty. How do you feel about your possessions? We should adopt the attitude that everything we have comes from God, and we are only sharing what is already His.


Joe

A model for our prayers (Acts 4:24-30)

Acts 4:24-30

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

²⁴ When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— ²⁵ you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying,

‘Why were the nations so angry?
    Why did they waste their time with futile plans?
²⁶ The kings of the earth prepared for battle;
    the rulers gathered together
against the Lord
    and against his Messiah.’

²⁷ “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. ²⁸ But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. ²⁹ And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”




Notice how the believers prayed. First they praised God; then they told God their specific problem and asked for His help. They did not ask God to remove the problem, but to help them deal with it. This is a model for us to follow when we pray. We may ask God to remove our problems and He may choose to do so. But we must recognize that often He will leave the problem in place and give us the strength and courage to deal with it.





Joe



















 

The Greatest Testimony. (Acts 4:13)

Acts 4:13

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

¹³ The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.




 
Knowing that Peter and John were unschooled, the council was amazed at what being with Jesus had done for them. A changed life convinces people of Christ's power. One of your greatest testimonies is the difference others see in your life since you have believed in Christ.




 
Joe












 

You may get what you really need. (Acts 3:5-6)

Acts 3:5-6

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁵ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”


 
 
The crippled man asked for money, but Peter gave him something much better - the use of his legs. We often ask God to solve a small problem, but He wants to give us a whole new life and help for all our problems. When we ask God for help, He may say, "I've got something even better for you." Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when He gives you what you really need.


 
 
Joe





















 

A healthy church... (Acts 2:47)

Acts 2:47

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.




 
A healthy Christian community attracts people to Christ. The Jerusalem's church zeal for worship and brotherly love was contagious. A healthy loving church will grow in numbers. What are you doing to make your church the kind of place that will attract others to Christ?




Joe
















 

Are you listening? (Acts 2:7-8)

Acts 2:7-8

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁷ They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, ⁸ and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages!




Christianity is not limited to any race or group of people. Christ offers salvation to all people without regard to nationality. Visitors in Jerusalem were surprised to hear the apostles and other believers speaking in languages other than their own, the languages of other nationalities, but they need not have been. God works all kinds of miracles to spread the Gospel, using many languages as He calls all kinds of people to become His followers. God speaks to you. Are you listening?




Joe
















 

Our families are a gift from God. (John 19:25-27)

John 19:25-27

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

²⁵ Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” ²⁷ And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.




 
Even while dying on the cross, Jesus was concerned about His family. He instructed John to care for Mary, Jesus' mother. Our families are precious gifts from God, and we should value and care for them under all circumstances. Neither Christian work nor key responsibilities in any job or position excuse us from caring for our families. What can you do today to show your love for your family?




Joe
















 

How's your fruit? (John 15:5-8)

John 15:5-8

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.



 
Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right. But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ, our efforts are unfruitful. Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? If not, you are missing a special gift He has for you.





 
Joe

 

Prove it. (John 14:21)

John 14:21

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

²¹ Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”




Jesus said that His followers show their love for Him by obeying Him. Love is more than lovely words; it is commitment and conduct. If you love Christ, then prove it by obeying what He says in His Word.




 
Joe



















 

If you know Jesus, you know God. (John 14:8-9)

John 14:8-9

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
⁹ Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?



 
Jesus is the visible, tangible image of the invisible God. He is the complete revelation of what God is like. Jesus explained to Philip, who wanted to see the father, that to know Jesus is to know God. The search for God, for truth and reality, ends in Christ.



 
Joe









 

Jesus is the only way. (John 14:6)

John 14:6

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.





Jesus says He is the only way to God the Father. Some people may argue that this way is too narrow. In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. Instead of worrying about how limited it sounds to have only one way, we should be saying, "Thank you, God, for providing a sure way to get to you !"





Joe



















 

Do you want to know what God is like? (John 12:45)

John 12:45

New International Version (NIV)

 
 

⁴⁵ The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.


 
 
We often wonder what God is like. How can we know the Creator when He doesn't make Himself visible? Jesus said plainly that those who see Him see God, because He is God. If you want to know what God is like, study the person and words of Jesus Christ.



 
Joe











 

To lead, you must serve. (John 13:6-7)

John 13:6-7

New International Version (NIV)



 

⁶ He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
⁷ Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”



 
Imagine being Peter and watching Jesus wash the others' feet, all the while moving closer to you. Seeing his Master behave like a slave must have confused Peter. He still did not understand Jesus' teaching that to be a leader, a person must be a servant. This is not a comfortable passage for leaders who find it hard to serve those beneath them. How do you treat those who work under you whether children, employees or volunteers?




 
Joe



















 

Take the Good News to all people ! (John 12:26)

John 12:26

New International Version (NIV)


 

²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.




Many believed that Jesus came for the Jews only. But when Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me," He was talking to these Greeks as well. No matter who the sincere seekers are, Jesus welcomes them. His message is for everyone. Don't allow social or racial differences to become barriers to the gospel. Take the Good News to all people.




Joe










 

Is your devotion to Christ based on curiosity? (John 12:17-19)

John 12:17-19

The Message (MSG)


 

^17-19 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, was there giving eyewitness accounts. It was because they had spread the word of this latest God-sign that the crowd swelled to a welcoming parade. The Pharisees took one look and threw up their hands: “It’s out of control. The world’s in a stampede after him.”




 
The people flocked to Jesus because they had heard about His great miracle in raising Lazarus from the dead. Their adoration was short-lived and their commitment shallow, for in a few days they would do nothing to stop His crucifixion. Devotion based only on curiosity or popularity fades quickly.





 
Joe







 

Do you grumble when you face trials? (John 11:4)

John 11:4

New International Version (NIV)



 

⁴ When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”



 
Any trial a believer faces can ultimately bring glory to God because God can bring good out of any bad situation. When trouble comes, do you grumble, complain, and blame God, or do you see your problems as opportunities to honor Him?




 
Joe


















 

How have you responded to Jesus? (John 8:58)

John 8:58

New International Version (NIV)


 

⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”



 
This is one of the most powerful statements uttered by Jesus. When He said that He existed before Abraham was born, He undeniably proclaimed His divinity. Not only did Jesus say that He existed before Abraham; He also applied God's holy name to Himself. This claim demands a response. It cannot be ignored. The Jewish leaders tried to stone Jesus for blasphemy because He claimed equality with God. But Jesus is God. How have you responded to Jesus, the Son of God?



 
Joe












 

Where are you looking? (John 8:24)

John 8:24

New International Version (NIV)


 

²⁴ I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”




People will die in their sins if they reject Christ, because they are rejecting the only way to be rescued from sin. Sadly, many are so taken up with the values of this world that they are blind to the priceless gift Christ offers. Where are you looking? Don't focus on this world's values and miss what is most valuable - eternal life with God.


 
Joe















 

Speak up for Christ ! (John 7:13)

John 7:13

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹³ But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.




Everyone was talking about Jesus ! But when it came time to speak up for Him in public, no one said a word. All were afraid. Fear can stifle our witness. Although many people talk about Christ in church, when it comes to making a public statement about their faith, they are often embarrassed. Jesus says He will acknowledge us before God if we acknowledge Him before others. Be courageous ! Speak up for Christ !



 
Joe










 

Jesus read her mail. (John 4:39)

John 4:39

New International Version (NIV)


 

³⁹ Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”



 
The Samaritan woman immediately shared her experience with others. Despite her reputation, many took her invitation and came out to meet Jesus. Perhaps there are sins in our past of which we're ashamed. But Christ changes us. As people see these changes, they become curious. Use these opportunities to introduce them to Christ.

 
(I found a note in my Bible that I wrote about this verse. The note reads: "Prophesy about you jump starts your obedience". Thanks to whoever the Pastor was that gave me that statement.)


 
Joe














 

Don't make excuses. (John 4:35)

John 4:35

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

³⁵ You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.



 
Sometimes Christians excuse themselves from witnessing by saying that their family or friends aren't ready to believe. Jesus, however, makes it clear that around us a continual harvest waits to be reaped. Don't let Jesus find you making excuses. Look around. You will find people ready to hear God's Word.



 
Joe
















 

What's more important.... the place or the attitude? (John 4:19-24)

John 4:19-24

The Message (MSG)


 

^19-20 “Oh, so you’re a prophet! Well, tell me this: Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right?”

^21-23 “Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.

^23-24 “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”



The woman brought up a theological issue - the correct place to worship. Jesus directed the conversation to a much more important point: the location of worship is not nearly important as the attitude of the worshippers.




Joe






















 

Do you have eternal life? (John 3:36)

John 3:36

New International Version (NIV)


 

³⁶ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.



Jesus says that those who believe in Him HAVE (not will have) everlasting life. To receive eternal life is to join in God's life, which by nature is eternal. Thus, eternal life begins at the moment of spiritual rebirth.




Joe















 

What's more important...Christ or your ministry? (John 3:30)

John 3:30

New International Version (NIV)


 

³⁰ He must become greater; I must become less.”



 
<sup>John's willingness to decrease in importance shows unusual humility. Pastors and other Christian leaders can be tempted to focus more on the success of their ministries than on Christ. Beware of those who put more emphasis on their own achievements than on God's kingdom.





Joe</sup>



















 

True Humility (John 1:30)

John 1:30

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

³⁰ He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’


 
 
Although John the Baptist was a well known preacher who attracted large crowds, he was content for Jesus to take the higher place. This is true humility, the basis for greatness in preaching, teaching, or any other work we do for Christ. When you are content to do what God wants you to do and let Jesus Christ be honored for it, God will do great things through you.



 
Joe











 

God is bigger than your problems. (John 1:3-5)

John 1:3-5

New Living Translation (NLT)



 

³ God created everything through him,    and nothing was created except through him.
⁴ The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
⁵ The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.



 
Do you ever feel that your life is too complex for God to understand? Remember, God created the entire universe, and nothing is too difficult for Him. God created you; He is alive today, and His love is bigger than any problem you may face.




 
Joe





















 

We reflect God's light. (John 1:8)

John 1:8

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

⁸ John (the Baptist) himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.



 
We, like John the Baptist, are not the source of God's light; we merely reflect that light. Jesus Christ is the true light; He helps us see our way to God and shows us how to walk along that way. But Christ has chosen to reflect His light through His followers to an unbelieving world, perhaps because unbelievers are not able to bear the full blazing glory of His light firsthand. The word witness indicates our role as reflectors of God's light to others, but we are always to point them to Christ, the Light.



 
Joe















 

Lord, open our minds (Luke 24:45)

Luke 24:45

 
 
New Living Translation (NLT)

 
 

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.


 
Jesus opened these people's minds to understand the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit does this in our lives today when we study the Bible. Have you ever wondered how to understand a difficult Bible passage? Besides reading surrounding passages, asking other people, and consulting reference works, pray that the Holy Spirit will open your mind to understand, giving you the needed insight to puts God's Word into action in your life.



 
 
Joe













 

The answers are in the Scriptures. (Luke 24:13-27)

Luke 24:13-27

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

The Walk to Emmaus

¹³ That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. ¹⁵ As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. ¹⁶ But God kept them from recognizing him.
¹⁷ He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”
They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. ¹⁸ Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
¹⁹ “What things?” Jesus asked.
“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. ²⁰ But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. ²¹ We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.
²² “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. ²³ They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! ²⁴ Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”
²⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. ²⁶ Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” ²⁷ Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.


 
After the two disciples had explained their sadness and confusion, Jesus responded by going to Scripture and applying it to His ministry. When we are puzzled by questions or problems, we too can go to Scripture and find authoritative help. If we, like these two disciples , do not understand what the Bible means, we can turn to other believers who know the Bible and have the wisdom to apply it to our situation.



 
Joe