Acts 16:11-15 The Conversion of Lydia

The Holy Spirit's call to Paul and his team to land in Macedonia certainly had a purpose. It took Paul completely out of his comfort zone. Usually Paul went to the synagogue of the area to begin his ministry among the Jews. In Philippi there was no synagogue. The closest thing was a prayer gathering at the gate of the city. Paul's ministry was mainly among men, but this prayer gathering was made up of women. This is all new to Paul. The Holy Spirit wants to take me out of my comfort zone and challenge me into new directions. Am I open to the Spirit's challenge? Am I too set in my routine as to allow room for God's challenge in my life? Am I listening to the Spirit's whisper?

The woman that responded to the Gospel message was named Lydia. Why did she respond? The Scripture says that the Lord opened her heart to pay attention. Divine appointments begin with the guidance of the Spirit and the drawing of the heart to listen is also the Spirit's work. The preaching of the Gospel is not about human persuasion, but about power to change lives. Do I rely on the Spirit to open people's hearts to pay attention? Do I preach the Gospel out of my own strength?

Lydia was a business woman, a seller of purple goods. She was a very influential person in her time. The fact that she interacted with many people for her business would make her a great ambassador for the Gospel. The Spirit opened her heart so she could take the message later to others. This divine appointment proved to be very strategic for the spread of the Gospel. I should pray that God will grant me divine appointments that are strategic to the taking over of our community with the Gospel. Am I willing to pray in earnest for this?

Lydia's conversion provides a great argument for the believer's baptism. It is important to note that most conversions in the book of Acts are followed by baptism. This is what we call believer's baptism. A person is baptized once they have believed. It is for this reason that infant baptism does not fulfill the requirement of baptism as preached by the Apostles. Infant baptism is the confession of faith of my parents, but my personal confession of faith is only stated by believer's baptism. I must own my faith and make a statement for myself. The preaching of the Gospel is to repent and be baptized - in that order!

Father, guide me to divine appointments that challenge me. Take me out of my comfort zone and help me to welcome it. Holy Spirit prepare my heart and the hearts of those who need to hear the Gospel. Guide me to one person that is strategic in the spread of your Gospel in this community. Empower me to faithfully share your Word. Amen.

Acts 8:9-25 Simon the Magician Believes

The Gospel continues to spread even in Samaria. Its power amazes the Samaritans, even those who were practicing magic to amaze others - like Simon. Simon's magic was not the kind of magic we see in B'Day parties and shows whereby illusions, the magician "makes believe" that he has powers. Magic during the days of the Ancient Church is more like Spiritism today, assisted by demonic powers. It was practiced to heal diseases, bless and curse people, protect oneself from curses, and foretell the future. Its practice frequently used incantations, invoking the powers of some god or spirit, potions, and amulets. This kind of magic is forbidden in the Bible (Read Leviticus 19, 20 and Deuteronomy 18). It is an abomination against our God. But Simon believed the Gospel through Philip's preaching and abandoned his practice of magic.

Though Simon had stopped the practice of magic, he still thought and felt like a magician. It is easier to get the person out of magic than to get magic out of the person's heart. Peter and John were sent to review the work done in Samaria and they found that they had been baptized in the name of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit had not fallen on them. So Peter and John pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit and Simon, observing the power of God unleashed upon these new believers, wants to buy this ability to pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon is used to bargaining with spiritual powers for personal gain. But Peter condemns his desire and motivation. Thankfully, Simon repents.

The Lord saved me from sin and the world, but it is necessary now to get sin and the world out of my heart. The work of the kingdom is not completed at conversion. Conversion is only the beginning of a long journey. Spiritual growth is absolutely necessary to free the soul from the clutches of sin and the world. I must seek the filling of the Spirit. I must meditate on the Word day and night. I must pray to God in repentance for my sins seeking his forgiveness and grace. The transformation of my soul is a process that I must commit to realizing that I have no power to change myself, but I submit to the mercy and power of God to change me. Like Simon, I have believed and I have been baptized, but my heart wanders and at times is not right; wickedness still finds its way to manifest itself in my life.

Simon thought that the power of the Holy Spirit could be bought with money. He was so used to dealing with the spiritual world in terms of personal gain. He was in it for the power, prestige, even fame. He craved the attention; he loved the adulation of his fans. The kingdom of God called Simon to abandon all that. It calls me to leave all of it behind too. The kingdom of God is not about me and what I can do to impress people, but it is about God and what he has done for me. And most certainly, what God has done is enough to amaze us all.

Peter saw Simon in "the gal of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." Practicing sin as a Christian has dire consequences. Bitterness and bondage were awaiting to capture Simon's life if he did not repent. If I don't repent of my sin and continue to live a life of sin, practicing sin on a regular basis, I will also experience bitterness and bondage in my life. Sinning against the Holy Spirit without repentance on a regular basis will produce resentment in my heart. And if I continue the practice, it will lead to bondage. The kingdom of God is about freedom! Why would I choose to submit myself to bondage once again after he has freed me from it? I must repent! I must seek the fullness of his Spirit!

Father, shine your light upon my heart and don't let any dark corner have the upper hand. Fill me with your Spirit and help me shake off sin and the world from my heart. May I serve you to give you glory and not to advance my own agenda. Amen.

Acts 2:14-41 Peter's Sermon at Pentecost

Peter takes the lead to explain what is going on. It is not that the people are drunk! It is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel2:28-32) right before their eyes. Joel spoke of the pouring out of the Spirit upon all flesh with evident manifestations of prophecy, visions, and dreams. The second part of his prophecy speaks of the day of judgment with wonders in the heavens and signs on the earth. Some of these are: blood, fire, vapor of smoke, the sun turning into darkness and the moon turning into blood. These are all literary devices to express the coming of the day of the Lord, or Judgment Day. The Spirit is here! I am living the end times!

Then, Peter presents Jesus as the man God delivered up according to his plan and foreknowledge. At the same time, he accuses the crowd for crucifying and killing him. Many books have been written about the reconciliation between God's sovereignty and Human responsibility. The Scriptures teach both. Whatever philosophical system we devise to explain the interaction of these two perspectives cannot lose sight that both need to be upheld. My God is sovereign! From the little sparrow to the hairs on my head, he has dominion over it all. I am responsible! God will hold me accountable for my thoughts, words, and actions.

Now he turns to the Psalms (16:8-11) to prove that Jesus' resurrection was prophesied by David and links the pouring of the Spirit with the resurrection and ascension of the Lord. Finally, he states that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. The title of Lord implies that Jesus has power, authority, and influence over his people. The title of Christ identifies him as the promised one to Israel, the Messiah, the King to come, the Savior. I have to come to grips with who Jesus is in my life. Is he my Lord? Is he my Savior?

The people's response to Peter's sermon was that they were cut to the heart. It was devastating! It hit them really hard. Now what? What to do? Peter points the way with repentance and baptism so they can enjoy the promised Holy Spirit. It pains my soul to see many people today in our churches without making a commitment to the Lord through baptism. I will never forget my baptism. Mom and Dad did not like it. My friends then, told me I was crazy. Baptism is the confession to the world that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. The message continues to be the same: Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the promised Holy Spirit.

Father, thank you for giving your Son Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my soul. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to fill me and guide me day by day. May I keep Christ as the center of my life to live in the fullness of your promise all the days of my life. Amen

Acts 1:1-5 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Theophilus must've been a good friend of Luke and very interested in Jesus and his ministry. Luke's two volume work (the Gospel and Acts) seems to have been a response to Theophilus' questions about Jesus. I like Luke's diligence in researching answers for his friend. It speaks volumes of the importance to convey the message as clearly as possible to those who don't know. Am I diligent in researching answers for my friends about Jesus?

The central theme of Luke's writings is about what Jesus did and taught. The centrality of Christ in Luke's message to Theophilus is worthy of note. There are many things to talk about in life, but Jesus' ministry and teaching should be at the center of what I communicate to those seeking to know him. Jesus only! I should not water down the message of the Gospel with other matters of secondary importance. My message, like Luke's, should be Jesus.

Now, at the center of Jesus' teaching is the kingdom of God. Luke records that Jesus spent 4o days after the resurrection to talk about it. The greatest obstacle to the reality of the kingdom of God is Jesus' suffering. How can there be a kingdom when the so called King has been killed?

Jesus presented himself alive with many proofs. Jesus' appearance was not an isolated incident, but he appeared to the apostles and other disciples to calm their fears and eliminate their doubts. The message of God's kingdom has Jesus alive at its center as the King of kings. The reality of God's kingdom in my life depends on this issue. Do I believe that Jesus is alive? His life and ministry have no meaning to me unless he is truly alive today.

Finally, Luke highlights the Holy Spirit, the Father's promise. Jesus instructs them to wait until they receive the promise. The parallel made here is with baptism in water. Baptism is a public proclamation of faith that signifies the cleansing of a believer's sins. It is an essential step in the life of a believer. The promised baptism in the Spirit is also an essential part of a believer's life in the new covenant. All followers of Jesus will receive the promised Holy Spirit. I am grateful for the provision God has made for me to be dwelt, empowered, and guided by his Spirit in this world.

Father, may your Son Jesus Christ be the center of my own life. May I be willing to share his life, ministry, and resurrection with others. Thanks for the Holy Spirit who dwells in me and guides me in my faith journey day by day. Amen.

Joshua 5:10-15 First Passover in Canaan

The Israelites enjoyed God's supernatural provision during their journey. Now that they are to enter the promised land, they will continue to enjoy the provision of God, but through the land he promised them. God is still the provider, but his provision is now through the promise. All my needs are taken care of by my God. He provides for my every need all the time.

Passover is the Jewish celebration of their freedom from slavery. On Passover, all those who placed the blood on their doorposts were spared from death - they were passed over by the angel of death. If I am to be effective in the conquest of the promised land, the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth, I must live in obedience through Baptism and Communion. Baptism is my initiation rite into the Body of Christ as a born again believer. Communion is my Passover. In Communion, I remember the sacrifice of Christ that freed me from my bondage to sin and gave me new life. It also feeds my soul in the grace of God to sustain me in the battle.

The conquest of the promised land, the establishment of God's kingdom upon earth is my mission in life. Baptism and Communion prepare me for it, but I can't forget that I am not alone in this endeavor. Joshua encountered the commander of the army of the Lord who confirmed his leadership in the conquest. The commander of the army of the Lord is with me by my side. It is a reminder that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. Intimate communion with my commander is a requirement to engage in this battle.

The conquest of the promised land is not for anyone, but only for those who have embraced the kingdom of God through Baptism and Communion and have committed their lives to an intimate communion with the Commander of the army of the Lord.

Lord, I want to be a good soldier in this conquest. You meet my every need. Fill me with your Spirit to remain in intimate communion with you as I wage battle every day. May I rely upon your grace as I march forward taking by storm the strongholds of ungodliness in this world.

Joshua 5:1-9 The New Generation Circumcised

Circumcision is the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Circumcision marked those who were born into the nation of Israel as partakers of the promises given to Abraham - the promises of a people, land, and blessings. Those who were circumcised the first time did not believe God's promises and because of their unbelief, God made them wander 4o years in the desert and did not allow them to enter the land and enjoy rest in it. God called for a second circumcision to cover those who were born along the way - the new generation. God promises to give them entrance into the land - his rest.

Today, Baptism is the initiatory rite into the kingdom of God for all those who are born again. Circumcision was never meant to be of the flesh only. In other words, circumcision alone does not grant entry into the kingdom of God. Circumcision of the heart is vital. Baptism is the public proclamation of my faith - my trust in Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Savior. It is my identification with Christ in his death. It is my act of obedience to my Master. It is my total dedication to the kingdom of God. Baptism is a vital part of my life as a believer.

God is seeking for a new generation that is willing to believe in his promises. God will not allow the enjoyment of his promises to grumblers and complainers who don't trust him. He is seeking people who are circumcised, not in the flesh, but in their hearts. People who have been truly born again and trust his promises as Yes and Amen without grumbling and complaining. I want to be part of that new generation - a man circumcised in my heart who trusts God with all my strength.

The conquest of the promised land, the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth, is the privilege of those who are born again and proclaim publicly their allegiance to the one and only true God. Those who shy away from the initiatory rite of Baptism do not have a right to participate in the conquest of the promised land. It is the privilege of those who have pledged their lives to the living God without reservation.

Lord, may my commitment to you be total and not half-hearted. I want to establish your kingdom upon earth with all the resources you have given me. Make me part of that new generation that is circumcised, not in the flesh, but in the heart.

Matthew 28:11-20 The Great Commission

The world in which I live is set against the preaching of the good news of the Gospel: that Jesus,  the Son of God, died for the sins of the world, and resurrected on the third day, and sits at the right hand of the Father, and will come back for his Church one day. But Jesus revealed himself after the resurrection and established clearly that despite great opposition, he has all authority in heaven and on earth. Satan's reign of terror is over! Jesus bought back with his blood what rightfully belongs to him.

Jesus calls me to live my life driven by this one purpose: to make disciples! Make disciples as I go. Much emphasis was given many years ago to the "going," especially overseas. But the emphasis is misplaced. Jesus calls me to make disciples as I go - wherever I happen to be: at home, at work, at school, or the ends of the earth. The call is to live all of life with the intent to make new disciples for Christ wherever I am. I don't need to go overseas to fulfill the call. I can do it right where I live today.

Make disciples by baptizing them. Baptism is the initiation rite into the faith. It is my identification with Christ in his death and resurrection. It is my dedication to Christ in body and soul. It is my public declaration that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. It is a command I must obey. I make disciples as I guide them along the process of making such a commitment. It implies pre-evangelistic as well as evangelistic activities that culminate in a call to follow Jesus.

Make disciples by teaching them. Christian doctrine is the basics of the faith and it is contained in the Scriptures. It is vital to teach good doctrine for the proper development of healthy disciples. Personal devotions, Worship Service, Bible Studies, and retreats are great places to get in touch with the Word of God and learn what Jesus wants from me. I must commit to teach the whole counsel of God to those who will become true disciples of Christ.

When do I know when a disciple is ready? When the disciple begins to make disciples him/herself.  Lord, make me a good disciple-maker. I want to fulfill the purpose of your call upon my life. Fill me with a sense of urgency to seek those who would come into your kingdom to become your disciples.