Acts 16:1-5 Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

Paul, in his second missionary trip, sets out with Silas and he encounters a young man called Timothy who was well recommended by the brethren and he asks him to accompany him on the journey. Here is again the principle of working in triads with at least one of them being an apprentice. There is great value in having an apprentice to come along for the journey. During the first trip it was John Mark, who left them shortly after beginning.

An interesting fact about Timothy is that he was half Greek. Paul knew that taking an uncircumcised Greek along with him would make it very difficult for him to be heard by the Jews, so he decided to circumcise him. The reason Timothy's uncircumcision would be a hindrance is because the Jews knew his family. Though the Jerusalem Council voted against requiring Gentiles to circumcise, Paul does it anyway for Timothy. Here is a very important principle that Paul applied throughout his missionary career: He minimized even the possible stumbling blocks to the Gospel. What are the stumbling blocks in my way to share the Gospel with others? Am I willing to address them and get them out of the way?

The decisions made at the Jerusalem Council were communicated by Paul's team to the churches. It would be reasonable to assume that Barnabas' team would do the same. There is a unity among the churches in teaching directed by the apostles in Jerusalem. The Antioch Church is acting as a mother to the churches planted in the area, but the Council in Jerusalem is the definitive voice concerning doctrine. There are many similarities with our current denominational structure today. Denominational loyalties are important because they keep us accountable for sound doctrine.

The solidarity of the churches in doctrine kept them growing in numbers as well as in faith. Nothing is more important to the church than to have a solid doctrinal foundation upon which to build all other programs. How well do I know the foundational doctrines of my faith? How much time have I devoted to understand the teachings of Christ and the Apostles? My commitment to these teachings will determine my growth and strength in the faith.

Father, fill me with wisdom to understand the basic, foundational truths of the Gospel. Help me be a mentor to those around me who are younger and can carry the torch in the future. Teach me to overcome the obstacles to be able to communicate the Gospel of your kingdom. Amen.

Acts 11:1-18 Peter Reports to the Church

The Church, though a divine institution, has been plagued with problems since its birth. Within the ranks of the faithful there was already a debate concerning how to deal with Gentiles. Some believed, those of the circumcision party, that Gentiles had to go through the Jewish ritual of circumcision to be accepted even as Christians, but others didn't. I have to fight the tendency to think and expect that the Church has to be perfect upon the earth. When sinners gather I can't expect perfection, but imperfection. We strive for it, but we have not attained it. I also have to fight the tendency to withdraw from the Church, labeling it hypocritical, because people in it don't follow the teachings of Christ perfectly. I am the chief of sinners and I can't follow his teachings perfectly, but that's why I need the Church. The Church is a place for teaching, reproofing, correcting, and training. If the Church were a Perfect Club there would be no need for all that.

These brothers criticized Peter for entering into a Gentile home and eating with them, something no Jew would do in those days and some even still to this day. Peter was following the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit and yet, he still encountered criticism. I can't expect the work of the ministry to be criticism free. It is part and parcel of what takes place in the dynamics of the Church. I need to grow up and learn to deal with criticism as unpleasant as it may be. There is no such thing as a criticism free ministry. I realize that criticism is not a fruit of the Spirit as some may think, but I have to accept that the Church is a Rehab Center for believers and the Lord is not done with us yet. If I work in the front line of the battle, I will be shot at - guaranteed! And friendly fire is not excluded!

Peter explained the events that transpired with the Gentiles and taught them what the Spirit had been teaching him through a vision. Moreover, the evidence that God was working among the Gentiles just like among the Jews was the pouring of the Spirit after repentance. Peter remembered the preaching of John the Baptist who declared the promise of the pouring of the Spirit upon all who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter declared: ...who was I that I could stand in God's way? When God is doing something new, I have to humble myself and accept his ways. True wisdom does not lean on its own understanding, but trusts in the Lord. The Word of God should always be the lamp and guide of my life. Am I listening to God's Word on a regular basis? I should never allow the status quo, even tradition to stand in the way of what God wants to do.

It is very evident that the Apostles were working together and were stationed in Jerusalem. From there, they monitored the activities of the Church as it expanded. The fact that Peter reported back to the Apostles in Jerusalem speaks clearly of an organization that is working to ensure the spread of the Gospel and also learning from the experiences that are taking place in the field. I should not object to the organizational aspects of the Church and its ministries. It is a practical way to stay in touch with what is happening in the preaching of the Gospel and also a way to ensure the proper teaching of the Gospel is taking place. Peter silenced the brothers of the circumcision because the obvious conclusion was that God was working among them as well.

Father, teach me to see the Church as a Rehab Center and not as a Perfect Club. I need your strength to face criticism even as I work in ministry. Help me to seek your Word and be sensitive to your guidance. Amen.

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.