The Danger of Division
Differing opinions are unavoidable and often lead to healthy conversations and wise decisions. But when “different” becomes “division,” the result is always destructive.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul passionately appealed for unity. He wasn’t attempting to force singularity of mind, but harmony of spirit.
God desires His church to be in unity, to walk in agreement. Scripture says: “The world will know we are Christians by our love for one another.”
One of the greatest testimonies a church, a family, or a marriage can have is a spirit of unity.
Father- help me to lay down my pride and value unity over selfishness. Amen!
God is Bigger than your Bad Day!
Have you ever had a bad day that just kept getting worse?
Once a zealous protector of Jewish law and tradition, Paul had an encounter with Jesus Christ, who revealed Himself to be the Son of God, the Jewish Messiah, and the Savior of the world. Paul’s life was profoundly transformed, and, as a result, he testified boldly of Jesus.
This is where Paul’s bad day begins…
- Paul’s words stir up an angry mob who try to kill him.
- Paul is arrested to protect him from further harm.
- Paul is treated unfairly and seeks a higher court of law.
- Paul is transported in chains.
- Paul senses and warns that the ship’s voyage will be disastrous, but no one listens.
- Paul’s ship meets said disaster.
- Paul and everyone on board barely escape the shipwreck alive.
- Paul is finally on land…and the temperature drops and it starts raining.
- Paul warms himself by the fire…and a snake bites him.
“When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.” Acts 28:3 ESV
That brother was not having a good day! But I love what he does next – Paul literally shook it off! (And, unknowingly, inspired a Taylor Swift song.)
The snake and his bad day. He shook them right off into the fire and went on with life!
He didn’t sit around the fire talking about his bad day, or how sharp the snake’s fangs were. He didn’t keep looking at (or licking) his wound. He didn’t sit down with someone to analyze why bad things seemed to be happening to him.
He shook it off!
I happen to believe in the benefit of seeking good counsel and sharing my burdens with others who can help me, but I also know my human tendency to whine and seek pity. Sometimes it’s good to remember that, although sometimes bad things happen, God is bigger than your bad day.
Nothing is too difficult for God. He is a very present help in time of need!
- In Joseph’s prison God was there.
- In Job’s distress God was there.
- In David’s cave God was there.
- In Peter’s prison God was there.
- In Paul’s shipwreck God was there.
- And in my bad day God is there.
When I forget God’s presence I am left to mourn the awfulness of life. But when I remember that He is always with me and never forsakes me, I always have hope.
Father- thank you for being there. Every day with you is a good day.
Eyes on Eternity
Yesterday I learned that another Christian was recently beheaded for his faith in Jesus Christ, the gruesome details of which were recorded on video and distributed to the world via the Internet.
Christianity is controversial and costly in a world who has rejected God. Since the very genesis of the church in Acts 2, believers have faced and endured persecution. But, no matter how hard he tries, satan cannot conquer the church.
In fact, the church grows in strength and number in the midst of persecution. Jesus said: “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!”
Acts 12 records the death of one disciple (James), followed by the imprisonment of another (Peter).
“About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
Acts 12:1-3 ESV
James’ death and Peter’s imprisonment are not merely a record of history; they also reveal a glimpse of prophecy.
James was faithful to Jesus and ultimately “died in faith” (to borrow a phrase from Hebrews). Upon his death he was immediately in the presence of Jesus to receive his eternal reward.
Peter, on the other hand, was rescued from death and was delivered from prison. Although Peter would later also give his life as a martyr for Jesus, the picture in Acts 12 seems to reflect the prophetic promise for the church.
For many believers, their fight of faith will conclude with death, which will then usher them into eternal life.
But some will not experience death, because, like the angelic visitation that resulted in Peter’s release from prison chains, Jesus Himself will come with a shout from Heaven and rescue His church from the prison and chains of this world into an eternal reign with our King.
One day I will either die, or Jesus will catch me away. it doesn’t really matter to me how I go, as long as I go with Jesus.
Father- please strengthen your church today to stand firm in the face of persecution, temptation, and opposition. Help us keep our eyes on You – the author and finisher of our faith. Let us be ever mindful of eternity.
Amen.
Pentecost Ain’t Just for Pentecostals!
The outpouring of God’s Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 is a watershed moment in history.
Just as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought an end to (fulfillment of) the Law, the upper room outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of the Church, and a new dispensation in history – the “Last Days.”
The gates of hell cannot prevail against the Spirit-filled church! As the Founder and Builder of the Church, Jesus declared: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses to Me in all the earth!”
No sincere believe would disagree that Jesus wants His Church to be filled with, led by, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Having said that, varying opinions exist as to what “Spirit-filled” looks like.
Despite the differences of exegetical conclusions or practical expressions of being filled with the Spirit, there are some truths that Scripture makes clear.
The baptism with the Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of prophecy.
“But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”
Acts 2:16-18, 21 ESV
Many passages in the Old Testament point to a time when God’s Spirit would be manifest in miraculous and meaningful ways. The baptism with the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of those prophetic declarations.
The baptism with the Holy Spirit is an endument of power.
Any honest Christian will acknowledge their ongoing battle with carnality and human frailty. Despite our most earnest desires to honor God and reach the lost, we fall short in our own strength, ability, and wisdom.
But when we are weak, He is strong! We cannot depend on our own might and power, but we can depend on the power of the Holy Spirit!
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 ESV
The baptism with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing and ever-available promise.
- The indwelling presence and manifest power of the Holy Spirit was not limited to the original apostles. In fact, there were 120 people in the upper room (most of whom were not apostles) who ALL received the overflow of God’s Spirit in Acts 2.
- The indwelling presence and manifest power of the Holy Spirit was not limited to the one particular group of people. The manifestation of God’s Spirit was to the Jews (Acts 2), but also the Gentiles (Acts 10). This gift is to men and women, young and old, slave and free.
- The indwelling presence and manifest power of the Holy Spirit was not limited to the early church. On the Day of Pentecost Peter boldly declared: “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:39 ESV)
Pentecost ain’t just for Pentecostals!
Pentecost marks the birth of the church, the beginning of “the last days,” the fulfillment of prophecies, the release of power, and the promise of Jesus being fulfilled in the life of every believer!
Four Things I’ve Learned About Money
Every Tuesday I meet with a group of guys at Starbucks to read the Word, journal what God is saying to us, and pray together. I’ve been doing that nearly every week for probably 15 years or more.
Not only am I personally encouraged by the conversation among these guys, it also is a testimony to every person who walks in for coffee!
I have a friend who is a barista there. I’ve known him since he was in high school. Now he is in his early twenties, has been married for a few years, and has two baby girls.
A number of months ago I came in and had some time to catch up with him. Things were going very well in his life, other than just trying to adjust to the sleeping schedule of a newborn.
As I started to walk away from our conversation the Holy Spirit reminded me of a $100 bill I had in my pocket. I had recently been given this money and had kept it in my pocket waiting for God to show me who to give it to.
I turned back toward my friend, still sitting at the table in his green apron, finishing up his coffee and bagel, preparing to begin his shift. I reached out with the “holy handshake” and gave him the money. I said: “Love ya!” and walked out.
Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Here’s what I’ve learned about my money:
- God provided it. I wouldn’t have anything without Him.
- I steward it. I must use wisdom and discipline.
- God blesses it. Specifically, when I tithe God removes the curse from my finances.
- God multiplies it. When I give, God gives even more.
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”Luke 12:34 ESV
God loves a cheerful giver. Funny- I’m not sure I’ve ever met one who wasn’t.
Pastor Dale Jenkins 