#John15 - Jesus the Spiritual Botanist

Click here to read John 15:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

When Jesus rises from the dead, Mary and the other women actually encounter him after speaking to the angel. Before they realize it's Jesus, they mistake him for the gardener. After reading this chapter, they weren't that far off. I have always been into analogies, because it really causes people to think about spiritual things in common language. The education major in me is jumping for joy at the "higher order thinking skills" that this requires. Jesus sets up this comparison between a vine and some branches. He reminds his disciples that if a branch is not connected to the vine, it cannot produce fruit. He reminds us that we must be connected with the Father through him and that we must obey his commands.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

One thought that really didn't seem to immediately fit with the gardening analogy is when Jesus says, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." It is clear that Jesus never intends for life to be boring. Rather when we are following him and obeying his commands, he tells us that we can be full of joy. This reminded me of Psalm 51, where David (in the middle of repenting and confessing) says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." There is joy in following Jesus.

3. What does this mean for my life?

This chapter is very convicting. It is a direct reminder to stay connected with God despite a busy schedule. This happens through prayer, scripture reading, worship, fellowship, serving others, loving the people I am in relationship with, enjoying what God has blessed me with, using the gifts God has given me to the best of my abilities, giving generously, and other things. I was also reminded that remaining connected to the vine and bearing fruit comes with a promise that we will be pruned to produce more fruit. If branches could talk, I don't think they would tell us that pruning is particularly pleasant. However, I bet they would say it is always worth it.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I actually don't have any questions about this chapter.

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#John10 - Voice Recognition

Click here to read John 10:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

"When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” (John 10:4-5 NIV)" This really stood out to me, to know that sheep follow the shepherd because they know his voice. To know the voice of the Father = knowing the voice of Jesus = knowing the promptings of the Holy Spirit = knowing God's Word (the Bible).

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

It's interesting to me to hear Jesus talk about other sheep that are not yet here. There remains to be people to gather into the flock. He then talks about there being one flock, and he will be the shepherd. In John 17, Jesus prays for unity, that there would be a oneness among believers just as he and the Father are one. The Bible also talks about "Gentiles" which basically describes anyone who was not Jewish by birth. From the beginning God's plan was to make salvation available to them too. Isaiah 49:6 says, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

3. What does this mean for my life?

I think more than being a political-type leader, picturing Jesus as a shepherd is a very comforting thought. A political leader sets policies and works from an office. A shepherd leads by mere presence. A shepherd walks with and talks with his sheep. A shepherd protects his sheep. A shepherd loves his sheep. That's the kind of leader I want to follow.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I have thought about this in general while reading the gospels, but I wonder how much time passes between each section or chapter or event recorded in the gospels. Verse 22 says, "Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter..." So between verse 21 and 22, was it days that passed? Weeks? Months? He seems to talk about almost exactly the same thing, so my gut instinct is that not much time passed. I just think it's interesting to know that Jesus spent about 3 years in ministry, but we don't know much about the timing of each event.

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#John8 - Children of the devil!

Click here to read John 8:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

For anyone who just thinks that Jesus was a mild-mannered wimp in a white dress kissing babies and walking with sheep all the time, they do not know Jesus. John 8 is a prime display of the powerful paradox of Jesus' compassion and Jesus' strength and fortitude. Jesus is trying to teach the people about the unique relationship between himself and God the Father. The Pharisees come and challenge him with question after question. The ironic thing is that they are asking the right questions, they are just not willing to accept the answers Jesus gives. Because of their hard hearts, Jesus says that they if they were really Abraham's children, then they would believe in him. Instead he says they are children of the devil! That's harsh. Dem's fightin' words.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

Jesus talks about being a slave to sin, but if we believe in him we are set free from the bondage of sin. There are other passages that also talk about being a slave to sin and finding freedom in Christ. Romans 6 talks about being freed from slavery to sin and offering ourselves as slaves to righteousness. Galatians 3:22-5:1 also talks about this issue. Anyone who has struggled with sinful addictions would verify right away that slavery to sin is a good way to describe our natural tendancies to please ourselves. The only way to be free is to receive a new life in Christ.

3. What does this mean for my life?

In the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, Jesus shines as he wins the day with grace and restores the woman back to the truth. Jesus did not walk around in judgment over others, but he always spoke the truth. He never sugar coated God's plan for life, and he never watered down God's commands. But he stood in direct contrast to the Pharisees who were quick to throw stones (literally) at someone who sinned. Jesus knew while he was here on earth, people didn't need another judge to walk around and tell them what they did was wrong. He knew we would all stand before the judge one day to give an account for our life. He knew we didn't just need another teacher to explain why adultery was wrong. He knew we needed a Savior, someone to free us from slavery to sin. So he did that. I need to also remember that although it's important that we all know and understand God's word to the best of our abilities, we should exercise grace and even stand up for others.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

At the very end of the chapter, Jesus makes a statement that really sets the Pharisees off. He says, "Before Abraham was, I am!" Now, I don't think that was just a grammar slip. I think what he was doing was using God's holy name of "I AM" for himself. Is this accurate? I know that the New Testament was written in Greek and the Old Testament in Hebrew, so I don't know if that translates perfectly or not. That would be interesting to find out.

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Luke24 - Jesus vs. Devil Showdown via the Matrix

Click here to read Luke 24:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Jesus was betrayed, deserted, denied, arrested, beaten, flogged, mocked, crucified and buried. It was horrible what people did to him. From an earthly perspective, it seemed as though the devil won. I think that from the devil's perspective, he probably thought he won too. Little did anyone know, that God had planned from the beginning that the chosen one, the Messiah/Christ, the Savior of the world would have to die to bring life. It seems ironic, but Jesus died to become the sacrifice that would atone (pay the penalty for) all of our sin. It HAD to be that way. So once again, God was able to work his will through the variety of righteous and evil actions of humans. One of the best movies that I've seen that captures this same redemptive plot line is the Matrix. In the third movie, Matrix Revolutions, Neo (which means New) is battling the ultimate enemy. Feel free to watch the quick clip to see why it corresponds, or watch all three movies for a great sci-fi action adventure.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

The ending of the chapter (which is the ending to the book of Luke) is slightly different wording, but the same events as the beginning of the book of Acts. If you were not previously aware of this, Luke is also the author of the book of Acts. It's like he set out to write a detailed scholarly account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but he couldn't stop there. He had to continue with the account of this rag-tag group of misfits who were transformed by Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit into preachers, teachers, healers, apostles, leaders, servants, church-planters, and more. I started this blogging journey in the book of Acts, otherwise I would love to just keep reading that like a continuous story line.

3. What does this mean for my life?

I think about the road to Emmaus story often. These two followers of Jesus were with the 12 disciples. They knew a lot about Jesus and were committed to him. But they still had questions, doubts, and confusion about what was actually going on. Jesus used this opportunity to set them straight. He explained to them from Scripture everything that had been written about himself. This walking Bible study session rekindled their fire and energy about following Jesus and they were transformed into passionate believers in Jesus and the resurrection. God's word has the power to seep into our souls, our minds, and our hearts to transform us and make us new. This is what drives me to keep doing this blog, even though it is almost never convenient. It always means less sleep and/or less free time, but I want so bad for God's word to weave into every fiber of my being so that I can experience the promise of Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I know in 1 Corinthians 15: 5-8 we read that Christ appeared to over 500 people after his resurrection. But that is still a very small amount. Why didn't Jesus show himself to the chief priests? To all of Jerusalem? To Pontius Pilate? To Herod? To Caesar? Wouldn't more people have believed in him right away? Wouldn't there have been almost universal acceptance and understanding of Jesus as the Messiah? I don't understand God's plan to just reveal himself to a few, but those few were obviously truthful in their account. If Jesus hadn't been resurrected, there's no way they would have been killed for a lie. Their very lives are a testimony. That doesn't mean I understand why God did it that way. It's a mystery to me.

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

#Luke23 - Dead Set on his Mission

Click here to read Luke 23:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

As I read the account of Jesus trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus, what stood out to me most was the pure hatred and utter rejection of the religious leaders. In verse 10, it says they were "vehemently accusing him." In verse 23 it says that "with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed." They were dead set against Jesus, and they won...or so they thought. I don't know what I would have done if I were in their shoes, but I'm sure glad Jesus died so my hard heart could be made alive again. Even though they were dead set against Jesus, he was dead set on his mission to restore us to God through his death on the cross.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

Someone today made an interesting observation about the thief on the right and the thief on the left being similar to how Jesus described the judgment being like separating sheep and goats. The righteous (those who believed, repented, and lived their life for Jesus) were on one side, and those who rejected Jesus were on the other. I had never made that connection before. I thought it was worth mentioning.

3. What does this mean for my life?

When Jesus was on the cross, he forgave those who mocked and tortured him, and they didn't ever ask for it. They never sat down and confessed their sin. Jesus still pleaded with the Father to forgive them. It's easy to think that we shouldn't forgive someone unless they admit their wrong first, but that only builds up resentment and bitterness inside. I need to remember to be quick to forgive.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

On the way to Golgotha, Jesus gave a mini speech, in which he told the women not to weep for him, because times are gonna get worse. In fact, he said there will be a time when it would be better for women not to have children. What time was he talking about? Or was this just a way to say, there will always be evil, and it will only get worse?

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Luke2 - Unlikely Messengers

Click here to read Luke 2:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Throughout the Bible, God uses some really unlikely people to deliver his messages and spread the news about his activity. From a worldly perspective, we would expect God to use important people of high class and high education. That's not who God chooses. God chooses shepherds. Shepherding was, for the most part, a blue-collar, dirty job for lower class citizens. The fact that shepherds were the first people to go out and tell about the birth of Jesus is astounding. Later in the story we see Simeon and Anna, a devout old man and a widow, to share some prophetic words about the baby Jesus. Finally, we see Jesus himself, as a twelve-year-old boy, sharing the message of God with the teachers. So God used the poor, widowed, and children to declare his message in this coming of the Messiah. That is very interesting.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

It is an interesting connection, but Bethlehem is the City of David. David started out as a shepherd, tending his father's sheep (see 1 Samuel 16). Here in Luke 2, we see that God chooses to make his first public service announcement about the birth of his son to shepherds on the hillside. Jesus, who is the promised king in the line of David, will be the good shepherd over the people of Israel.

3. What does this mean for my life?

If God can use unlikely people like elderly, children, and poor, there is hope that he can even speak a word of truth through me. It also really challenges me to not rule people out, but to listen to all people as though God might be trying to say something to me through them.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. How many people were aware of this? How many people did he tell? How many believed him? How many people were either present or heard of Simeon's encounter with Jesus? Wouldn't you think there would have been a group of followers from then on?

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark14 - Lavishly Loving and Notably Naked

Click here to read Mark 14:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

I suppose the title of this blog sounds like some scandalous romance novel, but I assure you it has nothing to do with romantic love. In fact, the title describes two separate incidents in this chapter - one inspiring and the other just plain funny. The first is the incident of the woman pouring a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus. In a normal setting, this would be seen as excessive and wasteful (which some of the disciples, clarified as Judas in other gospels were quick to point out). But this lavish and "over-the-top" expression of love for Jesus was not wasted at all. In fact, Jesus commended it. It's funny how Jesus pointed out the faith of a Gentile as being greater than any he had seen in all Israel, and how it is this "wasteful" act of a woman that Jesus says will be remembered whenever his story is told. The second part of the title happens when the disciples flee. Mark is a brief gospel and doesn't include a lot of the details that Matthew and Luke do, so it is funny that he takes the time to make note of this one disciple that was not wearing much to begin with and then had to flee away naked. :)

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In the garden, as Jesus is praying, his words reflect an incredible surrender of his life to God's will. He wasn't afraid to ask God to make a different way, but in the end he submitted to God's will and plan, knowing it was the best. In James 4, we receive similar instructions even about making plans for tomorrow. "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"

3. What does this mean for my life?

I often feel like Peter, quick to speak of loyalty and faithfulness (which are true) but prone to temptation when it comes to choosing the right thing. It is so easy to give in to the "little" temptations, the things that don't really hurt anyone: pirating music or movies, speeding, viewing inappropriate movies or websites, crude humor or swearing. It is really easy to deny God in those moments, even after we have just participated in a great worship service or Bible study. For me, it's even more reason to keep my guard up against temptation, and to rest in God's mercy and forgiveness when I do fall.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

What role did Judas play in this whole scenario? In some ways it seems like he is almost a "pawn" of God's plan. Since prophesy had to be fulfilled, someone had to betray Jesus. In other ways he seems like he is a pawn of Satan's plan (Luke 22:3 and John 13:27 both tell us that "Satan entered Judas"). It wasn't like Judas was at a seance with devil worshippers inviting him in. But ultimately it is still clear that Judas was the one whose heart was hard and chose to betray Jesus.

Those are my thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you, and KEEP DIGGING IN.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew11 - Are you the One?

Click here to read Matthew 11:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Matthew dedicates a good portion of this chapter to share about the relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist. John has been imprisoned at this point, but he has heard about the teaching and miracles ministry of Jesus. Even though he baptized Jesus and basically declared that he was the Messiah, it seems that he just really wants to know and to hear it from the mouth of Jesus himself. So in typical Jesus Fashion, he doesn't directly answer the question. Instead he quotes Scripture that is being fulfilled through his life. We don't get to hear John's response here, but Jesus gives some pretty high marks for John. :)

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In the reply Jesus gives to John's disciples, he seems to be directly referring to the passage from Isaiah that he quotes in his public teaching debut of sorts. The best description of this incident is found in Luke 4: 18-19. 

3. What does this mean for my life?

I love that John is not afraid to ask Jesus, "Are you the one we've been waiting for? Or should we expect someone else?" Sometimes in my own faith life I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen, or someone to come. I often need to remind  myself that "The next best thing is already here!" Jesus is the one we're waiting for. 

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

At the end of the chapter, Jesus encourages us to take on his yoke which is easy and light. Other places though Jesus really lays out the cost of discipleship. Why does He make it sound so easy on the one hand and so hard on the other?


God's blessings!

In Christ,
Dan

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#Matthew1 - What's in a Name?

Matthew 1: 

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uploads/2010/10/baby-jesus-mary-joseph-by-dewey.jpg

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

I decided that reading the four gospels would be an excellent way to start the year 2015 out. However, there is a strong temptation for me to just skip the genealogy of Jesus at the beginning of Matthew. After all, at least half the names in the list are completely unknown to me, and many of the others I only know a little about. But I decided that since it "made the cut" of what to include in the Bible, it was worth my reading. What stood out to me from the genealogy list was that even though it traced the lineage through the males, there were specifically five females that made the list. Each of them has their own interesting story, but I'll just list them briefly: Tamar (conceived through righteous trickery), Rahab (a prostitute turned believer), Ruth (a foreign woman), Bathsheba (who is mentioned as Uriah's wife, and was basically raped by King David), and Mary (who was most likely a teenage girl).

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Here are the links to where you can read about the stories of these interesting women:

• Tamar - Genesis 38
• Rahab - Joshua 2 and 6
• Ruth - Ruth 1-4 (which also contains a section of the same genealogy)
• Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11-12
• Mary - Luke 1-2 (and Matthew 1-2)

3. So what does this mean for my life?

Although the genealogy list doesn't explicitly offer much in the way of life application, the second half of the chapter offers a neat example of trusting God in Joseph. Despite the worldly perspective that Joseph should divorce Mary (even a righteous law-following worldly perspective), Joseph pays attention to the angel, and obeys God. Verse 24 says, "...he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." There are many times when God's commands are clear, and I simply need to trust and obey even if it doesn't make much sense from a worldly point of view. Finances are a great example: "Give money away when I don't have much for myself?" It still works.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I know that there are different ways of doing genealogies, but I was just wondering if this is a complete genealogy from Abraham to Jesus, or if there are some names and generations that got skipped over. If so, why would Matthew claim that there were 14 generations between each section? Was 14 significant for some reason? 

That's it. I'm excited to go through each chapter of each gospel and become more familiar with the life and teaching of Jesus. 

In Christ,

Dan

Acts 19 - Power in Jesus' Name

Acts 19

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Besides the continued persecution Paul faced motivated by malice and greed, the story of the powerful evil Spirit really captured my attention in this chapter. Number one, it was a good reminder of the reality that evil spirits do exist and do possess people. Secondly, it was a good reminder that there is great power in Jesus' name. Third, word of this incident got out and it sparked a revival and repentance from sorcery. It is unclear to me if these "seven sons of Sceva" were actually believers, or if they were Jews who were "trying out" Jesus' power. It almost seems like the latter, where it would have been like, "I know a guy who has met Jesus and does cool things in His name, and I want to do that too." Maybe the story would have ended differently if they actually had the Holy Spirit in them and knew Jesus personally.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

In James, we are taught that faith without works is dead. It's not just about a head-knowledge type of belief that Jesus is the Son of God. James makes a very good point that "Even the demons believe that [there is only one God] - and shudder." I love that statement, and the accounts of this story and others in the gospels confirm that demons know exactly who Jesus is, but do not submit to him as Lord. The evil spirit in Acts 19 not only knows about Jesus, but is also very familiar with Paul. It's like Paul got on the demons' most wanted list or something. :)

3. What does this mean for my life?

Even with all of the persecution that Paul and the other disciples faced, they never come out in retaliation. The worst it gets was in the last chapter when Paul had enough hard-hearted rejection from the Jews and declared that he would go to the Gentiles instead. For me, I have to be careful to maintain a life of integrity, even in the face of disagreement. It's easy to get passionate about social issues, doctrinal issues, or practical ministry philosophy issues, but it's never okay to go out of your way to degrade another person. I think of Philippians 3 when Paul says, "I want to know Christ, the power of his resurrection...and share with him in his sufferings." He would rather let himself be persecuted than somehow tarnish the name of Jesus. That's what I want for my life. I wish more of our politicians would embody that.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I'm not a church expert, but I know there are many Pentecostal and other Charismatic churches that insist that every true Christian must be able to speak in tongues. It seems like this passage would be a pretty good illustration of that point. I understand that speaking in tongues is one of many Spiritual gifts named in the Bible, and even Paul said, "I desire that all of you would speak in tongues like me." That implies to me that not every believer spoke in tongues. Was that just because they didn't have enough faith (I ask that sort of tongue-in-cheek)? But ultimately, what is the relationship between being a believer, receiving the Holy Spirit, and speaking in tongues?

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 18 - Intentional Discipleship

Acts 18

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

One quick funny thing from verse 18 - Paul cut his hair "because of a vow he had taken." What? Did he lose a bet or something? "Hey Silas, betcha my hair that Priscilla and Aquila won't come with me to Syria..." :)

On a more serious note, at the risk of sounding redundant, I really noticed again in this chapter that wherever Paul went, he went regularly, "religiously," obediently to the synagogues to reason with the Jews and Gentiles from the Scriptures to convince them that Jesus is the Messiah. There's a definite pattern: Relocate - Preach Jesus - Experience Persecution - Relocate. :)

2. How does this relate to any other scripture I know?

As I read these last few chapters in Acts, especially those of Paul availing himself to the Jews, pleading and reasoning with them, I get a sense of his heart. He clearly has a heart for the Jewish people (his own people) and even upon persecution goes back to them time and time again. But in Acts 18, we get this sense that his patience has run out and at the same time he is deeply saddened by the Jews' persistent rejection of the gospel. This insight really reminded me of Paul's letter to the Romans. In chapters 9-11, he talks about God's love, God's grace, God's favor upon the Jews, but the rejection by many of the Jews that leads to their destruction. Romans 10 especially shares the big picture thoughts: "My heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved...But not all the Israelites accepted the good news." I love that the book of Acts gives us insight into the New Testament books of the Bible written as letters by Paul, Peter, James, and Jude. Acts is the story, the letters are the doctrine, and both reinforce each other. 

3. What does this mean for my life?

Despite the insights into this chapter from the first two questions, the most profound "take-home" lesson for me comes from the end of Acts 18. Beginning in verse 18, we see how Paul remained very close with Priscilla and Aquila, a husband and wife team of close friends and supporters during his ministry. That much is not uncommon, but what stood out to me is that after Paul had left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus and Apollos shows up. He is a learned man, speaking boldly in the synagogues, but not really knowing the full message of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. So Paul's two friends took him in and gently encouraged him and "explained to him the way of God more adequately." It was an act of discipleship, of training and equipping and encouraging, that must have happened from Paul to them. So indirectly, it was Paul's investment in Priscilla and Aquila, that was "payed forward", which helped shape Apollos into a powerful preacher. By the way, Apollos is referred to in 1 Corinthians 1-3 as one who came after Paul to teach the Corinthians. So for me, I need to keep my eyes open for opportunities to intentionally disciple younger believers (which may not be a matter of age either). It might be a one time encounter like in this passage, or it may be for a season or my whole life.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I don't really know how to phrase this question. But when God told Paul in a vision, "Keep preaching, don't be afraid, I have many people in this city," that was nice. Paul knew he was in the right place at the right time. Why does God sometimes say those things and sometimes leave us questioning and wondering, "Am I supposed to be here? Is this still valuable? Should I be investing my time and money somewhere else?" I think most people would like a vision telling them to stay where they are or go to a new place. But I guess that question came to my mind.

I'd love to hear from others. Whether you're able to join me for a day or for the duration of this project, I hope you take time to read the appropriate chapter (the book and chapter reference are linked to a site where you can read the chapter online.) I'd also really love to hear your own answers to any or all of these questions, and/or to my own thoughts. God's blessings.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 17 - All Greek to Me

Acts 17

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

In verse 2, the phrase, "as was his custom..." stuck out to me. It was like an automatic for Paul to preach and reason in the synagogues trying to win people over to Christ. This phrase stood out to me because it was always predictably followed by jealousy, persecution , and near death experiences. Many people today may have urged him to get a new hobby. :) Yet Paul really couldn't help himself. He felt the urge to preach JESUS as Messiah no matter what the consequences would be. 

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

Acts 17:26-27 talk about people seeking God and finding him. Jeremiah 29:11 is probably one of the most quoted Bible verses, but right after that we get these verses, "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "(Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV) right after that God says, "I will be found by you." I love that God is like a Dad playing hide and seek. He doesn't really hide, and he is not far from anyone. 

3. What does this mean for me. 

I'm always impressed by the Bereans in this chapter. They didn't immediately receive it but they didn't immediately reject it either. They diligently studied the Scriptures to see if Paul's teaching lined up with the Bible. I feel like sometimes I am quick to either accept or reject certain teachings. I need to be more like the Bereans, examining the Bible for accuracy. 

4. Do I have any questions about this chapter?

I think my only real question comes from verse 26 where it says got appointed our times. What does that mean?

Anyway, those are my thoughts. God bless you this day. 

In Christ,

Dan 

Acts 16 - Singing in Prison

Acts 16

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

In verses 6-10, I love that Paul and his companions didn't just sit in a room twiddling their thumbs waiting for a burning bush to tell them where to go. They got up and moved. There were several places they tried to go and preach but the Spirit prevented them. But that didn't stop them from trying other spots. Finally Paul received the vision of the man from Macedonia and it was clear what God was doing. I just love that we don't just discern God's will by sitting around and meditating or anything. A lot of times God's will is revealed as we are moving forward in life and ministry and as doors open and close we can see God's hand guiding us.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know.

The jailer's question is a basic fundamental question about Christianity, "What must I do to be saved?" Paul's response echoes the previous chapter's emphasis that we are not saved by anything we do. Rather we are saved simply by believing in who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. The word "believe" is used in several other key NT passages that describe this same concept. John 1:12 ("Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name..."), John 3:16, Romans 3:22 ("righteousness is given by faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe"). James 2 also echoes this sentiment about belief, but adds that "believing" in this sense is not just a mental acknowledgement, but a life-shaping heartfelt belief that reveals itself in our actions.

3. What does this mean for me?

This may seem like a funny application for those of us who live in the U.S. where we are blessed to have a great deal of religious freedom. But I believe that there have already been some compromises to that freedom and that legally and/or culturally Christians have been targeted to be quiet. But Paul and Silas were not afraid to assert their rights as citizens. They weren't flaunting it, but they weren't about to be pushed around and silenced "just because." I think it's really important for us to know our rights to practice faith - to know what's appropriate and allowed. Then we need to be bold in asserting our rights to these things.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I have a few legitimate questions, but none that are super important. First, what were the circumstances that led Paul and his companions to conclude, "The Holy Spirit is keeping us from entering these place?" Or was it just a hindsight revelation? Also, why did they rebuke the slave girl who was telling everyone that Paul and Silas were godly men leading people to salvation? Doesn't that seem like free publicity? That was a little weird.

God bless. Sorry this came so late in the day. I'm glad for Daylight Savings and the extra hour of sleep. :)

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 15 - Disagreement? In the Church? Never...

Acts 15

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

As my blog title shares today, I noticed that both during the council meeting in Jerusalem and in the conversation between Paul and Barnabas, there was disagreement. Some people thought one thing and some thought others. I find this disagreement incredibly refreshing. Sometimes it's hard to see the similarities between the church in Acts and our Church today, but one thing we have in common is disagreement. What you don't see in this chapter is name-calling, curses, rejection, or any crazy thing like that. Yes, Paul and Barnabas split up, but neither one left the other by calling down curses from heaven or excommunicating them.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In Peter's address to those gathered, he concludes his thoughts with these words: "we believe that it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." This makes me think of two specific verses. One is, of course, in Ephesians 2:8-9 which says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." The other passage is in Romans 3:22-24 which says, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Salvation is offered through God's grace, given to all who believe and put their faith in Jesus. The wording from the Romans passage especially (written by Paul) seems to echo Peter's exact words from Acts 15.

3. What does this mean for my life?

Humility. I need Jesus. I am not saved by going to church. I am not saved by working in ministry. I am not saved by reading so many verses in the Bible or blogging about them. :) I am not saved by how many mouths I feed or how much money I give. I am saved because Jesus died in my place, rose from the dead, and offers me the gift of eternal life through faith in him. Psalm 40:1-3 is also a great passage that helped me remember that I am helpless on my own.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

The apostles didn't have the "New Testament" to resolve their doctrinal disagreement (they wrote it later). So they were basing their decisions both on the Old Testament (which really does compliment the New) the teachings of Jesus and the unity of the Holy Spirit. Today, we have the New Testament, but there are still a lot of disagreements about doctrinal issues. My biggest question from this chapter is about living life today. When are disagreements something that should be resolved by separation? Are there certain "issues" that are non-negotiable? What constitutes modern-day "heresy" that should be rebuked rather than accepted? I'm sure everyone who reads this would have different answers, so it's not necessarily something I expect to be resolved here. But it's a question I have. Just being real.

God's blessings!

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 13-14 - Receiving and Rejecting

So today I am playing catch-up from yesterday, so I am reading two chapters. Both chapters are descriptions of Paul and Barnabas in their early journeys. They went from city to city, explaining the Scriptures and pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. I am still amazed, but shouldn't really be, that everywhere they went they were met with a large number of people who were receptive to the gospel and believed in Jesus. Yet there were also a few who rejected the teaching. In each city there were those who received and those who rejected.

Acts 13 - Acts 14

1. What stuck out to you from this passage?

Things have not changed much in 2000 years. The gospel message is the same, the proofs of Jesus as Messiah are the same, and people are still receiving and rejecting Jesus. What stood out to me is that even though there were these two groups emerging in each city, the group that received Jesus as Messiah was not out to dispose the Jewish leadership. Paul and Barnabas were not teaching the people to hate the Jewish leaders or stone them or persecute them. In fact Paul and Barnabas were speaking this message of sin, grace, and salvation to them as well as everyone else. On the flip side, in every city, the group of Jewish leaders who rejected the gospel ALWAYS began to "plot", to "win the crowd over", to "mistreat them and stone them", to be motivated by "jealousy", to "stir up persecution against them." I really hope that this is the way it is today as well.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

This is an interesting correlation, but as I read these two chapters I noticed this repeated act of preaching and teaching, followed by persecution and rejection. It reminded me of reading the book of Judges, where the people would turn away from God and worship other "gods", then God would allow the nations to rule over them and mistreat them, then the people would return to God and cry out, then God would rescue them, and they would repeat the whole cycle.

3. What does this mean for my life?

As we teach and preach the gospel, I pray that we are more like Paul and Barnabas (and Jesus) offering life and salvation, and receiving both acceptance and persecution. I pray, like the early apostles, that we would teach and preach the Bible with boldness in a way that is winsome and inviting to all people. I also pray that we would be willing to accept both the fruit of the gospel and the persecution that might come with it.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In Acts 13:48, there is an interesting concept of those who responded to the gospel favorably, and it states also that "all who were appointed for eternal life believed." I know there are some who strongly believe in predestination and others who believe in the freedom of all to reject or receive. This is one of the incongruences of Calvinism and Arminianism. But the more I read the Bible I tend to see both appearing all over the place. Each "side" can find verses to support their point of view and sound convincing, but I'm leaning more and more toward realizing that somehow both are true and a part of the mystery of how God works. Maybe that's a cop-out answer, but it's how I feel. (That was more of an observation/wondering than a direct question.)

Anyone is welcome to post any comment about the reading or about my response. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 12 - Miraculous Escape

Everybody loves a sensational story, a miracle that's almost too good to be true. And as soon as the story gets past the eyewitnesses to become second and third-hand hearing, people like me tend to be extra skeptical. I usually ask questions like, "Well how do you know?" If the answer is something like, "He said that she heard that he saw it," I'm pretty well checked out of the conversation. Acts 12 is one of those stories. But here's what convinces me that it is true. The author of the book of Acts is Luke. Luke was a physician, a Gentile believer, a record keeper. He investigated the facts by spending time with Paul, with Peter, and with the other apostles. In his stories, they don't sound like exaggerated "fish tales." They sound more like police reports. If you've already read the chapter, go back and read it again and look at all the details Luke includes about which night this happened, what the circumstances were, what the other people said, and all of the other unimportant details that only solidify the reality and truth of the whole story.

Acts 12

1. What stood out to me from this passage?

I know the story is mainly about Peter, but I was drawn to the character of Herod. Herod was presumably the same Herod that was ruler when Jesus was crucified (not the same Herod from the Christmas story). So at that point Herod was amused by Jesus, but at this point in the story Herod seems annoyed by Jesus' followers. Now this thing was shaping into a cultural and political force and that threatened his leadership. So he "tested the waters" so to speak by killing one of the disciples. When that was met with cheers by the Jewish religious leaders, he ramped up his game. It seemed all along like he was a coward, trying to maintain political leadership. I am even more disgusted with him than I was before, and I found myself happy when he was struck dead. Almost as immediately as I felt happy, I repented and found myself saddened that he never turned from his rebellious ways to embrace Jesus as Lord.

2. How does this relate to any other scripture you know?

I thought of two things, the first is Paul and Silas escaping from prison later in Acts 16. The second is actually the order to place 16 guards over Peter, a fisherman turned preacher who never committed a crime in his life. A little overkill right? It reminded me of the guard posted to Jesus' tomb. The leaders convinced Pilate in Matthew 27:62-65 to post a guard and seal the tomb "just in case." Peter's arrest seems to have that same flavor of "just in case something happens" (which it did).

3. What does this mean for my life?

This passage is more story than theology or doctrine. It's not so much about shaping my beliefs as helping to reveal how God works, namely, however He wants. Looking at Herod's death, though, was a great reminder to make my life about God's glory. It was Herod's failure to give glory to God that caused God to judge Him at that moment. Herod liked being thought of like a god, but God didn't. :) Are my words giving God glory? When I receive compliments and encouragement, do I humbly say thank you and give God glory, or do I soak it in and put myself on a pedestal? That was convicting for me.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Well, not much that really matters. I do wonder where Peter went after visiting the gathered disciples? I suppose I also have questions about how the prayers of the people made an impact on Peter's escape. Would God have rescued Peter if the people had not prayed? Were their prayers the difference maker? The fact that it was noted more than once that people were praying makes me think there's more of a connection than not.

This is a fun story, especially for us skeptics to just say, "PRAISE THE LORD!" I would love to hear your comments.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 11 - Even to the Gentiles

The big news of this chapter...God's gift of grace that leads to life is not just for a small group of people, but to everyone who believes and turns to the Lord. This is a big deal. In the Bible, the language of "Jew and Gentile" or "Jew and Greek" is used a lot to describe those who are "in" and those who are "out" of God's covenant promise. So the fact that these disciples recognize that God's gift is given "even to Gentiles" is HUGE. I know I am thankful for this promise, because I'm not Jewish. That means that even I can be included in God's plan for salvation. We have known this for for 2,000 years now, but reading this chapter brought a new level of gratitude for God's provision.

Acts 11

1. What stuck out to me from this chapter?

Two things, one small thing, and one small thing with huge implications. First, this time through the chapter, I caught the part where the "disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." That's cool. The believers were also referred to as disciples, or followers of The Way. Second, the phrase in Acts 11:21 really stood out to me: "...a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." The descriptive, visual language of turning to the Lord is very powerful to me. "Believing" implies a heart change, but can often be reduced to a head knowledge or acknowledgement of what is true. However the language of "turning to the Lord" implies a life change, a new direction, a departure from the old way of living and embracing of the new life in Christ. For most people, "believing" something new might not be visible to others, but "turning to the Lord" would mean that things look different. It means that your walk lines up with your talk. It means that the Holy Spirit living in you should produce new (and improved) fruit. That phrase really came at me with a lot of meaning as I read it today.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

About 10 years ago is when my journey with reading the Bible began seriously. I dove in to a couple books initially, and one was Isaiah. Ever since then I remember a very powerful verse from Isaiah 49, in verse 6, which says, "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." I LOVE THAT! It is TOO SMALL A THING for the Messiah to only redeem Israel. That seems like a big thing to me, but God's vision is bigger than mine (go figure) and thankfully includes the whole world. Acts 9-11 is largely the fulfillment of this prophecy from Isaiah, or at least the beginning of it.

3. What does this mean for me?

This was the first question I wanted to answer. In verse 17, Peter says, "...who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?" That phrase cut straight to my heart. I wonder how many times I have "stood in God's way" of sharing the gospel message with someone. Maybe I prejudged them. Maybe I was "too busy." Maybe it was inconvenient. Maybe I just didn't want my life to get more complicated at that moment. Ughh. Lord please help me to be more sensitive to your Spirit's leading and let you speak through me despite my feelings.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

In verse 27, there is a reference to "some prophets" who came from Jerusalem. I know there were prophets in the old testament, and a lot more than just the ones who have Bible books named after them. :) But how long had these prophets been prophets? Since Pentecost? Or had there been a group of prophets all the way from Malachi to Jesus' birth? If so, didn't they have some word from God? That would be interesting to find out.

I'm really enjoying these blog entries. I can already tell the Spirit is using it to renew my mind in God's Word. I hope that whether you read a chapter here or there, or join me for the daily chapter, that you feel the same way.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 9-10 - Two Changed Men

It happened. I didn't get to my blog yesterday. The busy day and late night got the best of me. So to stay on track, I'm just reading two chapters. I'll still just use the four questions and just consider the two chapters as one (especially since they originally didn't have any chapter verse divisions anyway). These were two interesting chapters to read together too. One is about Saul's 180 degree turnaround from persecutor of the church to prominent preacher of Jesus Christ as Messiah. He was appointed as God's apostle to the Gentiles (everyone in the world who isn't Jewish). In chapter 10, we see a major change in Peter, as God reveals to him how broad his love and acceptance go. God's salvation and Holy Spirit reach beyond Jewish customs and laws, to all who believe in Jesus Christ and honor God with their life. As we'll find out later, this mental shift and attitude change was necessary for Peter to later lead the church in accepting Gentiles as brothers and sisters in Christ. So let's dig in.

Acts 9 & Acts 10

1. What stuck out to me from these chapters?

This summer at our camp, we studied the story of Saul's conversion to talk about how we find significance for our life in fulfilling God's purposes. But the surprising story of Ananias really emphasizes the point. This is really all we hear about him, and he has to really overcome some fears and doubts. But his faith in God helped him step into those fears and play a crucial part in God's plan for Saul. I love that he goes from questioning God about Saul's history in verse 13-14, to addressing Saul as "Brother Saul" in verse 17. That is faith. When Jesus said to love our enemies, he meant it. :)

2. How does this passage relate to any other scripture I know?

An interesting connection came into my mind that I might not have thought of, except that I read these two chapters together. In Galatians 2, Paul writes about an incident where Peter was eating with Gentiles (after having this vision in Acts 10 that God would bless that), but when some highly respected Jewish Christians came around, Peter pulled back and must have tried to put on a show that he was still Jewish enough for them. Paul said in Galatians that he opposed Peter and called him out, because even though he had received the vision and had experienced the freedom to eat "unclean food" he was starting to act differently around the Jewish friends. So even though God uses both of these men to reach Gentiles, Paul still had to remind Peter that we are not saved by the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised.

3. What does this mean for my life?

I often wonder what the equivalent of "eating unclean foods" would be for us Christians. I suppose it is something like drinking alcohol or watching movies that are somewhat inappropriate. Can we do these things? Yes. Should we do them a lot? It's not good for us. But even more than whether or not it is good for us, we have to be careful not to let that be  the new "law". It's easy to become self-righteous and think that someone who does "those things" could never be a Christian, or would never be accepted by God. But just like Jesus, who ate with "sinners" and tax-collectors, sometimes being around "those things" is the only way to build bridges with "those people". I use quotes because the language is even silly, and as Paul reminds us in that Galatians passage, I need to remember all the time that, "in seeking to be justified in Christ, we...find ourselves among the sinners." I am a sinner saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and everyone can relate to that.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

After reading the book of Acts earlier in my life, I had a lot of questions about the relationship between the Holy Spirit, baptism, and salvation. It seemed like most of the time they were all linked (i.e. someone believed and was baptized, then received the Holy Spirit). But a few times, the three come at different times. In Acts 10, the people believe, then God sends the Holy Spirit. As a response, Peter orders that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. So my question is a complex one, but what exactly is the relationship between the Holy Spirit, baptism, and salvation. I guess this leaks into other complex faith conversations about infant baptism, "believers baptism", and being baptized with the Holy Spirit. I don't even know what specific questions would be, just a lot of wondering.

Okay, hopefully I don't miss another day, but life happens. Thanks for anyone reading this to keep me on track. God bless.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 8 - Scattered Seeds

As a kid, I loved to blow dandelions when they turned white and watch the fluffy white seedlings scatter in the wind. I also liked to kick them or hit them with sticks and watch the seeds scatter. At the time it was fun, and I even thought I was helping by getting rid of the seeds and destroying the dandelions. Little did I know that those scattered seeds from the one dandelion would produce 25 more dandelions nearby. I think Saul and the other religious leaders thought that maybe if they persecuted the apostles, scattered the believers, and destroyed the church, they would see the end of Christianity. On the contrary, wherever the apostles went, they taught with authority about Jesus, performed many miracles to help people, and baptized many more believers into the faith. That's the part of the story that starts here.

Acts 8

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Simon the Sorcerer is an interesting character. We don't know much about him except that he practiced sorcery for some time in Samaria, and that he was pretty good at amazing people. But when Philip, Peter and John show up and do miracles, teach with authority, and share the Holy Spirit, the tables are turned and Simon finds himself in awe of "their" power. Figuring that he wants in on this racket he offers to pay for this service of receiving the Holy Spirit. Peter and John have a special insight into his heart it seems, but to me they come across as harsh. I figure Simon just didn't know any difference, and he really just didn't understand God's love for him. Nothing about any of his comments makes me think he had largely impure motives. I never paid much attention to Simon before today.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

When Philip asks the Ethiopian if he knows what he is reading, and the Ethiopian asks, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?," it reminds me of the verses in Romans 10:14-15 which make the point of, "How can people call on someone they have not believed in, and how can they believe in someone unless they have heard of them? And how will they hear unless someone preaches, and how will they preach unless they are sent?"

3. What does this mean for my life?

I think the part that challenged me the most was realizing that this whole story of Philip and the Ethiopian started with Philip hearing the Spirit say, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." Philip was listening closely enough to God to hear Him speak through the Spirit. That was a challenge to me in my busy life. I do take time to read, I do spend time in prayer, but I rarely take time to listen. Maybe if I did that more I would hear God more, and stay in step with him more.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Well like I mentioned in number 1, I wonder what happened to Simon the Sorcerer after verse 24. He seemed repentant. How did God use him beyond that? Also, after Philip baptized the Ethiopian he was "suddenly" taken away by the Spirit and then returned to somewhere else to keep preaching. What was that like? Nobody ever mentions it again, nobody comments on it that is seems miraculous, and not even Philip shares it with anyone else as recorded. What's up with that?

Great stuff, feel free to leave comments on here. I love hearing other's thoughts.

In Christ,
Dan

Acts 5 - Worthy of suffering

This was a longer chapter, with several different stories and angles. God was very active in this chapter: judging the disobedient, setting apostles free from jail, teaching and healing through the apostles, etc. I'll share a few of my thought and then I'd love to hear some thoughts from others.

Acts 5

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

I think the response of the Jewish council is interesting. Gamaliel has some wise words, but when Christianity didn't "just go away" I wonder if any of them thought, "Hmmm, maybe this is of God, and maybe I should stop fighting it." They were upset that they were being pointed at as being guilty of killing Jesus, but really, Peter was still giving them a chance to repent. Yes, they were guilty of killing the Son of God, but they had a chance to repent like all the rest of the people (us included) and receive God's grace and forgiveness through Jesus. 

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know? 

Two connections formed from different parts of the chapter. The first story in the chapter is a troubling one, no doubt. When Ananias and Sapphira keep back a portion of the field they are killed, not by people, but by God. To me, it seems very harsh and "overkill". But there must be more that we don't really know about. But it reminded me of Malachi 3:8, "Will man rob God?" It's in the context of holding back from God what is rightfully his, in terms of tithes and offerings. 

The other connection is from Acts 5:31, where the disciples counted themselves worthy of suffering for the Name. In Philippians 3:10, Paul writes about the desire to know Christ, the power of the resurrection, and participation in suffering. The apostles (and later Paul) considered it joy to suffer in the same manner and for the sake of Jesus, who suffered greatly for each of them (and all of us).

3. What does this mean for my life?

Actually the verse that really spoke to me as a challenge for my own life was the last verse of the chapter, which says, "Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah." Similar to yesterdays desire for boldness in preaching, this verse challenged me to talk about Jesus when I'm at church, or camp, or at home, or at the doctor, or at someone else's house, etc. Not that I shouldn't use discretion and tact, but I hope that I am not ashamed when the opportunity arises to talk about Jesus.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I really would like to know more about Ananias and Sapphira. I mean, it seems like they did a really good thing. They sold a field that they owned, and gave almost all of it to God. That's more than 10%. We can't blame the apostles (the church) for being greedy or manipulative because they neither pronounced the death sentence nor carried it out. It was all God. However there was something about they way that they "lied to the Holy Spirit," and to men, that God pronounced judgment. I just wish God would have given us more specific insight so I don't do the same thing. I'm like the disciples who always asked Jesus, "Explain the parable, cause I didn't get it." :)

Lots of great stuff in this chapter. Feel free to leave a thought or a comment. Maybe you just want to reply to one of the four questions, or maybe you want to respond to one of my comments. Either way, join in the reading and the conversation. God's blessings. Thanks for praying for me and supporting me in this journey.

In Christ,
Dan