Acts 12:1 - 19
The harsh reality of life is that many of us carry around within us things that trap and imprison us - addictions, emotional scars, behaviours, attitudes, temptations that we give into too often. We try and often/always succeed in hiding this undesirable part of our lives, but they keep us being less than God wants for us, and keep us imprisoned in guilt, shame and unsociable behaviour. But this is not the way life should be. Jesus came to “proclaim freedom to the prisoners” (Lk.4:18). This is more than the physical freedom that Peter experiences in Acts 12.
To achieve this freedom from the internal things that trap us, we first need to admit that we can't do it on our own. Peter's freedom came through the miraculous power of the Spirit, but was partnered by the church that "was earnestly praying to God for him" (v 5). Two things to reflect on, to find your own freedom, is there someone you can share with, a person who is trustworthy and mature, and can they and you commit to praying earnestly?
When Peter's release came, he went to the gathered believers who furthered his escape (v 17). Living in a broken world, means that the temptation and possibility of becoming re-imprisoned is always present. We need friends around us to help keep us free. Friends who will hold us accountable, point out blind spots, encourage and distract us. Who are these people for you?
Finally, we need to believe through action that God can release. The early church didn't do this, they argued with Rhoda that Peter couldn't be at the door. Too often we miss out on the power of God to rescue us because we think that it can't be done. Believe and see what he will do.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Acting with boldness
Acts 4:23 - 31
The nanny state and its attendant decline in risk aversion is striking at the very core of what it means to be the church today. Rather than following in the footsteps of the early church and being bold in our willingness to speak out in the name of Jesus (see Acts 4 - 12 for example), we are being people who generally huddle within our church walls, trying to make ourselves as small, minimising the risks that could come our way when we speak about faith, or Christian values in our society.
The early church were able to be bold because they recognised that their number one priority was to be witnesses to Jesus Christ in the world. They let nothing get in the way of doing this (see Acts 4:19). Secondly, they prayed for boldness. They realised that the Holy Spirit could make them bold when they were not naturally bold (see Acts 4:29). Thirdly, they knew that the opposition that came their way was against God, and that they were part of his mission in this world (see Acts 4:25, 26).
Where do you start with being bold? What are the situations that you are in, where empowered by the Holy Spirit, you could speak God's truth and in doing so advance the work of his kingdom?
The nanny state and its attendant decline in risk aversion is striking at the very core of what it means to be the church today. Rather than following in the footsteps of the early church and being bold in our willingness to speak out in the name of Jesus (see Acts 4 - 12 for example), we are being people who generally huddle within our church walls, trying to make ourselves as small, minimising the risks that could come our way when we speak about faith, or Christian values in our society.
The early church were able to be bold because they recognised that their number one priority was to be witnesses to Jesus Christ in the world. They let nothing get in the way of doing this (see Acts 4:19). Secondly, they prayed for boldness. They realised that the Holy Spirit could make them bold when they were not naturally bold (see Acts 4:29). Thirdly, they knew that the opposition that came their way was against God, and that they were part of his mission in this world (see Acts 4:25, 26).
Where do you start with being bold? What are the situations that you are in, where empowered by the Holy Spirit, you could speak God's truth and in doing so advance the work of his kingdom?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Just walk across the room
Starting on 25 July our congregation is going to participate in a campaign called Just Walk Across the Room. For many of us, the whole idea of evangelism is a scary concept. It is intended that through this campaign we'll reduce our anxieties about faith sharing and start to realise that it can be as easy as just walking across the room to talk to another person. I hope that you will participate by being part of a week small group and worshipping each Sunday.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Fully devoted
Acts 2:42 - 47
The picture that Luke gives us of the early church is one of people who were fully devoted to Christ and living his life. Amongst many other things, we see that the church was devoted to worship, community, spiritual growth, serving others and sharing faith with others.
These things have continued in the church down throughout the ages, and indeed are reflected in the four focus areas of our congregation's strategic map.
The question for you is not whether you do these things, but what is your level of devotion to them. Jesus commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Is that love evident in your life and the devotion you give to God?
The picture that Luke gives us of the early church is one of people who were fully devoted to Christ and living his life. Amongst many other things, we see that the church was devoted to worship, community, spiritual growth, serving others and sharing faith with others.
These things have continued in the church down throughout the ages, and indeed are reflected in the four focus areas of our congregation's strategic map.
The question for you is not whether you do these things, but what is your level of devotion to them. Jesus commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Is that love evident in your life and the devotion you give to God?
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