Redeeming the time

Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 20:13-16

Travel in those days was better and easier than ever before in history. But compared to today, it was slow and arduous. Luke includes Paul’s travel plans en-route to Jerusalem, mentioning a few “connecting” sailings.

Of particular interest was Paul’s desire to visit with the leaders of the church in Ephesus one last time (though he didn’t know that). You remember that Paul planted the church in Ephesus and stayed there much longer than in any other of the places he planted churches—three years!

It is interesting to note that Paul did not actually go to Ephesus, however. He went to Miletus, a seaport near Ephesus. Luke tells us that it was because Paul was in a hurry to jet to Jerusalem. Reading between the lines, Paul probably knew that if he went to Ephesus, he would not be able to make it a short visit. The bond of love between Paul and the Ephesians would pressure him to remain longer, and he could not spare the time.

The lesson here is not as specifically spiritual as it is practical. We are responsible to be good stewards of our time as well of as our money. Let us be wise with our time, remembering Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:16, where he wrote, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Thanking the Lord for His kindness

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. Acts 20:7-12

The account of Eutychus falling asleep, falling out of a third story window—and then being raised from the dead—is human, somewhat humorous, and altogether miraculous. We admitted that sleepiness in church sometimes happens. We ought to do what we can to mitigate sleepiness, when we can. At other times, it may be an unavoidable part of being human. We quipped a little about the humor in the story. But the most important aspect of Eutychus’s story is the miraculous grace of God.

Yeah, Paul was long winded. Eutychus was tired, fell out the window, and tragically died. But God was gracious to raise the man from the dead! God didn’t tell us this story to blame Paul for being wordy, or Eutychus for being weary.

The most important application isn’t for preachers to get to the point. Neither is the most important application that congregants need to remain alert in church. The most important application is to see the kindness of God in light of our common weaknesses! How many times and in how many ways has the Lord been graciously kind with you and with me when we are not at our best?

Thank You, Lord, for Your countless mercies that are new every morning!

It happens to the best of us

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. Acts 20:7-12

The account of Eutychus falling asleep, falling out of a third story window—and then being raised from the dead—is human, somewhat humorous, and altogether miraculous.

It is human in that most of us have have been overtaken by sleepiness when at church. It happens to the best of us. Sometimes it is almost unavoidable. A sleepless night caring for sick children, or just having a hard time sleeping—these and other factors can contribute to drowsiness even when worshiping the living God.

There are other times when sleepiness in church is preventable. We must sometimes choose between late-night activities, or eating rich foods on Saturday nights—and planning to be alert for church the next morning. Part of listening on Sunday morning is preparing on Saturday evening.

If I had an important job interview early in the morning, I would do everything to be awake, alert, and presentable the previous evening. Do we think less of worshiping the living God?

Tune in next time for the miraculous.

Ok, so it's not that funny!

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. Acts 20:7-12

The account of Eutychus falling asleep, falling out of a third story window—and then being raised from the dead—is human, somewhat humorous, and altogether miraculous.

We admitted that sleepiness in church sometimes happens. We ought to do what we can to mitigate sleepiness, when we can. At other times, it may be an unavoidable part of being human.

Eutychus’s story is also somewhat humorous. There is no humor in his falling out of a third story window, and there is certainly no humor in his death. What is a bit humorous, at least to me, is that after Paul ran down stairs and raised Eutychus from the dead, it appears that they all when back upstairs, ate, and continued the the service. Imagine that!

This true story has opened the door for preachers to say, “Hey, even Paul was long winded! He not only put people to sleep, Eutychus even died!” The humorous retort has been to say, “Yeah, but Paul was able to raise the dead, so unless you can do that, don’t be so long winded!”

A humorous application for us from this account is, “If you are tired at church, don’t sit on the sill of an open third story window!”

Next time: The human aspect of Eutychus’s story.

The Sabbath (Part 8)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

Having worked through some key principles set forth in scripture regarding the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day, let me conclude this mini-series by considering the Father’s role in establishing the Sabbath and how the Lord’s Day points us to and glorifies the Son.

The last verse of the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:11) reminds us that God Himself exemplified observance of the Sabbath. Was God tired after creating the universe and everything in it in six days? Did He need a breather? Hardly. He did it to underscore the Fourth Commandment’s universal importance.

Additionally, changing the day of observance from the seventh day to the first day of the week points us to Jesus. We call it “The Lord’s Day,” in part because it commemorates His resurrection (that took place on the first day of the week). It also points us to Jesus in that when He was raised, He established in a new beginning. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, believers are “new creatures” in Christ.

A Footnote: Is it not ironic that Fourth Commandment, that is the longest of the Ten Commandments—and is the only one that God presents Himself as keeping—is routinely dismissed by so many Christians?

The Sabbath (Part 7)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments? We’ve considered several key components of the Fourth Commandment in previous posts. Let’s ask and answer the question, “Who is to observe the Sabbath?”

First, though there were no specific instructions given, since the Sabbath was established at creation it stands to reason that it is for all people, not merely Israel as some insist.

Second, when God issued more specific instruction in the Fourth Commandment, He clarified who is responsible to observe the Day.

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.

It is clear that this meant everyone, including children, servants, and even “the sojourner” (non-Jews). While not wanting to create lists of dos and don’ts, I often wonder why it is okay for our children to work their part time jobs on the Lord’s Day? I also wonder why it is okay, not only to do commerce on the Lord’s Day, but to put those who serve us to work on the Lord’s Day? Are not those who serve us in stores or restaurants (whether Christian or not) our “servants“? As for livestock, I cannot say for sure, except that the Commandment seems to require an across the board day of rest.

At the risk of being redundant, I recoil at the idea of legislating what who can and cannot do on the Lord’s Day. I do, however, think it exceedingly wise to prayerfully seek the Lord about how He would have each of us work out the details of this Fourth Commandment in our own lives, and in the lives of our family.

One last post on God Himself exemplifying the observation of the Sabbath on the first seventh day…

The Sabbath (Part 6)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments? We’ve considered Exodus 20:8-9. Verse 10 gives principles regarding what to do and not do on the Sabbath day.

Remember that we are never to add to or subtract from God’s Word. The religionists Jesus scolded had added a slew of man-made regulations that God never gave. We must not do that. When no particulars are given by God, we are to understand the principles God has set forth, and then walk according to wisdom and conscience to discern how we (as individuals and families) are to obey the principles. Consider the principles contained Exodus 20:10.

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.

We are to refrain from “work,” but what work? The Sabbath is not a day for idleness, nor is it a day that we stop living. This is usually understood that we are to refrain from the regular tasks of “employment” whether we are employed at a job, school, or homemaking. The principle is: stop doing what you do during your six days of work. This includes refraining from commerce, including commerce that puts others to work.

Exceptions include addressing emergencies (as when one’s “donkey falls into a ditch” Luke 14:5). We are to care for those who are sick or in need. We are to engage in Christian and charitable ministry (“as unto the Lord”). And there are some sectors of employment that are necessary such as police, fire, and medical workers.

These are the principles set forth by God in His Word. It is up to us to wisely discern how He would have us put these into practice. And we must give others the grace to do the same, even when their convictions differ from ours.

Lastly, let us factor in the principle our Lord gave regarding the Sabbath, that “the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27), lest we make keeping the Lord’s Day a burden instead of a blessing.

Who is to observe the Sabbath? Next time…

The Sabbath (Part 5)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments? We last considered Exodus 20:8, Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy… This time, a short consideration of (v.9), Six days you shall labor, and do all your work…

This part of the commandment is often overlooked, but it deserves at least a passing comment. Before telling us what God has to say about the seventh day, the Lord reminds us of His plans for us the other six days: work.

God worked to create everything in six days and then took a day off. That is His plan for us as well.

Work is not part of the curse following the Fall, it is God’s plan for us from creation. As image bearers of God we are to be creative, and industrious workers.

God’s plan is work six days followed by one day for worship and rest. We ought to be grateful that many only need to work five days allowing us an extra day off as well as a day for worship and rest.

What are we to do, and not do on the actual Sabbath day (which since the Resurrection has been changed to the first, instead of the seventh day of the week)? Next time…

We do not set up list of rules. We merely point people to obey the 4th commandment as their consciences dictate.

The Sabbath (Part 4)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments?

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy… (Exodus 20:8)

The Sabbath is a day, not merely 60-90 minutes if and when we are at church.

The Sabbath is to be kept holy. The words “keep it holy,” or “kept holy” are only one word in Hebrew. To keep the day holy suggests that it doesn't happen automatically, or on its own. A measure of diligence, planning, and yes—effort is required. To keep something also suggests that we have to guard and protect it—why? Because there is no end to the rival interests that will tempt us to not “keep it holy.” We must guard the day or it is likely to be devalued and or forgotten.

The word holiness has two meanings, both important. The first speaks of purity. The second means “other than,” or “set apart,” from other things—primarily for God.

While only God is holy in the absolute sense, we are called to “be Holy as God is holy” (Leviticus 11:45, 19:2, 20:26-27, 1 Peter 1:16), and we are commanded to keep the Sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8).

The Sabbath (Part 3)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

Many who want to honor the Sabbath make the mistake of formulating a list of Dos & Don’ts of what people should and should not do on the Lord’s Day. This is what the religionists leading up to the time of Christ did. Jesus soundly rejected this approach saying, “So for the sake of your tradition you have made void [made nothing] the word of God” (Matthew 15:6). And in (v.9) Jesus added that they were, “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Their faulty thinking went like this: If we are not to work, let’s make a list of things that constitute work and a list of things that don’t. By doing this, they knew which things to scrutinize (most often in other people), and which things are OK (things they can get away with.)

Notice what is completely missing: (a) What God’s Word said on the subject. And (b) any reference to keeping the day holy as an act of worship. Thus, as Jesus pointed out, they made nothing of the Word of God!

What does the Word of God say, particularly in the fourth commandment in Exodus 20:8-11?

The commandment begins with the word “remember.” It is the only commandment that begins with the word “remember.”

First, this informs and reminds us that this commandment is not a new matter. As pointed out in an earlier blog, the matter of the Sabbath dated back to creation (Genesis 2:1-3), making it universal not merely for Israel. It was also commanded by God regarding gathering manna (Exodus 16:5, 22-30). Remember that when the Sabbath commandment was given, it was not new.

Second, “remember” means do not forget or dismiss later on. Sadly, many (most?) evangelicals dismiss the entire concept of the Sabbath, relegating it as being merely for Israel (forgetting that it predates Israel), thus justifying (forgetting) its significance in our day. Do not forget or dismiss the Sabbath, discarding it on the rubbish heap of irrelevant history.

Next time keeping the Sabbath Day Holy.

The Sabbath (Part 2)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

As we saw last time, meeting on the first day of the week (the Lord’s Day) for corporate worship is what Christians did early on—and continue to do to this day. The London Baptist confession clarifies this issue well (as do most historic confessions):

LBCF Chapter 22, Paragraph 7: It is the law of nature that in general a portion of time specified by God should be set apart for the worship of God. So by His Word, in a positive-moral and perpetual commandment that obligates everyone in every age, He has specifically appointed one day in seven for a sabbath to be kept holy to Him. (Exodus 20:8) From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ the appointed day was the last day of the week. After the resurrection of Christ it was changed to the first day of the week, which is called the Lord’s Day. (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10) This day is to be kept to the end of the age as the Christian Sabbath, since the observance of the last day of the week has been abolished.

There is a continuity and a change in the Sabbath. In the Old Testament (OT), the Sabbath was the seventh day. It was a day of rest from six days of labor to worship God. In the New Testament (NT), the Sabbath became the first day of the week to worship God, followed by six days of labor.

Do you see how grace is emphasized in the NT Sabbath, rather that works as in the OT Sabbath? The OT way of thinking was: Work, then salvation. The NT way of thinking is: Grace, then work.

Praise the Lord for the Lord’s Day on which we can celebrate God’s free grace, followed by working out our salvation with fear and trembling! (Philippians 2:12-13)

More on the basics of “Remembering the Sabbath Day” from the fourth commandment next time.

The Sabbath (Part 1)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

Verses 4-6 of chapter 20 of Acts give details about the missionaries’ travels. These kinds of details remind us that these are accounts of actual events. The narratives in the Bible are not fiction, but fact.

Then in verse 7, Luke tells us not only that the disciples gathered on the first day of the week (the Lord’s Day) but that this is what believers did on the first day of the week (the Lord’s Day). Note the way the sentence is written, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” Had Luke merely been informing us of what they did, the word when would not be included. By inserting the word when, Luke was telling us that disciples routinely gathered together on the first day of the week.

The Sabbath was established by God at the time of creation. God “rested” on the seventh day of creation, not because He was tired, but to establish that one day in seven (the Sabbath day) is to be “set aside” (the meaning of the word, sanctified)

The Sabbath day was reemphasized by God in Exodus 16 when the Israelites were told not to gather manna on the seventh day. It was then reemphasized in the Ten Commandments (God’s timeless moral law) in Exodus 20:8-11. We’ll come back and consider what God said in Exodus 20:8-11. For now I’ll close this post by pointing out that the Sabbath ordinance, established at creation, remains, though the day has changed from the seventh day to the first day in commemoration of the resurrection of Christ on “the Lord’s day.”

Encouraging Words

After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Acts 20:1-3

Upon departing from Ephesus, Paul headed for Macedonia (the Balkans southward to Greece). While in Macedonia, Paul found believers and sought to encourage them. He probably spent a prolonged while doing this, as evidenced by the fact that the NIV states, “he finally came to Greece” (emphasis added).

With what did Paul encourage these people? He “encouraged them with many words.” In other words, Paul preached the Word of God!

We may not all be preachers, but may we be encouragers. When we come to church, may we not only come to pray, worship in song, and hear the Bible preached. May we also come intending to speak encouraging words to one another. Who can’t use some encouraging words?

And let us see that our words of encouragement are informed by, if not laced with, the Word of God!

Don't ditch the church!

After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Acts 20:1-3

Paul remained in Ephesus until the uproar with Demetrius the silversmith was ended before leaving. It appears that he had already planned to depart, but when problems arose, he stayed until the trouble subsided. Truly he had a shepherd’s heart. May we never be those who dart when there are differences in a church. And Paul wasn’t leaving to attend a “better” church. As a church planter, when his work in one city was done, he moved to a new place to plant a new church.

Churches have troubles because churches are made up of people. Even saved people in biblical churches encounter adversities. Some see difficulties in their local church as a sign to seek greener pastures. What if husbands or wives forsook their marriages when difficulties arose? Responsible people don’t abandon their marriages or their churches because of trials.

Is there ever a time to change churches? Yes, but that should be a last resort and should not be because of hardships. False doctrine (that is not repented of) is a reason, but struggles are not. Churches, like families, have to travel bumpy roads at times.

Those who depart miss out on the sanctifying lessons that could have been learned.

Who besides me is glad that Jesus doesn’t ditch a church because of a lack of “ease in Eden?”

Pursuing peace

Act 19:33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.

Alexander was was a city employee in Ephesus. He likely had little interest in the reason for the unrest. He simply wanted peace to return. Why? Because Ephesus was a “free city.” The Roman empire allowed certain cities to govern themselves “freely,” as long as they remained peaceful, and of course, paid their taxes. The mob posed a threat to that “freedom.”

Act 19:34-36 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" 35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: "Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.

Alexander referred to an event in Ephesian history that we haven’t time to discuss here, except to point out that Alexander was simply trying to calm the crowd. Alexander reminded the Ephesians (and us) that if there is a legitimate problem, it is best addressed in a legally legitimate manner.

Act 19:37-41 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today's uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering."

And by the grace of God (v.41), the crowd disbursed. Let the Church always side with sanity. I say this because too many people who profess Christ, get caught up in political wrangling that is often more like angry mob mentality than peaceful Christlikeness.

The madness of mob mentality

So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. Acts 19:29-32

In his commentary on Acts, Warren Wiersbe makes some insightful comments on the madness of mobs:

“Max Lerner wrote in The Unfinished Country, “Every mob, in its ignorance and blindness and bewilderment, is a League of Frightened Men that seeks reassurance in collective action.” It was a “religious mob” that shouted “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” to Pilate, and eventually got its way. Had this Ephesian mob succeeded in its plans, Paul would have been arrested and executed before the law could have stepped in to protect him.” ~ Wiersbe

The angry mob, likely numbering in the thousands, was “confused.” Luke used that word twice (vv.29 & 32). He further described their confusion by stating that “most of them did not know why they had come together.” Wiersbe quoted Benjamin Franklin who wrote, that a mob was “a monster with heads enough, but no brains.”

We have witnessed these kinds of mobs in our own country in the last two years as senseless protesters violently invaded cities, and even the US Capitol building. True to common mob mentality, those involved were “confused,” most not knowing “why they had come together.”

The riotous rabble in Ephesus were not stirred up by Paul’s preaching. They were agitated by a small number of “community organizers,” who were exploiting the people’s gullibility for personal gain. All Paul did was calmly preach the truth.

Consider how dangerous persecuted Christians are to their communities. They only want to follow Jesus, but mobs are moved to violence in opposition. May the Church never be a mob! And may God grant us mercy if and when angry violent mobs turn against the Church for simply being the Church.

Reactions to other people's conversions (to another religion)

He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship." Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" Acts 19:25-28

Whenever Christianity makes inroads into societies where other religions are prevalent, Christianity is virtually always opposed—and often most vehemently! Notice the devotees of the worship of the goddess Diana “were full of wrath” (v.28) when people turned to worship the only true and living God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

To be fair, people react this way no matter what religion their people turn to when turning away from the accepted religion. Hindu converts to Buddhism face similar wrath. Why is this so? Because people who practice any religion are convinced that their religion is the only true religion. They need not be convinced by evident facts or logic. Their devotion may be nothing more than emotion and devotion to their “religious team” (see the previous post, Once a Dodger fan always a Dodger fan).

And to be fair, we Christians are also distraught when one of “ours” converts away from Christ to follow a false religion. Here is the big difference (if we understand Christian salvation): Though we are deeply saddened, we do not (and we must not) resort to violence, much less “honor killings” as other major religions often do to avenge those who convert. Why?

Because we understand that salvation (belief in the Christian gospel) is a sovereign work of the Spirit of God. We cannot make a person trust in Christ, nor can we force them back if they turn away from Christ. Are we saddened when one departs from following Christ? Of course. So we pray, love, and seek to persuade—knowing that: (a) only the Holy Spirit can convert them (Jonah 2:9); and (b) if they never return to following Christ, they were never truly followers of Christ (1 John 2:19).

Once a Dodger fan, always a Dodger fan

He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship." Acts 19:25-27

Not only was Demetrius the silversmith upset that his income from making idols would be interrupted by people turning to Christ, he was jealous for the “great goddess Diana” and the magnificence of her temple. From this we have a window into another reason people are zealous for false religion. Besides the money, their reputation was at stake. The temple of Diana was indeed magnificent. It would have been considered a wonder of the world in that day. And, “We are all so devoted to it,” Demetrius must have reasoned, “What would we do if this were to pass away?!”

There are people who oppose Christ and the gospel because they have invested themselves so heavily in false religion that, in order to follow Christ, they cannot bring themselves to acknowledge that their religion is wrong. They have “done so much” they cannot bring themselves to admit that it was emptiness and all for naught. Pride disallows them to change, which is why they must be born again. It is only when one is given a new heart and affections that one can forsake falsehood to follow the One who is the Truth.

I know people who are imprisoned in false religion who do not even know much about their religion. They are devoted to being “members of that team” more than they are to teachings of their religion. “Once a Dodger fan, always a Dodger fan.” You may have been a team member of another religion (or perversion of Christianity), but God showered you with His grace. Pray that He will do the same to those who are blinded by their jealousy for their own “temples of Diana.”

Religion is big business

And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade…” Acts 19:23-25

Religion can be, and often is, big business that nets much money. This is one of the reasons some oppose religion so vehemently. From a Christian perspective, I would say that the culprits of religious greed are practitioners of false religion or perversions of the true religion (Christianity). The religious hucksters and charlatans who exploit people for the sake of dishonest gain promise what they cannot deliver (health, happiness, and/or wealth), in exchange for other people’s money.

Those who fall for these false and empty promises are mostly desperate people, often sick or aged, and are, therefore, somewhat vulnerable. Some send in their “love gifts,” while others willingly pay fees to be defrauded (as is the case with the victims of Scientology). All that anyone receives in exchange is a diminished bank account.

Why are these kinds of frauds so lucrative? (1) Because human beings are created by God to worship Him. But when human beings reject the true and living God of the Bible, because we are naturally “religious,” many flock to counterfeits. And (2) because being a religious con man or woman is so easy—providing one has no conscience.

The one “religion” that does not do these things and condemns those who do is biblical Christianity. Biblical Christianity follows the example of the Lord Jesus, who overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple. I stress the word biblical because there are so many purveyors of false Christianity who specialize in defrauding people. Biblical Christianity stresses the following that are the antithesis of the money grabbers:

• Biblical Christianity is not about what we do, nor is what we do in any way associated with getting something in return for anything we do.

• Biblical Christianity is about what God does for us, chiefly, forgiving our sins against Him based on what Jesus Christ has already done for us by dying on the cross and rising from the dead.

• Biblical Christianity is about being enriched spiritually by God’s grace—not physically, much less monetarily.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Omnipresence or delegation?

So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.
Acts 19:22

Finally, something that we have in common with the Apostle Paul! None of us can be in more than one place at one time.

Some may not relate to this blog post as much as others. But there are others besides me who attempt to do more than we are physically able to do. I am not speaking only of limitations of physical strength (though that is becoming more of a reality too since I am no longer in my 30s!). I am speaking specifically of committing to being in more than one place at a time. Though God is everywhere present. omnipresent is, of course, impossible for human beings.

Now here is another thing at which Paul is far better than I am. He delegated some responsibilities that required him to be where he was not, to Timothy and Erastus. I’m not much better at delegating that than I am at being omnipresent. A common weakness among “Type-A” personalities is that we find it is easier to do things ourselves than it is to delegate to others. Easier? Maybe. Better? Not really.

Tell me I am not the only one! A simple example of this is when we insist that it is easier to do household tasks ourselves than to train our children to help. After all, we think, they will take longer and be less efficient. This mindset is not only fueled by our pride, it restricts others from learning and being helpful. Whether at home, at church, or for some at work, let us learn from Paul’s example that delegating is wise and more selfless.