Testifying to the gospel (3.a)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

We’ve been looking at three ways Paul described following and serving the Lord. The first was the importance of finishing the race—and finishing well. The second was serving in the ministry. The third was his priority of testifying to the gospel of the grace of God. This of course is of greatest importance, for no matter how faithfully we serve, without the gospel, all else is for naught! Two questions: (1) What is the gospel? (2) How are we to testify of the gospel?

The Gospel (good news) of the grace of God is simply this:

• God is supremely holy and requires those created in His image (human beings) to be holy as He is (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16).

• Everyone of us has failed miserably to be holy and are therefore deserving of God's just condemnation (Romans 3:23, 6:23, Luke 18:13-14).

• But because God is every bit as gracious as He is holy, He has provided one (and only one) way to be forgiven. God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, died in the place of those He came to save and then rose from the dead, thereby paying sin’s penalty and providing the necessary righteousness for them to enter Heaven (John 3:16).

• To receive the benefit of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, one must acknowledge one’s sin and need for forgiveness, trust in Christ alone for forgiveness, and turn from sin to follow Jesus as the Lord of one’s life (even though none turns from sin perfectly in this life). (Romans 10:9-10, Proverbs 28:13)

That is the gospel. Have you acknowledged your sin and need for forgiveness? Have you trusted in Christ alone for forgiveness? Have you turned from sin to follow Jesus as the Lord of your life (though imperfectly)? If so, you are a Christian. If you haven’t, I pray you do—soon!

Next time, how are believers to testify of the gospel of God’s grace?

Serving in the ministry (2)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

We began this section of Acts last time by considering the first of three ways Paul described following and serving the Lord: the importance of finishing the race—and finishing well. The second of three: Paul also spoke about his desire to serve in the ministry. What does that mean and how do we do this?

Lets begin by remembering how Jesus spoke numerous times about the importance of serving, even as He served (Matthew 20:25-28).

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

But how de we serve? First, we are not all gifted in the same way, so we do not all serve in the same way (just like every part of our physical bodies functions differently so the body is whole; Romans 12:4-5).

Second, what we may like to do might be an indicator of how God has gifted us. But remember that Jeremiah and Jonah didn’t want to do what God called them to do, so begin with things you like, but be willing to serve in ways you might not like!

Third, look for needs and try serving when and where needed. See if God blesses your efforts. This is a great way to discover where God may indeed be gifting you.

Fourth, don’t give up too quickly. Do something for a while before giving up. Many new things seem awkward at first. We often discover God’s gifting as we stay at it for a reasonable length of time.

Fifth, because life changes, be open to trying new things. And because as we age we are often not physically able to do things we used to be able to do. Be open to serving in different ways. Many older saints can serve the Lord only in behind the scenes ways. Prayer and giving others words of encouragement are ministries that even the weak, infirmed, and those house-bound can do.

The bottom line is remembering that service is not about the server (ourselves), but about those being served (others).

The third of the three, Paul wanted to testify to the gospel of the grace of God, next time.

Finishing the race (1)

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:22-24

Paul’s words, “but none of these things move me” are not the apathetic words of one who does not care about anything. No, Paul care deeply but his priority care was not about himself, his hopes, and dreams, or even his own life. His chief concern was to be the man God called him to be and do the things God called him to do. He cared about that more than what people thought of him or even whether he lived or died. I wonder whether my devotion to God is truly that resolute. You?

Note the first of three ways Paul spoke of his devotion to following and serving God.

He wanted to finish the race. The Christian life is a race. Too many think of being born again as the finish line, but that is only the beginning. We run the race for the rest of our lives. It is a long distance race, not a short sprint. The race is fraught with ups and downs, triumphs and trials, great hopes and sometimes deep despair. But we must continue to run until we cross the finish line at the moment of our deaths and enter the presence of the Lord. Only then will the struggle against the world, the flesh, the devil, and with our sin be forever behind us. Though Paul doesn’t explicitly say that he wanted to finish the race strongly, I believe that is implied.

Age and/or the loss of physical strength may disallow us to run in the same ways we ran when younger. Let us strive earnestly to finish well spiritually, even if not physically. Let us cultivate hearts and minds of love, joy [Paul does mention joy], peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23). May these be what define us so that we are more like Christ when we finish the race than when we began.

When that happens, we can follow and serve the Lord in many ways, if our physical and even mental strength diminish as we continue to worship, pray, and bless people.

Whether we die in our prime or at the end of a long and tiring race, let us finish well.

The second of three, Paul wanted to serve in the ministry, next time.

Two things we can be sure of

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. Acts 20:22-23

Last time we considered going forward in faith though we do not know the future. There are things, however, that we can be assured of. Let me remind you of two.

First, persecution (as well as trials of every sort) is a certainty in this life. Job 5:2 reminds us, “Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.” And Jesus likewise reminded us in John 16:33 “In the world you will have tribulation.” And speaking of persecution, remember Paul’s words to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:12) “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Paul didn’t know precisely what was ahead for him in Jerusalem, but he counted on persecution. So ought we.

Second, as believers in Jesus Christ, who are “in Him,” no matter what we run into in this life, we can count on God’s complete, perfect and eternal forgiveness of our sins. Why? Because though we were dead in our trespasses and the uncircumcision of our flesh, He has made alive together with Him [Christ], having forgiven us of ALL trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us [speaking of our sin debt]… And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross [on which Christ was crucified] (Colossians 2:13-14, adapted).

And do not miss that it is because of the assurance of forgiveness that we can triumph even in the reality of tribulation and persecution.

Because He loves us!

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there…
Acts 20:22

Paul truly “walked by faith,” and “not by sight.”  He knew he was go to Jerusalem, but he did not know what awaited him once there.  I have to admit (and I am sure that I am not the only one) I prefer to know what is ahead to not knowing.  Maybe I am a control freak, but I am not a big fan of surprises!

Following Christ, however, requires us to go where He leads and do what He commands even when we have no way of knowing what lies ahead.

As a word of comfort, the truth is, there are many more things that we are unsure of than we can be sure of in life.  How many times have we started out confident of what lies ahead, only to discover that what we anticipated didn’t turn out the way we were sure it would?  All of life requires more faith than we often realize.

The good news for we who know Christ is that the God who loves us, is in complete control of all things; so whether we think we know what is up ahead—or like Paul, have no idea—we need not fear or be anxious. In fact, it is a lack of faith when we are anxious. We can rest knowing that even if what befalls us is the last thing we would choose, God is in control and His plans are always for our good and for His glory.  Because He loves us!

Encouraging leaders

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Last time we considered how leaders in the Church must think if they are to take heed to all the flock. This time let us consider the flock’s responsibility to their leaders. Someone invented clergy appreciation month. Nice gesture and the cards are appreciated, but if you want to encourage your leaders, here are some things that are really encouraging:

Pray for them and for their families.

Participate. Few can participate every time the church doors are open, but attend as often as you are able. This includes not only Sunday worship, but Thursday worship, prayer meetings, Home Fellowships, and even work days. Nothing says “I care and am all in” like being there!

Put into practice what you learn. Medical doctors lament and patients wonder why their health fails improve when patients do not take the prescribed measures, whether medication, or diet, or exercise. Those who preach, teach, and/or counsel are doctors for your souls. As they take heed to you to, take heed to their biblical preaching, teaching, and/or counseling.

Pardon them. Remember that leaders are sheep too. As sheep, leaders are sinners who make mistakes. So when you pray for them, forgive them when they drop the ball.

Thinking like leaders

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Having considered Paul’s exhortation to take heed to ourselves, let’s think for a moment about the fact that these words were spoken to elders about taking heed to all the flock.(1) Leadership comes with responsibilities. Single people assume new responsibilities when they marry. Husbands and wives assume new responsibilities when they have children.(2) The same is true for elders, and their assistants, deacons.

It is challenging enough to take heed to oneself, but when one is responsible to hake heed for a congregation of people, the load of responsibility increases. To those who are elders (and deacons), or who may aspire to either of these biblical offices in the church, just as a parent sacrifices some personal freedom to care for children, so must you. Praying for, following up on, counseling, and assisting in practical ways are all part of the package.

One of the marks of a leader is that they think about their charges and their needs, a lot! When Frances and I are together with no other demand on our thoughts and conversation, we talk about our children, grandchildren, and the church. Thinking this way is a mark of leadership. Leaders think this way, even if they are not aware of it. If you are a leader or aspire to be, and if thinking this way doesn’t come naturally, ask the Lord to develop it in you.

Next time, a word to the flock about your leaders.

Notes:
(1) Note that the elders are to take heed to all the flock. Obviously, some in the flock need less care than others, but giving heed to all the flock means giving thought and care to all, neglecting none, even if some need less attention.
(2) One of the best ways to grow up and learn to be responsible is to marry and have children. It is little wonder that when people marry later and do not have children, they tend to be less responsible than those who marry and have children earlier.

Promised results of "taking heed"

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

We are considering Paul’s words to “take heed” to ourselves. The sense is that we must pay careful attention. To what? To ourselves—but not in a preoccupation with ourselves manner. Rather, as Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:16):

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

We are to “take heed” to ourselves in light of biblical doctrine. In other words, we must know ourselves and biblical doctrine, conforming ourselves to the unchanging Word of God. And, as Paul adds, we must “continue” in this endeavor so that we do not drift and fade away from the faith.

What is the promise we can expect if we continue to “take heed”? Salvation. Salvation is not a result of “taking heed.” No one can save themselves, much less others by how carefully we live. Salvation is solely a result of what Christ has done to save us by dying and rising from the dead to pay our sin debt. What Paul is promising to those who “take heed” and “continue” to do so is that our salvation will be validated by lives of “taking heed.” Additionally, that our lifestyles match our profession of faith in Christ goes a long way in influencing others as well.

Paul’s exhortation to “take heed” is urgently important, not only for elders but for every believer in Christ.

"Take heed..."

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Therefore—meaning, because of what has just been said. What has been said? Paul, you remember, was meeting with the Ephesian elders for the last time, and was giving them a few final words of exhortation and encouragement. He had reminded them of how he served the church in Ephesus. Therefore, in light of what they knew from his example and teaching, Paul exhorted the elders to “take heed.”

Synonyms for this Greek word translated “take heed,” include: “pay careful attention, be cautious, be on guard, devote thought to.” The idea is that as believers (and this applies to all believers, not just to elders!) we must be active (rather than passive) about following Christ. We must pay careful attention to Who and what we believe (Christ and His Word), and live accordingly. It is simply not good enough to believe in Jesus and then continue down life’s path as though we don’t.

In a parallel passage (1 Timothy 4:11-16), Paul exhorts young Timothy (v.16) to:

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Pay careful attention both to ourselves, and to biblical doctrine. How? By knowing both, and by conforming ourselves to the unchanging Word of God. Paul adds that we must “continue” in this endeavor. Why? Because we all have a proclivity to drift and to fade. So let us “take heed!”

What is the promise we can expect of we continue to take heed? More next time…

Who is responsible for what?

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
Acts 20:26

In verse twenty-six Paul declares that he was innocent of the blood of all men.(1) Why? Because he faithfully told them the gospel. To understand this we need to know what Paul knew about a prophecy in Ezekiel 3:17-19. In that passage, God told Ezekiel that if he delivered God’s message and the people rejected it, their blood (due to God’s wrath) would be on their own heads, but if he did not deliver God’s message, the people’s blood (due to God’s wrath) would be at least in part on Ezekiel’s hands.

This passage in Ezekiel is a solemn warning to believers who are commissioned to warn the lost of God’s wrath, and the only escape from that wrath: faith in Christ and repentance. The idea is that if we issue the warning and people reject it, we have done what we can and bear no culpability for what happens to them. But if we do not issue the warning, we bear a measure of responsibility.

To be clear, people are not condemned because believers did, or did not, declare the gospel. If that were literally so, believers would be lost for not witnessing. Not sharing Christ and the gospel is sin, but believers’ sins are forgiven. That fact does not make the sin of not sharing Christ any less sinful, but our salvation is not undone because of it.

And be clear about this, lost people are condemned for their own sins—not for the sins of believers who do not tell them about Christ.

So what is the point? It is a sober reminder to believers that declaring Christ and the gospel—or not—is indeed a big deal. Paul was merely saying that because he faithfully declared God’s message, he had done his part. Now it was up to those who heard the message either to believe and repent, or not. Can you and I say the same regarding the non-believers in our spheres of influence?

(1) Footnote: the words “all men,” refer (a) to all people, not merely all males; and (b) refer to all the people in Ephesus (the people to whom Paul was speaking), not all the people in the world.

Christians must never “get beyond” the gospel!

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

We have been considering what it means to declare the whole counsel of God. The most important and often most neglected aspect of the whole counsel of God is the gospel. Ironic isn’t it!? Sadly, many Christians think the gospel is only for the unsaved. After we are saved—so this misdirected thinking goes—believers need to move on to how to live the Christian life. Some even misunderstand, and therefore cite, Hebrews 6:1-2 to bolster their position.

Yes Believers do need instruction about living the Christian life, but the most essential instruction about living the Christian life is the gospel! Why? Because without the gospel, instruction on living the Christian life rapidly devolves into legalistic “do, do, do,” instead of trusting in Christ. You see, the gospel is the only correct motivation to live the Christian life because living the Christian life is a response to God’s saving grace—never a means of obtaining or securing that grace. That’s why Christians need to continually hear the gospel.

We are familiar with Romans 1:16: “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.” But salvation does not end with our initial justification. Salvation includes a lifetime of life-changing sanctification by which we grow in grace. The power of the gospel is no less essential for the sanctification part of our salvation as it is for the justification part of our salvation.

Read your Bible to know how to live the Christian life, but only always in light of the gospel that motivates and empowers Christian living.

Why tolerate preaching devoid of Christ and the gospel?

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

Why do even Christian people in churches tolerate pastors who neglect the whole counsel of God?

• It has been so long since they have heard biblical preaching (if they ever have) that they not only fail to miss it, they feel uncomfortable when they hear it! Let us be so used to biblical preaching that we immediately notice when what we are hearing is not!

• People stay in their churches that do not preach the whole counsel of God because they love their church and their friends are there. Friendship or Christ? Is that really such a difficult decision?

Rx: (1) Listen critically as did the Bereans in Acts 17:10-15. (2) Pray that the Lord would speak to the pastor’s heart. (3) Kindly (with no self-righteousness!) share your concerns with the pastor. (4) If there is no change, it is time to go to a church that preaches the whole counsel of God.

“Christless Christianity” under the guise of expository preaching

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

Last time we considered what it means to declare the whole counsel of God, and what is at stake for not doing so. This time, let us consider how to be sure declaring the whole counsel of God is not being neglected.

Some maintain that preaching expository sermons ensures that the entire counsel of God is being declared. Is that an ironclad guarantee? Sadly, no. First, even if a preacher is working his way through a passage as part of working his way through a book of the Bible, the whole counsel of God is being neglected when the message is legalism (do good), or moralism (being good), instead of Christ and the gospel (who Christ is, and what He has done, for we who are incapable of doing or being good!).

Preaching through passages and books of the Bible does not guarantee that the whole counsel of God is being declared, since the entire Bible (correctly understood) is about Christ and the gospel. It is not only possible, but far too common for preachers (if we dare call them that) to promote “Christless Christianity” under the guise of expository preaching.

May preachers refuse to neglect preaching the whole counsel of God and may parishioners not tolerate anything less.

Next Time: Why churches tolerate this kind of neglect.

Death by partial truth

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

What does it mean to declare the whole counsel of God? In short, it means to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” It has become common these days, even in so-called evangelical churches, to fall pitifully short of this biblical ideal. It is not that so many say anything wrong, it what they don’t say that is so troubling. Speaking rank heresy is not the problem so much as it is not declaring Christ and the gospel. The avalanche of “talks” in our day (we dare not call then biblical sermons!), that are nothing more than “self-help pep talks about how to have a better life now,” are arguably worse than rank heresy. Why? Because we might hope that true believers would bolt out the door if they were being fed heresy. But when these unbiblical group therapy sessions are the norm in so many churches, the people sit idly by and think all is well. Make no mistake, partial truth is untruth.

What is missing? Christ and the gospel. Oh, Jesus’ name may be uttered, but he is not the Jesus of the Bible who came to save His people from our sins. He is instead Jesus, the “life coach” whose limp-wristed aim is to make us like ourselves, be do-gooders—and most of all, like and support churches that are not churches.

These leave out the part about the holiness of God, the sinfulness of all people, and heaven forbid, any mention of a God who judges and condemns sinners to eternity in Hell. A call to abandon any and all hope in oneself is replaced with commercials for self-esteem. Repentance is replaced with encouragement to do better by following a few easy steps. And the frame adorning this false picture looks like a worldly concert instead of a reverent worship service.

This sad new-normal is the antithesis of declaring the whole counsel of God, and untold masses of people are routinely being deceived to face God’s judgment and an eternity in the Hell they never heard about at their “churches.”

Our commitment to proclaiming Christ and the gospel as our primary task

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

Let us not forget the context of these words. Paul was making his last quick visit with the elders of the church in Ephesus. Paul had planted that church and discipled its leaders over the course of around three years. After a long while away planting other churches, Paul stopped to say farewell while on his way to Jerusalem. He correctly seemed to know that he would not pass that way again. Before giving those elders some warnings and final instructions (later in this chapter), he reminded them of how he had ministered to them.

What did Paul mean by saying that he was “innocent of the blood of all men”? The next sentence explains what he meant. He was innocent of the blood of all men “For [because he had] not shunned [neglected] to declare to [them] the whole counsel of God.” Huh?

Paul felt so obligated to preach the Word, that had he not, he would have felt responsible for those who, having not heard, would have perished in their sin.

Remembering the previous post, how committed was Paul to the primary task of sharing Christ and the gospel as the one and only means of addressing everyone’s greatest need? How committed are you and I? How committed is the Church in our day of so many so-called churches that major on self-help, group therapy, and entertainment?

We certainly are not the only church, nor are we the best church, but may we always be a church committed to proclaiming Christ and the gospel as our primary task.

Footnote: Let us remember that the gospel is not only “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16) for those who are lost, but also for those of us who are being saved.

BTW: What does it mean to “declare the whole counsel of God”? Next time…

We have but one message

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24

There are so many needs in this world. It is tempting for well meaning people, including Christians, to try to make the world a better place by meeting those needs.

But what if there was one need that was more dire than all the rest—combined? Wouldn’t addressing that one greatest of all needs be the wisest, most important, and most urgent? Of course it would.

There actually is one need that is infinitely more important than all other rival needs. That need is for forgiveness if sin. Why is that the most urgent of all needs? Because all other needs are minor and temporary compared to the most important and eternal—since the ramifications are eternity in either Heaven or Hell.

Jesus is the supreme example of understanding this greatest of all needs. He came (Matthew 1:21) “to save His people from their sins” by providing forgiveness. If that was not the greatest need, His priorities would have been misaligned. Granted, Jesus did address some lesser needs. He did perform miracles that had only temporary benefit, but feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and raising the dead (who would physically die again) were part of, and secondary to, His primary mission to forgive sinners.

Paul followed in Jesus’ footsteps. Miracles were performed at his hand, but only as a part of, and secondary to, his primary mission to “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” If we have been forgiven, let us follow Paul’s example as he followed Jesus’ example. “Let us do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10), but always as a part of, and secondary to, sharing Christ and the gospel.

We all have a race to run

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24

Priorities. Paul’s were clear. His life was devoted to preaching the gospel of the grace of God. This endeavor was his life and his joy, even when it meant that his life was on the line.

First things first. Not every Christian is called to preach the gospel vocationally—that is as a pastor, evangelist, or a missionary. Paul’s vocation, not only as a pastor, evangelist, and missionary but as an Apostle, was unique in many ways. The Kingdom of God had only one Paul, just as there is only one of each of the rest of us.

What we do well to take away from Paul’s special life is that we are to live our comparatively common lives with the same determination to run and finish the unique races the Lord has called each of us to, and to do so with joy.

As followers of Jesus Christ we are all commissioned to love and follow Jesus, and to make Him known. But we all do this differently based on who God has made, called, and gifted us to be. Whether a missionary Apostle (like Paul), or a spouse, parent, child, sibling, common laborer, or CEO of a fortune 500 company, loving—following, and speaking about the Lord Jesus is the race we are called to run. Running the race with and for Jesus—regardless of how He has made, called, and gifted us—will give our lives the greatest meaning, and be the source of purest joy.

What keeps us from that is simple. Do we believe it or not?

Discernment to follow & Faith to perserve

I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.
Acts 20:23

Paul was being led by the Holy Spirit of God. He didn’t know exactly what that meant (v.22), but the Lord did reveal to him that in this case, following the leading of the Holy Spirit included “prison and hardships.”

I wonder how many of us would follow the leading of the Holy Spirit if we knew that suffering was up ahead?

2 Timothy 3:12 clearly says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” However, that does not mean we are to look for persecution. In fact, Jesus instructed the disciples to leave places that will not receive us as Christians (Matthew 10:14), so it is not wrong to try to avoid persecution when it is possible. In Paul’s case, however, following the leading of the Holy Spirit necessarily included persecution.

It requires discernment to know when to avoid persecution and when to embrace it as God’s will. And when persecution is God’s will, it takes faith to embrace it. May the Lord grant us both the discernment and the faith to follow Him and to trust Him.

Bonus thought: Jesus understood that going to Jerusalem meant the cross. He trusted His Father no matter what the cost. Who besides me is thankful?!

Don't blame the Holy Spirit for your choices!

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there…
Acts 20:22

Two Phrases. Both easily understood. The first maybe a bit dangerous.

Phrase One: Paul was being compelled by the Spirit of God (ESV). He was not saying that it was his own spirit that was directing him. It was the Spirit of God. Why would I say this may be dangerous? I have heard so many people over the years insist that the Spirit of God was directing them to do things that were unbiblical—and therefore not the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is very dangerous. The only time we dare say the Spirit of God is compelling me is if we are obeying the clear teaching of scripture. Otherwise we may be simply following our own often misguided hearts.

It is one thing to say “I think the Lord would have me do this or that.” By saying that, we are at least leaving the door open if we are wrong—WE (not the Holy Spirit) are the ones in error.

Paul was an Apostle. Like the Old Testament prophets, Apostles were supernaturally chosen, called and gifted to have spiritual insights that are beyond what we are accustomed to.

Phrase Two: When we are being led by the Spirit of God, it is true that we frequently do not know what is up ahead. How can we? We cannot see the future! Following the leading of the Holy Spirit is not so much a supernatural matter as it is a matter of obeying what God has clearly revealed in the Bible, along with the flexibility to face the unforeseen that we cannot control, trusting that God most certainly is in control of all things.

And as we’ll see next time, sometimes He leads us not only “besides still waters,” but into difficulties and even persecution.

Holy Week: Good Friday

This will be the last day of our Holy Week Blog posts. Today we will read about the trial and crucifixion. There readings deserve our reverence, and thanksgiving.

For the resurrection: See you Sunday morning for worship. If you can, come between 9:45 & 10:15 am for prayer, and for worship at 10:30 am.

The reading for Good Friday: Read any or all of the following:

• Matthew 27:1-66

• Mark 15:1-47

• Luke 23:1-56

• John 18:28-40, & 19:1-42 (55 verses)