Random Observations On Acts 12-15

Random Observations on Acts 12-15 By A Non-Seminary Trained Disciple of Jesus.

• Acts 12:5, "but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church."
  
  So one of the leaders of the early church finds himself in jail with no hope of escape, there's no way out. He's literally running into brick walls all around him. His friends know this and instead of sending MacGyver to go bail him out or the A-Team, they hit the floor and do some serious praying. I love how the scripture reads, it starts with a "BUT." That word implies something is coming. And boy did it ever. God answered prayer. God answers prayer.
  
  Are you taking matters into your own hands or are you praying?
  
  
• Acts 12:29, "because he did not give God the glory..."
  
  At a ceremony a particular wicked King takes praise from the people when they start shouting, "He's not a man, he's the mouth of God," or something like that. This ruler had no problems. He was no doubt highly gifted in oratory. But as soon as he took glory from God instead of giving God the glory, BAM, an angel shows up and literally STRIKES HIM DOWN!"
  
  That's heavy! Whatever gifts and talents you may have, they're gifts from God so give God the glory when you expertly use them. It's a sure fire way not to get struck down by a jealous angel.
  
  
• Acts 13:3, "Then after fasting and praying..."
  
  Got some difficult decisions to make? Got to pick and choose from among a lot of great options? Or are things unclear and you need peace about a matter? Why not start off with a little prayer and fasting?
  
  Now fasting is a difficult thing for me. As you can tell, I got a little chubby thing working. But there's something very appealing about fasting. It is an ancient practice that would acquiant us with those who are without, it would deprive us, it would do us good. I am picking this practice back up!
  

Acts 13:10, ""You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?"

Sometimes, you've gotta call a spade a spade. There is an otherworldly power in play when a righteous anger overtakes you and while full of conviction you call out someone for their error. It is edifying by first destroying the folly of whatever lie you've fallen for.

Sometimes you gotta call someone on the carpet about something. Do it in love. This example quoted above, I believe, is reserved for those who are flagrantly opposed to our Holy God.

Acts 13:42, "As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath."

When is the last time someone chased you down trying to get you to explain the things of God to them? When is the last time after service someone said, "I can't wait until next Sunday. Promise me pastor, you're gonna bring me the Word of God."

Do you have that kind of hunger? Do you have that kind of expectation? Do you beg for the bread of heaven?

Acts 14:3, "speaking boldly for the Lord."

Yup. Do it! Speak! Share! Don't fear!

Acts 14:27, "And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done"

Sharing the good things God has done builds faith. We all have stories to tell of the faithfulness of God. The goodness of God draws men to repent. Those men called by God desire goodness. Your testimony to that goodness doesn't need to stay bottled up!

Let's say you believe some nonsense like, "My faith is a private thing" or "That's between me and my God." Where's that in scripture? We're to be lights in the darkness! We're to be vocal. But not worked up. No, our outspokenness comes out of a heart filled with incredible gratitude.

Acts 15:6, "The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter."

Every once in a while, an issue in the church arises that makes you go "hmmmmm." Apostles (church planters) and elders (older wiser committed men of faith) can get together to figure out the mind and will of God through prayer and fasting.

If your church has pastors and elders that are fasting and praying to discern God's will then you got a great thing!

Acts 15:32, "And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words."

Life is hard people. Unless you're a super Christian (there's no such thing) you are very well aware that we fall down from time to time. We all need brothers and sisters in the church to come along side us to encourage and strengthen us with many words. With words of life.

There is power in the words we use. We can tear down pretty easily. Building up is an art that you should master.

Acts 15:39, "And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other..."

Here's what I like about this passage: they didn't get into a debate about scripture, theology, or money. They just had an argument about how to do ministry. Great Christian people disagree at times. What is incredible is that regardless of our human fallacy, God uses it all for His glory, as in this case.

This argument actually did good for God's kingdom because when these two apostles split they headed in different ways and the good news of Christ was preached in more places.

We should strive for peace. But disagreements happen.

Comments

[Hillary]

Great insights and reminders! I need to do some fasting and praying myself . . .