Daily Bible Devotionals

“‘Lord,’ he told Him, ‘I’m ready to go with You both to prison and to death!’  ‘I tell you, Peter,’ He said, ‘the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me.’”  Luke 22:33-34 (HCSB)

The Jewish calendar has three major festivals, collectively known as the “Shalosh Regalim.”  Shalosh means “three,” and Regalim means “feet”…therefore, Shalosh Regalim translates as “Three On Foot.”  Jewish people were required to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem on foot during these three festivals.

The common Jewish reference for “Shalosh Regalim” was “The Three Times.”  

It is essential to know the significance of these festivals because when Jesus told Peter he would deny Him “Three Times,” He was quite possibly referring to Israel’s rejection of the essence of Shalosh Regalim.  So, what are the three festivals, and what do they communicate to the Hebrew mindset?

Pesach:  The Exodus from Egypt and slavery, commonly known as Passover.

Shavuot:  The giving of the Ten Commandments, also known as Pentecost.

Sukkot:  The 40 years when the Israelites wandered in the Sinai Desert, living in temporary shelters.

Each event marks a time of harvest in Israel.  Each symbolically expresses fundamental religious and ethical ideas/values in Judaism and continues with the Church.

Pesach:  God’s miraculous deliverance of the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery proves His power to deliver and keep His Word.  Similarly, believers are delivered from the bondage of this world, and we await His promise of ultimate deliverance on the Last Day.

Shavuot:  The giving of the law/God’s revelation.  On Shavuot (Pentecost), God gave the Holy Spirit to those who believed and committed to following Messiah.

Sukkot:  The Hebrews’ miraculous 40-year survival in the desert proves Divine guidance and abiding presence.  God guides believers in Jesus as we trust in Him, leaning not on our understanding but acknowledging Him in all our ways.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In essence, Jesus’ message to Peter is also His message to Israel as a nation: “You say you will follow me anywhere.  In actuality, you deny Me by denying the spiritual intent of the “Three Times.”  You will deny My power to deliver, My revelation, and My divine presence & guidance…all before your “new beginning.”  (The rooster is a Hebrew symbol of new beginnings because he heralds the dawn of the new day.)

To embark on a new beginning...to be “saved,” WE must 1) Recognize God’s power and desire to deliver us, 2) Admit we fall short of His standard, revealed to us in the Bible, made clear to us by the work of the Holy Spirit.  3) Trust Jesus’ atonement and promise to abide with us, forever, in this life and for all eternity in the Kingdom to come, resurrecting & gathering His own to Himself.

“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed.  The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle.  And Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.’  Saying this, He breathed His last.”  Luke 23:44-46 (HCSB)

The natural phenomena accompanying Jesus’ crucifixion were predicted several centuries prior to His birth.  The prophet Amos, in particular, gives a graphic account as if he were an eyewitness.

“The Lord has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: I will never forget all their deeds.  Because of this, won’t the land quake and all who dwell in it mourn?  All of it will rise like the Nile; it will surge and subside like the Nile in Egypt.  And in that day – this is the declaration of the Lord God – I will make the sun go down at noon; I will darken the land in the daytime.  I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved.  I will make that grief like mourning for an only son and its outcome like a bitter day.”  Amos 8:7-10 (HCSB)

Jesus died at three in the afternoon, precisely when the Passover lamb would have been slain in the Temple.  From the spot where many historians agree was Golgotha, the temple mount is clearly seen.  An idea put forth is that from where His cross was positioned, Jesus could literally see the whole Passover sacrifice being conducted at the Temple.  Is it possible He was watching and waiting until that precise moment, the slaughter of Passover lamb, to give up His Spirit?  

King David recorded another account of Jesus’ redemptive work.  

“Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me.  For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.  You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.”  Psalm 31:2-5 (NASB)

While Jesus was giving Himself to redeem the world, He trusted that the Father would esteem His act of sacrifice and redeem Him.  With this, we face a potential problem: 1) Jesus is about to take the world’s sin upon Himself.  2) God is the Righteous Judge, who will by no means clear the guilty.  So, how can a holy God adequately judge sin and still pardon His Son who bore that guilt?  He can do so because, while bearing the sin guilt of the World, Jesus, Himself remained sinless.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says of Jesus, “He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to become sin for us.”  But the idea conveyed is literally “become the ‘sin offering’ for us,” not that Jesus became sin, Himself, for He, remained sinless.  There is no personal sin in a ram or a bull, offered as a sin offering, yet the sin of a nation is imputed to the animal during the ceremony, so Jesus remained personally sinless while bearing the sin of the world.

There is also an interesting observation concerning the Holy Spirit, whose ministry is to reveal the truth.  At Jesus’ death, He entrusted His Spirit to the Father, and the Spirit bore witness on Jesus’ behalf.  I believe Jesus’ last statement from the cross acts as an affirmation & testimony concerning the Trinity…with all three “Persons” present, working in harmony to accomplish both righteous judgment AND redemption for us all.

“Now that same day, two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.  Together they were discussing everything that had taken place.  And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus Himself came near and began to walk along with them.  But they were prevented from recognizing Him.”  Luke 24:13-16 (HCSB)

There has been much speculation about Jesus’ appearance to the two gentlemen on the road to Emmaus.  Among the questions raised are: Who were these men, and what does the town of Emmaus have to do with their story?

The battle of Emmaus was the turning point in the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Greeks in 166 B.C.  This was several generations before Jesus’ birth.  The war began when the Greek King, Antiochus IV  (Who called himself “Epiphanes,” meaning “manifestation of god”), issued decrees that forbade Jewish religious practices.

A young zealot named Judah Maccabee led a small band of Jewish rebels who drove out a much larger and better-trained Greek army.  Towards the end of the war, Antiochus Epiphanes sought to defile the Temple in Jerusalem, erecting a statue of Zeus.  Legend says Antiochus sacrificed a pig on the altar, but scholars debate that.  

After driving out the Greeks, Judah Maccabee, whose name means “Hammer of Judah,” purified the defiled Temple in Jerusalem, rebuilding the altar defiled by Antiochus.  The re-consecration of the Temple is the backdrop for the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.

So, what does Hanukkah have to do with Jesus’ appearance to the Emmaus road disciples?

Quite possibly, the Emmaus road disciples were hoping Messiah would have been a military leader who would redeem Israel by force.  Their testimony to Jesus indicates such.  (Luke 24:21) After Jesus’ resurrection, they were, perhaps, traveling to Emmaus, assuming Jesus would appear there, the location of the turning point in the last Jewish war against foreign oppressors…to gather His army.  Regardless of the motive of their journey and their willingness to fight and die for God & Country, their understanding of the Messiah’s role was wrong and thus evil.  Seeking God’s will through Worldly counsel always leads you down a path away from God’s will.

“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”  Psalm 1:1-2 (NKJV)

Jesus encountered these men who were walking away from Jerusalem and offered HIS counsel.  They listened to and received His instruction.  They sat at a table with Him as He served them a meal identical to communion.  In response to His revelation, they were restored to Jerusalem by reversing the steps of Psalm 1:1.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  All things were created through Him, and apart from Him, not one thing was created.  Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (HCSB)

The deity of Jesus is a touchy subject for many people.  Setting aside the world’s opinions for a moment, it amazes me how many professing believers refuse to recognize that Jesus was fully God and fully man.  Perhaps, they deny His deity because acknowledging it means they must be accountable to Him, that there would be no higher authority to appeal to.  The truth is, we are accountable to His deity, whether we accept it or not, by virtue of His deity!   John is putting this debate to rest.

In Mark 8, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

The disciples responded to Jesus’ question, “Who do people say that I am?” with various descriptions they had overheard the crowds giving: “He’s a good man,” “He’s a prophet,” He’s Elijah or John’ The Baptist’ come to life again.”

Then He asked, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God!” Right you are, Peter.

Within the context & understanding of the average Jew in Jesus’ day, the terms “Messiah” and “Son of God” carried different implications as they may take today.  They were more than words describing a person with a “close affiliation” or “familial relationship” with God.  They were names for God, Himself!

Creation originated from the Godhead Person, known as the “Word of the Lord.”  Even the Psalms are clear on this message.

“For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His work is trustworthy.  He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.   The heavens were made by the Word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses.  Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.  For He spoke and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence.” Psalm 33:4-9 (HCSB)

Jesus is that Person known as “The Word.”  The prophet Micah spoke of His eternal existence:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2 (NKJV)

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.  We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (HCSB)

“On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee.  Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding as well.  When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told Him, ‘They don’t have any wine.’  ‘What has this concern of yours to do with Me, Woman?’ Jesus asked.  My hour has not come.’” John 2:1-4 (CSB)

The fifth Commandment reads: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

When I was young in my faith, I remember reading today’s passage and wondering if Jesus sinned in His reply to His mother.  Personally, if I ever called my mother “Woman,” she would have slapped me!  In actuality, Jesus’ intent was lost in translation.

In the Greek language, “genu’e” means “woman.” But “genu’e” is endearing, more like “Mother.” Therefore, Jesus is not disobeying the commandment to honor His mother with either His tone or His response.

We know that Jesus honored and cared for His mother, even from the cross.  Before His death, He entrusted Mary’s keep to “…the disciple whom He especially loved.” (John 19:25-27) Also, in the end, Mary regarded Him as Lord, for she was present and praying with the other disciples in the upper room after His resurrection.  (Acts 1:14)

All that said, Jesus’ response to His mother was gracious but commanding.

Imagine yourself in Mary’s shoes.  Since the Angel’s herald, you were told Jesus was destined for greatness.  (Luke 1:35, 43)  Others had also prophesied about Him.  (Luke 2:25-38) Although not always with understanding, you observed His development.  (Luke 2:40, 51) Last, you were told future generations would bless you because of Jesus.  (Luke 1:48)

In today’s passage, Jesus’ comment to His mother was meant to aid her transition from seeing Him as a child to seeing Him as Her Lord.  He kept her from undue pride and indicated that He, as Lord, sovereignly determines when He will intervene in human affairs.  Jesus does not perform miracles on demand to impress His friends or even please His mother.

It is a good lesson for us that God is not our “genie” in Heaven.  We don’t merely rub Him and make a wish.  We are commanded to pray, “Your will be done,” and we must trust He knows the exact hour (even the exact moment) when the miraculous is necessary.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of John 3. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“A woman of Samaria came to draw water.  ‘Give Me a drink,’ Jesus said to her, for His disciples had gone into town to buy food.  ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ she asked Him.  For Jews don’t associate with Samaritans.  Jesus answered, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would ask Him and He would give you living water.’”  John 4:7-10 (HCSB)

We don’t have to wade very deep into Scripture to understand that Jews and Samaritans did not like each other.  For one thing, Samaritans were half-breeds.  That is, they were part Jewish and part Gentile.

Historically, the Kingdom of Israel had been split after the death of King Solomon.  As a result of the tragic apostasy of Solomon’s leadership in the latter years of his rule, God removed the national unity from the tribes of Israel.  Judah and Benjamin (aka Judah) called Jerusalem their capital, and the remaining ten tribes (aka Israel) considered Samaria to be their capital.

The men of “Israel” in Samaria not only took foreign wives, but their wives also enticed them to worship pagan gods.  The prophet Jeremiah wrote about it.

“‘Has a nation ever exchanged its gods, though they are not gods at all?  Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.  Be stunned by this, O heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled,’ declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 2:11-12  (BSB)

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”  Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJV)

Jesus’ use of Jeremiah’s prophetic “living water/broken cistern” imagery was intended to remind the woman of Samaria’s past sin, which caused the division of national Israel and the Northern Kingdom’s separation from God.  The woman’s sexual sin past also symbolized Israel’s (the Northern Kingdom) nationwide spiritual adultery.

By asking the woman for water, Jesus shows His willingness to forgive both spiritual and sexual adultery (commandments 3 and 7) on the basis of faith.  His offer of grace and mercy brings to recollection a proverb:  

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.”  Proverbs 11:25 (HCSB)

“I do not accept glory from men, but I know you – that you have no love for God within you.  I have come in My Father’s name, yet you don’t accept Me.  If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.  How can you believe?  While accepting glory from one another, you don’t seek the glory that comes only from God.  Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father.  Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope.  For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.  But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”  John 5:41-47 (HCSB)

I admit it.  I’m not a very smart guy; I went to public school in Arkansas.  But even I know that Moses is BIG for Judaism!

I have mentioned before that my wife and I try to visit Israel as often as possible.  People ask me if it ever gets old seeing the same sights.  To be honest, there are only two sites in Israel that I’m excited about seeing anymore: People experiencing Israel for the first time and seeing Israelis understanding the Gospel.

A young lady who attended my Riverside Bible study once shared a conversation she had with a Jewish schoolmate.  She invited her Jewish friend to Bible study, but her friend said, “You can’t be Jewish and believe in Jesus.”  

Essentially, this girl was saying, “Moses and Jesus don’t mix.”

This is a misconception that Jews have, as well as many “Christians.”  The standard Jewish argument is that you have to be either Jewish or “Christian.”  I could argue this point all day, but the truth lies in Jesus’ words, not mine.

Jesus is telling Israel’s religious leaders (and us today) that the most Jewish thing they could do is to believe in Him - the Messiah!  To further prove His point, Jesus adds that it will be Moses who judges the Jews who refuse to believe in Jesus as Messiah.

He is also saying that if Jews don’t follow Him, then not only do they not receive His atonement, but they don’t even understand Moses!

My advice to the girl in our study (the one with the Jewish friend) was that she continued to share her faith, even though her friend has articulated a so-called “intellectual conundrum” about reckoning her Jewishness with following Jesus.    The most anti-Semitic thing you can do is withhold Messiah from a Jewish person.  Press on with the Gospel in truth and love.  Pray the Spirit will open the eyes of the hearts of the Jewish community (and beyond!).  Furthermore, pray for revival among all people in our day!

“‘The Spirit is the One who gives life.  The flesh doesn’t help at all.  The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and are life.  But there are some among you who don’t believe.’ (For Jesus knew from the beginning those who would not believe and the one who would betray Him.)  He said, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted to him by the Father.’  From that moment many of His disciples turned back and no longer accompanied Him.  Therefore, Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘You don’t want to go away too, do you?’  Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who will we go to?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!’  Jesus replied to them, ‘Didn’t I choose you, the Twelve?  Yet one of you is the Devil?’  He was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, one of the Twelve, because he was going to betray Him.”  John 6:63-71 (HCSB)

When most people think of Jesus’ disciples, they only consider the “twelve.”  In actuality, there were, at times, thousands of people following Him around.

After feeding the five thousand, many of those people sought out Jesus the next day.  Jesus took this occasion to compare the bread that He had provided the day before with the bread (manna) Moses provided.  His point is that earthly bread cannot eternally sustain life.

Then, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Bread of Life,” …different from Moses’ manna.  Interesting, He was born in Bethlehem.  In Hebrew, “Bethlehem” translates as “House of Bread.”  This message was offensive and arrogant to many Jews because Jesus was elevating Himself above Moses.  Beyond miraculously imparting earthly bread, Jesus personified the spiritual bread.  

Jesus communicated that the Spirit gives life.  Therefore, eternal life can only be obtained spiritually.  Salvation cannot be obtained by earthly means.  In short, salvation is by God’s grace and not through the works of the law.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Something at the core of a man makes him want to earn his salvation.  That “something” is called Pride.  It is in direct opposition to receiving salvation by God’s grace.  This is true for us today and was true in Jesus’ day.  So much so that when the crowds heard this teaching, they left Him.  

There is a difference between following Jesus and simply following Him around.  Many will affiliate themselves with Jesus, but all the while, they refuse to prostrate themselves before Him.  In the end, Jesus is either Lord of all, or He’s not Lord at all.  (By the way, He IS Lord, and we should worship Him as such!)

“After this, Jesus traveled to Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill Him.  The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, so His brothers said to Him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that you are doing.  For no one does anything secret while he’s seeking public recognition.  If you do these things, show yourself to the World.’ (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)” John 7:1-5 (HCSB)

One of the basic human needs is to be “known.” Knowing someone is more than acknowledging their presence or even spending some time together; it is more profound.  In a sense, the best example of personal relational “knowledge” was displayed in the garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve were naked and yet not ashamed.  They knew everything about each other, had nothing to hide, and were completely at peace with themselves and God.  That era didn’t last very long, for sin entered the World.

Since that time, every human being has been conflicted with the desire to be “known” enough to be “accepted” yet not “known” so much as to be rejected for being “shameful.”

Jesus had nothing to be ashamed of.  Still, it must have been frustrating and saddening for Him to know that His own brothers didn’t (at that time) understand Who He was or what He had come to do.  They were summoning a sign from Him to see if He would usher in their expectations of the Messianic age.

They believed Messiah would throw off Roman oppression.  Their theology did not expect that Messiah would be crucified or that His death was intended to accomplish the opposite of their expectations.  Victory would include the salvation of many of their enemies, not their enemies’ destruction.

The age following Jesus’ resurrection was designed (By God) to throw off the Jewish religious rule in Jerusalem as judgment for their spiritual misleading.  Not only were the Romans not going to be overthrown by some “Christian army,” but God used the Romans as a tool of His judgment against Israel’s spiritual pride for having rejected the Messiah.  Jesus knew this was not an era to be “ushered in” lightly!  Isaiah even prophesied against Jesus’ brothers’ mindset.

“Woe to those who drag wickedness with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes, to those who say, ‘Let Him hurry up and do His work quickly so that we may see it!  Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel take place so we can know it!’ Isaiah 5:18-19

Just as Jesus’ mother could not usher in the beginning of His earthly ministry, his brothers could not hasten the completion of it.  Similarly, I hear some believers speaking in such terms concerning aiding religious Jews, specifically Chaim Richman’s “Temple Institute,” in efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem today.  They believe the rebuilding of the Temple will usher in Messiah’s return.  

To them, I say, “Be warned!” We know that once the Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt, it will not be an era of joy but blasphemy and tribulation.  We should not seek to usher the Lord anywhere.  Instead, we should simply pray as Jesus taught us: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

“But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.  So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’  And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.  Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last.  And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours?  Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’”  John 8:6b-11 (NKJV)

I have heard many pastors give reasons and assumptions about what Jesus was doing, writing in the dirt.  I have yet to hear any of them quote Jeremiah.  I believe that Jesus’ actions fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy, indicting Israel’s spiritual leaders for “spiritual adultery.”  Being Torah scholars themselves, the Temple leaders eventually caught on to the significance of Jesus’ actions.

“Lord, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame.  All who turn away from Me will be written in the dirt, for they have abandoned the Lord, the fountain of living water.”  Jeremiah 17:13 (HCSB)

Jeremiah’s prophecy combines the images of the New Testament “writing in the dirt” and “woman at the well” passages.  If you recall, in John 4, Jesus told the woman at the well, “If you knew who I was, you would ask Me, and I would give you Living Water.”

Both the woman at the well and the woman in today’s passage were guilty of adultery, yet they were forgiven when they believed in Messiah Jesus by faith.  They are seen in sharp contrast to Israel’s spiritual leaders, who refused to acknowledge their spiritual adultery and repent.

“My people have committed two evils: They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living waters, to carve out cisterns themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that do not hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13 (NASB)

We are created to worship, designed for a personal spiritual relationship with God.  We may reject the Lord, but we cannot abandon our created purpose.  People who reject God always adopt some form of false religion, even if that form is atheism.

God is willing to forgive and restore anyone who truly repents, and He is determined to judge and punish all who reject Him.  So, is your name written in the “dirt” or the Lamb’s Book of Life?

“As He was passing by He saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples questioned Him: ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’  ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered.  ‘This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.’”  John 9:1-3 (HCSB)

Imagine Jesus, if you will, as a Master artist.  It’s not much of a stretch; He authored Creation, after all!  So, this Master artist and His protégés are strolling through His studio one day, and they pass by a work of art that doesn’t look quite right.  One of the Master’s students asks what was wrong with the clay that the sculpture would appear so odd.

The Master replies, “Nothing is wrong with the clay.  I left this piece unfinished so you can observe the Master’s work.”  That’s pretty much the scenario of today’s passage.

“We must do the works of Him Who sent Me while it is day.  Night is coming when no one can work.  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  John 9:4-5 (HCSB)

By choosing the word “WE,” Jesus intimated that His disciples would have an active Spirit-directed role in completing the Father’s “works,” as well.  That same “limited participation” in the salvation/discipleship of men is a role extended to us, even today.

It helps to remember that Jesus created humanity by breathing the life of His Spirit into the “dust of the earth.”  Notice the contrast to His writing names of unbelievers in the dirt in Chapter 8.  Here in Chapter 9, Jesus demonstrates that “water/saliva” flowing from His mouth transforms dirt into an agent of healing!  

Ponder that idea for a moment: From the mouth of the Lord comes the Spirit-filled Word of the Lord.  When God’s Word and His Spirit are applied to a person’s unbelief, healing takes place!  That healing brings “sight,” i.e., understanding of the things of God.

“After He said these things, He spat on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes.  ‘Go,’ He told him, ‘Wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means “Sent”).  So he left, washed, and came back seeing.”  John 9:6-7 (HCSB)

Before healing was established, Jesus SENT the man on a mission.  Healing was dependent on the man’s response to God’s call.  People are not saved by hearing the Gospel only but by faithfully responding to it.  

The Hebrew word “Siloam” means “sent.”  The term “apostle” also means “to be sent on a mission.”  We are healed so that we may do Kingdom work.  Once he received healing from his blindness, this man began the work of restoring sight to others by exposing their spiritual and Scriptural “blindness” and testifying of Jesus’ power to heal all who would receive Him.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of John 10. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, ‘What are we going to do since this man does many signs?  If we let Him continue in this way, everybody will believe in Him!  Then the Romans will come and remove both our place [the Temple] and our nation.’”  John 11:47-48 (HCSB)

In the days of Jesus, the common misconception concerning Messiah was that He would be a political and military leader.  That was not just the inclination of the uneducated commoner.  It was also the opinion of educated religious leaders.

So, when the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected Jesus, they were not rejecting the idea that He would atone for sin.  They rejected the notion that He would be a victorious military leader.  No doubt, passages like Isaiah 53, the “suffering servant,” were mysterious to them.

According to their testimony, the religious leaders feared that Jesus would draw the people to Himself and that attention would draw undue Roman persecution aimed at the entire Jewish community.  In their disbelief (that Jesus was Messiah), their main concern was that the Romans would disturb/damage the Temple and that its priests would become victims of collateral damage.

“One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all!  You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.’  He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, not for the nation only but also to unite the scattered children of God.  So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.”  John 11:49-53 (HCSB)

Two High Priests are mentioned in the gospels during the trial of Jesus: Caiaphas and Annas.  This is odd because the High Priest was to serve for life.  According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Caiaphas was Annas’ son–in–law.  Annas had been deposed as High Priest by the Roman government for spreading messages of sedition and was replaced by his more compliant (in the opinion of the Romans) son-in-law.  This explains Caiaphas’ attitude concerning the preservation of Israel as a nation.

As in the Old Testament instances of sinful king Saul and Balaam prophesying amid their unbelief, Caiaphas also prophesied.  Because his heart was not seeking the truth, Caiaphas could not understand God’s revelation, although he spoke it from his mouth!

When you read God’s word, lay aside your personal agendas.  Ask Him to reveal His “Way” so that you may walk in it, and lead others on the path of righteousness.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts and be converted.  Isaiah said this because he saw His glory and spoke about Him.  Nevertheless, many did believe in Him, even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they would not be banned from the synagogue.  For they loved the praise from men more than praise from God.”  John 12:39-43 (HCSB)

Perhaps, the worst kind of blindness is when people refuse to see.  God offers everyone the ability to “believe” or “trust” in Him.  But if people continue to reject Him, belief may eventually become impossible for them.  

In today’s passage, John states that God blinded the eyes & hardened the hearts of those who resisted Jesus.  It is the same language we find in the book of Exodus, where it says God “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart.  But a closer inspection of the Exodus narrative reveals that, in actuality, Pharaoh hardened his own heart through a pattern of refusal to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence that the God of Israel is “the Lord.”

The same sun that softens the wax also hardens the clay.  After a series of Egyptian “signs/plagues,” not only was Israel convinced that their God was delivering them, but many in Pharaoh’s court tried to convince him to surrender to the Lord.  Eventually, God honored Pharaoh’s choice (not to believe) by refusing to reveal the truth to him any longer, except for the final “revelation,” which was the literal destruction of Pharaoh and his army!  God’s eternal judgment is the tragic end of all people who refuse to believe in Messiah.  But what about those who “believe” but refuse to go public?  

Contrary to the opinions of some in the Church at large, believers in Jesus are not called to hide their faith but to profess it openly.  The Bible NEVER calls for people to be “secret believers” who refuse to profess their faith (some even deny their faith when the social/political pressure heats up).  There is a vast difference between “intellectual ascent” (the mere recognition of the facts of Jesus’ life events and teachings) and receiving Him as your Lord (submitting to His leading even when you feel uncomfortable).  The former may enable you to pass a Bible knowledge exam, but the latter is evidence of true salvation!  

Instead of fearing God and professing Jesus openly, some Pharisees chose to stay silent.  Essentially, the “secret believer” chooses to fear “men” instead of trusting God.

“But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 10:33 (NKJV)

When we consistently refuse to acknowledge our faith, we must ask ourselves if we have true faith to share.  If loving God were against the law, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you?

“When Jesus had said this, He was troubled in His spirit and testified, ‘I assure you: One of you will betray Me!’  The disciples started looking at one another – uncertain which one He was speaking about.  One of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close to Jesus.  Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was He was talking about.  So he leaned back against Jesus and asked Him, ‘Lord, who is it?’  Jesus replied, ‘He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.’  When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son.  After Judas ate the bread, Satan entered him.”  John 13:21-27a (HCSB)

Traditional Christian assumption concerning the last supper is that the only elements involved were wine & unleavened bread.  In actuality, Jesus and His disciples were observing the Passover Seder.  The Seder is a whole meal that utilizes many symbolic elements to recount Israel’s slavery in Egypt, God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, and His provision for them during the Hebrews’ 40 years of desert wandering.

There is no Biblical evidence that when Jesus singled out 2 of the Seder’s elements, the bread and wine, He replaced the Seder.  He was simply clarifying what the two elements represented within the meal so that when the Seder was observed in the future, His followers would understand and worship Him correctly.  

Without knowledge of the Seder and its elements, many Christians believe Jesus dipped his bread into the wine and gave it to Judas.  As a matter of fact, some churches go as far as serving communion by dipping bread into wine.  The problem with that notion is that matzo (unleavened bread) is not dipped into the wine at the Seder.

Only two of the elements in the Seder are used for “sopping” or dipping matzo in Charoset (a sweet “paste” made with fruit, nuts, spices, and wine) and Maror (a bitter “paste” made from horseradish root).

The Charoset symbolizes the mortar (for bricklaying) the enslaved Israelites made in Egypt.  The Maror symbolizes the bitterness of slavery.

When Jesus dipped the bread, He most likely followed the tradition of scooping Charoset and Maror onto His Matzo, combined with lamb.  This would symbolize the bondage Jesus was about to undergo (as a result of Judas’ betrayal) and His bitter suffering for the sin of the World.  In essence, Jesus shared the gospel with Judas in a sandwich.

Today’s passage, and the events thereof, were predicted by the Psalmist hundreds of years before the “Last Seder.”  

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.  But You, O Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up, that I may repay them.”  Psalm 41:9-10 (NASB)

“‘If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know.’  Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’  Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:3-6 (NKJV)

Jesus had already told His disciples what He was about to undergo in Jerusalem, yet they either did not understand, did not believe, or were in denial.  Of course, Thomas was the disciple famous for doubting Jesus’ resurrection, earning him the name, ‘Doubting Thomas”.

The problem with Thomas was that he focused on “Religion” instead of “Relationship.” Thomas was so quick to learn how to get to Heaven that he didn’t listen when Jesus promised to return and personally take His disciples home.

You don’t need to know the way to a location as long as someone else takes you there.  You simply need to trust the guide and follow.  Likewise, we don’t need to know the way to Heaven.  We need to know Jesus!  Jesus knows the way to Heaven because He came from there.

“No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.” John 3:13 (HCSB)

Not only does Jesus know the “route” to Heaven, but He, Himself, is the ONLY way!

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NASB)

Frequently, people say they believe Jesus was a great teacher but that He is not the only way to Heaven.  Perhaps, those people should listen to His testimony about Himself.  In His own words, Jesus states that salvation comes exclusively through Him.

Jesus doesn’t say He is a way, a truth, or a life.  He says He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.

Salvation comes exclusively through Jesus, yet it is offered liberally to ALL who would, by faith, turn from their sin and believe.

I hope this news doesn’t offend you.  It truly encouraged me on the day I chose to follow Jesus, and it continues to encourage me today.  Jesus’ claim to Lordship, and His promise to never leave or forsake me, allowed me to stop shopping around for salvation.  You don’t have to figure out the way to Heaven.  You simply need to trust that Jesus IS the way, turn from your sin, and choose to follow Him.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper.  Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.  You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.  Remain in Me, and I in you.  Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.”  John 15:1-4 (HCSB)

In the Bible, both Israel and Jesus are described as “the vine.”  The references are too extensive to list here, but a few are: Psalm 80:8-16, Hosea 10:1, Isaiah 5:1-7, Mt 21:33-43, Rom 9:6-8

In today’s passage, Jesus informs us that Israel is not a “vine unto itself.”  Rather, He is the true Vine.  Some would say that statement is blasphemous because the vine of Israel drew its nourishment and produced its fruit from God.  That thinking rejects the deity of Messiah.  It is ignorant of Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:6, and especially John1:1-5;14, which states that Jesus created everything.

Therefore, Israel, not being a vine unto itself, has always been subject to the vineyard Owner’s desire to prune or remove its branches from the greater Vine.  

At times in Jesus’ earthly ministry, there were hundreds, even thousands, of disciples.  Jesus communicated that to be saved, our intellectual belief in Him must be accompanied by a faith that leads to obedience.  Furthermore, our obedience, empowered by His Spirit, will produce fruit.  A sign of our salvation is the fruit (Growth, the signs of His in-working in our lives) we bear in His Kingdom.  

The Lord would never give us a command that was impossible to accomplish.  Bearing true spiritual fruit is impossible by human means, but we can do all things through Messiah who strengthens us!  (Philippians 4:13)

Branches that do not bear fruit have a disconnect from the life-giving vine.  It is up to the vine Keeper to determine whether the branch is dead and should be removed or if it simply needs pruning and thus should abide in the vine but with restorative care.

Even the branches that bear fruit need “pruning” to remain healthy.  That is to say, don’t be satisfied with your present level of fruit production!  It will be seasonal.  Believers should not be proud.  When we are connected to the Vine, our ability to bear fruit comes solely from the Vine.  Our seasons of “fruit production” are managed by the Vine Keeper.

God is always inspecting us “branches,” looking for those un-surrendered areas that may hinder our ability to produce fruit for His Kingdom.  If your obedience to the Lord is matched with a level of pain, perhaps He is pruning you.  He may be building up your faith by placing you into situations where you must be faithful, thus raising your ability to bear fruit for Him.

“It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you.  If I go, I will send Him to you.  When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in Me; about righteousness because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.  I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.  When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:7b-13a (HCSB)

There are practical reasons why Messiah would take on flesh and dwell among us as a man.  To take mankind’s sin upon Himself, He chose to suffer in a man’s flesh.  To demonstrate that God’s Spirit was willing to inhabit and work through fleshly man, Jesus came as a man.  Jesus also chose to come as a man so that He might develop personal human relationships.  He was fully God yet fully man.

That being said, there was one limitation to Jesus in the flesh:  He could only be in one place at a time.

As important as the healing, teaching, and atoning work of Jesus was His return to Heaven, a.k.a., His Resurrection.  Jesus’ resurrection proved that His sacrifice pleased God.  It also communicated that, given we have a saving relationship with Jesus, God would be willing to raise us up as well.

The resurrection also made practical earthly ministry sense.  If Jesus “in the flesh” could only be in one place at-a-time, the gift of His Spirit would enable Jesus to be wherever a believer was.  The power of God’s Spirit, working through individual “surrendered” followers in accordance with Jesus’ Name and multiplied by thousands, was the growth catalyst for the early Church.

Jesus even told His disciples that they would accomplish more than Him.

“I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do.  And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 (HCSB)

The effectiveness of the Church draws from the ever-present power of the Spirit, acting in accordance with the Father’s will, to spread the Good News of Messiah Jesus.

Jesus ministered on earth for three short years and then ascended to the Father’s right hand.  He was One Man, serving one place at-a-time.  Today, the greater body of believers is millions-strong!  Imagine what we could do if we were equipped in His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and desired to work together!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of John 17. Click the links below to watch or listen.

“So Pilate told them, ‘Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your law.’  ‘It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,’ the Judeans declared.  They said this so that Jesus’ words might be fulfilled signifying what sort of death He was going to die.  Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to Him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’  Jesus answered, ‘Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me?’  ‘I’m not a Jew, am I?’ Pilate replied.”  John 18:31-35a (HCSB)  

There was a time when a Gentile’s following of Jesus was tantamount to converting to Judaism.  The idea of “Messiah” was a purely Jewish thing.  Understanding who Jesus was and the importance of His ministry required specific knowledge of God’s Word, which could only be obtained through a close affiliation with Jews.  

Perhaps, no one understood that idea more than the guy who presided over the trial of Jesus.  This concept was not just the opinion of an ignorant Roman Governor.  The question, “What do we do with Gentile believers?” is, perhaps, the most hotly debated issue in the New Testament.  

Strange how the modern Church has mostly lost a Hebraic understanding of the Scriptures.  Given its almost exclusively Hebrew beginnings, perhaps, the most glaringly obvious question in the Church today should be, “Why are there so few Jews in the pews?”

There are two kinds of people who read the Bible, looking for information about Jesus:  Those who seek Him plainly, and those who seek Him vainly.  

The first type finds Jesus.  “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”  John 8:31-32 (NKJV)

The second type can’t find Jesus because they’re not seeking the truth.  They are looking for loopholes, so they won’t have to believe in Him.  Pilate was looking for loopholes and enough information to strike a political compromise.  Instead of a platform of conviction, Pilate chose fear, for the roots of compromise are fear and weakness.

Matthew’s Gospel testifies that Pilate’s wife warned him against convicting Jesus.  Matthew 27:19 But, as is the case with all people, when confronted with the facts of the Gospel, the kingship of Jesus was ultimately a personal decision for Pilate to accept or reject.  Sadly, Pilate wasn’t looking for truth.  He didn’t know what truth was.  Jesus is the Word of God, made flesh.  Apart from God’s Word, there is no spiritual truth.  By rejecting Jesus’ personal testimony, Pilate rejected the authority of God’s Word.

“‘You are saying that I’m a king,’ Jesus replied.  ‘I was born for this, and I have come into the World for this: to testify to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.’ ‘What is truth?’ said Pilate.”  John 18:37b-38a (HCSB)

“Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged.  The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and put a purple robe around Him.  And they repeatedly came up to Him and said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and they were slapping His face.  Pilate went outside again and said to them, ‘Look, I’m bringing Him outside to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging Him.’ Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.  Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the man!’ When the chief priests and the temple police saw Him, they shouted, ‘Crucify!  Crucify!’ Pilate responded, ‘Take Him and crucify Him yourselves, for I find no grounds for charging Him.’” John 19:1-6 (HCSB)

It’s interesting how Pilate defended Jesus three times, then recanted.  At the same time, Peter denied Jesus three times, then repented.  How you ran the race is not always as important as how you finished it.

Pilate’s defense of Jesus came from three of His most trusted sources: His law (John 18: 38), his wife  (Matthew 27: 19), and his own religious omens (today’s passage).

If you visit Jerusalem, you have probably seen the “scourging floor.”  This is the spot where the Romans scourged their prisoners, many of whom were eventually crucified.  This is most likely the place where Jesus was scourged, as well.

As you can see in the photo, etchings in the stone scourging floor and its adjacent stone wall depict a torturous game the Romans played called “The King’s Game.” This was a game of death and mocking.  In this game, the “player” would move through various brutal stages with hopes of gaining all the vestments of a king.  It involved the casting of lots and was nearly impossible to complete.  If the player made it through the game, he earned his life.

It is crucial to consider The King’s Game when we read the story of Jesus’ trial.  If, indeed, the soldiers ran Jesus through this torturous game, then by all evidence & twisted Roman honor, Jesus won the game.  I say this because He appeared wearing all the “vestments” one must accumulate to win freedom.  It also explains why Pilate used this moment for one last attempt to defend the Lord.

Eventually, Pilate caved, and Jesus was crucified.  God’s Spirit used every angle to dissuade Pilate from crucifying Jesus, but he rejected the Spirit’s testimony.  Peter, on the other hand, eventually listened to God’s Spirit after having committed a great blasphemy: denying Jesus.  Peter humbled himself, repented, and became a passionate preacher of the Gospel.  Peter accepted the Spirit’s testimony and found forgiveness.  After all, to defend Jesus, Pilate blasphemed the Spirit by refusing to accept to its testimony.  

“He who is not with Me, is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.  Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Matt 12:30-31 (NKJV)

“But one of the twelve, Thomas (called ‘Twin’), was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples kept telling him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’  But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!’”  John 20:24-25 (HCSB)

Like most people, I hope my faithfulness to the Lord would be compared to the Bible’s faithful giants like Paul, Daniel, Joshua, or Joseph.  Sadly, I feel more akin to guys like Thomas.  More often than not, I have to see things to believe them.

Personally, I feel “Doubting Thomas” has gotten a bad rap over the years.  It helps to know the other disciples didn’t have much more faith than Thomas.  They each had to see to believe, as well.  None of them took the women’s (the ones who had seen the empty tomb) testimony at face value.  

Earlier in Chapter 20, John testifies concerning his lack of faith and understanding and that of the others.  Seeing was believing, even for John.

“Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.  For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.”  John 20: 8-9 (NKJV - emphasis mine)

Jesus had already appeared to the ten other disciples (Judas had hung himself) and shown them His scars on the 1st day of the week.  Thomas was the LAST to “see & believe.”  He didn’t see Jesus until the 8th day.

“In the evening of the first day, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews.  Then Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace to you [Shalom]!’  Having said this, He showed them His hands and side.  So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”  John 20:19-20 (HCSB)

In my opinion, Thomas’s statement was not blatant unbelief…no more unbelief than the others had displayed.  I believe Thomas’s statement had more to do with his frustration that he had been absent when Jesus first appeared to the others.  Thomas wanted the Lord to reveal Himself, precisely as He had done to the others.  He didn’t want to miss out.  Jesus granted Thomas’ longing for personal interaction, as He will for you.

God knows men will not believe in Him simply because they experience an overwhelming number of miraculous signs.  That is why not every single miracle that Jesus performed is recorded.  The impact of miracles fades over time.  Doubt sets in.  

Still, God knows some men will not believe in Him UNLESS they experience a sign.  John 20: 30-31 Perhaps, the most convincing sign unbelievers need to see is the gospel preached, accompanied by the “miracle” of your transformed life.

“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea.  But since they were not far from land, (about 100 yards away), the other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish.  When they got on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread.  ‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.  So Simon Peter got up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish – 153 of them.  Even though there were so many of them, the net was not torn.” John 21:7b-11 (HCSB)

The theme of the last chapter of the Gospel of John seems to be restoration for Simon Peter and shoring up loose ends for six other disciples.  (John 21:2) Today, I want to focus on two less-obvious aspects of this chapter.

The Bible tells us they were fishing in the “Sea of Tiberius,” another term for the southern part of the Sea of Galilee.  Tiberius was a Roman town.  Since religious Jews would never choose to live around Romans, Tiberius would have been safe enough for the disciples to lay low and still fish in familiar waters.

While Pilate defended Jesus three times, then he recanted; Peter denied Jesus three times, and, in John 21, he repented.

We know Peter’s heart desired reconciliation with Jesus.  The moment he perceived Jesus was on the shore, Peter jumped into the water.  This scene is reminiscent of an earlier time when Peter’s lack of faith prohibited him from walking on water.

“‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter answered Him. “Command me to come to You on the water.  ‘Come!’ He said.  And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid.  And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:28-30 (HCSB)

We can assume Peter possibly believed he would walk on water because, not wearing proper swimming attire, he tied his garment around himself.  I think Peter was trying to communicate to Jesus that he was willing to be faithful and given another chance.

The second observation in Chapter 21, concerns the number of fish the disciples caught.  To this day, 153 known fish species have ever lived in the Sea of Galilee.  (about 30 species live there today) The miracle may not have simply been a great haul of fish.  Perhaps, they caught one of every type of fish.  Regardless, their catch of fish foreshadowed worldwide evangelism, which would spring forth from the disciples’ preaching.  It also foretold the end of the age when all mankind would be judged.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.  So it will be at the end of the age.” Matthew 13:47-49a (NKJV)

“So when they had come together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?’  He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”  Acts 1:6-8 (HCSB)

Virtually every Jew expected that the Messiah would deliver Israel from Roman oppression.  The assumption was that Messiah would set up a sovereign, united nation, like those of Kings Saul, David, or Solomon, and again under the Maccabees and their Hasmonean descendants.  (164-63 BC) This is clearly seen in John 6:15 when after feeding the 5000, they were on the point of seizing Him to make Him a king.

No one grasped Jesus’ teaching (aka the true messages of the prophets) that He had not come this first time to rule but to die as a “ransom for many” and be resurrected on the third day.  (Mark 10:33-34, 45) Even Jesus’ disciples misunderstood and continued to do so after the predicted events had taken place.

It is important to note that the disciples’ question directly pertained to Israel’s national restoration.  Jesus did not rebuke them or indicate that God’s plan for Israel had been replaced by “the Church,” as some “Christians” would put forth.  He simply indicated it wasn’t time for Israel to reform as a nation.  Israel’s national restoration occurred in 1948.

But Israel’s national reformation was not the Lord’s main concern at that moment.  (nor would it be for about 1,950 years) Rather, He was focused on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the spreading of His Gospel to the ends of the earth.  Jesus was keeping the “main thing” the main thing.

As in the days before Jesus’ ascension to the Father, some people within the Church-at-large are preoccupied with signs and wonders leading up to Jesus’ 2nd coming.  Sadly, preoccupation with the “end times” often keeps believers from the “main thing,” which is the continued spreading of the Gospel.  

Believers should each receive the Gospel and, with it, the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Then, we should share the Gospel with a lost and dying world.  We should know God and make Him known.  As we read the Bible, we continue to understand God’s character and His requirements of us.  With that increasing knowledge and experience of following the Lord comes the responsibility and privilege of participating in the “Great Commission” so that the whole world can know that Jesus the Messiah has redeemed us!

“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.  And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them.  Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.  There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.  When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.”  Acts 2:1-6 (HCSB)

What is known in the Christian world as “Pentecost” is actually a Jewish festival called Shavuot.  (Exodus 34:22, Deuteronomy 16:9-10)   The Lord commanded this harvest festival's “first fruits” to be 50 days after Passover.  (Leviticus 23:16) When the Bible was translated into Greek, the translators named the festival “pentekostes,” which means “fifty.”  

Shavuot was one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three times each Jewish man was to make a pilgrimage on foot to Jerusalem each year.  This is why Jews from every nation were gathered in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was given.  It is a command of God.

While it was initially a harvest festival, Shavuot has become synonymous with the giving of the Torah (Heb: Teaching/first five books of the Old Testament) in Moses’ day.  This is because the Torah was given 50 days after the Passover in Egypt.

The similarities/contrasts between the giving of the Torah and the giving of the Holy Spirit are definitely worth noting.

Here are a few:  Moses ascended Mt Sinai to meet with God, and Jesus ascended to the Father.  The children of Israel were commanded to wait until the Torah (Teaching) was given.  The disciples were commanded to wait until the Holy Spirit (the Teacher) was given.

On the day the Torah was given, 3000 men died.  (Exodus 32:28-29) On the day the Spirit was given, 3000 men were saved and baptized.  (Acts 2:41-42) The Torah was written on tablets of stone, whereas the Spirit writes God’s Word on our hearts of flesh.  (Jeremiah 31:33-34)

At the Tower of Babel, God sent languages to confuse evil mankind, keeping them from working together.  At Shavuot (Pentecost), God used languages to unite devout men for His purposes.    

Also worth mentioning: King David is said to have died on Shavuot, whereas Jesus, the “Son of David,” is alive!  (Acts 2:25-32)

It makes me wonder why the Church-at-large doesn’t acknowledge Shavuot every year.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man – by what means he was healed – let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of (Messiah) Jesus, the Nazarene – whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead – by Him this man is standing before you healthy.  This Jesus is: The Stone despised by you builders, who has become the cornerstone.  There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people by which they must be saved.’”  Acts 4:8-12 (HCSB)

Every time I read the book of Acts, I am amazed at the transformation that occurred in Simon Peter.  The man who cowardly denied Jesus to servants in the darkness of the courtyard of Caiaphas’ home is now boldly proclaiming Him in broad daylight at the Temple Complex to the very men who condemned Jesus.

There is no way such a transformation could have taken place had Peter not wholeheartedly believed that Jesus had been resurrected.  It makes no sense otherwise.

I like to use moments like these to ask myself: Has there been such an evident transformation in my own life?  Can people, who knew me before I became a follower of Jesus, notice a distinguishing transformation?  

Not only was Peter convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, but he also put his faith into action.  He followed the Lord’s leading, even though he knew there was a strong possibility of physical harm or even death.  God confirmed His leading by displaying His Spirit in power.

Have you ever experienced the Lord moving and working through you in power?  You probably won’t until you start stepping out in faith.  God’s Spirit is given to all who believe.  But you may never experience the power of His presence unless you boldly move forth, proclaiming His Gospel.

And what would that Gospel be?  The same one Peter proclaimed:  Salvation is in Jesus, alone, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people through who they MUST be saved!  All mankind is in need of salvation, and that salvation comes exclusively through Jesus.  If you want to be saved, you MUST come through Him.  Acts 4:12    

That being said, while the grace of Messiah comes exclusively through Jesus, it is offered to anyone who would, by faith, believe.  John 3:16-21

“Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles.  By common consent they would all meet in Solomon’s Colonnade.  None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly.  Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers – crowds of both men and women.” Acts 5:12-14 (HCSB)

There is a growing movement in the Church called the “home church” movement.  People seeking a more intimate worship experience are meeting in homes.  One of the arguments of “home church” leaders to support their ministry model is that the early believers always met in homes.  Today’s passage addresses that assumption.

I don’t have a strong opinion of whether the “home church” movement is good or bad.   On the one hand, it seems odd and somewhat cultish whenever people depart from the norm and isolate themselves.  Who holds these groups accountable to the Word?  “How are we going to accommodate for growth and still feel small?” is always the looming question.  On the other hand, I developed a growing grassroots ministry that started in my home!  

My rule is:  I have nothing against “small” ministry, as long as it doesn’t intend to stay that way.  When God is working amid something, it grows to His glory.  What healthy Christian community growth should look like is a topic for another day.  In today’s chapter, two myths of the early Church are debunked.  

The first myth debunked concerns how the early Church had “all possessions in common.”  While that was true very early on, it wasn’t sustained for a significant amount of time.  As soon as everyone jumped on board with that idea, a couple named Ananias and Saphira sought to exploit it, then others.  The apostle Paul also rebuked some congregations for giving nothing while praising others who contributed to the ministry.

The second myth centers on how the early Church always met in homes.  While it is true that many believers met in homes in the beginning, the Apostles, along with the faithful and bolder believers, met daily at the Temple Complex.  Initially, those who met in homes were those whose fear overrode their boldness to testify and identify with Jesus and other believers.  Later, with intense persecution and the eventual destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, all believers had to meet in homes, eventually building their own synagogues, or “churches,” as they came to be known.

Still, the bold proclamation of the Gospel, accompanied by the Spirit’s powerful displays, was the growth engine of the early Church.  Let today’s passage challenge us to move beyond our holy huddles and unashamedly proclaim Jesus!  For the same reason that we cannot return to Eden, we cannot return to those days immediately following Pentecost.  Today is a NEW era, and it demands boldness.  Battles are not won by retreating.  They are won by boldly yet gracefully and faithfully advancing the Gospel!  The Lord goes BEFORE His people, so let’s get moving forward!!

“In those days, as the number of disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic (Greek) Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.  Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, ‘It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters (or to serve tables).” Acts 6:1-2 (HSCB)

Hidden in today’s passage is a controversial little statement.  Most people just skip past it.  The statement is at the beginning of verse 2; “Then the Twelve summoned the whole company…”

The controversy in the statement concerns who is missing: The apostle Paul.  Today’s passage points to decisions that were made during the time after Judas had hung himself, yet before Paul’s “Damascus Road” faith-changing experience.  Most believers consider Paul to be the 12th apostle, replacing Judas.  I don’t believe Scripture strongly supports that idea.  It definitely never states it plainly.  

Matthias was the 12th apostle. “Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias.  So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.” Acts 1:26 (HCSB)  

It is commonly held by theologians that Matthias was chosen because of Peter’s lack of patience, yet God makes no negative comment about Matthias’ selection.  God chose not to comment at all.

So was Paul an apostle?  Of course, he was!  Paul describes himself as such.

“Now I am speaking to you Gentiles.  In view of the fact that I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them.”  Romans 11:13 (HCSB)

Theologians’ issue with the concept of 13 apostles lies partly in their ignorance of Jewish culture and symbols.  People assume that because there were 12 disciples, the same number as the 12 tribes of Israel, there can only be 12 apostles.

Jesus having twelve apostles works if He only came to redeem Israel.  Indeed, Jesus came initially to the Jewish people, but with the outpouring of His Spirit, the Gentiles were given access to His salvation and Spirit. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and now also to the Greek (Gentiles).  For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (HCSB)

In Jewish understanding, the number 13 is the number of completion.  “13” is not unlucky in the Jewish culture.  It is blessed.  Consider the Shema: “Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)  The Hebrew word for “One” is “Echad.”  In the Hebrew language, there is no separate number system; each letter has a numerical value.   In Hebrew, every letter is also a number; hence, every word has a numeric value.  Together, the numerical value of the word “Echad” is “Thirteen.”

The idea of 12 apostles leading Israel and a 13th bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles is thoroughly Biblical, for it brings “Echad” (oneness) to the World.  It completes the body of the Messiah, bringing unity to Jewish and Gentile believers.

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.  May they all be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.  May they also be ONE in Us, so the World may believe You sent Me.  I have given them the glory You have given Me.  May they be ONE as We are ONE.  I am in them and You are in Me.  May they be completely ONE, so the World may know that You sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23  (HCSB - emphasis mine)

“But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven.  He saw God’s glory with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Look!  I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’  Then they screamed at the top of their voices, stopped their ears, and rushed together against him.  They threw him out of the city and began to stone him.  And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  They were stoning Stephen as he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin!’  And saying this, he fell asleep.  Saul agreed with putting him to death.”  Acts 7:55-60, 8:1a (HCSB)

In that early era, following Jesus’ resurrection, followers of Jesus were considered by the more significant Jewish communities to be exclusively Jewish, much the way they view the Lubavitch sect of Orthodox Judaism today.  The Romans officially considered “Messianics” a sect of Judaism, and the first dispute within the early Church concerned Jewish believers influenced by Gentile culture.

In chapter 6, a dispute broke out between Hebrew and Greek-speaking Jews.  A prejudice that existed in mainstream Jewish culture had made its way into the young Christian community.  Greek-speaking widows were not getting a fair share of the community charity.  In Israel today, there are disputes between various ethnic Jewish communities.

Stephen was chosen (along with six others) to ensure things ran smoothly.  Important to note is how all seven of those chosen had Greek names.  The Apostles wanted to send a message that there should be no prejudice among Messiah’s followers, so they chose men of Greek Jewish background to distribute the charity.

By most scholars’ accounts, Stephen was a Samaritan.  It is evidenced by the Biblical references and interpretations he cites in his defense.  Samaritans were half-breeds:  half Jewish, half Gentile.  At home, with neither the Romans nor religious Jews of Jesus’ day, Samaritans were too Jewish to be Gentile and too Gentile for the Jewish community.  

Not being a Hebrew-speaking Jew and most likely known to be a Samaritan, Stephen’s words would have been particularly offensive to non-Messianic religious Jews.  Perhaps, they tolerated Peter because he was a Hebrew-speaking Jew, speaking boldly in the temple.  But they would not stand to be rebuked by a gospel-preaching Samaritan.  

This perspective helps us understand why Saul, a highly trained Pharisee, would be so zealous against Christians.  Perhaps, he felt half-breed “apostates” were corrupting Judaism.  Ironically, Paul became the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

According to Jewish custom, two lookouts were posted about a hundred yards away in opposite directions whenever someone was sentenced to stoning.  Each lookout was given a “cloak” to signal, in case someone was running from afar, with evidence that could acquit the condemned.  Saul’s job at the stoning of Stephen, “watching the cloaks,” was most likely to be one of those lookouts.

“There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch, and a high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury.  He had come to worship in Jerusalem and was sitting in his chariot on his way home reading, the prophet Isaiah aloud.  The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go and join that chariot.’  When Phillip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, ‘Do you understand what you’re reading?’  ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone guides me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”  Acts 8:27-31 (HCSB)

I have heard pastors teach that the Ethiopian eunuch was the first Gentile convert.  Because the man was from Ethiopia and had a powerful position in the kingdom, many believe he must have been a Gentile.  That way of thinking disregards the stories of Joseph, Daniel, Moses, Esther, and Nehemiah, all of whom were Jews who held influential positions in foreign governments.  I believe this Ethiopian was most likely a Jew.  

First, he had gone to Jerusalem to worship.  The fact that a Gentile would worship in Jerusalem was not uncommon.  There was even a Court of Gentiles in the temple complex.  But there are other factors to consider.

The Ethiopian had a copy of the book of Isaiah with him, and he was reading it.  There was no such thing as “Barnes & Noble” or “Amazon.com” in Jesus’ day.  Torah scrolls were very rare, and they weren’t given to just anyone.  Consider Isaiah’s prophecy:

“And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 2 Kings 20:18 (NKJV)

Most likely, this Ethiopian was a descendant of the dispersed Jews, and he had traveled to Jerusalem for Passover and stayed the additional 50 days for Shavuot (Pentecost).  He would have likely been present when Jesus was crucified and was probably nearby when the Holy Spirit fell.  Leaving Jerusalem, he had stopped and pondered the significance of Isaiah 53: The Suffering Servant.  (You should read that entire chapter.)

In addition to explaining that Isaiah was prophesying of Jesus in chapter 53, Philip most likely continued reading in Isaiah and shared God’s promises to foreigners and eunuchs.

“No foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord should say, ‘The Lord has excluded me from His people’; and the eunuch should not say, ‘Look, I am a dried up tree.’  For the Lord says this, ‘For the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths and choose what pleases Me, and hold firmly to My covenant, I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters.  I will give each of them an everlasting name that will never be cut off.’”  Isaiah 56:3-5 (CSB)

Whether this Ethiopian was a Jew or Gentile, he was saved by faith in Jesus.  Furthermore, he was immersed (baptized), and now his name is “remembered” in God’s Kingdom and His Word for all eternity!

“Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days.  Immediately, he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: ‘He is the Son of God.’  But all who heard him were astounded and said, ‘Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name, and then came here for the purpose of taking them prisoners to the chief priests?’  But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is Messiah.  When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.  Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.”  Acts 9:19b-22, 26-27 (HCSB)

The apostle Paul epitomizes the term “radically saved.”  In a complete 180-degree turn, Saul, a persecutor of the Church for saturating Judaism with Gentiles and apostates, became “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

In Luke’s telling of the Acts of the Apostles, there is what writers call a “condensation of time.”  That is, Luke often lumps together events to prove a greater point; he condenses time.  The downside of this literary approach is that readers can be led to believe events and occurrences happened faster than normal.  A more reliable real-time account of Paul’s conversion and ministry comes from Paul’s own words:

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.  But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.  (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)”  Galatians 1:15-20 (NKJV)

I mention this because verse 22 of today’s passage says, “But Saul grew more capable.”  His growth was not attributed to his Pharisee education or the Apostles’ teaching.  It was directly from the Lord as He revealed the Scriptures to Paul.  

Our understanding of the Gospel, ability to articulate, and discernment of how and when to share is a process.  Don’t be discouraged if you’re not the most eloquent evangelist today.  Be encouraged to know that even great leaders like Paul had to grow into greatness.  Simple prayer and Bible study diligence, matched by the revelation of God’s Word by the power of His Spirit, is the leadership catalyst for all believers.  Perhaps, that is why Paul said,

“Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy [sharing God’s Word as revealed to you].” 1 Corinthians 14:1 (HCSB)

Ask God to reveal something from His Word to you today and give you someone to share it with!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 10. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.  Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world.  This took place during the time of Claudius.  So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.  This they did, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:27-30 (HCSB)

When I was almost 21yrs old, I vowed my heart to Jesus.  A year later, against the counsel of nearly everyone I knew, I left college to pursue what I believed was God’s call on my life.  I moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to pursue a career in the “Christian” music business.

I hoped God would honor my step of faith by giving me success.  To my dismay, two years passed, and I was still making minimum wage, brewing coffee, and taking out the trash at a recording studio.  All my college friends had good jobs, nice cars, and bought houses.

I decided to drive to Nashville to see if I could jump-start my career with some record company meetings.  I didn’t have a credit card at the time, so I pulled all my cash out of the bank…just in case.

It was a horrible trip.  Nobody wanted to record my music.  On the way out of Nashville, my car broke down with a flat tire.  I opened the trunk, and the spare tire was flat.  Cell phones were rare and expensive back then, and I didn’t own one.  So I hiked two miles to find a tow truck.  With the flat fixed, I paid the tow truck driver, only to discover my car wouldn’t start.  I opened the hood and immediately found the problem.  While I had been looking for a tow truck, someone had stolen my battery!

After flagging down (and paying) another tow truck, I got a tow to an Auto Zone.  It was closed for the night, so I had to spend the night in a hotel…more money.  The following day, once my car was squared away, I had $1 (and some change) left, which I spent on two bean burritos at Taco Bell.

All the way to Memphis, I let God know how I felt about my “step of faith”!  My rent was due, and I didn’t have any money.  Then, I opened my mailbox.  Inside was a letter and a money order from some folks in Alabama who had seen me in concert.  The letter simply stated: God put you on our hearts.  The check enclosed was written for more money than I needed to get through the month.  The lesson? Where God guides, He provides!

Today’s chapter is a beautiful example of God providing for our needs before we know we have needs!  Is the Lord calling you to step out in faith?  Do it!  Is He prompting you to help those in need?  Do it!  Whether you are being “called” to those in need or “sent” to be a benefactor, listen and obey the Lord’s leading.  God can be trusted! And if He has chosen to send you, He will also equip you to accomplish His purposes.

“So on the appointed day, dressed in royal robes and seated on the throne, Herod delivered a public address to them.  The populace began to shout, ‘It’s the voice of a god and not of a man!’ At once, an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he became infected with worms and died.  Then, God’s message flourished and multiplied.” Acts 12:21-24 (HCSB)

Reading today’s chapter reminds me of an instance involving a flight attendant and boxing champion Mohammed Ali.  Known as much for his pride as his boxing skill, Ali was never at a loss for words!  Moments before take-off, a flight attendant noticed the champ hadn’t fastened his seat belt.  When she told Ali to comply with the seat belt rule, he snapped, “Superman don’t need no seat belt!” She replied, “Superman don’t need no plane either!”

Herod Agrippa 1st was the grandson of Herod the Great.  As was the case with the other Herods, Agrippa 1st was devilishly keen and overtly proud of his wicked accomplishments.  A year earlier, a Galilean insurgent named Jesus of Nazareth had been executed during Passover.  (Acts 12:1-3)  Jesus’ death seemed to please the Romans and the Jewish leaders.  The Apostle James’ death seemed to appeal to the populace of Jerusalem, who were most affected by the preaching of the Apostles.  Happy people mean smooth sailing for a king, so on the anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion, Herod Agrippa 1st planned to kill the Apostle Peter.

God turns Herod Agrippa’s plans around.  In the end, Agrippa perished for his blasphemies while Peter continued spreading the gospel.  Here is Jewish historian Josephus’ account of that day:  

“Agrippa came to Caesarea, for there was a festival for him.  On the 2nd day, he put on a garment made entirely of silver and came into the theater early in the morning, at which time the silver of his garment reflecting the sun’s rays shone so resplendently as to spread a horror on those gazing at him.  Presently, his flatterers exclaimed that he was a god, adding, ‘Be merciful to us; for although till now we have referenced you only as a man, henceforth we will regard you as superior to mortal nature.’ But the king neither rebuked them, nor rejected their impious flattery.  However, as he looked up, he saw an owl and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill tidings.  Suddenly and violently a severe pain arose in his stomach.  Therefore, he looked at his friends and said, ‘I, whom you call a god, am commanded now to leave this life; while providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me.’ After five days, exhausted by the stomach pain, he died, aged fifty-three.” Adapted from “Antiquities of the Jews” 19:8:2

We may achieve great things and be revered as great men and women, but one day we all must bow to the Lord.  There is no one greater than our God.

“Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, and everyone who believes in Him is justified from everything, which you could not be justified from through the Torah of Moses.  So beware that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you: ‘Look, you scoffers, marvel and vanish away, because I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe, even if someone were to explain it to you.’ As they were leaving, the people [the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles] begged that these matters be presented to them the following Sabbath.  After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout Gentile proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God.” Acts 13:38-43 (HCSB)

Today’s chapter marks a distinct change in Paul’s ministry.  He (along with Barnabas) begins fulfilling his calling as “the Apostle to the Gentiles.” Henceforth, in Scripture, Paul ceases to be referred to as “Saul.”

In Acts 10, we were presented with the first recorded Gentile, who converted to follow Messiah Jesus after His resurrection: the Roman Centurion Cornelius.  Cornelius was described as a “devout man.” This terminology describes a Gentile who had not converted to Judaism but devoutly followed the Jewish religion’s forms.

There is an assumption among most “Christians” that Jews were not allowed to associate with Gentiles on any level.  While close affiliations and friendships with Gentiles raised suspicions among the Jewish community, Gentiles “seeking God” were welcome in synagogues.  The Temple in Jerusalem had a “Court of the Gentiles.”  

David H. Stern, in his “Complete Jewish New Testament Commentary,” describes Paul’s method of reaching Gentiles: “Besides Sha’ul’s [Paul’s] conviction that it was right to present the Gospel first to Jews, he knew that it was in the synagogues where he would find the Gentiles most likely to be responsive, since ‘proselytes of the gate’ were already interested in the One true God.  One aspect of communicating the gospel consists of determining which people are likely to respond favorably to it.”

Some Christians believe that the Church is only “preaching to the choir.” They would suggest we take a more radical strategy, abandon the traditional congregation, and go deeper into the world with more extreme ministry endeavors.  While noble at the outset, I believe this strategy neglects an obvious truth: non-believers attend churches!  And they are seeking to believe!  In the church where I presently serve, hundreds of people come to faith each year in our various weekly services.

That is a challenge to ANY church seeking to share the gospel of Jesus.  They are using Paul’s method, which works in today’s world.  He went first to the places where people were already asking the right questions: the places of devout worship.

“Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they had won over the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.  After the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the town.  The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.  After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, ‘It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way to the kingdom of God.’  When they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”  Acts 14:19-23 (HCSB)

Theologians are unsure whether Paul was actually stoned to death and resurrected by the Lord or if he was only thought to be dead.  In either case, it was a miracle that Paul got back up, not to mention that he walked back to town!

It was a testimony of great faith that Paul returned to the town where he had been stoned just moments before!  Why would he do this instead of shaking the dust off his feet and moving on?  Here’s why: Paul knew his calling.

I have made it clear on several occasions that I believe the Bible teaches “calling” and not just for “super-apostles.”  God calls each of us.  I believe God calls us specifically, to specific places, to minister in specific ways, delivering specific messages for specific seasons of time.  If there is no calling, we have no incentive to endure hardship.  In light of his calling, Paul was impelled (drawn from within) by God’s Spirit to go back to Lystra.

What was Paul communicating with his re-arrival?  He was testifying that God was greater than the evil schemes of men.  Also, Paul would not be intimidated.  The next day, Paul left town, but on his own terms.  This was undoubtedly a warning to those who sought to persecute the young Church, and it would have been a noticeable morale boost for the fledgling congregation there.

Paul was a master leader.  In returning, he 1) strengthened the new disciples spiritually; 2) urged them to use their strength to hold fast to the faith; 3) gave fair warning as to what to expect: Troubles, as well as victory for the kingdom of God; and 4) he appointed elders (leaders) to run the new young congregations.

If Paul is an excellent example of a disciple, and I believe that he is, then by following his example, we can expect many troubles.  But those troubles in no way compare to the joy that comes from following the Lord, watching Him accomplish His purposes through our submission to His leading, as we focus on our great reward of entering His kingdom, having run the race well!

“Then the apostles and the elders assembled to consider this matter.  After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: ‘Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth of the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe.  And God, who knows the heart, testified to them by giving the Holy Spirit as He did to us.  He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.  Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciple’s necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?  On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.’” Acts 15:6-11 (HCSB)

In the Mishna (Jewish oral law), the term “yoke” is twofold.  The first yoke, or requirement, is believing in God and His Kingdom.  The second yoke is the requirement to fulfill the Torah.  The second must follow the first.  One does not believe in God because they pursue the Torah; they pursue the Torah because they believe in God.  

From the Mishna: “For what reason does the Sh’ma precede the Va’hayah im shemoa?  So that one should first accept upon oneself the yoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, and only after that accept upon oneself the yoke of the commandments."  B’rakhot 2:2

When Peter spoke about the “yoke” of our forefathers and how they were all unable to bear it, he was directing his comments to the second yoke.  Because the “Oral Torah” is “man’s opinion,” it cannot be esteemed at the level of God’s Torah, well-intended as many of the rabbis’ rules may have been.  Simultaneously, Peter stressed the absolute necessity for both Jews and Gentiles to take up the first “yoke.” Salvation depends on believing in God and His Kingdom through faith in Messiah.

Almost hidden in today’s passage is an (often uncomfortable) reality among the body of believers.  From the very beginning of the Church, both Jews and Gentiles were equal in the eyes of God, as it pertains to salvation, while at the same time retaining separateness concerning worshipping cultures.  Notice there is absolutely no debate about whether the Jewish believers (apostles included) should drop their Jewish identity and become like the new Gentile believers.  The Jews continued worshipping as Jews, and the Gentiles remained unburdened by most of the culturally religious requirements of Judaism…both were equal in the eyes of God with respect to salvation.

As unspeakable as the Jewish demands on Gentiles to become “fully converted” Jews before salvation is the modern church’s assumption that Jews who receive salvation (through Jesus) must abandon their (now-redeemed) Torah pursuance.

The undeniable (and fully witnessed) event of Cornelius’ household conversion is unarticulated in Peter’s argument.  They were saved and filled with the Spirit without being circumcised in the flesh, outwardly baptized, or having converted to Judaism.  (Acts 10:44-48)  Salvation is by grace, through faith, alone!  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“The jailer reported these words to Paul: ‘The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released.  So come out now and go in peace.’  But Paul said to them, ‘They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail.  And now are they going to smuggle us out secretly?  Certainly not!  On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out!  Then the police reported these words to the magistrates.  And they were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.”  Acts 16:36-38 (HCSB)

In the Bible, believers in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) are called upon to be servants to others for the sake of the Gospel.  Often, it feels like we are called to be “doormats,” letting others trample over us.  We are not to sue each other (1 Cor 6:1-8), and we are to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile (Matthew 5:39-42).

Before we start feeling too sorry for ourselves, let’s be reminded of Jesus’ humility and sacrifice.  He left the glory of Heaven to be born in a stable.   He was brought up in the obscure town of Nazareth, hung around the poor and lowly, insulted and beaten by the proud pseudo-spiritual religious leaders, and willingly suffered a criminal’s death, all on our behalf.

But there is one situation in which we are expected to stand, adamantly refusing to give ground, and this is where the Gospel itself is at stake.  In the words of Bible commentator David Stern, “If the Gospel can be served better by fighting back, we should fight back – the fighting, of course, to be conducted ethically and by spiritual means (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18).”

In today’s chapter, we see Paul using several legitimate means: he mentions his Roman citizenship, points out the officials’ illegal behavior, and demands public redemption for public insults.

Paul does all this to ensure proper treatment, but not because of personal pride.  His concern is not just for the Gospel only; he wanted to ensure that no one in Philippi would come away from the incident with the misimpression given by Paul’s accusers (Acts 16:20-22), that the message of Messiah is not for the Romans.

Bottom line: we are not called to be “doormats” for Messiah, letting people always trample on us.  We are called to know God through a saving relationship with Messiah Jesus and to spread the “Good News.”  There are times to be a suffering servant, and there are times to stand up and fight!  In both instances, the goal is the furtherance of the Gospel.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 17. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he found a Jewish man named Aquila, a native of Pontus who had recently come from Italy with his wife, Priscilla because Claudius (the Roman Emperor) had ordered that all Jews leave Rome.”  Acts 18:1-2 (HCSB)

The expulsion of the Jews from Rome is generally connected with the remark of Suetonius, “Since the Jews were continually making disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome.” (Claudius 25:4)

Some theologians believe that the unknown name “Chrestus” was a misspelling of the word “Christos,” meaning Christ.  (Of course, the original Hebrew word, from which the Greek translators chose “Christos,” is Moshiach.)  “Christos” seems to make more sense in light of the trial of Jesus and subsequent uproars concerning fights between Messianic and non-Messianic Jews.  Today’s passage certainly deals with such an incident.

It only makes sense that the Romans would grow tired of religious Jews and their accusations and riotous actions toward the Messianic Jews.  We must remember that at this time, the greater “Body of Messiah” was considered a sect of Judaism, and Gentile conversions were few and far between.

This growing anti-Semitism among Roman officials is seen first in Acts 18, with Gallio’s attitude towards Paul’s accusers.

“While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack against Paul and brought him to the judge’s bench.  ‘This man,’ they said, ‘persuades people to worship God contrary to the law (Torah)!’  As Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, ‘If it were a matter of a crime or moral evil, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you Jews.  But if there are questions about words, names, and your own law, see to it yourselves.  I don’t want to be a judge of such things.’”  Acts 18:12-15 (HCSB)

Fast forward several hundred years: By the time Emperor Constantine declared that all Roman citizens were to be subsequently “Christians,” it is easy to see how Christianity quickly began to lose its Jewishness.  An empire, full of anti-Semites, was suddenly mandated to reckon with worshipping the Jewish Messiah and leave their paganism.

At least two good things happened due to Gallio’s lack of patience and sympathy for the Jewish case against Paul: 1) Paul was allowed to continue preaching, and 2) Synagogue leader Sosthenes was publicly rebuked and beaten by his own people.  Acts 18:17

In 1 Corinthians 1:1, we read that Sosthenes became a follower of Jesus.  Because of this particular incident, Sosthenes felt the bitter heartless cruelty of his own congregation.  Perhaps, that is when he decided to follow his former synagogue ruler, Crispus (Acts 18:8), and follow Jesus himself.

“While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus.  He found some disciples and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’  ‘No,’ they told him, ‘we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’  ‘Then what baptism (immersion) were you baptized with?’ he asked them.  ‘With John’s baptism (immersion),’ they replied.  Paul said, ‘John baptized (immersed) with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Messiah).  And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak with other languages and to prophesy.” Acts 19:1-6 (HCSB)

There was a well-intended preacher named Apollos, who had formerly been a follower of John the Baptist.  After Jesus’ crucifixion, and certainly after the Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost, Apollos started putting his facts together and decided that Jesus was indeed Messiah.  So, he began preaching.  

“A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in the Scriptures arrived in Ephesus.  This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John’s baptism.”  Acts 18:24-25 (HCSB)

The problem with Apollos was that his understanding and preaching consisted solely of fragments of the Gospel.  That meant that his belief and his “converts” fell short of the actual Gospel…as evidenced by their lacking the Holy Spirit.  All true believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit upon receiving Messiah Jesus.  This meant that, while Apollos and his “converts” knew who Jesus was, they didn’t “know” Him personally in a saving way.  I believe Jesus was speaking of such people when He addressed the end times in Matthew’s gospel:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.  On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?  Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you!  Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’  Matthew 7:21-23  (HCSB)

Priscilla and Aquila explained the Gospel in full, which led to Apollos’ salvation.  Then, Apollos’ preaching was correctly established.  But it was Paul who restored rightness to those who assumed a false sense of salvation from Apollos’ (previously) errant preaching.

Today’s chapter is, perhaps, an appeal for us to examine our spiritual lives.  Have we accumulated intellectual knowledge and facts about Jesus without actually surrendering our lives to Him?  Or have we truly surrendered our lives to follow Jesus?  As we labor to build His kingdom, are we sharing the WHOLE Gospel, or are we withholding essential parts that may lead to decisions but not result in salvation?

“And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, except that in town after town the Holy Spirit testifies to me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.  But I count my life of no value to myself so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”    Acts 20:22-24 (HCSB)

Remember Jeremiah 29:11?  “God has plans for us that are not to harm us, but to give us a future and a hope.”  This verse is comforting news, especially when we feel all hope is lost.  But how does that jive with the Lord’s plan for Paul?  Chains and afflictions aren’t positive images.  Could it be that our 21st-century Christian culture has lost what it means to suffer for hope?

We are sure of four things concerning God:  He is all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful, and His character never changes.  That means there is NO dilemma you’ll experience that God is unaware of, isn’t standing alongside you through, doesn’t have the power to sustain you to the end, or will renegotiate His promises to you.

So, why do Kingdom-pursuant believers suffer?

You might recall that Jesus said, “A servant is not greater than his master.  If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:20  (NIV)

There’s a promise we seldom claim with boldness!  No rational person wants to suffer.  To paraphrase General George S. Patton, “No fool ever won a war by dying for his country.  You win wars by making the other guy die for his country!”  No disrespect to General Patton or our fallen heroes, but Patton spoke of earthly wars.  We are engaged in spiritual warfare, and our battlefield stretches into eternity.  Death is not the end game.  It is the ultimate beginning, and “Where will we spend eternity?” is a more important question than “How will we preserve our quality of life on earth?”

Jesus conquered death so we might serve Him with our whole lives, even unto and beyond death.  The hope of the resurrection fuels the servant’s willingness to suffer in this life.  Sacrificial service fuels revival.

Jesus promised, “…I am going away to prepare a place for you.  If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.”  John 14:2b-3 (HCSB)

With confidence that Jesus is prepared to receive us into His heavenly kingdom, and without regard for this World, let us focus our sights on the mission at hand: To know God and make Him known so that others may know Him too.

“Then Paul answered, ‘What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart?  For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’  So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, ‘The will of the Lord be done.’” Acts 21:13-14 (NKJV)

Soon after I decided to follow Jesus, I began attending a Bible study.  One evening the study leader asked if anyone knew any “Jesus songs.”  I owned a guitar, so I started writing songs...something I never knew I could do.  A year later, I was offered a chance to record my songs as a professional musician.  Following that opportunity meant I had to leave college…and the full-ride track scholarship that came with it.

I remember sitting in my car, listening to a cassette tape of John MacArthur preaching, “The Crisis of Decision.”  I had been seeking the Lord for months, and I was confident he was leading me into the “Christian” music business.  I turned left and drove to Memphis, leaving college.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

I wish I could say that all my friends and family supported my step of faith.  They didn’t.  It’s not that they didn’t love the Lord.  It’s just difficult sometimes watching others make faith-based decisions that the Lord hasn’t led them to.  The Lord was asking me to step out in a way that nobody I knew had ever followed Him, so they doubted that I was actually listening to the Lord.

The Bible says there is wisdom in good counsel.  (Proverbs 13:10) It is good to be accountable and downright necessary!  Still, there are times when people’s concern for your well-being may be evidence of their misunderstanding of “calling.”

That was the case for Paul in today’s passage.  The Spirit of God was testifying to the believers about Paul’s suffering, so they were concerned about his well-being.  But they were unaware of the ministry opportunities that would follow Paul’s bondage.

We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.  Paul didn’t know what the outcome of his trip to Jerusalem would be.  But he had enough faith to know the Lord was sending him, and he had the obedience to go.

Is the Lord leading you in an unpopular direction?  Seek Him earnestly and listen to His voice.  If indeed He is leading you, then set your heart to follow Him.  No matter what you go through, He will bring you through it.

As was the case with Paul, we should follow the Lord in such a way that it would be utter foolishness were there no resurrection from the dead.

“Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, “Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.” So I said, “Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.” Then He said to me, “Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.””  Acts 22:17-21 (NJKV)

I was in college when I began following Jesus.  I was also a member of a Greek fraternity on campus.  Shortly after my salvation, I began sharing the gospel with members of my fraternity.  I was zealous and aggressive, which made me obnoxious to everyone!  I truly believed my friends would consider my new life compared to my former “worldly” life, and they would convert based on my transformation.

As it turned out, my friends weren’t interested in my gospel presentation.  Word of my conversion spread, and I eventually found myself the outsider of our “fraternal” social circle.  I had always been in the center of that scene…now, an outsider.  I could not understand why they rejected my testimony about Jesus.  

I began thinking about where things went wrong with my evangelism techniques.  In the words of John Mayer, “Maybe, it’s got nothing to do with me.”  Perhaps, my friends simply didn’t want to be confronted with the truth about Jesus, no matter who delivered it.  

After that experience, I couldn’t imagine leading anyone to Jesus!  But God had a different plan.  

Like the Apostle Paul, the Lord had me leave my “Jerusalem.”   That is, I left college (along with my initial evangelistic experiences) behind.  But those early “seeds” of the gospel did not all go to waste.  Over the years, several of my old fraternity brothers have shared how my testimony played a distinct and eventual role in their salvation.

It is good to be zealous, but zealousness without submission to God’s authority and the Spirit’s direction leads to trouble.  When we place zeal under submission, the Bible calls that “meekness.”  A horse becomes useful to the rider when made meek to the bridle.  Likewise, we become useful to God when we submit to His plan for us.  Paul surrendered to God’s plan, and just look how the Lord used him!  The Lord wants to do mighty things through you as well.  Are you ready to follow His will and His leading?

“When Paul realized that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee, son of Pharisees!  I am being judged because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead!’ When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.  For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and no angel and spirit, but the Pharisees affirm them all.  The shouting grew loud, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party got up and argued vehemently:  ‘We find nothing evil in this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’” Acts 23:6-9 (HCSB)

It’s easy to think the apostles were always laid back and relaxed amid opposition.  In reality, the scene was often totally terrifying.  “Real-time” seldom gives an account of the future, so Paul had no idea what would happen next.  What he DID have was Jesus’ promise of two things:  1) Persecution and 2) The presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  

Jesus had said to his disciples: “Because people will hand you over to Sanhedrins and flog you in their synagogues, beware of them.  You will even be brought before governors and kings because of Me, to bear witness to them and to the nations.  But when they hand you over, don’t worry about how or what you should speak.  For you will be given what to say at that hour, because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of Your Father is speaking through you.” Matt 10:17-20 (HCSB)

Just because Paul was not standing by when Jesus spoke those words is no indicator that He did not communicate that message of strength and grace through other means.  Jesus could have easily relayed that information through 1) Testimony from people who heard it firsthand, 2) Revelation from the Spirit by dreams and visions, and 3) Direct personal revelation, as He did with Paul on the road to Damascus.  

No doubt, Paul was a brilliant intellectual.  Still, if you asked him, I’m sure Paul would give the credit to God for getting him through this otherwise terrifying situation.

How can we become like Paul?  Right now, you’re on the right track.  You are seeking God’s Word.  You are depositing Scriptural knowledge into your mental “bank account.” Then, as life continues, the Spirit guides you by drawing from that Scriptural knowledge.  The Spirit literally transfers God’s Word from your mental “account” into your Heart…giving it practical context, matched with the motivation to act out and seize ministry opportunities…then to your mouth so you can bear witness.        

It’s kind of like your ATM card: No money in the bank, no withdrawal...lots of money in the bank, no purchase is impossible.  Keep “depositing” God’s Word into your spiritual account!  God wants you to make a few “withdrawals” and see a few more folks enter into a saving relationship with Him through your testimony!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Acts 24. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“And Festus said, ‘King Agrippa and all the men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom the whole assembly of the Jews petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, crying out that he was not fit to live any longer.  But when I found that he had committed nothing deserving of death, and that he himself had appealed to (the emperor) Augustus, I decided to send him.  I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him.  Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write.’” Acts 25: 24-26 (NKJV)

Have you ever tried to share the hope of Jesus with a stranger?  It can be very uncomfortable because you never know how people will react.  Sometimes people get angry, and other times they’re ready to follow Jesus on the spot.  Sadly, most believers aren’t prepared for either scenario.

Evangelism can be like shark fishing.  In shark fishing, there are two questions: 1) How am I going to catch a shark? Or 2) “What am I going to do with a shark in my boat?!!!

Paul saw a wide variety of responses when he shared the gospel.  Many believed, and the Church, as we know it, was born.  Others wanted to kill Paul.  The Roman Governor Felix protected Paul, but his true desire was for Paul’s money.  Enter Roman Governor, Festus.  Festus inherited the “problem of Paul” from his predecessor.  Stuck between politics and principles, Festus was such a weak leader that he needed a committee to tell him how to accuse Paul.    

The great message of today’s passage is that Festus never found anything wrong with Paul’s character, politics, or theology.  Could that be said of you?

A few years back, I wrote a song that posed a question: “If loving God was a crime, would you be an outlaw?” This was Festus’ dilemma with accusing Paul, and it was Babylonian official’s dilemma when trying to accuse Daniel.  They literally had to make loving God against the law because they could find no other flaws in their characters.  Does your life honor God in such a way that your accusers couldn’t find any evidence of worldliness, so they would have to make your devotion to the Lord illegal to have overwhelming evidence to convict you?

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I know you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian (Christ follower) Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:27-29 (NKJV)

Paul had guts.  I love the way he just lays out the gospel like he’s their rabbi!  Then there is the abrupt, albeit somewhat humorous, reminder that Paul is in shackles.

Remember the game show “Truth or Consequences”?  Maybe you’re too young.  Contestants answered questions to win prizes.  If they got the answer wrong, they were subjected to some demeaning stunt.  It seems that just when Paul was convincing Agrippa of the truth, the king was reminded of the possible consequences of following Jesus.  Given his pomp and political power, the consequence of dishonor and imprisonment was too much for Agrippa.

I was like Agrippa.  Confronted with the truth, I chose to focus on Worldly consequences for many years and to ignore the eternal one: the certainty of Hell.  I was more concerned with temporary earthly glory than the promise of permanent glory in Heaven.

The Lord persistently pursued me.  He watched as time after time, I made poor choices.  Ultimately, I was convinced the glory of this World is nothing worth having.  Even when you get earthly glory, it quickly fades.  I was empty and tired, and finally, the gospel ceased to be annoying.  It became my shelter.

It was because of a person like Paul that I came to believe in Jesus.  I was like one of the onlookers in the Roman Governor’s palace.  I overheard a guy boldly proclaiming Jesus to another guy.  The guy he was sharing with just laughed at him…but I believed!

Why do we make our Church services open to the public?  Because we want everyone to know the gospel of Jesus, receive it, and belong to the greater Church.  For almost a decade, I have been launching Bible studies in coffeehouses, where there is a high probability that non-believers would “stumble upon” them by God’s leading and grace.  They come to the coffeehouse for a latte, but they leave with a whole “latte” more: Salvation through faith in Jesus!

Paul said, “…but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:29b (NKJV)

Paul understood that God’s target audience, “all who are listening to me today,” might not contain King Agrippa, the particular person whom Paul was trying to persuade.  It is not incumbent upon us believers to produce faith decisions from people.  We cannot make people believe.  Instead, by all means, we faithfully proclaim Messiah Jesus, trusting His Holy Spirit to convince men and women to believe, even though we may be in “chains” at the moment.

“For many days, neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging.  Finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing.  Since many were going without food, Paul stood up among them and said, ‘You men should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete and sustain this damage and loss.  Now I urge you to take courage, because there will be no loss of any of your lives, but only of the ship.  For this night, an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me, and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul.  You must stand before Caesar.  And, look!  God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’ Therefore, take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told me.  However, we must run aground on a certain island.’”  Acts 27:20-26 (HCSB)

Most of us, who are followers of Jesus, didn’t simply hear the gospel once and believe.  It took time for us to warm up to the idea.  Perhaps, we visited several church services or hung around Christians for a season before we decided to believe.

As for me, I grew up around churches.  I sat through countless sermons and youth group meetings.  They all seemed to say the same thing: If you don’t commit yourself to follow Jesus and repent from your sinful lifestyle, your sins will find you out!  Although I knew I sinned, I laughed at that message.  I figured that God hadn’t judged me thus far, so why should I expect He was going to any time soon, or EVER for that matter?

Without going into too much detail, the night I heard the gospel for the “umpteenth” time, yet finally surrendered to Jesus, it was because my sins had found me out!  On the outside, I probably seemed bulletproof, but on the inside, I was bleeding to death from self-inflicted “sin shot” wounds!  I was hurting and humbled, ripe for the gospel.

If you can relate to my story, you can understand the spiritual state Paul’s traveling companions were in when Paul, a Roman prisoner, took charge and rallied the troops.

Because of God’s revelation to Paul, he could transcend his physical conditions and focus on the greater goal: the salvation of those shipwrecked alongside him.

BELIEVER, have your circumstances run aground, seemingly for no reason?  Look around at those people alongside you and ask the Lord to direct you on how you can parlay your situation into a Kingdom-building opportunity.  He is building “preparedness” into us daily as we read His revealed will, the Bible.  This is so we may be constantly ready to give reason for the hope within us in all seasons.

UNBELIEVER, have you run aground as a consequence of a storm you created with your sin?  Stop rebelling against God’s revealed truth and accept that you need Him.  God has promised salvation to all who, by faith, believe in His Son, Messiah Jesus.  Do it today!

“As Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself to his hand.  When the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘This man is probably a murderer, and though he has escaped the sea, Justice does not allow him to live.’  However, he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm.  They expected that he would swell up or suddenly drop dead.  But after they waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.”  Acts 28:3-6 (HCSB)

There is an old saying: If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.  Perhaps, the theme of today’s chapter should be: If you don’t stand on the foundation of God’s Word, you’ll fall for anything.  (Although, I prefer the title: “Snakes on a Paul”)

Apart from God’s Word, people filter life experiences through their traditions and feelings.  Neither one of those measures is reliable because their origins are from man.  Consider the people of Malta’s response to Paul’s snakebite.  1) He is a murderer, and fate has caught up with him; 2) He is a god!  Both their omens and feeling-based observations led them to the wrong conclusions.  Apart from the Bible, we have no reliable lens to view life experiences correctly.  (2 Timothy 3:16)

We can learn three things from Paul’s experience: The viper bite deliverance confirms justice, refutes superstition, and fulfills Jesus’ promise that believers can expect miracles.    

“Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you.  However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”  Luke 10:19-20 (HCSB)

Back in Acts 14, the people of Lystra had proclaimed that Paul and Barnabas were gods.  This was a notion that Paul and Barnabas categorically rejected.  Perhaps Jesus’ exhortation to His disciples in Luke 10:20 was intended to warn them against the pride that can develop within the ego of His servants through whom His Spirit does great works.  

As long as we remain focused on the fact that our salvation is by God’s grace alone and that any good work we accomplish is actually the Spirit working in and through us, we will better withstand the temptation to exalt ourselves.  Remaining humble and thankful to God allows us to resist Pride’s attempts to steal credit for the Spirit’s work.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek (Gentile). For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (HCSB)

A friend told me of the graduate-level negotiating class he took in college. On the first day, the professor handed everyone in the class a list containing contact information for 200 businesses and organizations. The assignment was to call these companies and renegotiate everything from their cable bills to personal credit card percentage rates. The professor said, “The assignment is over when you get turned down 20 times.” My friend was amazed to find the semester ended without filling the “20 rejections” quota.

The point of the professor’s assignment was to condition these young negotiators not to be afraid to ask. My friend renegotiated all sorts of things he felt were “set in stone” by powerful institutions. He overcame his fear of asking, and he is a wealthy man today.

When we share the gospel, we are asking people to reconsider their opinions of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. In essence, we are helping them “renegotiate” their spiritual lives.

If anyone knew the consequences of evangelism, it was Paul. Before he believed in Jesus, Paul persecuted Christians. After he came to faith, Paul himself was persecuted, shipwrecked, stoned, and left for dead. But Paul had an intimate knowledge of God’s faithfulness. Paul knew God’s heart towards sinners who repented.

Paul also loved people for who they could be in Messiah, rather than how they treated him at the moment. He loved them enough to expose the sins that kept them from a right relationship with God. To Paul, the persecution he suffered was worth it if he could convince men that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus.

Paul was a very successful evangelist. This was not because of his intellect or personal power of persuasion. Paul’s effectiveness came solely from the Holy Spirit…as does yours.

As Jesus faithfully suffered for our sin and was resurrected, Paul also believed God by faith. When Paul believed by faith, the Lord faithfully gave him the Spirit, as He promises all believers. Additionally, as Paul faithfully believed the testimony of the Holy Spirit as it revealed God’s Word to Paul, people’s lives were drastically and eternally changed. And so it went, “from faith to faith.” In short, Paul was not ashamed to negotiate by faith, and neither should we.

Paul’s message to us: Do not be ashamed! Keep faithfully listening to the Spirit, and He will faithfully guide and empower you to accomplish God’s purposes for His glory.

“Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?  But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed.”  Romans 2:4 (HCSB)

On most days, my children are adorable and simply a joy to be around. Other days, not so much.

When I was a teenager, and I expressed frustration, adults would say, “You’re just going through a phase.” I would be so mad at that response! I was like, “You don’t know me!” I hate to say it, but the whole “phase” thing is entirely accurate. Kids have behavioral “seasons,” and observant parents know when we enter and exit our seasons.

A secret to being a good parent (which I do not claim to have mastered) is becoming a student of your children. You study their likes & dislikes, and forecast their “seasons.”

One of the best ways to gauge a relationship is how well people select gifts for each other. Gifting shows how well someone knows you. The value of a gift is not about the expense; rather, how appropriate the gift is because a gift’s appropriateness is based on a person’s knowledge of you.

God watches His children closely. Sometimes He disciplines harshly, and other times He gives us mercy. It’s all based on what His infinite wisdom determines we need for healthy development. Children need to know parents have their best interests in mind. The Lord gives us much more grace than harsh discipline.

A legitimate concern for any parent is that their children will perceive “grace” as a reward for bad behavior. This is precisely what Paul is warning the believers in Rome about. God has ONE thing in mind regarding all people: that they would come unto repentance. His first approach is Grace. To all who would accept it, He freely gives salvation.

But to those who refuse or abuse His grace, He disciplines harshly. Trauma brings desperation. Desperation demands urgent solutions, and Jesus is the ultimate and only solution for humanity’s sin debt to God. The overriding intent for God-directed desperation is that we recognize and worship Him.

Although God knows precisely who will accept or reject Him, He loves us and never stops trying to reach us through both mercy and pain. Nothing is beyond His ability to gain our attention. Skip the unnecessary desperation and surrender your life to Jesus.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Romans 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Now to the one who works, pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed. But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares righteous the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5

Let’s say you’re in a bit of debt, and you need to make some extra money to pay it off. You decide to get an additional job digging ditches. (Someone’s got to do it!) So, you’re in the hot sun every weekend, just working away. On payday, the foreman strolls by, hands you an envelope, and says, “Here’s a gift.”

“WAIT A MINUTE!” you reply. “I’ve been working hard for two weeks. That money is not a gift; I’ve earned it!”

If you have a debt that you can pay off, you should work hard and pay it. When your work is finished, you have earned your wages. When your debt is paid, you paid it.

Have you ever felt cheated by God? Do you ever think He misappropriated your “good works” and renamed your righteousness as His “gift” of salvation? Perhaps, you should demand an accounting of all your good works and put God’s character on trial. That’s what Job did. But how did that work out for Job?

The Bible gives us our accounting: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10

Now, suppose you’re in so much debt you couldn’t possibly pay it off. Your grandkids will still be paying your debt long after you’re dead! One day, the person you owe tells you he wants to cancel your debt, and all you have to do is have faith he’ll do it. You tell him you believe him and want to accept his offer. So he cancels your debt.

Later, you overhear that person needs some ditches dug around his property. In response to what he’s done for you, canceling a debt you could not afford, you commit your life to work for him. You do not work out of any obligation. There is no debt anymore. Instead, you work voluntarily, out of thankfulness.

People who don’t realize the enormity of their sin debt believe they can pay that debt. They think much of themselves and less of God. True believers in Jesus see their debt to God as un-payable. Their “good works” (as believers) are out of gratitude for His having canceled their debt.

“For the wages of sin is death, the free gift of God is eternal life in Messiah Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ (Messiah) died for us!  Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath.  For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, being reconciled, will we be saved by His Life!  And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have now received this reconciliation through Him.” Romans 5:8-11 (HCSB)

It has been said that people come to faith in Jesus for three reasons: Past, Present, and Future. We feel guilt over our past, overwhelmed by our present situation, and uncertain of what lies ahead.

In the passage above, Paul addresses each reason and weaves them together. He demonstrates how they relate to each other and how they are inseparable.

Past: We WERE still sinners and enemies when Messiah died for us. He WAS aware of our past yet loved us anyway. His love results not from the abundance of our goodness but from the greatness of His affection and holiness.

Present: We have NOW been declared righteous by His blood. We are NOW reconciled to God through the death of His Son. We NOW rejoice in God because of Messiah’s life (resurrection). With the weight of our past and future being removed, we are free to enjoy life TODAY.

Future: Since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we WILL BE saved, through Jesus, from wrath. If, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, being reconciled, WILL WE BE saved by His Life!

I was receptive to the gospel because my Past had really messed up my Present to the extent that I believed I had no hope for the Future. No matter our particular areas of spiritual struggle, if we are genuinely seeking salvation and the truth, we must all enter into a saving relationship with God through the “door” of Messiah Jesus. He loves you despite your past, will give you hope for today, and secures the future of all true believers with the promise of eternity in Heaven.

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from allegiance to righteousness.  So what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of?  For the end of those things is death.  But now, since you have become liberated from sin and have become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification – and the end is eternal life!  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ (Messiah) Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23 (HCSB

Several years ago, Bob Dylan sang, “You gotta serve somebody.” I believe he was right. People who claim they don’t believe in a god are lying to themselves. Idols come in many forms, and just because people don’t attach themselves to an organized religion doesn’t mean they don’t worship and serve “something.”

That concept of serving “someone” is the topic of today’s chapter. Paul speaks about being “a slave to sin.” Initially, we didn’t choose to live in sin. We were born into it. The children of slaves are not born as free men. They are born into bondage as a twisted “inheritance” and considered part of their parents’ master’s property. In this same way, we have been born into the bondage of sin.

Consider the apostle John’s gospel:

“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands CONDEMNED ALREADY because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18(emphasis mine)

There is no shame in being born into sin because ALL are born into “condemnation.” Since that is true, that means we ALL need the salvation that comes exclusively through faith in Jesus. “SIN” is a club we are all born into.

Here is something shameful: A child who is born into slavery but is given the option to be free and rejects it. What if another Master, One to whom their “former master” must be subservient, offers to purchase them for Himself, yet that slave chooses not to receive freedom? Furthermore, what if that Master says He would consider that slave as if it were His child rather than a slave?

It would be foolish and shameful to reject such an offer! Yet, that same offer is made to us through faith in Jesus. Sadly, most people refuse that offer. Jesus has bought us with His blood, and by the evidence of His resurrection and the powerful testimony of His Spirit, we have more than enough reason to believe!

Because people refuse to recognize they are “slaves to sin,” they consider the option of being a “slave to Jesus” appalling. Sadly, the consequences of their self-denial are eternal. Since you’ve “gotta’ serve somebody,” which master have you chosen? There is still time to choose Jesus. “Today is the day of salvation!” 2 Corinthians 6:2b

“The commandment that was meant for life resulted in death for me.  For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment deceived me, and through it killed me.  So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good.”  Romans 7:10b-12 (HCSB)

Is there a problem with the Law and the Commandments? Absolutely not! They have done (and continue to do) what God intended them to do: they set the standard by which mankind will be judged. There is nothing faulty about the Law.

What is “faulty” is some men’s concept of the “Law,” what it will do for us, and what it means to walk in truth and please God. Far too often, what happens is that people can end up worshiping the Law rather than the Law Giver! Yes, it is possible to be so religious that your “piety” towards God takes the place of God in your life.

Children live by “rules,” and adults live by “principles.” For instance, I give my kids rules, like “Don’t play in the street.” That is because children lack the ability to conceptualize the abstract idea of “getting hit by a car.” They only think linearly, so we give them rules with consequences. Then, they think, “If I disobey the rule, I will get punished.” Adults do not need the rule “do not play in the street” because they understand the overriding principle: playing in the street sharply raises the probability of getting struck by a car.

Those who try to justify themselves by their personal works of the Law (i.e., “the RULE”) always live with the anxiety of being punished by God for not working hard enough or diligently enough. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 Different than having “childlike faith,” people trying to constantly appease God never move beyond “immature faith”; that cause & effect thinking.

The Law has become a “law of death” for the works-based people because deep down, they KNOW they could never do enough good works to justify themselves. Apart from Jesus’ atoning work, they will never fulfill the Law’s requirements. Rather, the more they work and check their tally, the more they recognize how much they are falling behind. This leads to comparing one’s piety against other men and women instead of weighing oneself against God’s revealed standard, the Bible.

Adults live by principles. I don’t play in the street because I know that I might get hit by a car. That said, if someone needs help on the other side of the road, I have the freedom to cross it. Neither my privileges nor prohibitions are motivated by fear of being punished for breaking the rules. I firmly grasp road safety principles and weigh them against the necessity of being a good citizen.

Jesus didn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. He fulfilled the Law on my behalf, so my motivation for living by His Word has changed. No longer under the rules, I am free to live by the principles of the Law: Love God and love people. Therefore, it has become a Law of life to us who believe, but only because of Jesus’ works, not ours.

“And if (Christ) Messiah is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised (Christ) Messiah from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”  Romans 8:10-11 (HCSB)

This passage is often thought to mean that only when a follower of Jesus dies will they be raised to live in Heaven. While the promise of resurrection with Jesus is valid for all believers, this passage has more immediate implications.

Paul is also saying that there is a war between your flesh and your will. As far as your flesh is concerned, it’s a lost cause. Your flesh is corrupt. Eventually, all flesh will expire, and we will all physically die—ashes to ashes, dust to dust, as it were.

But, spiritually speaking, we were also all “dead” (along with our flesh). That is, we were spiritually dead before we came to know Jesus in a saving way. When we received Jesus, we received His Spirit in fullness (aka the filling of the Holy Spirit). God’s Spirit gives “new life” to our old “dead” (bound for judgment) souls.

Have you ever considered how Adam was created? God breathed life into a handful of dust. Apart from the life that God imparts, we’re just a handful of dirt! The Hebrew word for “Spirit” is Rucah (pr: ROO-akh). The same word (Ruach) translates “wind” or “breath.” The Greek translation for Ruach is “Pneuma” (pr: NOO-ma). Ever heard of Pneumonia (chronic restriction of one’s airway/breath) or a pneumatic (air) tool? So, when God created Adam, He breathed His breath, His Ruach, into him. We are all (believer & non-believer) alive, sustained because God’s Spirit is allowing it. But do not confuse that “sustaining” work of the Spirit with being “filled” with the Holy Spirit. Our “filling” of the Holy Spirit is a one-time occurrence, which happens at the moment we surrender ourselves to Jesus’ Lordship and ask Him to take control of our lives.

Think about it: every time God fills a new believer with His Spirit, He is, in essence, re-enacting creation. Perhaps, that is why the Bible calls believers “an altogether new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) He brings “new life” into our corrupted mortal bodies! When we submit to the Spirits leading, our bodies become vessels of righteousness, whereas they used to be vessels of death.

Martyr Jim Elliott said, “The soul is a vacuum that longs to be filled. It cares not with which it fills itself. It simply longs to be full.” The Spirit living inside a believer does not make flesh incorruptible. But the Spirit living inside an obedient believer enables that believer to control the corrupted flesh to do God’s will. Instead of us being slaves to our flesh, our flesh becomes subject to us, surrendering to the leading of God’s Spirit. If you have committed to following Jesus, He has given you His Spirit, and He dwells inside you. If you heed the Spirit’s guidance, you will experience “newness of life” to the fullest!

“I speak the truth in (Christ) Messiah – I am not lying; my conscience is testifying to me with the Holy Spirit – that I have intense sorrow and continual anguish in my heart.  For I could almost wish to be cursed and cut off from the Messiah for the benefit of my brothers, my own flesh and blood. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple service, and the promises.  The ancestors are theirs, and from them, by physical descent, came the Messiah, who is God over all, praised forever.  Amen.”  Romans 9:1-5 (HCSB)

As a young believer, when I began focusing on Bible reading and prayer, I found myself fighting off profound loneliness. Have you ever felt that way? On the one hand, I was overjoyed to spend time with God and learn from Him. On the other hand, I drifted further and further from some of my old friends, many of whom were professing believers yet hardly ever spent time with God. My pursuit of the Lord even led to complete estrangement from some individuals within that former circle of friends. That distancing was simply the result of the compounding effects of the World’s influence on them, contrasted with the Spirit’s influence on me. Their Worldly pursuits had muddied their “Living Water,” and my pursuit of the Lord was becoming “Anointing Oil” for me…and we all know oil and water don’t mix. Godly, Bible-pursuant Christian community is necessary to sustain a believer long term. Paul is describing that tension.

In moments of fleshly nostalgia, I almost wished I weren’t a believer for a moment, so I could hang out with those old friends again, unhindered by the tension that my faith evoked within our relationships. Of course, we cannot give in to such fantasies, the passionate cries of the flesh to take day trips to “Egypt,” as it were. We cannot go back. At least, we cannot go back and expect to be comfortable. Concerning today’s passage, I wonder if that loneliness and longing to connect with a people who mainly had rejected him hadn’t crept into Paul’s thinking. I wonder if that’s not the emotion prompting him to bear his soul in such a way to the Church in Rome.

And I identify with Paul here. I travel to Israel regularly to lead music on Christian tours and participate in the ongoing day-to-day ministry efforts of Israeli Messianic congregations and humanitarian relief organizations. Whenever I travel to Israel, I tend to go with the flow and disappear into the religious culture. To do this would mean never sharing the truth of the Messiah or sharing in the persecution of Paul and countless other Jewish believers who have come before me. Doing so would be the most selfish thing imaginable, for the most anti-Semitic thing I could do is withhold Messiah from the Jewish people! To paraphrase Paul, to leave behind Jesus is to leave behind God! (v. 5b)

No, we must take our cues from Paul. We will feel the flesh’s pull, and by the Spirit’s power, we will overcome it, standing on the shoulders of those faithful ones who went before us and heeding the higher call to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Romans 10. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“I ask, then, have they stumbled in order to fall?  Absolutely not!  On the contrary, by their stumbling, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full number bring!”  Romans 11:11-12 (HCSB)

In today’s passage, Paul suggests a quasi-role reversal between non-Messianic Jews and followers of Jesus.  Paul describes how the Lord allows the integrated (Jew and Gentile) Messianic Community (the Church) to act as a “bride,” a role Israel had previously exclusively held in Scripture.  

Consider the words of the prophet Jeremiah...

“‘Look, the days are coming’ – This is the Lord’s declaration – ‘when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.  This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. – a covenant they broke even though I MARRIED them.’ – The Lord’s declaration.’”  Jeremiah 31:31-32 (emphasis mine) (HCSB)

And now the words of Paul…

“For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband – to present a pure virgin to Messiah (Christ)”  2 Corinthians 11:2 (HCSB)

I want to stress that I am not suggesting “replacement theology,” which is the teaching that the “Church” has replaced Israel in God’s heart.  A primary goal of Paul’s letter to the Romans was to counteract the “replacement” message as heresy and contra to God’s continued heart and plan for Israel.

Paul puts forth the role reversals between Messianic Gentiles and non-Messianic Jews for two primary reasons:  1) So that the non-believing Jews would become jealous for a saving relationship with God through Jesus by observing God’s love and favor toward the Gentile believers.  This Godly love was previously believed to be exclusively for Jews.  2) To expose how given similar “chosen” status, Gentiles could fall into the same religious pride as the Jews.  In fact, Paul addresses a growing prejudice against the Jews by Gentile believers.

This leads us to two obvious questions: 1) Do you live a life of faith that would make Jewish people jealous for your relationship with God, or anyone else, for that matter?  2) Has spiritual pride caused you to look down on others to the point where you have forgotten the Lord’s grace toward you?  There is no personal boasting for anyone saved by Grace, Jew, or Gentile.

“When the Lord your God drives them (Canaanites) out before you, do not say to yourself, ‘The Lord brought me in to take possession of this land, because of MY righteousness.’  Instead, the Lord will drive out these nations before you because of THEIR wickedness.”   Deuteronomy 9:4 (emphasis mine) (HCSB)

“For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think.  Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.  Now as we are many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Messiah (Christ) and individually members of one another.  According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts:” Romans 12:3-6a (H)CSB

Years ago, I was leading music on a tour of Israel during their Independence Day.  As the lot fell, my wife and I were given a room in one of the most expensive hotels in Israel.  Alongside Israel’s anniversary, there was a global summit of world leaders who were in town to discuss Middle East peace, and many of these leaders were staying in our hotel.  President George Bush was staying at the hotel next door.  (BTW, if you ever want to hear an Arab yell, ask him what he thinks about George Bush!)

When the American President decides to go somewhere, regardless of the country he is visiting, it is a big, BIG deal.  Streets are blocked-off, extra security appears as if by magic, and pretty much everyone is inconvenienced.  At one point, I was detained at length at a rather inconvenient roadblock when suddenly the President’s motorcade drove by, so I waved, and President Bush waved back!  In his thick Israeli accent, the guy standing beside me said, “Who does he think he is?”   That fellow’s question is precisely the point of today’s passage: Who are WE (as individual believers), anyway?  And how do we fit in with the larger community of believers?

Paul speaks of 2 things that God “grants” all believers.  He gives us each a measure of Faith and an allotment of Grace.

Biblically, I am not convinced that God actually gives you Faith like an automatic download.  Instead, I believe God reveals His Way by the power of His Spirit; then He gives us opportunities to act on that “revelation” faithfully.  That whole system, whereby God interacts with His creation in such a way as to see their faithfulness grow, is itself a gift, His Grace towards us.  It is said that faith is a “muscle.”  It grows when we work it out, and it shrinks when we forsake it.  And if you want your faith to grow, start being diligent with small things.  When He faithfully responds to YOUR faith response to His call, you are encouraged, and your faith increases.  

God’s “grace” is not just about our eternal salvation.  Sure, we are saved by grace, through faith alone, but God also calls us to be His hands and feet in the world.  Where God guides, He provides, so He “graces” all believers with the spiritual tools needed to complete His objectives.  Those God-gifted spiritual tools are not for our glory but God’s.

In neither of these scenarios is any boasting appropriate.  All that we have, we owe to the Lord.  Therefore, while some of us may have more high-profile or lucrative jobs, by God’s grace, we are all equal in God’s eyes.  We wouldn’t have anything were it not for the Lord.

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor.  Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.  Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  Night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy.  But put on (Messiah) the Lord Jesus, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires.”  Romans 13:10-14 (HCSB)

Today’s passage begins with a pretty bold statement about love and the Torah’s (first five books of Moses, i.e., “the law”) requirements.  It echoes Jesus’ message.

“‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’  Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the law (Torah) and the Prophets.’”  Matthew 22: 36-40 (NKJV)

Remember when the Beatles sang, “All you need is love”?  Many naïve Christians try to weave Jesus and Paul’s statements together with those of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.  They say, “Just love people and don’t get hung up on obeying the Bible.”  While the Beatles and Jesus seem to say the same thing, their statements are very different.

We use the word “love” often in our culture.  We say we love our mothers, and we also love apple pie.  Some people say they love the person they are dating, so they sleep together.  Others remain abstinent because they love the person they are dating.  (They rightly know that God would never approve of pre-marital sex.) So, the real question is: What kind of LOVE fulfills the Torah?

Paul (not McCartney) goes on to define such love as being self-denying and others-serving.  Displays of selfless love are not catalysts for salvation; instead, they should be our response to having already received salvation by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus.  Our sincere devotion to Messiah does not fulfill the Torah.  Instead, because of His overwhelming love for us, while we were yet sinners, He has satisfied the law’s requirements on our behalf.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16 (NKJV)

When believers accept the challenge of “loving others as Jesus loved us,” we are fulfilling the Torah, in essence.  Obeying God’s Word is not a means of salvation.  Still, of our appreciation for the salvation we have received from Jesus alone, it is our outward acknowledgment that we understand Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf.

“So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.  Do not tear down God’s work because of food.  Everything is clean, but it is wrong for a man to cause stumbling by what he eats.  It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble.  Do you have a conviction?  Keep it to yourself before God.  The man who does not condemn himself by what he approves is blessed.  But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from a conviction, and everything that is not from a conviction is sin.”  Romans 14:19-23 (HCSB)

Shabbat in Israel is a beautiful thing to experience.  From Sundown on Friday until Sundown Saturday, the whole nation pretty much shuts down.  Almost no one is driving vehicles, and most businesses are closed, especially in Jerusalem.

There is a sense that strict observance of Shabbat in Israel is not voluntary.  It seems to be forced upon the population by the Orthodox Jews, who are extremely zealous.  If you disagree, just try and drive through the Orthodox neighborhoods on Shabbat!  You will receive a hailstorm of rocks and bricks intended to force you to comply with their interpretations of God’s Shabbat commands.

That being said, I remember sitting in my Israeli hotel, enjoying a kosher instant coffee, and wishing the United States would shut down for a day every week…. a legislated day of rest.  Growing up in the South, it was against the law to operate a business on Sunday.  The political leaders felt it was good for the community if everyone went to church.  

Pretty soon, people’s demand to buy and sell overrode the Southern lawmakers.  Folks argued that their personal liberties (the right to do business whenever they liked) were being violated by a minority of elected “Jesus freaks.”

Romans 14 is broken down into two sections: The “Law of Liberty” and the “Law of Love.”

The “Law of Liberty” basically states that we are free to choose for ourselves when it comes to days of worship and regulations of what to eat and drink.

The “Law of Love” has a different take.  It says that even though we are free in Messiah, there are times when it is necessary to forsake our personal liberties to encourage and build up the less mature believers in Jesus.  That is, we are called to love people more than our liberties.

We should imitate Jesus: “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:6-8 (NKJV)

“Now I say that (Messiah) Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name.’ And again he says: ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!’  And again: ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!  Laud Him all you peoples!’ And again, Isaiah says: ‘There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.’”  Romans 15:8-12 (NKJV)

God’s heart has always been for Jews and Gentiles to know and worship Him in unity.  Even in the days of His covenant with Abraham, the Lord’s articulated desire was for the whole world to enter into a saving relationship with Him.

“I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”  Genesis 12:3 (HCSB)

Again, through the Prophet Isaiah, God communicated His heart for the nations.

“No foreigner who has joined himself (converted) to the Lord should say, ‘The Lord has excluded me from His people.”  Isaiah 56:3a (HCSB)

I recall being on a tour with Jewish Believers, leaving Israel, and traveling to the predominantly Muslim country of Jordan.  I always leave Israel with sadness for the millions of Jews who are yet to acknowledge Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah.  This time was no different.  None of our Israeli tour guides were Believers, and although we shared a common Jewish understanding, there was a massive spiritual disconnect because of our views on Messiah.

I had never been to a Muslim country, so I expected even more of a spiritual disconnect from my Jordanian guides.  Ironically, they were all Jordanian Believers!!  From the moment our guide began leading us, I felt at home.  Was it his attitude, comments, or demeanor?  Frankly, I believe it was the presence of the Holy Spirit.  We connected as followers of Messiah, even though our bus now consisted of Jews and Arabs, in a way that we could not connect with the group of non-believing Jews.

As the Joel Chernoff song goes, the guides and groups were indeed “Jew and Gentile, one in the Spirit, one in Yeshua’s love.”  In our pursuit of the Lord, let us never forget Jesus’ prayer that all believers would be ONE, as He and the Father are One…and that we continue to share the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, not esteeming one people group over another.  Jesus is the salvation of the world!  (John 3:16)

“Now to Him who has power to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Messiah Jesus, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all nations – to the only wise God, through Messiah Jesus – to Him be the glory forever!  Amen.”   Romans 16:25-27 (HCSB)

What is a “sacred secret”?  It is a secret that belongs to the Lord, whose prerogative it is to withhold or dispense at His will.  

The particular secret Paul is speaking of today is this: God saves all people of any nationality who, by faith, choose to follow Him by receiving the forgiveness offered them through believing in the atoning work of Jesus.  The prophets often spoke of this “secret.” Still, its understanding was not received by most of the Jewish people until Jesus’ resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s filling of believers on the day of Shavuot (Pentecost).  Here is an example from Isaiah:

“All nations will stream to it (Zion), and many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.  He will teach us about His ways so that we may walk in His paths.”  Isaiah 2:3 (HCSB)

When I was in college, I was required to read the original ‘Wizard of Oz”.  When the professor told us the story was actually a parable of American politics, all the images shifted.  Until then, I believed it was a magical story of a girl and her dog.  However, according to the professor’s lecture, the “Tin Man” represents the oppressed iron worker, and the Scarecrow is the desperate farmer.  The Lion represents William Jennings Bryan (Bryan-lion) and Dorothy is a parody of “Theodore” (Roosevelt)…and so on.  It changed my complete understanding of the story!  I was a little upset that my previous understanding of the story had been revised, but was I justified in my feelings of resentment towards the professor for spoiling my preconceptions?  In actuality, he did me a favor because he clarified the author’s intended message.  

Consider how Israel viewed (and mostly continues to view) the images, predictions, and promises of the prophets.  They saw them as pertaining exclusively to Israel and its restoration.  The “mystery,” now revealed, is that the salvation exclusively provided through Messiah is available for people of all nations!

Notice Paul’s closing statements are absolutes.  1) God commands that the obedience of faith be advanced among all nations.  2) The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the only wise God.  3) The “obedience of faith” comes through Jesus.

Apart from the absolutes of God in His Word, no true foundation for worship exists.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Corinthians 1. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually.  The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone.  For, who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct Him?  But we have the mind of Messiah.”   1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (HCSB)

It has been said, “Not everyone is called to be an Evangelist, but everyone is called to evangelize.”  There is a difference between people who have the “gift” of evangelism and your average pedestrian believer who shares their faith.  The evangelist makes everyone feel awkward at a party.  The evangelist witnesses to coma patients, only to have them wake up and accept Jesus!  It’s bizarre, but somehow, these “Evangelists” are so consistently successful that their success can only be attributed to God’s calling.  That said, people who aren’t called to be “Evangelists” can lead others to the Lord as well.

Years ago, my wife and I were involved in a program called Evangelism Explosion (E.E).  No, we weren’t witnessing to terrorists (explosion)…although I have shared the Gospel in a Muslim country!  E.E. is a program whereby people learn to share their faith.  Basically, we met with people in their homes, with the expressed intent of sharing the Gospel with them.  These weren’t uninvited “cold calls”; the people we met with had already visited our congregation and signed a card, asking us to explain the Gospel to them in a more domestic setting.

In sharing the Gospel, one thing I had to get over was my fear of rejection.  In our training, we were encouraged that if people reject the Gospel, they aren’t as much rejecting us; they’re rejecting Jesus.  The communication breakdown isn’t necessarily personal.  Most often, it’s purely spiritual.

During these E.E. visits, I learned to pray for the people I was sharing with, that God’s Spirit would capture their attention and focus them on Jesus.  While not everyone accepted Jesus, many people did.  And everyone (who accepted Jesus) did so, not because of my arguments, but because the Spirit led them to that point of decision…opening the “eyes of their heart,” as it were.  And this “awakening” was contrary to the way they naturally thought.

God desires that people enter into a saving relationship with Him (2 Peter 3:9), yet it is unnatural for them to do so.  The miraculous intervention of God’s Spirit reveals the truth of the Gospel whenever a person believes in Jesus.  At the same time, it is the individual’s personal decision to accept or reject Him.  God reveals what is unnatural for men to comprehend, yet at that moment, man is free to choose or reject that revelation.

Concerning sharing the Gospel, Oswald Chambers wrote, “God gives us a limited participation in something He doesn’t need us to do.”  Put simply, God wants you to share the Gospel because that is how He has chosen to bring people to faith.

“ Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s sanctuary, God will destroy him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (HCSB)

When we started teaching the Bible in coffeehouses, it wasn’t a sophisticated event. Initially, we were just a small group, meeting in my living room, wondering if God had a bigger purpose for our gathering. There was no pressure to look or act a certain way. It was kind of a “sweatpants” group. Do you know who “sweatpants friends” are? Sweatpants friends are those you wouldn’t mind if they dropped by your home unannounced and saw you in your sweatpants!

That said, on the nights our group met, I would leave work early to help my wife tidy the house. With four children, we didn’t always have the “put together” look at the Wiggins casa. If our guests were “sweatpants” friends, why did we clean up the house? Why not just leave stuff lying around, like every other day?  

It’s because we respect our guests, and we want to create a pleasant environment. When we invite people over, everything is considered: the music, the conversation, the food…all to honor, even our sweatpants friends.

What if non-sweatpants friends dropped by? The Pastor or the President? Well, the stakes get higher, huh? If a dignitary dropped by unannounced on an average day, we would freak out! What if that dignitary was Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

In today’s passage, Paul tells us that believers are God’s sanctuaries and that the Holy Spirit lives in us. So, how’s your housekeeping? Do the things you allow into your life honor or defile God’s sanctuary? Do they make God smile or make Him jealous for your worship?

We allow sin in our lives because we don’t understand who we ARE in Christ, or we choose to forget. By sinning, we choose to relive who we WERE in the world.

Consider the nations which, on different occasions, destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. Where are those empires today, the Romans or the Babylonians? What of the persecutors, the Assyrians, Greeks, or the Nazis, for that matter? God ruined those empires & nations. But why did God allow them to persecute Israel in the first place? Because Israel abandoned God first, in the temple of their hearts, before He allowed their places of worship to be ruined. Let’s not be guilty of the same personal offense!

Let’s take this passage as a reminder for us to be continually aware of God’s presence in the sanctuaries of our hearts. God has no problem seeing us in our “sweatpants,” so to speak. Still, He is the Lord of all creation, and we must honor Him as such.

“For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the world’s garbage, like the dirt everyone scrapes off their sandals.”  1 Corinthians 4:9-13 (HCSB)

Well, so much for the Word-Faith and Prosperity doctrines. For all the so-called “modern-day apostles,” soliciting faith donations to support their opulent lifestyles, Paul gives insight into the ministries & lifestyles of the actual apostles. And for all those who preach that we should not “speak forth” negative things, lest we curse ourselves, Paul determined to describe things as they truly were: Shimmering blessings against the black backdrop of a martyr’s suffering.

The reason for Paul’s instruction is that some men had already found a way to exploit the Gospel for personal gain by elevating themselves. Once you uplift certain men above others, divisions within the body of Messiah soon follow. Believers become known more for their systematic differences than for their brotherhood by faith in Jesus alone.

Not only do such divisions affect the Church at large, but they also greatly diminish our witness in the world. For me, the Church’s damaged testimony is most evident when I am in Israel. There are hundreds of Christian denominations and divisions that have offices in Israel.   Listening to Jewish non-believers speak of how the Christians fight among themselves is shameful. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Old Jerusalem is a good example. Its ownership and upkeep are shared by various competing strains of Catholicism, each trying to outdo the other.  

It is so contrary to how Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers just hours before He was crucified.

Contra to elevating oneself, Paul tells us that God chose to display the apostles “humbly.”  The mark of greatness for a Christian leader is not how high they elevate themselves but how well they submit to God’s design of lowly humility. This aligns perfectly with the Beatitudes section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5:3-11)

For all who seek the “luxurious life of ministry,” perhaps you should listen to Paul. There are riches to be had and primarily stored up in Heaven.

“When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus with my spirit and with the power of our Lord Jesus, turn that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast permeates the whole batch of dough? Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch. You are indeed unleavened, for Christ our Passover has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us observe the feast, not with old yeast or with the yeast of malice and evil but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”  1 Corinthians 5:4-8 (HCSB)

The church in Corinth did not lack any spiritual gift. Being gifted is sometimes both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing that the gifted person is divinely enabled to accomplish more than any average individual could dream of. But they are cursed in that gifted ones have a higher potential to fall into pride. The gifted tend to crave glory for their masterful accomplishments while denying God His glory for having gifted them in the first place!  

The church leaders in Corinth were so proud of their congregation’s reputation of giftedness that they chose to defend their reputation rather than treat their reality. By boasting of their giftedness and ignoring sin issues, they ceased being shepherds and took up the mantle of “publicists.”  In doing this, they chose to offend God rather than damaging their reputations by exposing sin.

I have heard it said by some preachers that Gentiles are not allowed to celebrate the Passover Seder. That is simply not true. Not only does the Torah allow Gentiles to observe the Seder, given certain criteria (which all believers in Jesus meet), but Paul also indicates that Gentile believers in the early church observed the Seder.  

“Therefore, let us observe the feast…with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:8 (HCSB)

Those who have seen me lead the Seder Passover remember the tradition of “clearing their house of leaven” before the Seder. That is precisely the image Paul uses to rebuke the Corinthian believers…which indicates the Corinthians were familiar with the Seder imagery.

Something special about the Passover Seder is how it is to be observed in homes. It is all at once personal and national. Paul is telling us that we must personally purge our sinful ways, and then, collectively, we are to purge “leaven” from our communities. Communities should come together to purge sin nationally and (ultimately) globally.

Sin is spread inversely. That is, if we are not personally accountable, we won’t be accountable to a local body of believers, our churches will not rally together to take a stand against national sin, and we will lose our effectiveness in the world at large.

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every sin a person can commit is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you are bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body.”  1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (ESV)

My family comes from Arkansas and Texas, horse & cattle country.  There was a time when the West was young and yet to be tamed when men staked their claim to vast pieces of land.  Everything in that land was their property to use as they wished.  The wild horses on that property may not have known it, but someone had staked claim to them; it was only a matter of time before the cowboys would come and make those wild mustangs meek to saddle & bridle.  And such dominion was entirely within the rights of the landowner.

The first chapter of John’s gospel is clear that Jesus created all that exists.  He bought us with a price by virtue of His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.  So, not only is He our manufacturer but also our owner and warrantor.  We are not our own.  I understand that is an offensive notion in our culture, but it is a reality nonetheless.

I was living in Southern California a few years ago when a California court ruled on behalf of homosexual marriage.  If you are a homosexual in California, you can get married to your “partner.”  Whenever Christians take a stand on this issue, abortion, or other Biblical morality issues, the secular community always responds with the same statement: Keep your religion off my body!!

In today’s passage, Paul reminds us that we don’t own our bodies.  At best, we are subletting space that belongs to the Holy Spirit.  As in any other “lease” situation, we have the freedom to decorate, personalize, and otherwise exploit our space, but only within the limits & requirements set by the landlord.  In short, God gives us the ability to make life choices, but we are not free to choose wrongly and expect no consequences.

The Corinthians had trouble understanding “community.”  They were selfishly more concerned with their personal liberties than protecting the testimony and reputation of the Church-at-large.  Does this sound familiar?  Paul’s message could be preached today and still considered tailor-fit to our times.

His exhortation to us: If you were bought with a price, you have no personal liberty apart from what is granted in Scripture.  And those Biblical abilities & rights (along with their limitations) are given to us so that God may be glorified and our well-being (individually and collectively, i.e., the community of faith) is ensured.

“Each person should remain in the life situation in which he was called.  Were you called while a slave?  It should not be a concern to you.  But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity.  For he who is called by the Lord as a slave is a freedman.  Likewise, he who is called as a free man is Messiah’s slave.  You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.  Brothers, each person should remain with God in whatever situation he was called.”  1 Corinthians 7:20-24 (HCSB)

The legalized practice of forced slavery in the United States ended with the close of the American Civil War.  For many years leading up to and following the Civil War, many Southern pastors interpreted Paul’s statements to mean the Bible supported forced slavery.  Of course, their assumptions were wrong.  Sadly, a whole generation of naïve and undereducated congregants followed such teaching as if it were the gospel.  Consequently, America would not be fully integrated until the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 70s.  Even today, racial tension persists, especially in the South.

In the days of Jesus, slavery was very different.  A slave, in biblical terms, was not necessarily a spoil of war or human cargo.  People would sell themselves for a season, working for money for a specified amount of time.  Perhaps these people were down on their luck, had made bad business decisions, found themselves in debt, or just didn’t want the pressure of running their household.  Whatever the circumstance of their voluntary enslavement, God gave strict rules for the governance and treatment of slaves.  There was even a scheduled time when all slaves had to be set free by law.  Slavery was only to be for a season.  Jesus proclaimed this freedom in His message to his hometown synagogue.

“He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  Luke 4:18b-19 (HCSB)

An indentured Christian who heard of Jesus’ proclamation of jubilee might be tempted to cut out on his agreement, thus spoiling the testimony of honesty and integrity that Christians are called to.  Paul urged slaves to work themselves out of slavery by fulfilling their obligations.  In the meantime, they were to rest in the knowledge that, even though they were indebted to a slave owner, Jesus had set them free from their debt to God.

As for free men, Paul cautioned them against becoming prideful and feeling they did not need God.  He challenged them to remember they, too, had been bought with a price and were under an obligation to serve Jesus, as an indentured servant would serve a master.

Bob Dylan once sang, “It may be the Devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”  Jesus paid a debt I could never afford; therefore, I willingly serve Him.  I am spiritually debt-free in Messiah, yet personally and eternally indebted for His grace and mercy!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Corinthians 8. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.  Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything.  However, they do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.  Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly, or box like one who beats the air.  Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (HCSB)

Believe it or not, I was a college athlete.  I ran NCAA Division 1 cross country and indoor and outdoor track and was insanely competitive.  In my Junior year of college, I didn’t lose a single cross-country race until our conference meet.  Did you know most athletes compete their whole college careers and never win a single event?  By the way, if I tried to run a mile today, I would get very sick and die!  Ha!

All that is to say, I know what the Apostle Paul is talking about in terms of competing to win a temporary prize.  To this day, I have no idea where all my ribbons and trophies are.  

Here’s a secret: Running was never a pleasure for me, especially at the college level.  It was grueling!  My joy was not found in running; it was in winning.  To me, there was no other reason to run except to win.    

Paul is comparing these competitive analogies to the passion and focus that followers of Jesus need to have.  Paul would say the prize that believers should strive for will not be obtained in this life.  Instead, it is a hearty “Well done!” from the Father once our race is finished.  

Why do you believe Jesus suffered for our salvation?  Why was it so important to Him that we become saved, and what does that life He calls us to look like?

While others may be content living out their Christianity for a couple of hours on Sunday mornings, Paul exhorts us to a selfless, sold-out, 24/7 faith.  We are not simply called to wander in and out of church services.  We are called to go into the world, wherever He leads us, and give reason for the hope that is in us.

We are called to love people to the point that it would be utter foolishness were there no resurrection from the dead.  And after giving all that we have for all that He is, we are to remain faithful to the end.  Many races are won and lost at the tape.  It is not enough to run well; we must prepare and resolve to finish strong!

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.  They all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink.  For they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Messiah.  But God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert.”  1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (HCSB)

Paul uses the images of baptism and communion to compare the Christian faith to Israel’s experience and identity with God.  He also highlights the fact that not all the Jewish people were allowed to enter The Promised Land.  In addition, he is putting forth the idea that Israel’s mindset was bent on rejecting Messiah long before His advent.

Those who are against Jewish evangelism based on the argument that God has “another plan” for them (apart from faith in Jesus) should take special note of Paul’s remarks.  Only the faithful remnant of Israel (Joshua and Caleb) were allowed to enter with the new generation.  Joshua and Caleb believed by faith, and it was counted as righteousness.

Today, just because one has attended church and had worshipful moments there does not mean they are “saved” by some collective experience.  Each must individually come to Jesus to receive salvation.  Only Jesus could fulfill the Law on our behalf.    

“Now these things became examples for us, so that we will not desire evil as they did.  Don’t become idolaters as some of them were; as it was written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to play.’  Let us not commit sexual immorality as some of them did, and in a single day, 23,00 people fell dead.  Let us not tempt Messiah as some of them did and were destroyed by snakes.  Nor should we complain as some of them sis and were killed by the destroyer.”  1 Corinthians 10:6-10 (HCSB)

Here is how Israel sinned against the Lord, disqualifying their deliverance: idolatry, sexual immorality, tempting Messiah (coaxing Him to perform for them), and complaining against the Lord.  Do these things sound familiar?

“Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.  So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity.  God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it.”  1 Corinthians 10:11-13 (HCSB)

These temptations have not changed since the day Adam and Eve sinned.  When followers of Jesus fall into temptation, it is because we break from our faith.  We cease to trust God’s Word, either because we choose to disobey it or have never heard it.

How do we obtain such faith?  “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”  Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy way will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord.  So a man should examine himself; in this way he should eat the bread and drink the cup.  For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment upon himself.  This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep.  If we were properly evaluating ourselves, we would not be judged, but when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, that we may not be condemned by the world.”  1 Corinthians 11:27-32 (HCSB)

Almost every time I have taken Communion, a pastor has mentioned today’s passage: “Whoever eats or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner…”.  “Unworthy” is often taken to mean “non-believer.”  The pastoral explanation is usually accompanied by an invitation for a non-believer to come to Jesus before eating and drinking judgment upon themselves by taking Communion.

It is always good to lead people to the Lord, and I believe Communion is exclusively for believers.  But reading today’s chapter, I wonder if the scenario mentioned above accurately sums up Paul’s intended message to the Corinthian church.

First off, Paul is speaking of self-serving activities among professing believers.  

“For, to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.”  1 Corinthians 11:18 (HCSB)

There were social cliques and class divisions among the body of believers.  Paul reminded the Corinthian believers of the order and graciousness that Jesus displayed when serving His disciples.  Furthermore, Paul urges that those guilty of discrimination have abandoned the essence of Communion.  Perhaps Paul was calling their faith into question.

“For as often as you eat and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26 (HCSB)

They taught us a good saying in kindergarten: You are what you eat.  When we take the bread and cup into ourselves, we also reaffirm our commitment to live sacrificially, even unto death, laying down our lives as an example so that others may enter into a saving relationship with Jesus and commune with Him as we do.

I believe that “to eat in an unworthy manner” includes those Christians who would receive the elements while blaspheming them by refusing to live sacrificially.  This would invoke the judgment of God, which leads to the disciplined correction of His children.  All this so the reputation of God’s Holiness among His people would be preserved in the world…that those in the world, in turn, would believe in Jesus.

“But now God has placed each one of the parts in one body just as He wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? Now there are many parts, yet one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (HCSB)

Some believe God doesn’t care about your decisions. They feel as long as you are a Christian, you can do whatever you want with your life. Your job, who you marry, how many kids you have…some would say that God shrugs His shoulders and doesn’t care about your choices as long as you’re a good person.

I happen to disagree because the Bible teaches “calling.” Not only does God call people out of the world, inviting them to know Him personally. He also calls each of us to accomplish His purposes on earth. God has a plan, a place, and a purpose for each of us. He calls us to specific places to minister to specific people for specific periods of time.  

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the fact that God places each one of us in the body of Messiah, just as He wants. It is not up to us to choose whether we will be a hand, a head, a mind, or a heart, as it were. We are created to perform specific functions within the “body” of Messiah. Nobody is unimportant, and none are so important that their personal well-being takes precedence over the body’s well-being as a whole. That is to say, while we need everyone working in their specific roles, nobody is irreplaceable. If an individual ceases to serve the body, the body will suffer, but the Lord can raise up a replacement.  

Try to picture a master jeweler creating an engagement ring. His goal is to showcase the larger diamond at the center of the setting. He surveys a palate of gemstones, determining how and where to place the jewels in the setting. Of course, this is a metaphor, where the center stone represents Jesus. The Jeweler is the Lord. We would be the supporting gems, and the ring itself would be the Gospel. As the engagement ring plays a vital role in a groom’s proposal to his bride-to-be, so the Gospel should be presented with thoughtfulness and diligence to non-believers. How well do you fulfill your role in the greater scheme of presenting Jesus to the lost?  

You may feel like an insignificant chunk of coal, but God sees you as a diamond. As I mentioned earlier, you matter to God. At the same time, you may feel like you should be the center of attention, but that’s Jesus’ job! We each have an important role to play, but it must always be a supporting role. We exist to work within our specific callings, in unity, to glorify God through Jesus.

“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (HCSB)

Whenever my wife and I lead music, we usually sing a song I wrote called “Two Sets of Joneses.”  This song is about two young married couples at the starting line of their lives together.    One couple chooses to build their relationship on the sandy foundation of the world, while the other chooses to build on the solid foundation offered by Jesus.  

Severe difficulty befalls both couples, but only one couple is left standing in the end. Let’s just say while the worldly alternative often looks more attractive at a glance, it cannot endure long-term strain.

One reason is that the world has redefined the term “love.”  In our culture, we use the word “love” in many different contexts. We say we love our moms, but we also love apple pie. We (heart) poodles & unicorns, and we love Jesus? So, really, what is LOVE?

In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul lays out a picture of love as God designed it.

It is sobering to reflect on what love actually is.    Where Paul states, “Love is…”, I ask, “Am I?” Maybe it will help you to read this passage with that in mind:

Am I patient and kind? Do I envy? Am I boastful or conceited? Do I act improperly? Am I selfish or provoked? Do I keep a record of wrongs and find joy in unrighteousness? Do I rejoice in the truth, bear, believe, hope, and endure all things? Does my love end?

The Bible tells us that people should know that we are Christians by our love for one another. (John 13:35)  How effective are you at loving as Jesus would? Does your testimony compel people to follow Him or repel them from Him?

Let’s live out today’s passage from the perspective of “I will be…”

“And the prophets’ spirits are under the control of the prophets, since God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting.” 1 Corinthians 14:32-35

FYI: I consulted my wife before deciding to broach this potentially volatile passage. It’s in the Bible for a reason, so we shouldn’t ignore it simply because it’s controversial.

Let’s begin by observing what the Scripture does NOT say. It does NOT say women are inferior.

This passage is less a commentary on women’s conduct than an exhortation of men’s natural bent towards passivity. Look at Paul’s advice to women:

“And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home…”

I am convinced that women are generally more spiritually sensitive than men. If you want to start a Bible study or prayer group, call some women. Men? Not so much.

Men don’t generally gravitate towards spiritual things, yet God calls them to be the spiritual leaders in their homes. This idea is considered, by many, to be arcane and a slap in the face of women’s rights. When people decry the Bible for being out-of-step with our culture, we must fall back on one foundational truth: God knows best. Consider God’s directive to fathers in Deuteronomy.

“Impress these words of mine on your hearts and souls, bind them as signs on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19

When Paul addressed the women at Corinth, he was telling them they were disgracing their husbands (thus themselves and the church) by exposing their husbands’ lack of spiritual leadership at home. Less about putting women in their place, Paul’s exhortation was also intended for certain men of the church to step up, fulfilling their responsibilities to be priests in their own homes. A woman should ask her husband spiritual questions, and he should be prepared to answer her correctly.

When a man fails to lead correctly, those under his authority are tempted to step outside God’s order and take control. God is the epitome of order and control. So, men do your jobs, and your women won’t be justifiably tempted to usurp the authority the Lord has designed. Women, honor the Lord and the role He has given your husband by respecting and honoring him, especially in public.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 1 Corinthians 15. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Now about the collection for the saints: you should do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he prospers, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you recommended by letter to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.”  1 Corinthians16:1-3 (HCSB)

A while back, I visited The Grove, a shopping area in West Hollywood. Touring the boutiques, I eventually meandered into the GAP store. At the front of the store was a huge display advertising “(RED).” (RED) was started to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. By partnering with prominent brands such as Amazon, Starbucks, Jeep, and others to create (RED) products and experiences, they raise money for the Global Fund, which brings relief to areas hard hit by disease and pandemics.

According to the World Health Organization, about 38 million people have AIDS. Approximately 25.6 million of them live in sub-Saharan Africa. No doubt, we should all pray for a cure and contribute our resources to research. The folks at the Global Fund will raise millions for that effort, and GAP and others will undoubtedly play a serious role.

What if there was a disease that made AIDS look like the common cold? What if there was a condition so deadly that it would eventually kill every living person on the face of the earth? Would you be concerned? Would you join the campaign to raise awareness, knowing it would affect you and your loved ones?

What if I told you there was a cure? It would take a vast amount of resources, but we could eventually heal every person on earth. We could inform them of their condition, show them the cure, and give them a choice to accept healing. What if the cure ensured eternal life in the favor and glory of God?

That’s precisely the kind of charity Paul is talking about. We are terminally stricken with sin until we become recipients of Jesus’ healing. We have the knowledge and resources to get the cure for everyone we meet. So, what are we doing about it? The next time you see the (RED) logo, let it bring to mind: The blood of Jesus was…RED.

“He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For as the sufferings of Messiah overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Messiah.  If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in the endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.”  2 Corinthians 1:4-6 (HCSB)

I have made a lot of mistakes.  Unlike Frank Sinatra’s song, “My Way,” my mistakes are too many to mention.  Perhaps my mistakes are why I am interested in teaching the Bible to others.  I want to warn people of the enemy’s lies and inform them of the Lord’s faithfulness.

Because the Lord is faithful, His people should also be faithful.  And how do we acquire faith?

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

And how does interfacing with God’s Word result in man’s faithfulness?  In the words of Shakespeare (who was quoting Ecclesiastes), “Nothing is new under the sun.”  The people we read of in the Bible deal with the same fundamental issues, complications, and sins that we deal with today.    

“No sin has taken you except what is common to man.  God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also so that you will be able to bear it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB)

When we read their stories, we learn to stay away from where they fell.  We learn how patient, gracious, and merciful the Lord is to sinners.  We also learn how His patience has limits, and He rebukes, disciplines, and judges sin & sinners.

Put simply, as we experience the Lord’s interaction with the men and women of the Bible, we learn who God is…we learn His heart.  He is Holy, Just, and Trustworthy.  He is Faithful so that we can place our faith in Him.

Often, our faith choices lead us into difficult situations through which the Lord proves Himself faithful…and so it goes.  When God’s faithfulness is experienced, we are inclined to share it with others.  This is when the testimony of Scripture transcends the page and takes on “flesh.”  This is when we can comfort others with the comfort with which we have been comforted.

“If anyone has caused pain, he has not caused pain to me, but in some degree – not to exaggerate – to all of you.  The punishment by the majority is sufficient for such a person, so now you should forgive and comfort him instead; otherwise, this one may be overwhelmed by excessive grief.  Therefore I urge you to confirm your love to him.” 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 (HCSB)

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, in chapter 5, we learned of a situation where a man in the Corinthian church was sleeping with his stepmother.  Paul rebuked the church leaders for overlooking the sin or at least downplaying it.

Apparently, the Corinthian leaders received Paul’s rebuke and disciplined the man according to Paul’s instruction.  In his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul suggests the incestuous offender’s punishment had been sufficient.  It was time to restore him to fellowship.  The man’s restoration would take a challenging measure of maturity on behalf of the church leaders.

It is easier to live in a black-and-white, right-and-wrong world.  It takes great discernment to restore those who have been rebuked and expelled.  We are generally bent on burying and forgetting old negative business to move toward positive things.

I dread confronting sin.  I find no pleasure in pulling people aside and holding them accountable, much less the task of removing people from the fellowship altogether.  Still, for the protection and greater good of the community, blatant, unrepentant sin must be purged.

But how must a leader respond when the expelled person displays genuine repentance?  True repentance involves more than simply shedding tears and saying, “I’m sorry.”  It is an observable character change sustained over time.

I like how Paul instructs the leaders while still respecting their leadership.

“Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (ESV)

For the truly repentant sinner, “shunning” should not last forever.  The main goal of “putting a sinner out” is determining whether the offender is a true believer.  If they can thrive outside of Godly community, they probably aren’t believers.  A true believer cannot thrive apart from the greater community of believers.  True believers will repent and submit to the Lord, His Word, and the congregational leadership He has established.

If we refuse to restore the genuinely repentant believer, Satan has used our spiritual pride and arrogance to overwhelm the former sinner with undue grief, to our shame.

“Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness. We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the Israelites could not stare at the end of what was fading away, but their minds were closed.  For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ. Even to this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.” 2 Corinthians 3:12-16 (HCSB)

Every time Moses returned from the Lord’s presence, His face would radiate God’s glory.  He would tell the people God’s instruction and then veil his face.  Why the veil?  Some would say it was because the people were afraid to come near him.  Exodus 34 tells of the people’s fear of Moses’ radiance.  But that’s not the reason for the veil.

Moses wore the veil because his radiant appearance only lasted so long.  Paul teaches that Moses veiled his face because he didn’t want the people to see God’s glory fading from him.  It’s kind of like seeing the band KISS without their makeup or the wizard of OZ behind the curtain.  He was concerned that if the people saw him without the glory, they would cease to acknowledge him as the leader.

The veil was not intended to keep people from seeing the radiance.  It was designed to conceal the fact that the glory was fading.  In masking the reality, Moses became larger than life in Israel’s eyes…almost godlike.  God Himself predicted this would happen when Moses tried to diminish God’s call by asking the Lord to let Aaron be His spokesman.  

“He will speak to the people for you.  He will be your spokesman, and you will serve as God to him.”  Exodus 4:16 (HCSB)

Today, when “Moses” (the Torah) is read, religious non-Messianic Jews remember the “glory” of when Moses delivered the law to their fathers.  Yet, they overlook Moses’ tragic flaws.  Without going so far as worshipping Moses as “God,” he is elevated to the status of a god in many respects.  Paul describes a “veil” covering the hearts of non-believing religious Jews…of whom he once was.  The veil represents a conflict between the desire to be identified as God’s “chosen” and the inability to keep the Torah.  In short, the veil is a byproduct of pride because of the rejection of Messiah Jesus.  In rejecting God’s provision of atonement through Messiah, they have become “blinded.”  Thus, while surrounded by the ancient things of God, they are just as lost as if they were steeped in paganism.

Only Jesus can remove the veil because only He can impart everlasting atonement.  Only Messiah can give us an unchanging, secure identity that is not dependent on our works.  And His glory never fades! ( Isaiah 40:8; John 1:14)

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 9 (NKJV)

A while back, my wife and I led music for a couples’ retreat.  Before the event, a volunteer was setting up a merchandise table for my CD sales.  He picked up one of my solo projects and asked if I colored my hair for the cover photo.  So, I punched him…no, just kidding!

Every day, I indeed get a few more grey hairs.  A couple more wrinkles…  I’m no geezer, but I am starting to show signs of my age; signs I have been denying would come.  

Interestingly, the weekend couples’ retreat was one of our best ministry events ever.  The Lord has brought my wife and me through so many difficult seasons, and we have stories of hope to share with struggling couples.

In some music circles, I may be less marketable because the glory of my youth is fading, but in other venues, I have only become relevant.  Outwardly, I am wearing away, while inwardly, I am being renewed.  I never wanted to go through the hard times that inspired songs like “Faith That Is Real.”  But in those hard times, God taught me the most.  Now, I look back and consider those so-called “hard times” as light afflictions, especially in comparison to the ministry that has sprung from them.

Here is the point: I am learning to trust the Lord and count my present hardships as a blessing.  I am trying not to focus on what is seen.  I want to live for the unseen, Heaven.  Anyone trying to regain his youth is fighting a losing battle.  We could undergo all sorts of beauty treatments and surgeries, but eventually, we all wear away.

What is important is not how we manipulate the “outer man” to project the image of youth.  God is concerned with how we allow His Spirit to rejuvenate us from within…so that we may project HIS glory from the inside out.

If we are called to be “light,” we must expect to be thrust into “darkness.”  We must faithfully endure dark seasons so the glory of the Lord will shine forth in the midst of that darkness.  In this way, unbelievers can distinguish between our light and the counterfeit “light” of this world.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”  He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (HCSB)

Have you ever needed to be in two places at once?  A few years ago, I had to fly out of the country to perform a concert.  At the same time, I was needed in town to sign some documents.  Both were important events, and my absence at either engagement would have cost me a lot of money.  

Here’s what I did.  I had my attorney draw up papers that gave him “power of attorney” on my behalf.  When I signed the “power of attorney” documents, in effect, he became my ambassador.  He went to the business meeting, and I flew to the concert.

In every legally binding way, my attorney’s decisions and negotiations became mine.  You really have to trust someone to give them the right to speak on your behalf!

The same is true with countries.  Heads of state cannot be everywhere.  When a foreign ambassador enters the room, it is as if that nation’s leader is there.  That’s why ambassadors should be chosen wisely.

Paul tells us that believers are called to be God’s ambassadors.  An ambassador is appointed to represent a nation in a specific country for specific periods, representing a specific leader in specific matters.  You never see the ambassador to China negotiating in Afghanistan.  You also don’t see the old president’s ambassadors negotiating on behalf of the new president unless they were reappointed.

In the same way, God calls us to specific people, places, and seasons.  By His wisdom and choice, our appointment is based on our character and obedience.  Our “disappointment” is based on our lack thereof.  Our message may be wrapped in various levels of diplomacy, but it is uniformly the same:  be reconciled to God through a personal relationship with Messiah Jesus!

In our generation full of great spiritual battles, God has sent us to deliver His message of hope.  All humanity has committed great offense towards Him, but Messiah has become our sin offering.  This is so that, through Jesus, believers might become the righteousness of God.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 2 Corinthians 6. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 (CSB)

Growing up, I remember a poster hanging on my friend’s bedroom wall. It was an enlarged portrait of the Peanuts comic strip character, Charlie Brown. He had a defeated look on his face, and the caption read, “Good Grief.” When people think of grief, we generally relate it to sadness and loss…not happy feelings. But in today’s passage, Paul is saying there is a kind of grief that is actually good and Godly.  

Occasionally, I am asked to minister at funerals, so I have seen grief. But we don’t have to experience the death of a loved one to experience grief. Grief comes whenever we suffer loss. Sometimes, the worst loss is the kind that we bring about ourselves.

When I share the gospel, I usually begin with one foundational truth: God is perfect, and His standard is perfection. I’ll follow that truth with another sobering fact: Nobody else is perfect! It doesn’t take long to do the math on this equation. Mankind is in big trouble unless some overwhelming external force intervenes!

I have seen people react to this information in several ways. They display denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Those symptoms are known by psychologists as “the five stages of grief.”

What does “grief” have to do with the gospel?  

People who have believed (as truth) the World’s lies, the flesh, and the Devil have incurred GREAT loss. Even though they may not be conscious of that loss, there is presiding anxiety in the World because of it. The gospel exposes that loss. Essentially, the unredeemed person must realize his life has been built on a faulty foundation. Thus, everything his life built upon that foundation must be demolished. The proper foundation (Messiah Jesus) must be laid, and the new believer’s life must be rebuilt upon that firm foundation.

When grief has run its course, it leads to acceptance…moving beyond your grief towards a hopeful future. Are you yet to follow Jesus? What is holding you back? Abundant (even eternal) life awaits your decision.  

Though your sin would cost your soul, your debt was paid in full. His grace comes without toll to make the broken whole. God loves you and wants you to receive forgiveness and enter into a saving relationship with Him through a personal relationship with Messiah Jesus. Do it today!

“For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.  It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality – at the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may also become available for your need, that there may be equality.” 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 (HCSB)

It has been said that you can determine an “optimist” from a “pessimist” by handing them half a glass of water.  The pessimist says the glass is half-empty, and the optimist says it is half-full.

From the believer’s perspective, people view life in terms of “scarcity” or “abundance.”  

Those with a “scarcity” mindset never have enough.  They may become wealthy, but they only see what’s lacking.  Their decisions are based on what they DON’T have, so they generally aren’t hopeful.  They don’t feel they can afford to be.  

People living with an “abundant” mindset make decisions differently.  They view everything as a blessing from a gracious God with limitless resources.  They can give up their possessions and time more freely because they trust that God has the ability and character to ultimately accomplish good for His children.  It frees them to trust even through difficult seasons of life.

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b (NKJV)

In today’s chapter, Paul distinguishes between the Macedonian believers and those at Corinth.

The Macedonian believers didn’t have much wealth, but they had great faith!  They gave over and above what they could afford.  Was that foolish?  Paul didn’t think so.  He said…

“During a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 (HCSB)

The Corinthians, on the other hand, lacked nothing yet had to be exhorted to give!  Though incredibly blessed, their joy was incomplete because their giving was reluctant.

Do you view life from the standpoint of “scarcity” or “abundance”?  Do you make your decisions from your seat pocket or your shirt pocket?  From your wallet or your heart?

“Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness, as you are enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.  Through the proof of this service, they will glorify God for your generosity in sharing with them and with others.  And in their prayers for you they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God on you.  Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”  2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (HCSB)

I have spent my whole adult life in ministry.  From personal evangelism to touring as a Christian musician, from working as a minister on a church staff, and even as an assistant Messianic congregational leader, I have learned a few things about ministry!

In ministry, I have observed that there are basically two kinds of Kingdom builders: “Senders” and “the Sent.”  The “Church-at-large” needs people willing to heed God’s call by going directly to those who need the Gospel.  It also needs people who are willing to fund that ministry.  Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand how these two types of believers need each other.

In today’s passage, Paul describes that special relationship between the messenger and the benefactor.  Paul likens the benefactor to a field hand, a lowly job the rich aren’t generally accustomed to.  By doing this, Paul cuts to a source of pride that can often distance the Sender from the Sent: The worker/master relationship.  In general, people with money have more power, so they tend to look down on the worker.  Paul reminds the Sender of the same relationship they have between themselves and God.  

Just as the farm owner provides seed for his field workers to sow, so God provides wealth for the rich to invest in His Kingdom.  If the sower doesn’t invest his allotted seed wisely, the landowner may decrease or eliminate his future portion.  Similarly, God blesses us with abundance so that we will invest it in His kingdom.

In our present economy, it is hard for us to consider ourselves wealthy, but the average American is in the top 10% of the world’s wealthiest compared to the rest of the world.

So, how well are you investing in God’s Kingdom?  Sure, our Kingdom investment ministers to the physical and financial needs.  But, perhaps, the greatest service our investments provide the “ministers” is in the encouragement they receive by knowing that other believers are willingly supporting (co-laboring alongside) them.  It encourages them to continue ministering in otherwise discouraging spiritual conditions!

The Sender receives the blessing of knowing God’s work is being completed, in part because of their investment.  Also, the minister remembers the benefactor in his prayers before the Lord, Who was, of course, the source of the benefactor’s wealth!  See how it comes full circle?

“For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,  since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (HCSB)

The Biblical directive for believers to be “in the world, but not of it” is impossible to accomplish…apart from the direction and power of the Holy Spirit. We are, after all, only human.  

If we were fighting against the flesh using fleshly weapons, we would be doomed from the beginning. Just as a kingdom divided could never stand, so the flesh cannot overcome itself. All flesh is sinful, so all purely fleshly means of warfare and rescue always fall short of God’s standard. The flesh seeks compromise, whereas the Lord demands obedience and diligent adherence.

Far superior to fleshly weapons are Godly ones. Perhaps we should review the “armor of God” in Ephesians 6. They are the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Sandals of the Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Interestingly, the only offensive weapon listed is God’s Word, as revealed by His Spirit. The ministry of the Spirit is to reveal God’s Word, but the power of the Spirit is the Word itself.

I recall counseling a friend who was going through a season of moral compromise. My friend told me he wanted to honor God but that his flesh was just too weak to fight off temptation. I asked how often he read God’s Word. He said he didn’t think reading the Bible was very important.  

I believe daily Bible reading is more than necessary; it is essential! We are in a constant state of spiritual battle. The enemy comes at us all day, every day. It even attacks us in our sleep!!

“Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance.” Proverbs 20:18 (NASB)

How can we enter the spiritual battlefield without seeking and adhering to the Lord’s advice? Merely reading the Bible will not produce victorious living. Application does. It is what you do with the Word revealed that makes the difference. For that, we need God’s Spirit to reveal the truth, direct us on how to apply it, and empower us to employ it, standing strong through to the end!

“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Messiah.  And no wonder!  For Satan himself is disguised as an angel of light.  So it is no great thing if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.  Their destiny will be according to their works.”  2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (HCSB)

A while ago, my wife and I led music for a ministry event in San Diego.  The resort where we stayed also housed the “spiritual wellness” clinic/spa of new-age self-proclaimed “guru” Deepak Chopra.  Watching the hotel TV channel, I learned more about Mr. Chopra’s methods for helping people reach “spiritual enlightenment.”

In one treatment, an attendant lays several colored stones on your body and strikes tonal chimes with a mallet while you listen to soft music.  The whole process looked hokey to me, but a spa attendant told me the spa is booked solid, and some appointments are years in advance.  People pay hundreds of dollars for these treatments, hoping the whole experience gets them closer to God.

It’s sad what lengths people would go to NOT to believe the truth of the Bible.  They would rather invent religion than humble themselves to acknowledge the irrefutable evidence of Jesus’ empty tomb.

I believe the worst type of false religion is the kind that masquerades as “Truth.”  Some people think of Satan as the grotesque red monster with a pitchfork.  I tend to believe he looks more like the smooth-talking false preacher.  You know, the preachers who tell you whatever you want to hear so they can exploit you?  

These preachers tell the congregation, “Don’t be bothered by sin and the coming judgment!  God just wants to give you whatever you desire.  God would never ask you to do anything uncomfortable, and He would never require anything self-sacrificing of you.”

Paul tells us Satan (and his agents) pose as ‘angels of light” and “servants of righteousness.”  Satan does not care if we are murderers or churchgoers.  He only wants to keep non-believers from believing and believers from being effective witnesses.

We study the Bible to become expert “agents of the truth.”  We should aspire to be living examples of Jesus, that our words & works would expose the wolves among the flock of Messiah.

“Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself.  Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me.  But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9a (HCSB)

I must confess, I hate the gym.  I simply like eating chocolate donuts more than loading iron ones onto the ends of steel bars and pushing them off my chest.  

What motivates people to pump iron?  Are these people ever satisfied with their bodies?  I’ve never heard of anyone walking into a gym, catching their reflection in that mirrored wall (which happens to be in all gyms), and calling their friend on the cell phone, “Dude… I just went to the gym.  Guess what?  I’m done.  I have the perfect body!!”

Spiritually, we all have sin issues to work out.  Nobody is perfect.  True, in a saving sense, we are perfect in God’s eyes through the atoning work of the Messiah.  But who are we kidding?  We still sin and personally undergo God’s discipline as a result.  The Bible says Satan continually accuses us before God while Jesus intercedes for us.

“Then I heard a loud voice in Heaven say: ‘the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Messiah has now come, because the accuser of our brothers has been thrown out: the one who accuses them before our God day and night.’” Revelation 12:10 (HCSB)

“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin.  But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1 (HCSB)

If we didn’t sin, how could Satan accuse us?  Honestly, we give Satan plenty of ammo to accuse us with!

Paul allows us insight into his personal struggles.  The Bible doesn’t list Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.”  Perhaps the omission was intentional so we could insert our individual “thorns in the flesh.”  Thus, Paul’s struggle becomes everyone’s struggle.  Whatever it was, Paul’s struggle must have been significant because he said it came by way of a messenger of Satan, and Paul prayed three times that God would take his “thorn” away.

God’s response to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” God’s exhortation is the same for us since we have not suffered any temptation other than what is common to man.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

There are things about God (and us) we cannot learn until suffering exposes them.  “No pain, no gain,” they say at the gym.  Of ourselves, we learn exactly how much we can bear.  Of Him, we learn to trust He will “spot” us, strengthening us by pushing our limits while bearing up the weight we lack the strength to lift.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 2 Corinthians 13. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from this present age, according to the will of our God and Father.  To whom be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.” Galatians 1:3-5 (HCSB)

I love home improvement shows, although cooking shows are becoming my favorites.  Many people’s favorite home improvement show is Extreme Makeover-Home Edition.  The only problem is that every episode makes me cry!  The show’s producers search out families who have suffered significant loss yet are determined to be survivors.  Every time the show ends, my wife and I say, “Man!  I wish someone would come over and overhaul our place!!” But in reality, that’s already happened.

Paul reminded the Galatians that Jesus gave Himself to “rescue us from this present age.”  To be rescued, people first have to acknowledge they need rescuing.  I have never seen the Extreme Makeover crew go into someone’s shack, propose to level it completely and rebuild them a mansion, and the people respond, “No thanks.  We’re good.”

That never happens!!  When they just see the show’s host at the door, people break down before he says a word and start wailing and thanking God!  Why?  Because they know that hope is on their doorstep.  But One greater than a TV host stands at the door of your heart.

“Listen!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 (HCSB)

And what “dinner” is Jesus speaking?  Is it not the Passover dinner, which remembers the “passing-over” of our sin, atoned for by the Messiah’s death on the cross?  And wasn’t that atonement approved by the Father and evidenced by virtue of Jesus’ resurrection?

Paul says, “according to the will of our God and Father,” Jesus has become our ultimate Korban Chatat (sin offering).  That means the wrath and judgment of God have forever passed over all who receive His atonement.

Do you have the “grace and peace” that comes from God through a saving relationship with His Son, Jesus?  It is God’s will that your relationship is restored to Him.

“Today, if you hear His voice: do not harden your hearts…” Psalm 95:7b-8a (HCSB)

Does your life need an “extreme makeover?”  Can you hear Him knocking at your heart’s door?  Then, surrender your resistance, open the door, and let Jesus in.

“The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.”  Galatians 2:20b-21 (HCSB)

I grew up in (what is known as) the “Bible Belt.”  In the Southern US, a larger-than-average percentage of the population goes to church, hence the name “Bible Belt.”  Without going into all the cultural nuances of living in the South, let me describe my church experience there.

Growing up, I remember a lot of preaching about God’s grace.  I recall that most sermons pleaded with people to accept Jesus and His free gift of eternal life.  I recall hearing how there was no “good work” a person could do to be saved.  And, hey, there’s nothing wrong with those messages!  They communicate the freedom of the gospel.  Maybe that’s why Jesus is so popular down South.

Sadly, once a person crossed the “line of faith,” they were often inundated with a myriad of rules.  It was as if one entered a room of religious bondage through the door of grace.  Whether it was an issue of social standing, education, dress code, or Bible translation, it was challenging for new believers to live up to the standards of some churches.

Coming to Jesus was easy, but keeping up your Christian image was almost impossible.  As a result, many people walked away from the church, twice confused.  They had undergone a religious experience, but under the legalistic burden of others, they could never be sure their faith was the real thing.  They definitely couldn’t be honest about their growth process for fear of being exposed as a sinner.

Paul had an issue with that type of church.  Just to set the record straight, a follower of Jesus is redeemed by faith in Him alone, apart from the works of the law.  As one preacher said, “The mark of a Christian is not their perfection, but rather their direction.” Another added, “We are not saved by faith and works.  We are saved by faith that works.”

We are neither saved nor kept by the good things we do for God.  We are saved because of Him, set apart for Him, and redeemed and kept by Him.  His children should indeed desire to do good works, but their motivation is out of thankfulness and obedience and not to earn or keep their salvation, which is impossible for mankind.  

If we could earn our salvation, then we don’t need a Savior.  Therefore, Messiah would have died for nothing.

Let’s be thankful that Jesus’ death meant death to sin and that His resurrection is life to all who, by faith, believe.

“The Law, then, was our guardian until Christ [Messiah], so that we could be justified by faith.  But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for you are all sons of God, through faith in Christ [Messiah] Jesus.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ [Messiah] have put on Christ [Messiah] like a garment.  There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ [Messiah] Jesus.  And if you belong to Christ [Messiah], then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.”  Galatians 3:24-29 (HCSB)

This particular passage has been somewhat controversial among believers, especially Messianic (Jewish) believers.  Some theologians have suggested that Paul declared that Jews who believe Jesus is Messiah are no longer Jews.  Others have suggested that Paul, with his mention of the universal inclusion of all believers into God’s promise to Abraham, was declaring that Gentile believers have now become Jews, thus reassigning Judaism to “Christians.”  Neither assumption is valid, nor are those assumptions remotely close to Paul’s intended message.  To understand the essence of Paul’s comments, one must consider the types of people that Paul is addressing in his letter to the Galatians.

First, there were non-Messianic Jews who were taught they must follow the legalistic “religion” that Judaism had become.  This religious form had (and still has in many respects) so re-interpreted the Torah that a faithful relationship with God had been diminished to a performance-based list of impossible rules.

Secondly, there were Torah-observant Messianic Jews who believed that salvation came by way of faith, apart from works.  While they departed from the man-made aspects of rabbinic Judaism, they did not depart from observing the Torah.  This group would have included all of the apostles, as well as the true Jewish believers.  

Third, there was the legalistic “circumcision sect.”  Paul says they were a faction of James’ congregation.  They called themselves believers and claimed greater apostolic authority than Paul because of their ultra-religious adherence to the man-made rules.  Paul mocked them as “Judaizers,” denying they were believers at all because anything other than salvation by grace through faith falls short of true salvation.

Lastly, there was a divided group of confused Gentile Galatians!  Some were following Paul’s preaching, while others were being swayed by the impressive, albeit unbiblical, disciplined lifestyles of the “Judaizers.”  While the devoutness of the modern Orthodox Jew is impressive, all of that discipline, apart from Jesus’ grace, is in vain.

Paul’s message to the Galatians was simple: as it pertains to salvation, God does not elevate any people group, economic condition, or gender above another.  All believers are heirs to God’s promise to Abraham, who was himself considered righteous by faith in God alone, apart from the works of the Torah.  That being said, being a “Jew” means being part of a distinct ethnic people group.  To this day, there are Jewish and Gentile believers, often separate in culture and forms of worship, yet ONE in Messiah’s grip and grace.