It's All About Christ

The daily readings this week have been very good reminders of the centrality of Christ in everything. Paul loved to use a spiritually-geographic term about our location in the universe: "In Christ." That is where we are if we have committed our lives to him.

But when we say it is all about Christ, I wonder if we understand it. I wonder if we mean it. I wonder if it just sounds good. We love to pay lip-service. But do people on the outside believe that my life is all about Christ? More importantly, does Christ believe I think it is all about him?

The centrality of Christ drove Paul to be a zealous preacher and missionary. He is seen as a hero of the faith for many of us. We could never be like Paul, right??

Why not?? Why can't we live a life just like his. Maybe he had a little more authority because he was hand-picked by Jesus and actually spent time with the resurrected Christ, but why can't we live as if everything in our lives was about Jesus Christ?

Okay, I like to ask questions, but I will stop now. Ephesians 1:9-10 says God's eternal purpose is to bring everything together under Christ. Why? Because it is all about Christ. Our goal while on this earth should be to move the universe in that direction. We should be devoting our entire lives to bring things and people closer to Jesus Christ. Sometimes that is a brief word of encouragement in Jesus' name. Sometimes it is a full disclosure of the gospel. Whatever the case, if we revolve our entire life around Christ, people will notice and they will be impacted. If people around you are not impacted to move toward Christ, then maybe you should start revolving everything around him.

I love the song by Israel Houghton, I'm not sure of the title, but here is the chorus

Jesus at the center of it all,
Jesus at the center of it all,
From Beginning to the end,
It will always be,
It's always been you, Jesus.

Nothing else matters,
Nothing in this world will do,
Jesus you're the center,
Everything revolves around you, Jesus, you.

How Is Your Vision?

The book of Acts is incredible! It has something for everyone; heartbreak, mystery, repentance, murder, conviction, scandal, adventure, and even some law and politics. It’s probably one of my favorite books in the New Testament!

Today’s passage in Acts 17:22-34 is no exception! Paul, one of the main characters of Acts is on his 2^nd missionary journey. After a couple of precarious situations which had occurred in Thessalonica and Berea, (Acts 17:1-15) Paul was sent on to Athens to wait for his friends and cohorts; Silas and Timothy. It is here that Paul takes a stroll through the city streets, and as he is walking he begans to see and observe that the city was full of idols. This awareness is very disturbing to Paul as verse 16 tells us that he became “greatly distressed”. As a result of this grief, Paul makes straightway into the synagogue and market area to begin reasoning and persuading those who would listen.

Before long others begin to debate with him and eventually they brought him before the men of the Areopagus. The Areopagus was a council that judged matters concerning foreign cults and religion, education and public morality. They thought Paul was bringing them a new teaching to consider. Little did they know that Paul would not miss an opportunity to share the message and good news of who God really is.

As I think about this passage, there are a couple of things for us to think about.

1.        When we walk around in our city do our eyes see things that cause us to be ‘greatly distressed’? Are we saddened that many of the people we live by, work with, or pass by may be confused, misguided, or worse, on a path of destruction that is leading them away from Christ?

2.      Are we like the Athenians who were so distracted by the idols in their lives that they could not fully see the one true God?

3.       Do we appear ‘religious’ on the outside (wearing our Christian T-shirts and crosses, having our Jesus or fish bumper sticks, and listening to KSBJ) but inwardly our hearts live for our own pleasure and gain?

4.      Do we have the radical courage of Paul to share the true gospel message or do we keep silent because everyone has a ‘right’ to their opinion and belief?

Finally, don’t be discouraged; verses 32-34 states that after hearing Paul’s message of God and the resurrection of Jesus, ‘some sneered’ and others believed. We must remember that it’s not our job to make others believe, but it is our job to deliver the message in love. We can not change hearts but we can challenge them. We can not push or pressure but we can lovingly persuade. Paul would not let those who rejected the gospel message dissuade him to keep stay silent, rather he left their presence to continue his ministry and calling to those who would listen.

I’m praying that God won’t let me or you off the hook…I’m praying that God heavies our heart with a burden for the lost and the courage to live and speak loudly about our Christian beliefs. Where do you struggle the most in regards to the lost? Are you blinded to them? Are we too much like them to tell the difference? Is our faith shown outward only? Or do we coward down in tolerance ashamed to take a stand? Whatever it is God can help you, but you first have to be willing like Paul to take the time to see…

How are you seeing these days?

- Christy Garison

Trouble is Never Far Behind

This week in Acts chapter 17, we find Paul and Silas holed up in Thessalonica because of some riots started by some jealous Jews. They leave town at night to escape detection and find themselves in Berea. The scriptures tell us that the “Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (v 11) I’m sure that Paul and Silas were elated to find themselves in a place where people were actually excited and receptive to hear the gospel message; unlike the previous place where they feared for their lives. Of course as we continue reading we find that the Thessalonian trouble makers were not through creating strife; they followed Paul and Silas to Berea and started it all over again! “But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.” (v 13)Time and time again Paul and his buddies found themselves at the receiving end of conflict, violence, threats of death and mayhem of all sorts. Satan seemed to be chasing them everywhere they went to try and silence their message of truth. Like a cat chasing a mouse, trouble never seemed to be too far behind. I like what Dave said in his sermon on Sunday about working with Paul being hazardous to your health! 

Because of the “agitators” Paul once again leaves and this time heads for the coast leaving Silas and Timothy behind. I’m sure Paul preached the whole way, never straying from the mission placed before him. 

What’s interesting about this is that every time they were “silenced” in one town, they went to another, and then another, planting a trail of seed that would soon spring up and continue the ever forward advance of the gospel message. So Satan’s plan to silence them actually worked in God’s favor! Just think; If Paul hadn’t fled Berea and headed to Athens, he may have never noticed the altar “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” which was the catalyst for his teaching at the Areopagus in verses 22-31. 

Perhaps Paul had some of this thought in mind when he penned “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) 

Have you ever had times when you felt like Paul and Silas? Just when you think all is well, and life is good trouble shows up on your doorstep? Appearing to follow you wherever you go? Frustrating isn’t it? But is it possible that we too could look at these times of misfortune and hardship as opportunities to advance our faith? In James chapter 1 verse 2 we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

While we do not like hearing it, there can be purpose in difficult situations. Like the conditioning we receive from exercise or hard work, trouble has a way of conditioning us as well; making us stronger and better suited to withstand the enemies attacks. Whether it’s self inflicted trouble, or trouble caused by outside influences, it all has potential to be a faith “conditioner” to bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and grow us spiritually. 

As you walk through this life, keep in mind Jesus’ words in John 16:33b: “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Remember; even though trouble may not be far behind, Jesus is closer.

Keep the faith!

Jimmy

What was Paul thinking?

If you haven't read the passage for today, please stop reading this and open your Bible. The passage is Acts 15:36-16:5. Go ahead, I will wait.

Wow! I get to deal with some fun stuff today...

First, you read about Paul and Barnabas deciding to head back out on another missionary excursion after they just went to Jerusalem and then returned to Antioch. They agreed to go back out, but that is where their agreement ceases. Barnabas wanted to take a man named John Mark with them on this journey, but Paul was not having it. John Mark started out with them in Acts 13, but decided to return to Jerusalem in Acts 13:13. Why on earth would they want to take him back out with them?

You may remember that Barnabas had a nickname: Son of Encouragement. In fact, Paul himself was a beneficiary of Barnabas' encouraging persona. When Paul came to Jerusalem, after his conversion, the Christians were afraid of him, but Barnabas stood up for him, explaining that he had truly been converted by Jesus himself. However, certain people finally succeeded in running Paul out of town, and he returned to his home town. But Barnabas wasn't finished with this Paul guy. When Barnabas came to Antioch and saw what was going on, he went and picked Paul up and brought him back.

So Paul knows firsthand what it was like to have someone bring him under their wing. Why would he not give John Mark a second chance? Was he wrong? What do we learn from this?

Paul was on a mission, and he was not slowing down for anyone. He became focused on the mission so much that he lost sight of what Barnabas was so instrumental in doing. Barnabas was into restoring people and their confidence. Paul wasn't patient enough for that, so Paul and Barnabas separated. And John Mark later wrote a book which we refer to as the Gospel of Mark.

Enter Timothy! Remember that Jerusalem Council thing? You know, the majority of Acts 15 about Gentiles not needing to be circumcised to be saved. Yeah, that story. So here we are, less than a chapter later, and Paul takes Timothy and circumcises him.

WHAT?!?!?!

Yep, Paul circumcises Timothy because of the Jews in the area. You see, Timothy was considered a Jew because his mom was a Jew. His dad was not a Jew, but that didn't make much difference. Paul circumcised Timothy so it would not be a stumbling block for the Jews they would preach to.
To make it even more weird, they went from there sharing the Council in Jerusalem's decision that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised.

If I were Timothy, I would have lied and said I was a Gentile. Just sayin'...

So the moral of the story is this: Give people second chances, but please circumcise the boys on the eighth day...it is much less painful.

Brought to you by your Lifegroup Pastor, Gary Luedecke.

Missional Living

Over the years I’ve had the amazing privilege to participate in several mission trips; some of them domestic, some international.  While in youth ministry many of those were trips into the border towns of Mexico to assist in building church buildings and homes.  For several years we worked with a missionary in Matamoros named Clinton Looney.  I always loved Clinton’s last name and equated it with his zeal for reaching people with the Good News… He is “crazy” about sharing the love of Jesus with people! 

Since those youth ministry days the blessings have increased in that I’ve been able to travel to many of the locations where our partners in ministry are laboring to make disciples of Jesus.  (Because of the generosity of our church we are able to support several works around the world.)  Those visits to our missionaries have been priceless.  Being able to encourage them, share in the passion of the culture in which they are serving and the greatest gift, the opportunity to meet some of their disciples.  I will never forget sitting on the beach on a small island off the coast of Madagascar, conversing with a young man who had recently given his life to Jesus.  The island on which he lived was 99.9% Islamic.  That was a Kingdom moment!

But when I read Acts 14 and I see the courage of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, preaching the Gospel “boldly” as Luke describes in verse 3 or the pendulum swing they endured in the city of Lystra when they were called Greek gods one minute and the next being dragged out of the city and stoned and left for dead, I am more than humbled… almost ashamed to even call the trips I’ve taken “Mission Trips.”  Paul and Barnabas didn’t have in-flight movies, hot showers or a loving missionary to welcome them and show them around when they arrived in a new city.  They were not assured at all of having any kind of welcome wherever they went.  Conversely, they often met with resistance, hatred and the threat of death.  The only assurance they had was the Spirit of God… and really, that was more than enough.  Now to be fair, there were incredible moments of victory.  Verse 21 tells us they “won a large number of disciples.”  Those rewards were invaluable and kept them preaching.

But still, I have to wonder, if I’d have been tagging along with these two spiritual giants of the faith, how would I have coped? 

Living “Missionally” is a part of our strategy at Northside.  It should be our way of life.  Living “Missionally” basically means that I need to live every moment with the expectation that I can share Jesus or simply be Jesus with the people I encounter.  Sometimes that will be met with resistance, but I’ve found, most times, it is met with acceptance and incredible appreciation.  (The true love of Christ is a rare and precious commodity in our world.)  And I don’t have to go half way around the world to live missionally.  It needs to happen when I’m eating at Taco Bell, standing in line at Wal-Mart or talking with my neighbor.  It should be my modus operandi while I’m serving at church on the weekends or when I’m in conversation with my wife and family any day of the week.

It’s probably a good idea for us to remind ourselves often that we are on a perpetual mission trip and that God has an amazing adventure planned for every step of the way. 

- David

Christian

Look at the end of verse 26. What does it say? It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. "Christian" is such a powerful term. It means follower of the Christ - Jesus the Messiah...Savior of the World. It means disciple of Christ - one who tries to emulate Jesus in everything he or she does. One of my favorite definitions of Christian is "little Christ." This term describes the Christian struggle for me...always trying to be like Jesus...always coming up short...but never giving up...each day is a gift through which we can take one step closer to being like Jesus.

Christian is not a name to be taken lightly. "Christian" is not a term to be thrown around to describe somebody who simply goes to church...somebody who simply believes in a higher power...somebody who was "born into faith"...somebody who prayed a prayer once. A Christian is someone who does everything they can to walk in the footsteps of Jesus...to live and love and interact with the world as he did. A Christian is someone who is covered in the "dust" of the Rabbi because they have followed so closely at the heels of Jesus. This "dust" is very visible...through service...unconditional love...incredible mercy...sacrificial leadership...uncommon love. When an actual Christian - a true follower of Christ - shows up, the world takes notice. They are often mocked, ignored, thought strange, despised and rejected, but that's what happens when you follow the Christ. Regardless of the reaction, people know there is something different...something strangely powerful about the quiet strength of a true Christian.

Think about the people from Acts chapter 11 who were named the first Christians. What was the name synonymous with 2000 years ago? Let's take a look...verses 19 and 20: Even though the community of believers was scattered by persecution, they remain unwavering in sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ. Nothing could keep them silent about the freedom that comes through the cross. Verse 21: The absolute commitment of the believers in spite of persecution shows the strength of their convictions and leads to many converts. Verse 22: When the leaders in Jerusalem hear about the converts they do not simply applaud and move on, they send mature disciples to mentor and train up new leaders. Verses 23 and 24: The people of Antioch see that Barnabas, the follower of Christ, is gracious, faithful and full of the Holy Spirit and even more people turn to Christ. Verses 24 and 25: Barnabas takes interest in a new convert who was once killed Christ followers (Saul), and mentors him for a year. Verse 26: Barnabas and Saul work together to make disciples in the church and to share the Gospel outside of the church, and their influence spreads exponentially. It was during this time that the followers of Jesus became known as Christians.

Committed. Gracious. Merciful. Driven. Loving. Unwavering. Fearless. Mentors. Disciples. Faithful. Spirit-filled. Evangelistic. Relational. Christ-like. These are the attributes that described a Christian in the 1st century. What does being a Christian look like in the 21st? How does the world describe us? Hypocritical? Judgmental? Cloistered? Fearful? Weak-minded? Uncaring? Not Christ-like? What needs to change? What do you need to do to become more like Christ and less like a mere church-goer?

- Brandon Forsythe, Spiritual Formation Pastor

Power

One word stood out to me as I read Acts 8:9-25...power. Power can conjure up so many different ideas. Some may think of the switch that turns something on and off, some might think of a car or truck with a big engine, some may think of  strong athlete, if you were a kid in the 80's you might think of He-man, maybe you think of sorcery and witchcraft, or maybe you think of power tools (I can hear the grunting from Tim Allen as I write this).

Power is nothing more than the ability to do or accomplish something. You can measure someone or something's power by what he/she/it does or accomplishes. And for the Texans fans, electrical power is measured in units called watts. :)

Simon, the Samaritan magician, was considered the most powerful guy in Samaria before Philip came with the gospel. Then Philip came, speaking the message of the gospel, but he also performed miraculous signs. (This was also a fulfillment of Jesus' words in Acts 1:8) The signs were so great that even Simon believed the message Philip was preaching!!

If you were not here Sunday, then you should read Acts 8:9-25 really quick.

Simon wanted the power that the apostles had. He was willing to pay big bucks for that power. The problem is God gave the apostles the power, through the Holy Spirit (also according to Acts 1:8), the same Holy Spirit that the people were receiving through the apostles laying their hands on them. Why offer money for a free gift?

I often have the delusion that I have the power to earn God's favor or grace through my performance. The better I do or the more I accomplish, the more power I am displaying, then the more God will love me, right? WRONG!! He already loves me, and his love for me is not going to change based on my performance. But because He loves me and because He has poured his grace out on me, I want to be more like him. The only way to become more like God is to spend more time with God.

Let me say that again...the only way to become more like God is to spend more time with God. Don't try to buy something that is free. Don't try to earn something you can't earn. It is a paradox. In order to live with power, we must become powerless, completely reliant on God. Only when we get to that point can God's power flow through us.

So here is the question: in your quest to accomplish things and earn things and do things, when was the last time you stopped, humbled yourself before God and spent time with him? Maybe in prayer maybe reading His Word, or maybe just sitting and listening for the still small voice?

It might do us all some good to quit running as far as we can as fast as we can and just stop...and be with our Creator.

Completely Powerless,
Gary, Lifegroup Pastor