An Amazing Conversion; Day 5

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" (Some late manuscripts add here: "Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.") And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:36-39)

Why was the Ethiopian so ready to be baptized? Because he knew he'd been changed. We've already seen how the Spirit came upon the apostles in the form of fire at Pentecost - marking them with the Spirit. For us it's a little different. When you got saved, you may not have seen any tongues of fire falling on your head. But the Spirit rushed in nonetheless. When you get baptized, you're having your own celebration-of-Pentecost moment. It's a symbolic act where we recognize that the Holy Spirit has changed us: we've been given new power just like the first disciples. The Ethiopian didn't get touched by fire, but he saw the water. If baptism seems boring to you, then try to look past the actual water and see the fire that's represented - the fire of the Spirit changing a person's life forever.

How has your life changed since you became a Christian?

How does it feel to know that what happened to the apostles is happening to you.

An Amazing Conversion; Day 4

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. (Acts 8:34-38)

The Spirit began this encounter with some hands-on involvement, telling Philip exactly where to go. Notice, however, that the story ends with Philip handling the situation. I'm sure Philip was walking in the Spirit as he explained the gospel to the Ethiopian, but Philip still did the talking. When we follow God, God's intention isn't for us to become robots to be used ar a moment's notice. In other words, we aren't possessed by the Spirit. Instead , God points us in the right direction and enables us to accomplish the goal. God wants to involve us, not just use us. That's how we act as mature sons and daughters of God - not just infants in Christ.

If God pointed you int he right direction, would you be willing to walk with God into the task?

Look around today and see if there's anyplace God might be leading you to serve.

An Amazing Conversion; Day 3

"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. (Acts 8:31-35)

How do you know when the Spirit is involved in something? Listen to Scripture. Here the Ethiopian is reading a passage that includes a Messianic prophecy. (It's a passage int he Old Testament that talks about Jesus.) Philip immediately knew that the Spirit was leading this man through the Word, and he explained that to him. Since the Spirit inspired the Bible, he'll often use it to keep us grounded, teach us new things, and point others to Jesus. It's possible to misuse Scripture. But if we're familiar with the Word, then we should be able to recognize the real thing when we hear it. Staying in touch with Scripture is one of the best ways to accurately hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Has the Spirit ever taught you something through Scripture?

What was it?

Ask God to show you how to use Scripture to help others around you.

An Amazing Conversion; Day 2

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:30-31)

God didn't decide to just throw Philip at the Ethiopian to see how Philip would do. God had already been working in the Ethiopian's life and now he wanted to use Philip to seal the deal. God uses us in similar ways. When God asks you to do something, God isn't just asking on a whim; there's a reason for it. God always prepares our way. When we know this, it takes a lot of the fear out of following God. No matter how odd it may seem, God has a plan when he asks us to serve in a particular way. Always remember that you're part of a much larger plan.

how might God be moving in the lives of people around you?

Is God asking you to help them in any way?

Ask God to show you clearly what to do.

An Amazing Conversion; Day 1

Philip and the Ethiopian

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopianeunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (Acts 8:26-40)

I don't know about you but I'd love it if God talked to me like this. In the first three verses of this account, God spoke twice to Philip - in complete sentences, with specific instructions. Sign me up for that! But does the Spirit really speak that way today? Well, yes and no. Sometimes God has very specific things for us to do and will be very direct in letting us know. You may find yourself in a spot where you know without a doubt that God wants you to do something right now. The Spirit doesn't usually speak this way, but when he does, we need to be obedient and take advantage of whatever opportunity God is providing.

Have you ever experienced God speaking to you like this?

How did you know it was God?

Ask God to help you hear his voice when he's speaking to you.

The Ethiopian Eunuch

Since this week's devotions focus on an Ethiopian eunuch I thought it would be a good idea to explain what a eunuch is. We talked a bit about it in the lesson today, and this is some more detail.

It is only really relevant when you consider that this person was not an average Joe on the street, but an important figure in Ethiopian society. In contrast he would have been considered a second-class citizen in Jewish culture and not allowed to become a full-fledged member of the Jewish community.

From Wikipedia:
A eunuch (pronounced /ˈjuːnək/) is a castrated man, in particular one castrated early enough to have major hormonal consequences; the term usually refers to those castrated in order to perform a specific social function, as was common in many societies of the past. The earliest records for intentional castration to produce eunuchs are from the Sumerian city of Lagash in the twenty first century BC. Over the millennia since, they have performed a wide variety of functions in many different cultures such as: courtiers or equivalent domestics, treble singers, religious specialists, government officials, military commanders, and guardians of women or harem servants. In some translations of ancient texts, individuals identified as eunuchs sometimes historically included men who were impotent with women, as well as those who were celibate.

Week 14: An amazing conversion

Philip and the Ethiopian

MEMORY VERSE
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Acts 8:32)

INTRODUCTION
Learning to drive is an interesting experience. Typically your parent or driving instructor will take you to some deserted road or parking lot for behind-the-wheel training. Driving seems easy - press the gas to go, use the wheel to run - but a little more finesse is involved. After a few lurching starts and screeching halts, hopefully you start to get the hang of it. Or at least your instructor prays you do before he gets whiplash.

Learning new skills takes time. The disciples had to take some time to learn to walk in the Spirit. Having the Spirit of God present with them all the time meant they'd experience amazing new opportunities and an intimacy with God they'd never experienced before.

The same can be true for us as we learn to walk in the Spirit. But as it was with the first disciples, it will take some trial and error for us to work out the kinks.

This was certainly true for Philip, one of the seven chosen to help the apostles. This week we'll learn how the Spirit worked within the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian. Each day we'll tackle a different aspect of the story and pick ways we can learn how to respond to the Holy Spirit in our own lives. You never know - by the end of the week, you might be part of a similarly amazing story.

God's Perfect Plan; Day 5

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again."

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about. (Luke 18: 31-34)

One of God's enduring attributes is that he's a Redeemer. The word literally means 'someone who buys back.' In scripture it refers to how Jesus' blood paid for our sins. Here Jesus predicted his death and resurrection, as well as the torture he'd undergo beforehand. Jesus knew this would happen - and he chose to endure it anyway. One of the most barbaric acts in history brought the most glorious miracle of all: The salvation of our souls. That's redemption. God's way can seem difficult and even wrong to us, but God's sovereign plans are always redemptive, no matter how bad it seems at the time.

Spend some time reflecting on how God brought about so much good from something so horrible.

Ask God to help you see how he can always bring good out of circumstances, even evil circumstances.

God's Perfect Plan; Day 4

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
"Yes, Lord," he answered.

The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. (Acts 9: 10-19)

Ananias was a believer from Damascus, and we don't read anything else about him in scripture. But he was asked to do a difficult thing when God told him to pray for Saul. As far as Ananias was concerned, God might as well have asked him to put his head in a lion's mouth. But God was insistent, so Ananias obeyed. This was Ananias' moment to shine, and the consequences of his obedience have been shaking the world ever since. Never underestimate just one conversion. Human history changed when Saul was saved and adopted into the Church ("Brother Saul," Ananias called him.) You may believe God's tasks for you are small, but never underestimate what God can do with one act of obedience.

Have you ever seen God use you in a way you didn't expect? How did that feel?

Spend today remembering that you actions can have eternal consequences. See what changes in your attitudes.

God's Perfect Plan; Day 3

Crossing the Sea

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.

Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear an oath. He had said, "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place."

After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, 'The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.' And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." So the Israelites did this.

When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!" So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly. The Egyptians—all Pharaoh's horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon.

As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen." (Exodus 13:17-14:18)

"Are we lost?" I'm sure many of the Israelites were complaining as they began their wanderings. To them it probably seemed as though someone was asleep at the wheel. They were taking a longer-than-necessary route, and then they turned around only to get trapped by the sea. But all of this was according to God's plan. None of them could have imagined what God was planning for the Egyptians. Because Moses was firm in his resolve to follow God, we have the record of one of the most stunning miracles in human history - the parting of the Red Sea. When God leads, he always has a reason - and a good one at that. Many times we want to grumble, as the Israelites did, that this isn't the right way to go. Instead, we should trust in God's sovereign hand to make things right even when we don't see how he'll do it.

If you'd been one of the Israelites in this story, how would you have reacted?

Ask God to help you understand his sovereignty over your life and all creation.

God's Perfect Plan; Day 2

The Birth of Jesus Christ

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24)

Have you ever thought about how crazy this sounds? It's positively insane. The whole goal of the Messiah's coming was to liberate God's people and save them from their sins. And we got a baby. How's that supposed to work? it's questions such as these that kept a lot of people from believing in Jesus while he was on earth . But this was God's plan from the beginning. Everyone had there own ideas about how the Messiah would save God's people, but no one saw that only through a perfect sacrifice could people be made whole. Our plans may seem grand and even God-honoring, but only God's plans will stand because only God's plans will work. God knows how to orchestrate everything for the best possible outcome, so we need to learn to trust God's plans over ours - even when we'd like to choose the path ourselves.

Do you trust that God knows how to run your life better than you do?

Who makes the decisions about how you live?

God's Perfect Plan; Day 1

And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

The Church Persecuted and Scattered

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Philip in Samaria

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:1-8)

This could've been a bad day for the Church. One of their leaders was killed by an angry mob, and the believers were forced to flee to surrounding towns. To them it may have looked as if the church were on the brink of destruction. But in the very next verse we see what really happens; God uses this persecution to spread the message of Christ to more places. What was supposed to hurt the church actually made it grow larger and stronger. God knew this in advance. Sometimes God allows things to happen that seem destructive. But rest assured that God knows what's going on and will redeem all things for his purposes.

What are some things in your life that you don't understand?

Ask God for the faith to trust him even when things don't seem good.

Week 13: God's Perfect Plan

The Dispersion of the Church

MEMORY VERSE
"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever the went." (Acts 8:4)

INTRODUCTION
Have you ever seen those Magic Eye pictures? You know, the ones that look like a bunch of jagged colors but when you stare at them in a certain way, a picture will supposedly leap out at you in 3-D? I never could see the picture; in fact, staring at it just gave me a headache. But other people would swear that right in front of me - in the midst of a bunch of chaos - was an incredible picture. I have to say it's still hard for me to believe.

Sometimes our lives will look like those pictures: Completely random, jagged edges, and totally incomprehensible. But the Bible is very clear about the fact that even when things seem totally out of control, God has his firm hand on history. God is able to work every circumstance for his purposes and his glory - at all times. In Acts8:1-8 we see the early church face a huge wave of persecution. It looks bleak for the fledgling body of believers as they're scattered everywhere. But this period of turmoil would serve to spread the gospel faster than anything else in the book of Acts.

Even when we believe nothing can be done, God can still do whatever he wishes in order to fix the situation. As we think about God's sovereignty this week, watch how God brings a perfect plan to fruition out of what looks like complete chaos.

Have you given it all up?!

This really goes along with day 4 from this weeks devotionals!

Martyrdom Day 5

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4: 6-8)


Paul knew he probably wouldn't return from Rome. He'd been saved from death many times, but now God had shown Paul that this would be the end for him. No one ever looks forward to death, but Paul found comfort in this: He'd done his best for God. What an amazing thing to be able to say - that we've fought hard and kept our faith through it all. Paul was by no means perfect; but he'd lived his life for Jesus, and he was prepared to lose his life for him as well.

Have you ever considered how you'll finish?

When God finally asks you to come home, will you be able to say the same thing as Paul did?

If you were to die tomorrow, would you be pleased with your service to Christ?

Imagine what it will be like when God gives you a crown of glory for persevering in your faith.

Pray and pray without ceasing

Hey guys, Deb here.

I just wanted to encourage you to be praying for little Nathan if you aren't already. You can keep up on his progress on Christina's blog (http://redcupcentral.blogspot.com/), but they really need our prayers and support right now.

Martyrdom Day 4

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (2 Timothy 1:8-12)


In verse 12, Paul shows us another reason why he wasn't afraid to give his life for Jesus; Pal had given it up already. Paul was firmly convinced that his old self had died when he became a believer and he had become a brand new person. That being the case, no one could take Paul's life from him since he'd given it up years ago. His new life was in Christ; therefore, whatever Christ asked him to do, Paul would do. With this attitude Paul could walk through danger with confidence. In his mind he believed he was already dead,and his new life, which began at his conversion, was waiting for him after death. Knowing God is trustworthy gave Paul the confidence to follow Jesus even to his earthly death.

Have you given your whole life to Jesus? What parts have you kept back for yourself?

Are you convinced God will take care of you no matter what?

Does your life reflect that?

Martyrdom Day 3

It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. (Acts 12:1-7)

This is a potentially confusing passage because it raises the question why. Why did God allow James to be killed yet send an angel to save Peter? Why does God allow anyone to day for their faith? We can't fully understand the answers to these questins now, but we can trust God's character. God doesn't "play favorites" or save the lives of those he "likes better." God has a plan that works out for the best, and that plan has glory and paradise waiting for all of us who are in God. How we get there is up to God - not to us. We may not get the answers we want in terms of why things happen the way they do, but we can always trust God in spite of our circumstances.

When you're confused, where do you go for answers?

Do you go to God with your questions? Why or why not?

Spend some time talking to God about things you don't understand and about why things happen the way they do.

Martyrdom Day 2

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (Phillipians 1: 19-26)


Paul made the ultimate sacrifice when Nero executed him because of his Christian faith. But here we get a glimpse of Paul's attitude about martyrdom. Paul had that long-term view we talked about yesterday and he wanted to be with Christ. But he also knew that as long as he remained here, he could serve the God he loved with his whole heart. Paul's goal was not simply a long life; it was a productive life. Ultimately he just wanted to be wherever God wanted him to be. There's more to your life than simply living. Paul understood, as we all should, that every minute we live surrendered to Christ will benefit not only us, but also everyone we come in contact with.

How would your life be different if you thought the way Paul did?

How are you using the time you've been given to help others know Christ?

Martyrdom Day 1

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7: 54-60)

Stephen gets credit for being the first Christian martyr. Why did Stephen have to die? Jesus came to earth to die, but that wasn't the end of his story. He endured the cross because he knew reality beyond this world exists, and his ultimate goal is within that other reality. That's where he wants us to set our goals as well. Stephen understood this, and he never asked why. Stephen's response to his coming death was almost identical to Christ's death on the cross. When Stephen saw Jesus, it was a reminder that God was pleased with his actions, and God had everything under control. As we deal with persecution, we must remember there's more to life than what we now experience.

How does understanding our final destination change the way we deal with pain and suffering here on earth?

Ask Jesus to show you how to live with your real future in mind.

Week 12: The Martyrdom of the Saints

The Stoning of Stephen

MEMORY VERSE
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56)


INTRODUCTION
Tertullian, a church leader in the second century, said, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." He was living through times of intense persecution, yet he saw the Church continue to grow and thrive. No matter how many Christians lost their lives, the Church continued to expand.

This kind of persecution began with the martyrdom of Stephen. When faced with a mob that wanted to destroy the fledgling Christian Church, Stephen gave bold witness to Jesus Christ. In response the enraged mob stoned him. His death wouldn't be the last, either. Throughout the history of the early Church, people gave their lives for the gospel: Stephen, Peter, James, Paul. Yet the Church continues to multiply again and again.

This kind of martyrdom does not exist just in the Bible. As you read this, people all over the world are still giving the ultimate sacrifice in order to spread the gospel of Christ. You and I may never be asked to make that sacrifice, but daily we'll be asked to give our lives to Christ as we serve him wherever he chooses to use us. This week we're going to ask the question: Would I be willing to give my life for Christ? Until we understand the sacrifice of past saints, we won't be able to follow in their footsteps today.

Shared Ministry Day 5

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. (Acts 6: 1-10)

On Day 1 this week, we saw how the apostles selected seven men to clean tables and take care of the elderly in the church. You may have thought to yourself, I'm glad I don't have that job. (I had the same reaction.) But one of these men - Stephen - not only was taking care of the widows, but also he was doing miracles. Since god was with him, Stephen saw the power of the Holy Spirit in everything he did. But even so, he didn't mind cleaning tables. No job in the kingdom is beneath us. Since Jesus washed feet, we have no room to refuse whatever God asks us to do. When we all serve willingly and wherever God places us, we might start to see miracles as well. God has many plans in store for you, so don't judge a ministry opportunity too quickly.

Have you ever declined a chance to serve because it was "beneath you"? What was it? Would you respond in the same way now?

Are you willing to do whatever God asks of you? Why or why not?

Shared Ministry Day 4

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

We should try to memorize this verse. It shouldn't take too long, but practicing it may take a lot longer. When we sit ina pew on Sunday, it's easy to get the idea that it's up to the pastor and paid staff members to do all the real work of ministry. We're just here to help when we can, right? Not according to Paul. Echoing the words of Jesus, Paul reminded us that everyone should be involved with helping others. That means teaching on another, encouraging one another, serving one another, and praying for one another. You probably like one of these ministries more than the others. If so, then you should make sure you work in that ministry to help others. this is the law of Christ: To love each other as we love ourselves. The church staff will never be able to do this without our help.

How are you carrying others' burdens?

Ask God to show you how he can use you in the lives of others today, then keep your eyes open for opportunities.

Shared Ministry Day 3

Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:11-16)

Paul's letters to Timothy are different from the others he wrote. Letters like the one he wrote to the Ephesians, for example, were addressed to the whole church. But Paul's letters to Timothy were written just to him. So if it's advice for timothy, then why are we reading it? I always wondered if I had to do the things Timothy was told to do since I'm not a pastor like he was. But Paul knew more people should read this letter, so he wrote it accordingly. And God must have wanted us to read it today since it appears in the Bible. That being said, when Paul tells timothy not to neglect his gift, everyone in the church is reminded not to neglect their God-given gifts and ministries.

Reread the passage and ask God to show you how this applies to you today.

Are you neglecting you gift(s)? How?

Shared Ministry Day 2

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)

I have no idea what my spleen does. I've never seen it and to be honest I hope I never do. But thank God that I have one. I like my spleen. My body - and life itself - wouldn't be the same without it. If the Church is a body, then that means there's a place for hundreds of different types of gifts. And if this body is going to function correctly, then we need all the people who have those different gifts to be in place and working properly. You may not believe your particular function in the church is all that important; but without your participation, everyone will suffer.

God doesn't reserve ministry just for the paid church staff; all of us have a part to play. Like the spleen, you may have a role that not many other people see. But the fact that our vital organs aren't visible doesn't make them unimportant.

Do you tend to downplay your importance in the church? Why?

How can you use your gift in a way that fits with others using their gifts?

Shared Ministry Day 1

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6: 1-7)

Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. But not even Jordan could have won a single game without his teammates. It's a lesson the Church should take to heart. God called the apostles to a specific task, but many other tasks needed to be done. God isn't about superstars hogging the entire ministry. In fact when we let only a few people do the work, much less gets done.

So if we're truly supposed to accomplish God's will, then we each have to find our place to serve - and then work at it with all of our hearts.

Do you see yourself having a vital role in your church? If so what is it?

How can you fulfil your specific task for the kingdom today?

Week 11: Shared Ministry

Choosing the Seven

MEMORY VERSE
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

INTRODUCTION
Moses was tired. He'd been listening to one disagreement after another. I imagine him mediating a dispute between two people who claim to have created manna soup, and both want the patent on the recipe. The Israelites had been coming to Moses with these kinds of questions all day and the line still wrapped around the tent - twice. This is ridiculous, he thought. I can't keep this up. But he was the leader of Israel - wasn't settling disputes his job? If so, then how does the leader of a million people wandering in the desert go on a vacation?

Next in line was Moses' father-in-law who had some advice of his own. "Moses, share the load. It's not all up to you." So Moses did, and he got that vacation.

Just like Moses, the apostles figured out early on that they couldn't do ministry by themselves. So God helped them choose others to share the ministry of his kingdom. Everyone in the early Church had a part to play in ministry.

This week we're going to think about the shared ministry of the Church. Whether you know it or not, God has a place for you to serve, and the whole concept of church won't work unless you get involved. It's time we all got off the pews and into the game.

Week 10: An Invincible Church: Persecution of the Apostles

Day 5
2 Corinthians 11:22-33

Can this be right? I don't know about you; but after the first two shipwrecks, I'd hesitate before getting on any more boats. But Paul was unstoppable. It didn't matter what he went through; he refused to back down. What makes a man do that? What makes someone willingly walk into a dangerous situation? In verses 28 and 29, Paul showed us why. He was so passionate about the Church that it was more important to him than his own comfort. God changed Paul's life and saved him from hell, and Paul wanted everyone to know that joy. God may never ask you to do things like this, but what would you be willing to endure just to tell someone about the gospel? The Church is invincible, but it can be weakened in the short term if we refuse to attempt the tasks God has set out for us.

What are some of the sacrifices you have to make in order to share the gospel?

Ask God to give you a passion that can't be quenched by bad circumstances.

Week 10: An Invincible Church: Persecution of the Apostles

Day 4
Matthew 16:13-18

In today's passage we discover that hell (Hades is another word for hell) cannot stand up to the power of the gospel. But notice it's not just the gospel, but also the Church that will never be defeated. Once we join Christ, we join his body--the Church. And as a part of Christ himself, we don't have to fear the power of death or hell. They can't overpower us. The Church--your church--is much more powerful than you realize. We sell ourselves short when we assume we can't do anything in the world. But when we realize just how strong we are, hell will tremble as we accomplish God's will.

How does this passage change the way you look at your own church?

Are there any places in your life where you just assumed you were defeated?

Ask God to show you how strong you are as a part of his Church.

Week 10: An Invincible Church: Persecution of the Apostles

Day 3
Romans 1:16-17

Why is the Church so powerful? It's not because of the people. Some individuals can command a crowd or get things done politically. But the power of the Church doesn't come from strong personalities; it comes from the gospel itself. You may feel weak or inadequate when trying to share the gospel, but you don't have to. The gospel is powerful all by itself. When you're witnessing to others, concentrate more on the gospel and less on you shortcomings. They're not as limiting as you might think. When our lives and our churches are committed to Christ, we don't need to be ashamed of anything.

Have you ever been ashamed of the gospel? Why?

How does this passage give you confidence to share your faith?