Daily Bible Devotionals

“Support widows who are genuinely widows.  But if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God.  The real widow, left all alone, has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; however, she who is self indulgent, is dead even while she lives.  Command this also, so they won’t be blamed.  But if anyone does not provide for his own, that is his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:3-8 (HCSB)

Years ago, I was asked to attend a meeting of a group of creative thinkers called the Renaissance Group.  Meeting at the Newport Beach home of Roberta and Howard Ahmanson, hand-selected authors, musicians, ministers, and artists convened to form a “think tank,” whereby new methods of reaching the secular world with the Gospel might develop.

On one occasion, the group was sent a copy of Marvin Olasky’s book, “The Tragedy of American Compassion.”  Several weeks later, we met in the Ahmanson’s living room to discuss the book with the author.  I suggest you get a copy of Olasky’s book.

The foundation of Olasky’s observations is that compassion only works well in small groups of accountabilities.  In small groups, as in small towns, people know each other.  They know when a person is hard-working and who is lazy.  They know who is honest and are aware of the liars.  Mr. Olasky points out that most Americans have lost touch with the “community” mindset to the point where they give money to charities (or sign-holding men on the corner) out of guilt or raw emotional reactions without demanding any accountability from those organizations or individuals receiving charity.

On the other extreme, we allow charity to be dispensed by our government through a welfare system in drastic need of an overhaul.  In actuality, healthy church ministries have the best record for helping people transition from their dependence on charity into a lifestyle where they become contributors to charity.  This is because churches are communities of accountability whose standard for charity is God’s Word.

In today’s passage, Paul is narrowing the focus of what a “widow” is.  Those deserving of charity are not simply women without husbands; they are women without husbands who fit specific Biblical accountability criteria.  Paul’s system is similar to Olasky’s proposal.  He was saying, in effect, “Don’t let your emotions or sympathies interfere with God’s standard for ministry.”    

“Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and with all propriety, the younger women as sisters.”  1 Timothy 5:1-2 (HCSB)

When this passage is matched with today’s text, it becomes evident that, while the definition of “widow” is narrowed, the definition of “family” is expanded.  Social responsibility is shifted from the corporate congregation to the compassionate individual.

“Command and teach these things.  Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:11-12 (HCSB)

One evening, I got a phone call from my then 12-year-old son, Wyatt.  He had just hit the age of attending “night” parties.  You know the ones.  “Day” parties include a birthday cake and a clown who bends balloons.  “Night” parties consist of pizza, loud music, and all your friends trying to look cool.  It’s a rite of passage.

Anyhow, we got this call.

Parent: “Hello?”

Son: “Hey, uh, am I allowed to play the Halo video game?

Parent: “What’s it rated?

Son: “Uh…M for mature.”

Parent: “Are you 18 years old?”

Son: “No.”

Parent: “Then, no. You shouldn’t play it.”

Son: “Uh, can you come pick me up?”

Parent: “Why?”

Son: “Uh, ’cause everyone’s playing it, and I’m alone and bored.”

Parent: “We’ll be there in 10 minutes.”

10 minutes later, my wife and I showed up.  We expected to see my son moping by the curb, but all the kids were outside, playing basketball.  Wyatt ran up to the car, “I told them I wasn’t allowed to play that game…so they said they would play basketball instead.”

I would never have made that phone call when I was a kid!  I just would have played the game and never said anything to Mom and Dad.  If asked, I would have simply lied.  No remorse.  That’s just how I figured kids got by.  It wasn’t the right attitude to have, but I never considered my parents to be on my side.  Parents were the barrier that stood between me and fun.  So, whenever I went to someone else’s house and their parents let them do stuff mine wouldn’t, I just did what I wanted.  The whole scene kind of ate at my soul because I could never be at peace.  Deep down, I knew I was a liar.

Let me be the first to say that I am proud of my son.  He’s not a saint; he’s human.  But episodes like I described (above) still happen.  I am pleased to know we aren’t his enemies.  And I’m proud that he stands up for what is right and doesn’t let other people control him.

Leadership is not just about age.  It’s about being confident, competent, and convicted.  I will never tire of telling you, “God has great plans for you.” (Jeremiah 29:11)  Stay the course, endure, and receive what He has prepared for those who live faithfully.

“But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.  And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: God was MANIFESTED in the flesh, VINDICATED [justified] in the Spirit, SEEN by angels, PREACHED among the nations, BELIEVED ON in the world, TAKEN UP in glory.” [my emphasis]   1 Timothy 3:15-16 (HCSB)

One lazy afternoon, I watched a History Channel special: “In Search of Jesus.”  For two hours, a myriad of so-called “Christian” experts gave their accounts of the Messiah’s birth, life, and resurrection.  Some scholars said He was born in Bethlehem, others say Nazareth, and still, others suggest a desert cave.  One guy suggested Jesus wasn’t born at all.  Rather, He was only a “spirit.”

None of them believed Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt.  Nor could they agree on Herod’s execution of babies in Bethlehem.  The show ended with speculation over Messiah’s resurrection.

Given the varied testimonies of so many disagreeing “scholars,” I doubt anyone would be compelled to accept Jesus as Lord, much less devote their lives to taking up a “cross” and following Him.  Honestly, the show would have been better if the directors had swapped the “expert” Christians with some REAL ones!

Just as Paul was given the “administration” to dispense the mystery of the gospel (Gentiles get in) and the mystery of lawlessness (those who abandon God’s Word will be harshly judged), he also revealed the mystery of Godliness.  We are called to imitate Jesus, refuting heresy by our transformed lives, surrendered to God’s Word.  Following Jesus means more than walking an aisle, praying a prayer, raising a hand, or signing a card.  It’s about a life devoted to Messiah-likeness.  The Bible says God was pleased with Jesus’ suffering on the Roman cross because He lived up to the character of the NAME He inherited.  If you are indeed a co-inheritor with Jesus, how are you doing in living up to the character of the Name you have inherited?

Let’s review what Paul calls the “foundation of our faith,” asking ourselves how our lives resonate with these fundamental truths of the gospel.

Have you placed your trust in Jesus?  Upon doing so, Jesus is made MANIFEST (i.e., “takes up residence”) in us.  If so, the presence of His Spirit should be working in your life, testifying that you have been JUSTIFIED by Messiah’s atoning work on the cross.  The angels in Heaven have SEEN every believer because they rejoice when even one sinner repents.  (Luke 15:10) Through the believer, the gospel is PREACHED throughout the world, and by our testimonies, men BELIEVE in Jesus.  How’s it going, sharing your faith?  Finally, do you live with the knowledge and hope that you, too, will be TAKEN UP in glory to be with Jesus at the time God appoints?

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (HCSB)

Several years ago, during the Christmas season, I was surfing the TV channels when I caught a late-night cable news show interviewing the maker of the “Left Behind” video game.  The game’s designers had given the “Christians” in the game the option to shoot “unbelievers” who don’t convert!  The twisted side of me just had to laugh.

As you can imagine, the news commentators (along with many Christians) were appalled at this idea.  Still, others rushed to defend the game’s maker.  The “enemy” loves this kind of controversy.  Ironically, this all took place during the season when Christians remember God’s gift of peace on earth and goodwill towards men.

Did this game prompt an outbreak of Christian violence?  No.  But such controversies add another layer of distance between Christians and unbelievers in our lives.  **In fairness to the game’s maker, players cannot WIN the Left Behind game by killing people.  You lose “spirit points” by exercising that option.  Players score points by witnessing and praying.  But, come on….

A facet of Christianity that the game makers “left behind” is the powerful testimony of the martyr.  “Left Behind” leaves the player with only two options for survival:  Convert or kill.  Sounds more like Islam to me.  There were no points for the martyred servant, to whom God would say, “Well done!” as opposed to “Game Over.” Those options, “convert or kill,” are tragically haunting to the Jewish community because Christian-on-Jewish persecution is part of their history.  But the idea of the martyrs, those believers whose faith in God and love for unbelievers lead to their personal death, is missing from both the video game and the over-arching conversation with the Jewish community.

Survival is a basic human instinct, but hope in the resurrection is, perhaps, the most powerful component of our faith.  The great existential question of the evangelist: Even if it cost our lives, would we honor God to the very end, striving to convince our oppressors to follow Him, as well?  What is God’s heart’s desire for the world?  Paul tells us God wants everyone to be saved.  How much so?  Jesus laid down His life for the world.  John 3:16-17 The Lord honored Jesus’ sacrifice by raising Him up again, and He promises the same for all believers.  This truth emboldens us to lay down our lives, even unto death, if required.  

Evangelism is about laying down our lives so that others might see our example and choose to believe in Jesus.  It’s not a “believe or die” scenario.  It’s more like “believe and live.” The essence of servanthood is saying “no” to our individual rights and “yes” to personal righteousness.

“As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies.  These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith.”  1 Timothy 1:3-5 (HCSB)

There are a growing number of churches that have adopted a diminished view of “calling.”  That is to say, they don’t believe that God cares what you do with your life as long as you’re not pursuing sin.  I don’t understand how that theology is supported Biblically.

When I read the Bible, the concept I see being reinforced is the theology of “calling.”  That is, God calls people personally, to specific places, to minister to specific people with a specific message for a specific amount of time.  If there were no “calling,” why would anyone suffer for the gospel?  We would simply avoid the uncomfortable, following the ministry path of least resistance.  Why suffer if God doesn’t care about the details of your life choices?  

God beckons us to a certain salvation from a certain hell.  He equips us with certain gifts and calls us to certain places to deliver certain messages to certain people.  We labor with  certain hope that our work will be certainly completed by His Spirit.  “Calling” compels us to go.  Calling emboldens us to persevere, enduring hardship.  Calling ensures victory through the power of His Spirit.   And “calling” is not just for pastors.  It encompasses ALL believers.  We are all called, and God has specific plans for each of us.

Let’s examine Timothy’s calling:

Certain place:  He was dispatched to Ephesus.

Certain time frame: He was told to stay there.

Certain people: He was to speak to the church leaders in Ephesus who had strayed from Paul’s teaching.

Certain message:  He was to command the church leaders to get back on track.

Certain hope:  With correct instruction applied over time, the congregation members would develop loving hearts, good consciences, and sincere faith.

There is a story of a fashion designer notorious for mending clothes backstage at her New York runway shows.  When asked why she didn’t assign the task of mending to a junior designer, she smartly replied, “Because it’s my name on the tag.”

God cares enough to call us into salvation and His service.  We bear His name.  God cares about your choices because His name is on your life.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of 2 Thessalonians 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?  And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.  For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.  And then the lawless one will be revealed…”  2 Thessalonians 2:5-8a (NKJV)

Paul spoke of his administration in the earlier epistles to reveal the “mystery of the gospel.”  That mystery can be summarized as follows: Gentiles get in, too.  That is, Messiah’s grace is offered freely to all who will believe by faith, regardless of ethnicity.  No longer a mystery, today’s “Church-at-large” is comprised of mostly Gentiles.

The gospel’s mystery is still mysterious in most Jewish synagogues, but hopefully not for long!

So, what is the “mystery of lawlessness”?  The mystery of lawlessness is the polar opposite of the “promise of lawlessness.”  Lawlessness promises liberty without accountability.  “If it feels good, do it.”  On the surface, that’s a great idea…but when lawlessness is promised to EVERYONE, every man becomes a law unto himself.  The result is anarchy.

“Anarchy!”  It’s a great punk rock slogan, but if you’ve ever been in the midst of full-on civil unrest, you’ll wish you’d never been born.  One 4th of July in downtown Memphis, I watched patriotic revelry turn to pure anarchy as rival gang members squared off.  In a moment’s spark, thousands of citizens were running for their lives.  

The mystery of lawlessness is that the absence of law promotes terror and anxiety, not freedom.  A lawless society does not find balance.  Rather, it implodes and resounds with waves of selfishness.  Our present “post-modern” culture is defined by the trend against absolutes.  Well, it doesn’t get more absolute than a law!  So, as professing followers of Jesus distance themselves from God’s Word as the ultimate authority, they are actually promoting lawlessness with the promise of more religious freedom.  They are obviously ignorant of the “mystery” of lawlessness, which will produce the opposite effect they hope for.  They are setting the stage for the day of antichrist, softening the Church-at-large.

Antichrist will promise to completely abolish the law, like a false light peering past the curtain of the Holy Spirit.  But when fully revealed, lawlessness will have led the world into enslavement to the ultimate self-worshipper, Satan.      

Jesus said, “I came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it.” Matthew 5:17.  Jesus freed the believer from the law’s penalty by fulfilling the Torah through His death on the cross, as evidenced by His resurrection.  Yet, the law remains fully intact.  How else would people be held accountable?  True liberty can only be obtained by the fulfillment of the law, not the removal of it.

“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.  This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels.” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (NIV)

My wife and I have four children.  At times, it is challenging to keep a secret in our house.  There are just too many people and too little space for privacy.  At times, we have developed an elaborate holiday shopping process.  Everyone shops on the same day, yet nobody knows what they’re getting until they open their presents.

When it comes to gift-giving, my kids demand FAIRNESS.  Everyone must get the same amount.  If it were discovered that we spent more on one sibling, there would be a huge whine-fest until next year.

Adults have similar expectations about God.  “God must be fair!”

You’ll be disappointed if your hope of God’s goodness is weighed on your scale for His fairness.  God is not fair.  (See also: Ecclesiastes) Fairness assumes that we should all get the same thing.  Our American understanding of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” has led us to think that everyone deserves equal portions.  

Each of us has different “callings” (or “missions” to accomplish) within God’s Kingdom.  In the Army, soldiers are rationed supplies and armaments according to their distinct missions.  Some need overwhelming supplies, and others would be hindered by excess gear to schlep.  It’s not a question of fairness or equity.  Supplies are rationed based on what is suitable for the mission.

If God is not fair, then what makes Him good?  He is good because He is JUST.  Justice does not assume all men get equal shares in life.  It simply represents that God can always be trusted to judge fairly and display His righteousness with ultimate authority.

The Thessalonian congregation endured severe persecution.  Notice Paul didn’t promise equality with other congregations.  Instead, He encouraged them to persevere as a testimony to others.  He focused their hope on God’s JUSTICE instead of a false hope of equal treatment with other believers.

Some acts of Justice may not occur in our lifetime.  Our oppressors may die believing they got away without punishment.  We hope that God will judge eventually.  Nobody escapes God’s Justice.  Paul indicated that aspects of the fullness of God’s Justice would not be fully weighed on the Thessalonian oppressors until the Lord is revealed.

Enter Grace.  Messiah took God’s judgment (of the World’s sin) upon Himself.  Through a saving relationship with Jesus, we can boldly stand before the Lord, “justified.”  Furthermore, the Grace of Messiah Jesus is offered freely to ALL who would receive it by faith.  That’s fair enough!

“So then, we must not sleep, like the rest, but we must stay awake and be serious.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.   But since we belong to the day, we must be serious and put on the armor of faith and love on our chests, and put on a helmet of the hope of salvation.  For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.  Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 (HCSB)

For the past few days, I’ve been working in my yard.  Some people like working in their yards.  When you visit their homes, it’s like entering a luxury resort.  My wife grew up in a “yard family.”  She can look at a vacant lot and envision a beautiful garden.  

When I see a vacant lot, I think, “Lucky guys, no yard work.”  I grew up in a family that prayed for August so the grass would die and we wouldn’t have to mow it!  Yes, our neighbors hated us!

I don’t like yard work because I simply don’t have a vision for what my labor could produce.  All that digging and clipping, with no immediate gratification…shrubs just don’t grow fast enough!   To paraphrase the girl group TLC, “I don’t want no shrubs.”

Sometimes, being a follower of Jesus can seem like self-sacrificing work with no foreseeable payoff.  It’s easy to get impatient, especially if we can’t visualize what we’re working towards.

The congregation at Thessalonica had problems understanding what it meant to wait on the Lord.  They had to learn to patiently endure the work of faith and the labor of love with hope.  The primary purpose of Paul’s letter was to provide the Thessalonians with an accurate vision of what their faithfulness (and faithlessness) would yield.

Paul describes the abstract concepts of “faith, hope & love” with action-oriented terms to motivate the Thessalonians.  Impatient people need a sense of momentum.  In chapter 1, Paul referenced the “Work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope.”  Later, he boils them down to “turning, serving, and waiting.”  In today’s chapter, he uses military terms.

Perhaps you are feeling impatient or even bored with (seemingly) rote Christian activities like Bible reading, prayer, or church service.  It is important to remember we are amidst a raging spiritual war.  While we may not be experiencing a direct attack, someone around you probably is!  Eventually, we are all attacked.  If we can visualize the war in the light of our overwhelming spiritual “ammunition,” we can endure our battles with hope for the victory.

By the way, my yard is starting to take shape…by my wife’s direction and my shoveling.

“Finally then, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you must walk and please God – as you are doing – do so even more.”  1 Thessalonians 4:1 (HCSB)

There are basically two types of slaves:  those forced into it and those who willingly apply for it.

Many people have an inappropriate view of Jewish Biblical slave life.  They have the Alex Haley “Roots” and Cecil B. DeMille  “10 Commandments” views, where the slaves are constantly beaten.  Of course, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt and, under foreign oppression, were beaten.  However, within the nation of Israel, there was voluntary slavery, which was not usually physically brutal.  

I’m not making a case for slavery.  I believe it’s cruel and inhumane.  I’m just saying that Paul’s use of slave imagery was received more positively in his day than in ours.  Jewish slaves within the national Hebrew life were more respected and treated better than those of, say, the American Civil War era.

Accounts given by former slaves after the U.S. Civil War told how they got through the day.  The overall goal was to do as little as possible but just enough to avoid the whip.  That is, they didn’t want to honor their oppressors, yet they didn’t want to provoke them either.  

Some Believers in Jesus have adopted the “forced slave” mentality.  They want to know exactly how much “Jesus” it takes to avoid Hell without having to serve their Master by living a Christ-centered life.

Who has forced us to believe in Messiah that we would take that attitude?  Have we not chosen, of our own free will, to be His slaves and servants on this earth?  Why, then, would we settle to do as little as possible with our Christian lives and simply skate through life?  Why would we not give ourselves in faithful thanksgiving that God has invited us to serve Him?

Paul addresses the believers in Thessalonica by encouraging the progress they had made.  But Paul goes further.  He says, “As you are doing – do so even more.”  While there are legitimate times of rest and refreshment, the momentum of our lives should always be moving forward and upward.  We have come a long way since we became believers in Messiah Jesus; God be praised!  Here’s our challenge: Let’s go further!

“In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened.  For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the Tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.”  1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 (HCSB)

Reggie had no reason to be running college cross-country.  I argued with him all the way to the signup table.  Still, he signed his name on the “walk-on” list and turned away.

In high school, Reggie and I had been track and field competitors.  I had obtained a scholarship while all the colleges passed him up.  Even though he hadn’t worked out in over a year, he had observed my previous track season with envy.  Bottom line is that he thought he could beat me and earn a place on the team.

I actually wanted Reggie to succeed.  I thought he had more raw talent than me, but he lacked the drive to win.  Like I said, I tried to talk him out of it.  I told him that running at the college level was harder than it looked.

The day arrived for our first practice.  The coach blew a whistle, and off we went.  The first week’s practices are always the most difficult.  They’re designed to weed out the weaker runners.  Five miles later, I returned to the starting point with the front pack.  Then I stood by Coach until everyone crossed the line…no Reggie.  The guys said he had fallen back and was “examining his lunch,” yawning in technicolor somewhere on the trail.  He never came back.

I have met many young people who could have been successful in ministry, but nobody told them it would be so hard.  Others were told but wouldn’t listen.  Maybe you’re tired of hearing me say it, but living for the Lord can be challenging.  If you expect to succeed on raw talent, you’re fooling yourself.  God has designed us to run on a combination of His Spirit, Talent, and Discipline.

More than just warning you, I have determined to train alongside you.  Hopefully, you find these daily Bible emails more inspirational than “desperational” (my word).  I pray you will endure the discipline to obtain the prize!

“So we wanted to come to you – even I, Paul, time and again – but Satan hindered us.  For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?  Is it not you?  For you are our glory and joy!”  1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 (HCSB)

When I was a kid, the cool thing was to have a brand-new pair of WHITE tennis shoes.  Everyone got new shoes for school, but a few trips to the playground quickly faded their glory.  Dirt happens.

Occasionally, a footwear miracle would occur.  Some lucky kid would defy all odds, and his shoes would retain their out-of-the-box “whiteness” for months on end.  In the fall of 1980, I was that miracle kid.  I recall the day the miracle ended.

It was well past Thanksgiving, and I had just stepped off the school bus.  The air was crisp and relatively cool for a sunny day.   I was strutting my Fred Perry “pure whites” to homeroom when, out of nowhere, Ron Street ran up and raked his muddy penny-loafer across my shoelaces!!!!  He yells, “Skid Mark!” and runs off.  Apparently, he had been jealous for some time.  I was devastated.  Some guys are just plain mean.

Speaking of mean, the Devil is mean.  There is nothing Satan wants more than to keep you from God and steal the glory of your Kingdom work.  If you are a follower of Jesus, Satan wants to make you completely ineffective.  More than a discourager, he is a destroyer.  He would kill you if allowed the opportunity.  

Now, consider Paul.  How can the guy who said, “I can do all things through Messiah, Who strengthens me.” be hindered by Satan?  Was Paul a liar?  By no means!!

Paul accomplished all that the Lord had directed him to labor towards in Thessalonica.  The church flourished despite great opposition.   But the way that God used Paul to accomplish His plan for the Thessalonians’ salvation was through the example of Paul and his colleagues enduring spiritual opposition and overcoming it by faith.  

Friends, do not be discouraged when you experience spiritual opposition.  Be encouraged that while the battle may be fierce, the victory is the Lord’s.  Satan will get his due…much the same way Ron Street got detention for scuffing my shoes.

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

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”  Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)

I love to fish, although I haven’t done it in years.  One summer, my brother and I went fishing every day despite the heat waves and thunderstorms.  I even got my picture in the paper when a news reporter noticed my devotion to the art of angling.

My favorite place to fish was my Uncle Alpha’s lake.  (They named him “Alpha” because he was the first child.)  One day, I was sitting on the edge of the dock, cooling my feet in the water, when my brother yelled, “Pick up your feet!”    I looked down, just in time to spy a huge loggerhead turtle swimming up to bite off my big toe!!  That’s when I realized you must stay alert when you’re fishing because some things may be fishing for you!

This concept of alertness transfers to evangelism.  After all, evangelism is fishing for men.  Paul says we should “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside.”  In addition to being knowledgeable of the gospel, we should be wise with it.  

We are called to be gracious to the unbeliever.  Paul directs us to intentionally season our conversations with salt.  What does he mean?  As another Bible translation put it: “…always be gracious and interesting so that you will know how to respond to any particular individual.”  There is a reason why bartenders set out bowls of pretzels: salt makes people thirsty.  If you give away pretzels, you sell more beer!

We “salt” our conversation so people will want to hear more about Jesus.  How does that play out, practically?  

For starters: listen, listen, listen!  We live in an age of information overload, and people seldom get to tell their stories.  Next, turn down the preaching and turn up the caring.  Show genuine concern for people.   People don’t care what you know ‘till they know that you care.  Try communicating on a pedestrian level.  That means dropping the “Christian-ese.” (church language) Otherwise, we may appear to be so “Heavenly-minded” that we are no “Earthly good.”

Avoid taking a secular approach, which abandons the gospel for the sake of cultural “relevance.”  Share the whole gospel, even the aspects that seem uncomfortable.  In trying to erase the differences between the Church and the world, many have become so worldly-minded that they’re no Heavenly good.   There is no such thing as a “decision for Jesus” that excludes committing to a Bible-centered life.

“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.” Matthew 7:21 (HCSB)

“Therefore, put to death what belongs to your worldly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, God’s wrath comes on the disobedient, and you once walked in these things when you were living in them.”  Colossians 3:5-7 (HCSB)

When I was young, my parents used to frequent a Chinese restaurant.  Behind the cash register at this establishment were several ornate boxes containing what I thought were “action figures,” posed amidst a constant stream of incense smoke.  I recall asking the Chinese cashier about the dolls; she told me they were her family gods.

For years, that experience formed my opinion of idolatry.  In my mind, an idol was a carving or picture of people to whom you prayed and burned incense.  I figured the idol would bless the worshipper in return for the worship.  It all seemed silly to me.  I was thankful I didn’t grow up in a culture that worshipped idols.

Fast-forward several years.

I was in my mid 20’s and deep into the music business.  I remember standing at a department store merchandise counter.  I had an armful of clothes that I figured would look really cool on stage.  The cashier zipped my credit card and discretely informed me that my card had been declined.  When I called the card company, I was astonished at how much debt I had accumulated in such a short amount of time.  That’s when I realized I myself was an idolater!

Yes, I had gotten into debt because of my idolatry.  Here’s what I mean: I had bought into a lifestyle, or “image,” which I pursued beyond Godly accountability.  I wasn’t satisfied with God’s provision, so I sold myself into the bondage of credit card companies, all to acquire an “image.”  I had bestowed power and worship to the “image” to provide success and protect my lifestyle…power and worship that belonged to God!  

Whenever I felt God was inadequately showing up for me, I simply trusted the “image” to grant me what God had denied.  And that’s how I got into credit trouble as a young man!

Paul tells us that God’s wrath comes because of our idolatry.  Maybe you have never worshipped carved stone and wooden idols.  Nevertheless, the Bible says we ALL once walked in idolatrous ways.  In some ways, perhaps, we still occasionally flirt with those former idols.  But there is HOPE for all who choose to turn from their idolatry and walk with the Lord by placing their faith and trust in Jesus.  However, when we reject His ways, we open ourselves up to His certain “rod of correction” and wrath of punishment.

“If you died with the Messiah to the elemental forces of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world?  Why do you submit to regulations: “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”?  All these regulations refer to what is destroyed by being used up; they are commands and doctrines of men.  Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.”  Colossians 2:20-23 (HCSB)

Paul begins (what we know as) this second chapter by encouraging the Colossians to pass on his letter to the Church at Laodicea.  Interestingly, the congregation at Laodicea has become synonymous with “lukewarm-ness.”

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish that you were cold or hot.  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,  I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.”  Revelation 3:15-16 (HCSB)

From Paul’s previous letters, we know that there were groups of false apostles whom Paul called “Judaizers.”  At least one of these groups came from the heart of James’ Jerusalem congregation.  The Judaizers were traveling about, telling Gentiles they had to convert to Judaism before they could accept Jesus.  Some theologians speculate that the Judaizers were, themselves, Gentiles who had converted to Judaism.  This made their testimony all the more powerful among other Gentiles and undoubtedly prompted Paul to underscore that he was “born a Jew” in Philippians 3.

By nature, most people would rather seek a compromise than take a stand.  It is the underlying reason for the emergence of the “Tea Party” movement in American politics.  Taking a stand means declaring absolutes and possibly polarizing people.  Our “post-modern” culture rejects the notion of absolutes, so “not offending” has become the goal.  

The Apostle Paul, on the other hand, was willing to go to the extreme for his convictions.  His convictions went beyond some personal preference or natural bent towards extremism.  Paul believed in God, and his foundation for belief was the Bible, matched with a personal saving relationship with Jesus.  

The problem with the congregation at Laodicea was that they tried balancing Paul’s “extremism” with that of the Judaizers.   Their compromise garnered them Jesus-themed paganism, which wasn’t true religion at all.  It overlooked certain sins, which God would never allow, and emphasized disciplines God never commanded.

Any religion worth hanging your eternal “hat” on had better be true!  And if it’s true, then it should be able to be defended.  If it can be defended, it must come from a list of absolutes.  And if those absolutes come from anywhere other than God’s Word, they may have a reputation of wisdom.  Still, they deny the power of God’s Spirit, given to all true believers, to enable them to discern the Bible’s truth, resist temptation, and build His Kingdom.  That’s precisely why we read His Word every day.  So we can know it, live it, and share it!

“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of His mystery, which is Christ [Messiah] in you, the hope of glory.  We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ [Messiah].  I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.” Colossians 1:27-29 (HCSB)

I urge you to read this chapter.  If for no other reason, it lays out the deity of Jesus.

At the moment they become a follower of Jesus, every believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.  It is God’s Spirit that teaches us and even intercedes to God on our behalf.   The Bible says there are times when the Spirit will express itself in great power.   These would be times when a work is accomplished, and there is no doubt that only God’s Spirit has achieved it.

Paul is speaking of such a time in today’s passage.  Paul notes that God is accomplishing His will through Paul, as he is strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Wouldn’t you like the Spirit to work through you as it did for Paul?  Here are some things we can learn from Paul’s testimony:  

First, God is looking for faithful believers to labor at His mission.  Are you willing to step out in faith?  Does your fear of the World keep you from possessing what is only offered to God’s faithful servants?

Second, Paul proclaimed the whole Gospel.  When you share your faith, do you withhold the essential elements of true conversion yet make people feel uncomfortable?  It is unhealthy when a person values a relationship more than they value the other person in the relationship.  Often, people withhold sharing the truth of God’s standard, mankind’s sin, and the consequence of Hell for all who refuse Jesus’ atonement.  They do this simply because they value the personal relationship with the non-believer more than they care about the non-believer’s salvation.  Such a relationship is selfish because it puts the believer’s personal social comfort ahead of the spiritual necessities of the non-believing friend.  

Paul presented the Gospel as it is.  The whole Gospel.  He told of the great love of Messiah, and he warned of the reality of Hell.  He knew very well that the message of Jesus was the cornerstone of salvation to some and a “rock of offense” to others.  Paul didn’t “market” Jesus; he “preached” Him.

Lastly, after faithfully heeding God’s call and proclaiming the complete Gospel, the Spirit worked in power and strength.  Thus, Paul saw his efforts bear fruit worthy of his suffering because he was confident God’s Spirit would bring success, according to His perfect wisdom, purpose, plan, and promise.

“I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot.  I have learned the secret of being content – whether in abundance or in need.  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.” Philippians 4:12-14 (HCSB)

Can you imagine yourself in a state of contentment?  What would make you happy?    

For me, I’m at a beach house.  I have no mortgage, no debt.  I have enough money to cover any reasonable whim.  I’m thin, tan, and there’s a south swell coming in.  Let’s go surfing!

It’s easy to be content when we’re living our dreams.

What if, instead, we were forced to endure a nightmare?  What if, while lying on my dream beach, a tsunami came and swept away the coastline?  I survived but lost the use of my legs, my family, and everything else.  Now, I’m alone, bankrupt, and physically incapacitated.

Is it possible to contently praise the Lord when our conditions are displeasing?  Paul says, “Yes!”

It is a great mystery, but true contentment is not about maintaining a positive environment.  It is also more than maintaining a positive attitude.  Contentment, or “joy,” is a gift from the Lord that transcends your particular situation and attaches itself to God’s never-changing character and promises.

Paul says he “learned it.” He endured both abundance & hardships, and God proved faithful through both!  God was faithful to deliver Paul from prison, and He was faithful when Paul was thrown into prison.  God is always faithful.  And there is peace in knowing that.  

Here is another thing we know: Whenever Paul suffered, people believed in Jesus!  They would ask, “Why else would Paul volunteer to suffer unless he KNEW Jesus was Messiah?”  Paul’s message is different from the “prosperity” gospel of today.  Paul’s approach sounds more like a “disparity” gospel!  Yet, Paul was an effective evangelist, nonetheless.

If Paul learned contentment by experiencing God’s faithfulness, he perpetuated contentment by continuing to heed God’s call.  The secret to contentment is to trust and obey the Lord through all circumstances.  We must learn to trust He will never leave or forsake us, even if following Him leads us through hard times or even martyrdom.

It is good to entrust Jesus with our “souls.” But how well do we trust Him with our lives?

“Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Messiah and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Messiah – the righteousness from God based on faith.”   Philippians 3:8b-9 (HCSB)

To be “known” is a basic human need. To be “found out” is a basic human fear.  

While some strive to project an image of perfection, I don’t think any sane person actually believes they are perfect. It reminds me of the proud man who stated, “I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.” Now, that’s denial!

Much of the anxiety in our culture is based on being “known” without being “found out.”  Here’s how it works. We are all insecure, so we buy into an image of how we should look, dress, or act. This image is always slightly bigger than life. It is the “us” we want to be. By the way, we get the image(s) from three sources: the World, the Flesh, and the Devil.  

If the image is cast well, it is never fully attainable; it is ever elusive, always barely out of reach. So, our whole lives are focused on obtaining the impossible. Even if we could obtain the image, we couldn’t sustain it for long. It is constantly morphing. The moment you finally get in fashion, the trends change!!

This is a hurdle for the contemporary church. “Contempo” means “With the times.”  The moment a congregation gets “with the times,” the times have already moved on. We must base our ministry on something more solid than a passing social, musical, or style trend. We must build on the solid foundation of Scripture, which never changes.

Deep inside, we know the image is a lie, but we continue to strive for it. This is because we are so afraid of being rejected that we hide in the World under the mask of the image. We simply want to be accepted and valued. That is also why, when people find God’s unconditional love actually determines their worth, they quickly start abandoning their Worldly image pursuits.  

Having excelled in non-Messianic Judaism, Paul made it his goal to be known ONLY as a follower of Jesus. He had once tried to live up to the image of a Perushim (a Pharisee). Compared to others, he was outwardly righteous, but inwardly, he was not at peace. Paul counted that former “image” of righteousness as rubbish because it was rooted in lies and fueled by vanity.

In short, we should be “known” as people who were formerly in need of salvation, and we should be “found out” to now be righteous by faith in Messiah, Jesus alone.

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

“For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear about me.”  Philippians 1:29-30 (HCSB)

“Hey, Paul! How are we supposed to convince sinners with THAT kind of theology? Struggling? Suffering? Dude, you don’t understand this post-modern culture…?”

Paul’s statement certainly raises some questions and concerns about what we should expect from following Jesus. The “problem of pain” is, perhaps, the Church’s greatest dilemma, moving ahead. We live in a culture of luxury. Ours is an “i-centered” world, complete with iTunes, iMessage…iChurch. The point is that our world seems to revolve around how we feel.  

You can tell our narcissism by the complaints we have about church services. “The music was off today.”  “The preaching went long.”  “The parking lot is too crowded.”    

News flash:  God connects more deeply with us through hardship than abundance. Consider the September 11th tragedy of 2001. Remember how quickly our national focus changed to “God, save us!”? Recall how soon folks abandoned the Lord once the immediate hardship seemed to diminish.

Some within the Church believe that Christians never have problems as long as they are friendly people and live according to the “golden rule.”  When such people observe your pain, they say it must be the result of your sin. Any difficulty in their life they attribute to the sins of others. This theology is negligent of Paul’s teaching. It is heresy because Paul exhorted that suffering is a GIFT from the Lord. It is part of His grace to us!

Alongside the gift of salvation, through faith in Messiah, we also receive the gift of living “in Him.”  Consider the lives of Jesus and Paul. Who wants to be beaten, stoned, shipwrecked…crucified? Yet, they considered it all joy in light of the hope set before them.

Hardship is inevitable and also a privilege for believers. How so? It builds faith.

“Blessed is a man who endures trials because when he passes the test, he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.”  James 1:12 (HCSB)

We trust God, initially, because of the observable testimony of faithful believers. When we read the Bible, we learn of God’s holiness and His faithful interaction with mankind. This leads us to trust His leading in our lives. He leads us through hardships, where we learn the REALITY of His faithfulness instead of abstractly believing in the THEORY of it. Thus, our faith and boldness builds. Observable faithfulness attracts unbelievers. And the whole process starts again.

“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.  For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.  This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.  Stand, therefore, with truth around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.  In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.” Ephesians 6:10-17 (HCSB)

In the final statements of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul elicits imagery from Israel’s dark past.  He recalls a time when Satan’s tactics were effective against the nation of Israel, which had fallen into national sin by abandoning the truth of God’s Word.  This is especially relevant to modern believers in light of recent pew surveys.  Research has uncovered that 57% of so-called “Evangelical” believers do not believe Jesus is the only way to salvation.  That assumption can only be reached by being ignorant of the Bible.  Isaiah’s warning to pre-dispersion Israel mirrors Paul’s exhortation.

“We all growl like bears and moan like doves.  We hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us.  For our transgressions have multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us.  For our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities: transgression and deception against the Lord, turning away from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lying words from the heart.  Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far off.  For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter.  Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil is plundered.” Isaiah 59:11-15a (HCSB)

Isaiah’s last sentence is relevant today because the absolute truth of God’s Word has been scuttled in so many so-called “churches” and is exchanged for a seemingly more convenient message.  When people abandon evil (repent from their sin) only to embrace a false gospel and benign operational theology, which rejects the absolute truth of the Bible, they are twice deceived!!  

Isaiah continues: “The Lord saw that there was no justice, and He was offended.  He saw that there was no man – He was amazed that there was no one interceding, so His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness supported Him.  He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation in His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and He wrapped Himself in zeal as in a cloak.” Isaiah 59:15b-17 (HCSB)

In Jesus, we are called to be those men and women who conduct spiritual battle, interceding and evangelizing, standing in the gap, and connecting people to the truth of the Gospel.  And our only weapon for which to wage the offensive is the very thing the world (and many in the church-at-large) has rejected: The sword of God’s Word!

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk – not as unwise people but as wise – making the most of the time, because the days are evil.  So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.”  Ephesians 5:15-21 (HCSB)

We live in an age where many professing believers spend very little time reading the Bible.  To be honest, most followers of the Messiah would admit they should spend more time studying God’s Word.  When asked why they spend so little time searching the Scriptures, the average believer answers that they simply don’t have the time or feel inadequate to comprehend the text.  Believers generally prefer to have the Bible filtered and dispensed through a preacher/pastor than to read it for themselves.

Today, God’s message to us through Paul’s letter is that we should be wise, careful, and understanding of the Lord’s will.  The Lord’s will comes in two varieties: Revealed and Unrevealed.

For instance, an example of God’s unrevealed “will” would be something like…how the antichrist will rise to power in the world.  While theologians may have varied opinions about end-times scenarios, we will not know precisely how God will accomplish His will until He reveals it in His time, according to His great wisdom.  Until then, the best we can do is to speculate.

As for God’s revealed will, that’s easy.  It is the Bible.  Everything we need to know about God, having a right relationship with Him, and living a blessed and fulfilled life is contained in the pages of Scripture.

Before one comes to know Jesus in a saving way, they are unwise.  They may have been successful and wise in the ways of the World, but in God’s eyes, they were foolish.  For instance, I used to live to party.  I loved the fashion of partying, party people, and mostly the music.  It all glorified my Worldly lifestyle.

But by God’s grace, I was saved, filled with the Spirit, and began reading the Bible.  Through the Bible, God began revealing how I should honor Him with my life.  The Psalmist correctly said, “He put a new song in my mouth.”  My song changed because the object of my worship had changed.          

Beyond that, when I began applying God’s instruction to my life, He began replacing my desires for “self” with the desire to serve others.

“And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.  Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.” Ephesians 4:11-14 (HCSB)

God desires that we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of His Son, Jesus.  His will is that we would each grow into mature believers with a stature that would measure up to the fullness of the Messiah.  In short, it is time for us to move beyond being consumers of ministry and begin contributing to it.

When you heard the gospel (those who have heard and believed it), you probably learned that God has a wonderful plan for your life.  That is true.  A while back, Rick Warren sold a few books aimed at helping people discover their “purpose” in life.

God’s desire for every individual is that they enter into a saving relationship with Him.  Beyond that, He desires that each of us grow in faithful maturity.  To aid us in that endeavor, He has gifted us with the Holy Spirit, Who teaches us and reveals the truth of God’s Word and “impels” us with the desire from within to obey it.

When we choose Him, He chooses and gifts us individually to serve His “body,” the greater body of the Messiah.  Some believers He endows with the ability to start ministries.  Others may prophesy, evangelize, pastor, or teach.  The list continues…

So, in which way has He called you to minister?  No matter what your occupation is, your preoccupation should be to draw nearer to God and to be used to draw others near to Him.

We read the Bible with the intent to know and obey the Lord.  In doing so, we seek to become more faithful and mature.  And we understand that while there are many opinions and “versions” of the gospel, there is only one TRUE gospel.  Therefore, pray that the Lord would reveal His truth to you so that you could not only expose the lies within false teaching, but you would also lead others in the way of truth.

“The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above.  By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery of the Messiah.  This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power.” Ephesians 3:3-7 (HCSB)

Suppose some ethnic gang hassles your neighborhood.  They extort money and terrorize your family, and it gets really bad.  This gang’s corruption has even infiltrated the government.  There’s nobody to call for help.

Now, suppose this gang’s terror has been going on for several generations.  A prejudice of hatred has grown among your community against every one of this gang’s ethnicities.  Your only hope is that you’ve been taught to believe that God would, someday, send a Deliverer Who would stop the terror.  Your whole life’s plea to God is like generations past, crying out, “Save us from those people!”

Finally, in His perfect timing, God responded to those prayers.  He sent the promised Deliverer.  You’re thinking, “Now, those people are going to get crushed!” But, instead of destroying and publicly humiliating all the members of that gang’s ethnic community, your Deliverer has other plans.  He decided to atone for their sins and offer them grace and forgiveness if they would repent and receive His atonement by faith.

How would that make you feel?  I bet your answer is close to what many Jews felt when they learned that Messiah came first to atone for sin and offer salvation to all people before He returned to judge and punish the world’s sin.  

Jesus identified that the REAL problem in the world was not primarily its different people groups; the problem was how sin had affected those cultures.  He understood that sin had infected BOTH the Jew and Gentile cultures.  Thus, Jesus did not elevate any people group above another regarding their need for atonement or its accessibility to anyone who seeks it.  He came to wipe the slate clean for all, so to speak, and give everyone a choice for a new start.  This was so that all ethnicities could glorify Him together by God’s grace and the Spirit’s enabling.

I can relate to how the Jewish leaders felt when Jesus spoke of a “good Samaritan” and commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I can also identify with the prejudice Paul faced when he asserted that the mystery of the “prophets” in the Tanakh (Old Testament) was: All of us Jews need atonement, and Gentiles can receive it, too!

“So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.  The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord.  You also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 (HCSB)

I love going to church!  Every week, folks of varied ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds come to worship the Lord together.  I love it when people who would otherwise never mingle come together in close community simply to seek God.  Most of us know Jesus in a saving way, and I pray the rest will know His salvation soon!

I didn’t grow up in a culture that readily embraced unity, even for the sake of the Gospel.  I grew up in the Southern U.S., towards the end of an era of horrible racial division.  I recall an instance when I was a fifth-grader in Mississippi.  On the way to school, my school bus pulled to the side of the road.  The door opened, and a member of the Ku Klux Klan, in full robe and hood, boarded our bus and passed out “hate literature.” You see, we were “white” kids being bussed to schools in “black” neighborhoods.  That enraged an unsavory element in the backwoods culture.

The disgusting irony of the KKK is how they use the “cross” as their central icon, albeit a burning one.  The argument that Jesus loves all people, regardless of race, to the point where He would die for them is lost on racists.  Their actions and values are by no means “Christian.”  

From reading the Bible, we understand that Jesus would never endorse the agenda of a group like the Klan!  The same goes for the actions of the Nazis, medieval Crusaders, and Spanish Inquisition.  While each of these “hate groups” claimed to speak on behalf of God, their agendas simply couldn’t jive with the life and teachings of Jesus.

That’s not to say Jesus won’t judge sin.  I am simply saying that sin is not specific to any people group.  Everyone, regardless of ethnic or social standing, is born into sin and needs atonement.  Jesus makes His gracious plea of atonement, by His grace through our faith, to all men, regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status.

I chose this passage today because the church continues to grow.  We are expanding in terms of numbers by grace and knowledge of God’s Word.   I believe God is building our group, human stone upon stone.  The cornerstone of our group is the Cornerstone of our faith: Messiah Himself.  We are diverse but unified in the knowledge that Jesus is the only way to salvation for all who believe.  Regardless of our sin origin, we share a common destination, and each of us has become an altogether new creation by His grace.  We read the Word, and we sing His praises.  It is evident He has brought us together because His Spirit abides within and among us!

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

“For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.  So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”  Galatians 6:6b-9 (HCSB)

I have spent my whole adult life in and around the Christian music business.  When I was 22 years old, I got my first record deal.  I clearly remember the day I signed that record contract.  I recall sitting across the desk from the record executive, ink still wet on the contract from my signature.  He leaned back in his chair and spouted two incredibly poignant pearls of wisdom.  The first was, “Most people fail in this business because they quit too soon,” and the second was, “Don’t quit your day gig.”

Those two statements conveyed a multitude of wisdom.   On the one hand, he wanted me to know I was in a “slow growth” industry, where investment would take considerable time to pay dividends.  But, on the other hand, he encouraged me that MY pay-off was worth the wait, and HIS pay-off depended on my wise investment and patience!

The “Christian” music business can be a tricky industry.  There are multi-car pileups at the intersection of Faith and Commerce!  Some people see the “platform” as an opportunity to vainly project their image in hopes of exploiting the marketplace.  When you view yourself as a product, everyone else becomes a consumer.  That scenario doesn’t foster great personal relationships.  Eventually, an artist’s “shelf life” ends.  Those who sow their gifts in vanity reap an empty harvest.

Other artists approach the business from the standpoint of ministering to others.  Sure, they produce products for the marketplace, but the greater desire is for the music to encourage people to draw closer to God.  The well-intended artists view their time on the “shelf” as the Lord’s calling and recognize it is God’s prerogative to eventually call them elsewhere.  Yet, they never tire of doing good, no matter how high or low profile the ministry opportunity may be.  

However, wherever we are called to serve the Lord, we should each diligently sow the gospel seed in whatever mission field the Lord leads us to.  Then, we must patiently wait for God to provide growth.  When we focus less on our personal pay-off and more on the quality of fruit that develops in the lives of others, we will be less inclined to sell out or quit when times get hard.

“For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Galatians 5:13-14 (HCSB)

Beginning on Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s Eve, an elderly man handed out $20 bills to strangers.  He became known as the “Secret Santa.”  Over the next 30 years, “Secret Santa” gave away almost 2 million dollars.  

A few years ago, his identity was revealed.  In a twist of tragic irony, the “Secret Santa” who had helped so many was himself in need of benevolence.  He needed a kidney transplant and didn’t have enough money to pay for it.

For the cynics, this story is confirmation of how idiotic philanthropy is.  They say giving money without personal accountability or getting a tax deduction is terrible stewardship.  Skeptics would say people should only work their way out of poverty.  They would even say benevolence should only be left to professionals.

The cynics will no doubt fail to recognize how people worldwide rallied to pay for “Secret Santa’s” operation.  So much money poured in that a fund has been set up to spend the excess.  As a result, “Secret Santa” will end up giving more out of poverty than when he was rich!

“When that year was over, they (Egyptians) came the next year and said to him (Joseph), ‘We cannot hide from our lord that the money is gone and that all our livestock belongs to our lord.  There is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land.  Why should we die here in front of you – both us and our land?’”  Genesis 47:18-19a (HCSB)

As in the days of Joseph’s leadership in Egypt, people in America are selling themselves into bondage.  They are enslaved to credit card and mortgage companies.  America’s insatiable desire for “self” has driven it into slavery…even government shutdowns at the Federal level!  The average American household maintains over $12,000 in credit card debt.  Most of us can’t afford to give to the poor, even if we wanted to.

It reminds me of today’s passage.  Compared to the World economy, most of America’s “impoverished” still possess considerable disposable wealth.  God has blessed us with spiritual and financial wealth, not to waste it all on ourselves but to invest it in His Kingdom.  When we use our freedom to satisfy ourselves, we become slaves to our desires.  But if we love our neighbors as ourselves, the Lord (Who sees what is done in secret) will bless the faithful.

“But in the past, when you didn’t know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods.  But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces?  Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?  You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.  I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.” Galatians 4:8-10 (HCSB)

In recent years, the United States has legalized same-sex marriage.  Because these daily email devotionals go out to several foreign countries, some of you have asked for my opinion concerning this issue.

Personally, it doesn’t much matter what I think.  It’s what the Bible says that matters, and I hope you are continually weighing my observations, insights, and opinions by God’s Word, as you should with anyone else.  My ministry goal is to encourage people to read the Bible one chapter daily.  You build your faith by raising your Biblical literacy.  If you have limited time and are trying to decide between reading the day’s Bible chapter or reading my devotional, please read the Bible!

That being said, I do have Bible-based opinions on gay marriage.  First, the Bible is clear that all sex outside of heterosexual marriage is a sin.  (Hebrews 13:4)  The Bible is clear that marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman.  (Genesis 2:21-24, Matthew 19:4-6) Furthermore, the Bible is very clear as to God’s feelings about homosexual behavior. (Genesis 19:1-13; Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9)

The Bible is also clear that homosexuality is just as forgivable as all other sins: sins like pride, adultery, idol-worshipping, murder, or lying.  (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)  God promises strength for victory over sin.  (1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Pertaining to today’s passage, it does not shock me that same-sex couples want to be married.  Apart from heeding the direction of God’s Spirit, which is given to all true believers, the non-believer does not have the correct motive or desire to abstain from worldly pursuits.

To me, three great tragedies surround the legalization of gay marriage.  The first is focused on believers in Jesus who refuse to take a stand for fear of offending the gay community.  To them, I would say: Now you have offended God.

The second tragedy is focused on the “pseudo-Christian” pastors who perform gay marriage services.  There is a reckoning forthcoming.

And thirdly, perhaps most tragically, those professing to be Christians living the gay lifestyle have been sold a false gospel.  It is heresy to claim to have been set free from the elemental forces of our sin nature, accept the Grace of Jesus, claim to be called by His name, yet purposely and continuously live in defiance of the commands, precepts, statutes, and requirements that God established for His followers.

“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.

“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.

“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.

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!

“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.

“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.

“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!

“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 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?

“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!

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!

“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.

“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, 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)

“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.

“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.

“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.

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!

“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.

“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…”

“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.

“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.

"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)

“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!

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!

“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!

“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.

“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.

“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.

“ 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.

“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.

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!

“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.

“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)

“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)

“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.

“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.

“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)

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 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.

“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!

“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.

“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

“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.

“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

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!

“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.

“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.

“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 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!

“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.

“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?

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!

“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!

“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?

“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.

“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.

“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?

“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.

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!

“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.

“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)

“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!

“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.

“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.

“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.

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!

“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!

“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!

“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.