March 13, 2023 -- Acts 26:24-29 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Boldly witnessing about Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
Acts 26:24-29 ESV

It is important to remember Paul has been falsely accused. He has been in prison now for more than two years on trumped up charges that have not been proved. He could be bitter. He could be angry. He could be railing against his opponents who have kept him in such a condition. What is he doing? He is in court and he testifying to Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. He is making the most of every opportunity for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). He is doing exactly what he always urges other Christians to do.

Nor is Paul using trickery or the tools of his age to make himself acceptable to his audience. So often the techniques for evangelism promote using the music of the world, or the stage lighting and culturally normative words or attire in order to draw people in. Paul does not use such means. He is chained. He is direct. He is speaking up for Jesus making the most of every chance he gets aware that it is the Spirit of God Who will cause the seed of the Gospel to germinate at the appropriate moment.

Fellow believer, speak of the glory of God wherever you are. Know that the unbeliever who hears you will howl, push back, and question you at every step. Of course he will. He is a non-Christian in the grip of satanic forces. There are no neutral people. One is either alive in Christ or one is fighting His kingdom tooth and nail. Wherever and whenever one speaks he is fighting the darkness and doing so to the glory of God. Our lives belong to Jesus and we are appointed as His servants and witnesses.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the faithful saints You raised up in our lives who testified to us of the grace of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the preserving work of Your Holy Spirit Who guided our steps and directed us ever deeper into Your love O Father, source of every blessing. Mighty God, help us to be bold ambassadors and faithful witnesses in all circumstances and in every place where Your mercy and providence leads us. Amen.

https://youtu.be/xV-fNmt6ZAo
Lovingkindness -- Matt Redman

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 11, 2023 -- Acts 24:22-23 -- The Acts of the Apostles: the encouraging witness of history

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

Acts 24:22-23 ESV

Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, by this time Paul had been in prison for twelve days. The charges against him were trumped up and unproven. Eventually he’d be there for two years. He’d speak his case before Jewish leaders, guards, the new governor and even King Agippa and his wife Bernice. With a key leader of the church in prison, it might seem as if the whole missionary enterprise is near extinction and in deep trouble. Until you read the Old Testament.

A wonderful summary Psalm, like 105, captures the story of Israel. The small family, starting with childless Abraham and Sarah, were promised to be a great nation. It looked like a promise that could never be fulfilled. Yet they had Isaac. Who had Jacob. Who became the father of the Twelve tribes of Israel. Whenever it seemed all hope was lost, the LORD guarded and preserved His people “when they were few in number, of little account” (Psalm 105:12).

Believers who know the story of the Old Testament do not despair for the survival of the Church. In each generation the LORD our God, by His powerful Spirit, preserved His people. No matter their circumstances, in plenty or in famine, in freedom or in a state of crushing persecution, the Spirit of God proves to be the deposit of God in the life of believers so that Jesus Christ is proclaimed in every generation, through-out history, today, and into all future days until Jesus Christ returns in glory.

Is your region of the Church struggling, seemingly pitiable because it is few in number and seemingly of little account? Remember the Old Testament, passages like Psalm 105:12-13. What seems weak and pitiable in the eyes of the world is yet greater than all the hosts of hell and torments of demons. For the Lord our God is with her. Therefore, in faith, praise the Lord, the Giver of Every good gift. Ask the Spirit for deeper insight into the Word. Trust God will use all circumstances so that He will receive the credit and the glory and His people will rely on Him with ever greater assurance that it is His great salvation, and not their own strength, which saves them and saves all who call on His Name.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name, in all parts of the universe, now and forever more. The sweep of history shows Your steadfast, unfailing love. The story of Your tender care to the rebellious nation Israel teaches the New Testament believer that Your covenant love cannot fail. You have anchored Your fame to the victory of Jesus Christ and He is seated in power at Your right hand. Glorious God, the Spirit testifies to Your unstoppable power so that the eyes of faith see not the troubles and anguish, nor the persecutions and failures of Your people, but the eyes of faith stare with wonder and a loving gaze to their Father Whose embracing arms encircle His people now and forevermore. From this place of safety and blessing, Mighty God, may Your people bless You and proclaim You until the full number of the saints are gathered in and Jesus returns. Tomorrow is Sunday, Father in heaven, by Your Spirit, stir Your people so that believers gather blessing Jesus Christ, the radiance of Your glory and the fullest proof of Your unstoppable purposes in salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/_DSjnimYlKw

Psalm 150 LIVE — Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 10, 2023 -- Acts 23:12-15 -- The Acts of the Apostles: God's purposes exposed in the honourable and the devious

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

Acts 23:12-15 ESV

Do not envy a man of violence

and do not choose any of his ways,

32 for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD,

but the upright are in his confidence.

33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

34 Toward the scorners he is scornful,

but to the humble he gives favor.

35 The wise will inherit honor,

but fools get disgrace.

Proverbs 3:31-35 ESV

The Jews involved in Paul’s imprisonment were scornful toward him and therefore toward God. It is the LORD the Spirit Who moved Paul to preach the grace of Jesus Christ, long prophesied in the Old Testament, the same Jesus Who reveals the depths of the Father’s love. The Jewish leadership, steeped in the Old Testament, should have recognized the Day of Jesus’ appearing. Instead they were violent men and devious, intent on keeping their power. By such actions they showed themselves to be under the curse of God.

The fact that God is in charge of all things is seen through these passages today. It is the LORD’s plan that Paul testify to the highest echelons of power in Rome. The evil plans of those Jewish men are sins for which they will fully be held accountable, but are also the instrument used to bring Paul before the courts and ultimately to Rome. While the humble faithfulness of Paul will be acknowledged before God in such a way that all the sufferings of Paul will be esteemed in heaven as totally purposeful, meaningful and precious in the sight of the LORD our God; simultaneously the wicked intentions of the devious are subject to great condemnation.

Christians are citizens here of earthly kingdoms, but our primary and most important citizenship, even now while we live here on earth, is in heaven. From our Faithful Father we await the reward that is yet to come. While we live in two kingdoms, how are we to distinguish true prophets and faithful Christians from false prophets and teachers?

First and foremost, know the Word of God. From it and through it all falsehoods are exposed.

Examine the fruit on the life of those who believe they are acting for God; their violence, their deviousness and disgraceful conduct will show who they really serve

Jesus prophesied that the wheat and the weeds will grow up side by each, even among believers. It can be hard to distinguish one from the other. Therefore, the follower of Jesus Christ must always know the Word, live for Jesus, bear fruit that is in keeping with repentance and guard his heart will.

Our Father in heaven forever blessed and honoured be Your Name. Who is like You?! You bring the upright into Your confidence, showing Your glorious purposes through the radiance of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior. You bless the dwelling of the righteous, giving to Your sons and daughters the inestimable treasure of Your Spirit. Triune God, may our lives reflect Your splendor and glory, inspiring the faithful to greater obedience, inspiring those You have called to Yourself to be filled with holy curiosity at our living, and inspiring the devious to reconsider their abominable ways before the hour of Judgment renders their cursed state fixed and they are cast to the fires of hell. Increase our hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/RFIr8-gH55E

Because He Lives (Official Music Video) -- Celtic Worship

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 9, 2023 -- Acts 22:22-29 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Eager Anticipation

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
Acts 22:22-29 ESV

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV

Why did Paul endure so much hardship and suffering? He was a Christian, why didn’t he just go about his ordinary business and live life comfortably until either Jesus returned or he died, at home, full of years and without all those scars and all that suffering? Important question.

The second reading, from Hebrews 9, illuminates the answer. Paul was eagerly awaiting the Savior. Such waiting is not waiting around. It is telling others Whom he is waiting for. It is learning about Jesus, more and more through reading the Bible, through spending time with other believers. It is waiting on Jesus’ return by telling others Who Jesus is, so that Paul’s own anticipation is increased every time he teaches someone else. Whenever a new believer joins the gathering of believers, anticipation increases for all.

How long does it take someone to learn how to install mini-split? There are tutorial websites that show you how someone can install one over two days. Great. What if you want to learn it as a trade? You need the schooling. You need apprenticeship. You need experience. The more you study about it and have hands on practice, the more accomplished you will become. A professional installer can have the mini split up and running in a few hours. That is the difference between an amateur and a professional. And the professional keeps honing his skills, learning to read a job site and so anticipate an easy install from one that will require more time and technical skills.

So too with the man or woman whose life is dedicated to Jesus. It is not a part-time tutorial. It is the life’s work of a Christian to know Jesus, to learn more about Him, to hone one’s understanding of who He is. It is our life’s work to eagerly anticipate His return. In so do, others will inevitably hear of Him, know Him through our eagerness for His return. There will be suffering. No doubt the home owner, who can’t install the mini-split himself, will have all kinds of ‘helpful advice’ for the professional.

‘Helpful advice’ being the useless blathering of an untrained and unskilled man who himself can’t do the work, knew enough to stop trying and so hire a professional, but despite the mess he’s made, still does not have a true estimate of his helpless condition. So too the Christian will meet people who oppose, who offer advice, who are standing in the messes they have made, so that their advice is obviously blathering. What a different when someone learns to eagerly anticipate the Savior’s return. Go ahead. Teach and train others in righteousness as you yourself through that process ever more eagerly await Jesus’ return.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Great and glorious is Your salvation. Thank You for Jesus, the Savior Whose return we eagerly anticipate. Spirit of God, so direct us that Jesus fills our thoughts, takes over as the only true hope of our souls and becomes our living. Amen.

https://youtu.be/U8zWzw_Cc2o
Keith & Kristyn Getty and Skye Peterson "Take Shelter"

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 8, 2023 -- I Peter 5:6 - 14 -- Living out loud under the Father's Mighty Hand

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

I Peter 5:6-14 ESV

You write letters?! Like ‘snail mail’ letters! Is that what you mean?! That is the shocked reply I get when people ask me what I do for my work. A part of my work is writing notes and letters of encouragement to those who are incarcerated. I smile. People write tons of texts and emails and messenger and app notes to one another each day. This is not considered "letter-writing" in our day and age. As if somehow such communication doesn't matter.

What is the content of such communication? Is it seasoned with the grace of God? Do you have a sense that every email and text, all TikTok and every Tweet is an opportunity to encourage others to stand firm in the grace of God? More darkly, perhaps your last blast of communication gives evidence you are drifting from the truth of the Gospel and you are in fact pursuing a path unworthy of a Christian.

I challenge you today, decide right now that you will intentionally use every communication to declare the grace of God. Recognize that you are a Christian whose citizenship is in heaven, but whose life is now lived in the Babylon of the world. The stench and stain of the world so easily infects everything Christians do. Recognize that the Devil, that roaring lion, wants to take a bite out of your witness so that your public face might be Christ-like, but your social media is definitely not. Resist the Devil. standing firm in your faith. Live now, in every aspect of your life knowing Jesus Christ has the dominion, the power and the glory. The Spirit is strengthening you to live in a way that is counter-cultural. The reputation of our Father in heaven is affected by what you choose to do, or choose not to do. The peace of Christ is here. Walk in it.

Our Father in heaven, in every part of the day and night, hallowed be Your Name. Let Your praise and our declaration of Your goodness touch every word we speak, write, type, text, and think. Thank You for the peace and reconciliation You have given us in Christ, our King. By the indwelling presence of Your Spirit, direct all we say and do, and help us to put a stop to all the wrong things we might engage in so that these are left undone. Let our lives be filled with the fragrance of Your goodness and peace. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Y2SGjX3iHK4
Tim Hughes -- The Beauty of Your Peace

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 7, 2023 -- Acts 21:27-36 -- The Acts of the Apostles: free or imprisoned we belong to Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”
Acts 21:27-36 ESV

But this is so unjust! The crowds were enraged against Paul and beating him up and doing these things based on false information. Here is the first piece of misinformation, that Paul was teaching everyone everywhere against the people, that is the Jewish people, and against the Law and the temple. Those are huge accusations. The next piece of misinformation is that Paul brought Trophimus the Ephesian into the inner court of the Temple. A non-Jewish person would not be allowed past the wall which divided the Jewish court from the outer court, where non-Jewish people, those who’d been drawn to the God of Israel could stand and worship.

What is recorded here in Acts is turning point in Paul’s life, the moment when he passes from being a free man to one imprisoned. Ultimately he will be in a Roman prison. Yet, even in prison he will be free because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Even though he has been falsely accused and is incarceration is on baseless and unproven accusations, Paul had confidence in the Lord his God (see Acts 20:22-23).

How easily believers stumble into the wrong-headed conclusion that God is angry with them because this or that is happening in their lives. Troubles and sickness, hard financial times and false accusations which stick against you—none of these things surprise God. He is aware. The question is, are you prepared to walk through the valley of the shadow of death? A passage like this reminds the believer to be confident He is leading you, confident He can use even these darkest of times to bring out blessing and unforeseen beauty.

Our Father in heaven, blessed and beautiful is Your Name. Forgive us for only wanting certain mercies and blessings and forgetting we are wholly and completely Yours. In the joys and in the sorrows, the hard-pressed places and spacious places we are wholly Yours. Teach us confident obedience no matter where Your providence and the circumstances of our lives lead us. You are God, our Father. You are the source of every good. Amen.

https://youtu.be/yxCb6l3jkis

I Am Not My Own - - Getty and Skye Peterson

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 6, 2023 -- Acts 21:17-20a -- The Acts of the Apostles: The Power of Testimony

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God.
Acts 21:17-20a

This is a clear case of cherry-picking on my part. I am dealing with the easiest part of the text and, for now, setting aside the much more difficult parts. Paul, who labored to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to non-Jewish people, now had returned to Jerusalem. He was giving a joyful report to those who lived among the Jews, ministered to Jewish Christians, and had to keep peace between Jewish Christians and non-Jewish Christians. The simple focus today is the power of the testimony.

The testimony of lives changed, hearts given to Jesus, and whole cities, like Ephesus, impacted because of the Gospel was electrifying. The brothers who heard it glorified God. That is what a proper testimony does. It does not focus on the teller, nor the story, but the focus and the honour all belong to the Living God.

It is God Who chose people from before the foundation of the world. It is God Who sent His Son to go after lost sheep. It is Jesus Whose blood made the way to reconciliation with the Father possible. It is the Spirit Who prompted hearts to hear Paul and his companions. It is the Spirit Who strengthens believers to face hardships. In the struggles and blessings, in the paths through the valley of the shadow of death and the sun-drenched mountain peaks of success, those sent by the Spirit to gather in the believers have the privilege of knowing their timing, their presence and their work was ordained by God so that the Church would be built up.

This is the power of testimonies rightly given. God receives the glory and the praise. The people who hear it are inspired to greater acts of service and obedience to Jesus and these all bound up in the sure hope that the Spirit will continue to work until the day of Jesus’ return.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Thank You for the new life You have given in Jesus Christ. Thank You for faithful teachers and preachers, elders and parents, and all whom You used to bring in Your people to the great congregation of those under the Great Shepherd's care. Blessed God, continue to build Your Church. By Your Spirit inspire people today to renew their efforts, no matter the hardship or cost, so that the grace of Jesus Christ will capture many people and Your pursuing love will overtake them. Amen.

https://youtu.be/tQUTvMtUhw4
Doxolgy -- Anthem Lights featuring Selah

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 4, 2023 -- Acts 20:1-4 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Mentored and Mentoring

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3 There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.
Acts 20:1-4 ESV

The Apostle Paul did a huge amount of traveling. He went from place to place bearing witness to the powerful Name of Jesus. When you look at the names on this list, names which are repeated in Paul’s letters to various churches, you learn something interesting. Paul was discipling the men who’d themselves become leaders to the next generation of the followers of Jesus Christ. They lived with Paul. They saw what he was like in public and what he was like in private. They saw him when he was persecuted, in prison, beaten and as he encouraged the other believers through-out all his joys and afflictions. They knew his character and his utter devotion to Jesus.

These men who were discipled would, in turn, know how to make disciples. These men would know how to go back to their home communities and preach the word, bear witness to Jesus among those who do not yet know Him, and they’d be led by the Spirit to mentor the next generation of leaders. They'd learned to endure persecution and to make the most of times when the persecution slackened and this to the glory of God and the building up of His church.

Who are you mentoring in the faith? By the Spirit’s direction, into whose life are you investing time and teaching so that these grow up in the faith? You do not have to be an evangelist or a traveling missionary to accomplish this. Wherever you are, ask the Spirit: who should I be teaching? A parent can disciple an adult child to gain more and more godly skills in parenting. A boss can be an example of Jesus to his employees and have one or two particularly who are keen to grow in the knowledge of Jesus. Friendships that are most meaningful are the ones where the faith of one friend continually blesses, challenges, and helps another person in his walk with God.

A Christian believer’s life should be one of mentoring and being mentored. It is like a compass.

• There should be one friend to the North, a Christian who is more experienced in an area of life than you are. Ask that person to pour into your life. If you are a senior, have you met someone who is living well and preparing to die well and you admire their confident preparation for eternity? Are you a learning a trade, find someone whose walk with God you admire who is in that trade as well so that you will be influenced for holiness.

• Then, like a compass, there are the East and West points. Look for two peers with whom you can share your walk with God. Being open, vulnerable. Confessing sins. Encouraging towards holiness. People with whom you pray at least once a week.

• Finally, by prayer and attention to the Spirit’s leading, look for a person who is younger in the faith, someone you can mentor. Teaching another person is a great encouragement and strengthening for your own faith. It is through such mentoring the Christian community raises up leaders. It is through mentoring that errors are corrected and wrong-teaching is addressed.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the example of Jesus, Who taught His disciples in community. Thank You for the powerful work of Your Spirit in the lives of believers through-out every generation whereby in Your gift of true community, believers grow up together into Christ, the Head of the Church. Direct us, Spirit of God, to be attentive to Your promptings so that we can both disciple and be discipled in all truth with genuine humility. Thank You, faithful God, for all those who so faithfully mentored us and gave of their time and talents and teaching so that we could grow in our precious faith. Amen.

https://youtu.be/lbKxsTimrbg
Teach me, O Lord, Thy Way of Truth -- URC Synod 2012

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 3, 2023 -- Acts 19:21-28 -- The Acts of the Apostles: elements of God-centred revival

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19:21-28 ESV

Two days ago we examined the fact that Paul preached up to five hours, every day, in the Hall of Tyrannus. He kept this up for two years. The passage before us shows the impact of his teaching. Secular craftsmen who made gods and images of the temple for the tourist trade and for the people of Ephesus were seeing the impact of Paul’s preaching. People converted from paganism, yielding their lives to Jesus, stopped buying into anything that smacked of false worship.

Isn’t that the real definition of a revival? People who get converted and radically saved stop doing things the society around them does and begin living out their faith in Jesus Christ in every aspect of life. Let's compare this true Bible revival at Ephesus with the so-called revival at Ashbury. 

First, there is Biblical teaching. That is the core of the Revival at Ephesus. Based on the reporting what happened at Ashbury neglected preaching and Bible teaching.

Second, the people who attend are transformed in such a way that ungodly activities and purchases are so reduced secular people see the change. The people who attended Ashbury, laughed, shook, and so on, but did not leave the building transformed and transforming their city.

Third, false gods and false worship are set aside in favour of the worship of the One True God. Right now there are attempts being made to seed the Ashbury revival to various other university campuses, but the focus remains inward, not focused on the Living God Who transforms people by His love and gifts them with the grace of Jesus through the power of the Spirit.

Finally, the secular folks at Ephesus raged and rioted. The Gospel threatened them. The Ashbury revival and its subsequent expressions, are celebrated and widely reported because there is no real threat to society at large. When the LORD is worshiped by His people, set apart as holy, the foundations of society are rocked.

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, writing to the church of the Thessalonians, noted there will be the coming of lawlessness in order to reveal those who do not love the truth (II Thessalonians 2:11-12). Christians must test the spirits to see if they come from God (I John 4:1-3).

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. All who are captivated by Your love are transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ and motivated by the Spirit to be whole-heartedly willing and ready, now from on, to live for You. By our study of the Scripture and devotion to pure preaching of the Word help us to discern what is right and true and noble and praiseworthy. Cause us to be salt and light in our rotting, sin-darkened world. Thank You, Faithful God, for rescuing us so that in the powerful Name of Jesus, we can go out as witnesses to Your glory. Fulfil Your promise, LORD, let Your glory cover all the earth. Amen.

https://youtu.be/VvqLuxjikoU
God Is in His Temple—Martijn de Groot

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

March 1, 2023 -- Acts 19:8-10 -- The Acts of the Apostles: that is some powerful preaching

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 19:8-10 ESV

How hungry are you for the word of God? Perhaps you are faithful and go to church once a week and watch a podcast or two on interesting topics related to the Bible? Maybe you read your Bible as much as four days out of seven and some weeks hit a full week? Did you catch the commitment Paul had to preach the Gospel in the city of Ephesus? He was rejected by the Jewish people and he withdrew from the Synagogue. So, he preached in the Hall of Tyrannus, every day! Some manuscripts noted he preached from 11 AM to 4 PM each day. No doubt there were many people equally committed to coming and hearing what he had to say.

Thirteen books of the New Testament are attributed to Paul. He is a deep thinker, a powerful theologian and a great defender of the faith. It would be amazing to hear him explain the Old Testament in such a way that believers would understand their need for Jesus. As he reasoned there, the Spirit was giving Paul great insight so when the time came, and he was imprisoned, with much time on his hands and many people he loved on his mind and heart, he'd have been prepared to write letters and theological treatises which form a large part of the New Testament. How compelling it must have been for those Ephesians to go to the Hall of Tyrannus and know they’d hear deep and beautiful teaching after teaching.

This is a huge reminder to me. The Gospel does not have to be adorned with gimmicks. The pure word, explained, is Spirit-inspired, and today remains powerful because of the work of the Holy Spirit to direct the lives of believers. If the word has become dull for the listener, it is not because God the Glorious, the Majestic One of All Eternity is any less interesting. All eternity will not be long enough to unpack the wonders of Who He Is. The length of centuries stretching into forever will constantly show the depths of God’s love given in Jesus Christ. Now, today, take the privilege of getting to know this God, Dreadful in Splendour. Read the Bible. Pray. Spend time with other Christians who love Him. Get to church, as often as it is open, to hear the Word preached. Pray for your preacher, that he will be filled to the full measure of the Spirit of God so that he will preach with insight and power.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Nothing can compare with You! ^You form light and create darkness, You make well-being and create calamity; You are the LORD Who does all things! *You determined the measurements of the earth and laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together. You commanded the morning since days began and You caused the dawn to know its place. ^You, LORD of all perfection, made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek You. In You we live and move and have our being. Triune God, You are the One we praise and adore. Feed our hungry souls with the instruction of Who You are; fill our imagination with Your grandeur so that all our days we will follow You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Amen.

^Isaiah 45:7
*Job 38:5-6
^Acts 17:26,28

https://youtu.be/UV8bv4QuDtM
Behold our God -- CBU University choir and orchestra

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 28, 2023 -- Ephesians 6:10-12 -- The Spiritual Battle and the Spiritual Resources

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV

“To be raised from spiritual death to life by Christ the King means that we are no longer followers (or prisoners) of the prince of the powers of the air (2:2). We are now the ‘opposition’…Consequently, the final proof that we have been raised up to sit with Christ in the heavenly places and now heavenly realms in a way that is worthy of him is: we keep our keep and are able to remain standing in the battle against the Evil One.”
Sinclair Ferguson

The Devil ‘will tell us a hundred true things, in order to get us to listen to the hundred and first thing he says—the lie by which he traps us’.
William Bridge

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/nGlPk7Vzy2M
The Lord's Prayer -- Susan Boyle
 

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 26, 2023 -- Acts 18:24-26 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Believers training up new believers

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Acts 18:24-26 ESV

See how Jesus’ words, in Acts 1:8ff, proved true. The apostles, empowered by the Spirit were Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, to Samaria and the ends of the earth. The book of Acts is showing how the first generation of believers disciples and trains up the next generation, setting the pattern for believers through all the ages.

Paul, the last of the apostles, taught Aquila and Priscilla the way of Jesus. He worked closely with them in the business of making tents. Obviously he instructed them in the way of salvation and they received it, because they became quite discerning. When Apollos came to their area and taught about Jesus, Priscilla and Aquila heard him and were able to explain to Apollos the way of God, so that his understanding was more accurate.

This is the pattern for believers after the time of the apostles. Believers in Jesus Christ are able to evangelize new believers. The people of God are given discernment so that errors among the believers can be corrected and the truth preserved. Believers makes disciples for Jesus who make disciples for Jesus.

When a man or a women is saved, he is given a beautiful purpose: to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever (The Shorter Catechism, Answer 1). The whole life of the believer is given to God for the work of praising Him, of teaching others, of growing in understanding, and hating sin more and more so that life bound up with knowing God becomes all his joy.

Get to church. Get refocused on loving Him and knowing Him. Get revived so that you will in turn teach others to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Our Father in heaven, You are the LORD, hallowed and ever-blessed be Your Great Name! Thank You for the generations of believers who have declared Your faithfulness and love to the next generation. Triune God, may Your praise grow in our hearts and grow in ever-swelling choruses of praise and worship reverberating here on earth until that splendid and terrible day when Jesus returns in His glory with all the holy angels. In view of Your majesty and extraordinariness, may all our inclinations to sin be revealed as petty, worthless and ugly. Ah, let our minds and souls contemplate all that is honorable, just, lovely, commendable, excellent and praise-worthy. Amen.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing -- Nathan Pacheco 
https://youtu.be/j-k32dEKrsk
 

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 25, 2023 -- Acts 18:5-8 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Preaching Christ in tumultuous times

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6 And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:5-8 ESV

Paul first preached to the Jews. They are the ones who have the covenant, the knowledge of God through the Old Testament, and the Patriarchs. It echoes what one reads in John 1, Jesus "came to His Own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:11-12). The majority of the Jewish people in Corinth rejected the Good News of Jesus. But that is not the end of the story.

Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, and his family, in fact, his entire household, believed. What beautiful evidence that all who are appointed for eternal life will come to God the Father and find in Him great grace and salvation.

What a raucous group those Corinthians were. This brief reading in Acts helps one to know why. Paul shook out his garments against them—it is a declaration he’d have nothing more to do with them. They were under the judgment of God. The Corinthian Jewish population, the great majority of them did not follow Jesus. And they resented Paul. Those few Jewish families who did follow Jesus were now intermingled with the non-Jewish people, Gentiles. There’d always been hostility among the Jews against “outsiders” and now very different people are brought together in Christ. And the Corinthians lived in a society that was radically secular and sexualized. All these factors show why the Corinthians believers had a tough time.

Dear family in Christ, it explains why believers today have a difficult time as well. The majority of people around us have not grown up going to church, or even knowing the basics about the Christian faith. The world around us is radically secular and sexualized. Bringing in new believers means the established Christian community will have much to learn and must have much patience. This requires intentional discipleship. It is the work of Christians to make disciples for Christ who make disciples for Christ. And to do this while the world opposes your mission, the Devil hates Christ and hates you and hates all believers so he will scatter seeds of fighting and dissension among you.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed and blessed be Your Name. Great are You and wonderful are all Your works. Thank You, that from the beginning of time, the Bible displays Your great love and powerful purpose in bringing people to Yourself through the work of Jesus, Your Son, our Savior. Thank You that the Devil’s schemes and confusions will never stop Your plans and purposes. Thank You, Mighty God for the powerful Spirit, given to preserve believers in the way of Jesus Christ. Help us, God of Glory, so that guided by Your Spirit Who directs us in ever deeper understanding of the Word, we will face every opposition and declare the Good News of Christ our King. Lord Jesus, by Whom the dividing walls of hostility are broken down, direct Your Spirit within us so that we can be peace-makers within the community of believers and that the world around us will see Your beauty, which is the radiant display of the Father’s great love. Amen.

https://youtu.be/U8zWzw_Cc2o
Keith & Kristyn Getty and Skye Peterson "Take Shelter"

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 24, 2023 -- Acts 18:1-4 -- The Acts of the Apostles: faithfully working and faithfully declaring God to those around us

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:1-4 ESV

Perhaps you have heard a fellow Christian use this expression: “he has a tentmaking ministry”. That expression finds its origin here. Paul, and the couple Aquila and Priscilla, made their living by their trade. Their trade happened to be making tents. Today that expression “tentmaker” is used to describe Christians who both work to support themselves and are sent off to proclaim the Gospel.

It is a deep truth. Consider these words “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (II Thessalonians 3:10 ESV). Yet many men today stay home, playing video games and RPG’s, or getting into trouble in a host of ways, not even cleaning their own house or doing appropriate chores to keep their place tidy. They live as if they were children, and this because they have become lazy and unwilling to work.

Believers who work show their devotion to God in their attitude at work. Those who have integrity and give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay are respectable.

Believers who work have opportunities to share their faith with their coworkers. It is amazing the range of things co-workers will talk about. You, believer, share your faith and the deep hope which the Spirit has given you that has its foundation on Jesus Christ.

Believers who, for whatever reason are not able to work, show their devotion to God by their willingness to volunteer, by keeping their place tidy, and by keeping their lives free from sinful practices.  

Believers who work demonstrate the Gospel in action. At every work place there will be times of drama, of misunderstanding and so on. The Christian will show his virtue as he deals with stressful and difficult circumstances. His life reveals that God is his shield and very great reward.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Great and Holy Name. Useful and important work is a joy and privilege that You give to believers. As we work, may Your Spirit empower us to live out our devotion to Jesus. Among fellow Christians who are retired may their lives show that we are not our own, but every part of our lives belongs to You. Where believers are struggling because they cannot find work, or disabilities prevent full or gainful employment, let Your people show their devotion to You by the way in which they live in times of hard circumstances. Amen.

https://youtu.be/yxCb6l3jkis

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 22, 2023 -- Acts 17:29-31 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Blowing up the idol factory of the heart

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Acts 17:29-31 ESV

The crowning proof of Jesus’ veracity (truthfulness) is the fact that He was raised from the dead. The fact of Jesus’ resurrection was attested to by the women at the empty tomb, the women who saw Jesus, the disciples and also more than 500 people. Many of those 500 were still alive as Luke wrote Acts, and the rest of New Testament was being written, so that fact could readily be verified (see I Corinthians 15:1-5 for the quotation on this).

Look how useless idols are: images formed by art and imagination of man. What a graphic and wonderful description, exposing how vain all idols are. There are many idols, or tyrants that we serve in our lives: sex, drugs, intellect, alcohol, sugar, love, family ties, art, beauty, fame, Free Masonry, music, caffeine, riches, just to name a few. That list doesn't even include the traditional idols, such as the false gods and goddesses of the Greek Pantheon. Do not be fooled into thinking because you are not serving a stone or metal image you are not an idolator. The Reformer John Calvin said something to the effect that the human heart is an idol factory. How true. When we have conquered our sins in Christ, we are so apt to form the idol of pride, admiring our dedication, forgetting every victory is given through Christ our King by His Spirit's powerful, constant and persistent work in us.

Now is the time to repent. It is a beautiful word. When one repents he has recognized the sinfulness of his ways. He knows he is trapped by error and cannot think or act his way out of his thinking and bad patterns of behaving. He needs a Rescuer. Jesus is the Rescue story of every believer. People who have been Christians for a long time recognize their need for ever deeper repentance and putting away of false gods even as the Spirit reveals such vanity to their soul and mind. Those who are new to Christ realize the uselessness and pointlessness of life without Jesus. Jesus is our life’s delight, mind’s hope and soul’s only True God. It is Jesus, Who in the strength of His Spirit, lifts us from the deadness of our sin, and brings us into the Presence of Him Who sent Jesus to rescue us, He Who Is by and through Christ truly, our Father.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! Thank You for rescuing us from our dances in the grave of addictions and false, idolatrous worship. There is none like You, in the farthest reaches of the cosmos, nor on the earth, or in the depths of the sea. There is no force or being or reality that even comes close to the beauty, and terrible magnificence of Who You Are. Thank You, Father in heaven, for Jesus Christ, Whom You appointed both Savior and Judge in righteousness. Thank You, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit Who moves us to study the Word, to learn more of You, so that our insatiable hungers are satisfied in You alone. Amen.
 

https://youtu.be/9Yr48Berkqc
Zach Williams He Is my Rescue Story

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 21, 2023 -- Acts 17:16 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Provoked by the Spirit

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.
Acts 17:16 ESV

It would be easy to pass by this sentence and go on to the passage where Paul is powerfully, eloquently, arguing for the Christian faith. His address to the people of  Athens is much studied. The speech is stirring and powerful. But do not miss today's words. Paul, who was pursued by Jesus, held by the Spirit for the good works which God had prepared in advance for him to do, was provoked. That word provoked is an interesting one. It means to be excited, irritated, moved to action. What stirred up these emotions? The city of Athens was full of idols and Paul, set free from the power of all that is false, was moved by the slavery of the people who thought themselves free and wise.

Fellow believer, what a contrast to our usual way of behaving. In movies we can be brought to the point of cheering for the criminal. In books we read, the author can deftly sketch the character so well that the reader looks past all the wrongs and cheers for the man who remains unregenerate, that is, unchanged. It is the familiar song, the anthem and theme in the life of many people “I did it my way”. The people of the world around us are chained in deep sin and gloomy darkness even while they blindly celebrate their supposed freedom and enlightened way of living.

Paul was stirred up because he had been captivated by Jesus Christ. Once his soul was released from bondage to sin and the things he used to worship in his own life were exposed as false and worthless he could by the Spirit's discernment easily spot the chains that bind others. When a man or a woman has been freed from sin and brought into the grace of Jesus Christ, all other lesser things and objects that used to be worshiped are thrown into murky shadows because of the brilliance of Christ. Paul was compelled to speak because he knew the terrible stranglehold old sins have on those who chase after anything other than the One True, Living God, our Father. It is what moves you, believer, to speak to the people around you. It is for freedom that Jesus has set you free, so that by the power of His Spirit you will tell others this good news.

Father in heaven, great and beautiful is Your Name! May those chained in the darkness of false worship and worldly idolatry move us, provoke us, so that stirred by Your Spirit we will boldly declare the true freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ! Thank You for the beauty and power of Scripture, which shines with brilliance in every age and goes with undiminished power to every generation. Captured as we are by Your love, help us to show, teach, and model for all those around us, the joy of living a life devoted to Jesus Christ which is fueled by the Spirit Who makes the Bible living and exciting for us, so that our lives are lived for the honour and glory of our Father in heaven. Help us, Triune God of Majesty, to make disciples for Jesus Christ who make disciples for Jesus Christ. Amen.

https://youtu.be/n13KAkE5xrE

The King in All His Beauty (Live from Sing 2022!) Getty Music

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 18, 2023 -- Acts 17:10-12 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Seeking the Will of God

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.
Acts 17:10-12 ESV

Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ notice what the Bereans did not do and compare it to what they did. They did not seek signs. They did not seek spiritual insight without consulting the Old Testament. They did not demand healings and miracles before believing. By way of contrast: they did use their minds. They did open the Old Testament and prove the words of Paul and Silas and confirmed the truth of Jesus and His salvific work. The Old Testament points the believer to Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work.

Hebrews 1 reminds believers that in the Old Testament times the Father spoke through the prophets. However, in the New Testament, the final and best word is Jesus. Those who walked with Him and knew Him and saw His miracles recorded the New Testament. After that signs and miracles and prophetic utterances ceased. It is the word of God that directs believers. It is the prayerful examination of the Bible that directs the lives of believers.

One reads in Deuteronomy “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever that we may do all the words of this Law” (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV). God has taught us His will. It is found in the Law and in Jesus’ summary of the Law: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-39). As it was then for the Bereans, so it is today for us, if we want to know what God would have us do we prayerfully research the Bible, know it, learn it, delight in it. And by it the Lord will guide our path.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,
   on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
   and forgive us our debts,
   as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, 
   but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and glory,
   forever and ever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/lbKxsTimrbg
"Teach Me, O Lord, Thy way of Truth"
 

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 17, 2023 -- Acts 17:1-5 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Suffering and the assurance of faith

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
Acts 17:1-5 ESV

Paul and Silas explained to the Jewish people in Thessalonica, and all non-Jewish people who would listen, that Jesus had to suffer. Contrary to what many people say, Jesus was not unexpectedly betrayed, falsely accused, and helplessly led to the cross. No, it was appointed by the Father that the Messiah, that is the anointed One Jesus, had to suffer, and rise from the dead. For many people that is surprising news. For others this challenges the comfortable myth that Jesus was merely a great teacher.

First, it means that the Old Testament is critical if a believer would understand the work of God. It is the only Scriptures that Paul and Silas had at the time. Jesus receives the punishment of God against sin. It is why He had to suffer.

Second, it is consistent with Jesus’ own view of His life and dead and ministry. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to two men who were on the Road to Emmaus, and He explained why He had to suffer (Luke 24:25-27).

Third, it explains why the followers of Jesus are so prepared to suffer as well. Paul and Silas experience hardships and suffering for the sake of Jesus. Jesus informed His disciples and all who subsequently would follow Him, “Remember the word that I said to you: “‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my words, they will also keeps yours” (John 15:20).

Fellow believers, be encouraged. People will be impacted by your faith in Jesus Christ. When others push back, or hate you, the suffering you experience will prove the words of Jesus, refine your faith, and increase your prayer life. Trust this too, the same Spirit given to Jesus without measure (John 3:34), has been give to all who believe so that we can live for Jesus.

Our prayer today is Psalm 27. Believers, through-out the centuries and generations have prayed this to bless God, because He has given us these words. The words are deep and profound reassurance also.

Of David.

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me
    to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
    it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
    that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
    and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.

Psalm 27:1-5 ESV

https://youtu.be/vBjM47zICos
"Holy, Holy, Holy!" Martijn de Groot

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 15, 2023 -- Acts 16:25 -- The Acts of the Apostles: Suffering and Singing

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,
Acts 16:25 ESV

10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
    let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
    and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.
I Peter 3:10-14 ESV

Suffering. We all go through it. Could be sickness. Could be the death of a loved one. Could be suffering under an unjust boss. Could be strains and stresses within your family. Could be any number of things. How do you endure suffering and the wrongs committed against you?

Paul and Silas were in prison, suffering for the sake of the Gospel, and they were praying and singing hymns to God. Now that is a powerful testimony. The other prisoners could hear them and must have wondered how they could be so confident in God in that place. In his letter to believers, Peter reminds them and us our lives will have suffering. How you endure this suffering points to whom you serve. Those who follow Christ Jesus will suffer all the suffering common to all people, and in addition will suffer for belonging to Jesus. The Scriptures today remind us to endure all suffering of any kind with the grace of the Spirit in such a way that the people around us will see Jesus Christ and His glory revealed in you.

Have you failed in your suffering? Been a complainer. Been a mutterer. Been angry and cursing? Written off the people around you because of their lack of compassion? Confess it to God. He has placed you where you are. He has given you the opportunity to shine for His glory in the times of trouble. He has provided His Holy Spirit so that you can endure all things and suffering for righteousness’ sake, be blessed. Trust God the Father in this and know His love and mercy are greater than your circumstances. Know that He is preparing for you a weight of glory that far outshines whatever it is you are going through.

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. It seems almost too embarrassing and simplistic to confess it, to acknowledge all people will suffer and that I too have suffered and not carried it well. I have complained. Pointed a finger at others and discredited Christ the Captain of Salvation and the very One Who is praying for me to endure to Your glory, O God. Forgive me. Lead me to the cross where love and mercy are mingled and given to believers with such a great measure that we can, with renewed strength and confident hope in You, live as those who are suffering for righteousness' sake. Let our God-centred, and hope-fueled suffering, bring You honour and glory, King of kings and LORD of Lords, for we endure and vow to continue to endure it in the grace of Jesus and through the strength of the Spirit's work within us. Amen.

https://youtu.be/MxRnzJT5mvo

Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross — Ernie Haas

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

February 13, 2023 -- Acts 16:6-10 -- The Acts of the Apostles: The Spirit-directed life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:6-10 ESV

This passage is precious to many people at Mount Zion, the church I attend here in Moncton. At its starting a small gathering of believers met together and were seeking a denomination with which to affiliate. They asked the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the U.S. to send people to them. “Come over to Canada and help us” was their Macedonian call. Why mention this? Simply, there may be many opportunities for service in your life. So Paul’s example is helpful for us all.

Notice that Paul had opportunities in Phrygia and Galatia and Bithynia—no doubt all places that urgently needed the Gospel. However, the Spirit kept Paul from going there to preach. Instead, the Spirit brought Paul to the people who were prepared by the Spirit for the message. No doubt the A.R.P. in the US had many opportunities, but in God's grace, He gave the go ahead for the building of this ministry in Canada.

It is easy for us to think we know where the Gospel is most needed. It is tempting to go where we think we need to go and then afterwards ask for God’s blessing. It is harder, and most proper, for the people of God to seek the Lord. “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). Those who are in prayer, always setting the LORD before them in Bible reading and worship, will be prepared for the times God says “no” to a particular venture and open to going to the place where His Spirit says “yes, go”.

Consider this “If we do things for God without praying, he cannot afford the risk of allowing us to succeed. For we would get proud and would be hardened in our conviction that activism, not dependence on God, is the way for Christians to serve the Lord”. (Michael Green, I Believe in the Holy Spirit, page 22). Hm. I wonder how often I have tried to do things in my own strength or for my own glory rather than in humble service at the direction of God my King? Father, lead me in the way I should go

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. You know all things. You have directed all things for Your purpose, for Your glory, and in such a way that the Son's redeeming work will have its appointed effect. Forgive us for the misguided zeal we have, and the times we have rushed one way or another without first humbling our hearts and prayerfully consulting You. Faithful Father, direct our plans and our works by the Spirit's power so completely governing us that we will serve according to the grace of Jesus Christ, and so we shall serve You to the greatest effect and in fullness of joy. Amen.

https://youtu.be/8nbMfLQd2P4

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God — Keith and Kristyn Getty

Copyright © 2023 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.