Welcoming EVERYONE - Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

 One of the earliest Christians was a eunuch in service to the queen of Ethiopia. As a eunuch, this servant was discouraged from many religious practices, but was interested in spiritual things. Phillip shared the gospel and immediately welcomed his new brother-in-faith to the church. This was signified with an impromptu baptism. Are you like Phillip, welcoming everyone into the family of God? Acts 8

Lessons in inequity

The first issue the early Church had to address was inequity in care for widows and orphans (Acts 6). The Greek population of the Church was receiving less care than the Jewish population. Rather than reduce care or attempt to explain away the inequities, the Church sought wisdom from God. God provided the disciples with a method that not only met their need, but actually spread the gospel throughout the world.

A dinner announcement

 

While dining with Jesus, Zacchaeus declared that he would give half of his wealth to the poor, and that he would repay anyone he had cheated in business with interest (Luke 19). Zacchaeus's self-sacrifice did not save him, but it did show just how serious he was about following Jesus. How serious are you when it comes to your faith?

Can you see me yet?

Jesus' story of the rich man and the beggar, Lazarus, is disturbing for a number of reasons (Lk 16). In the story, the rich man never sees the beggar, Lazarus, as a real person. Even in Hell the rich man tries to have Lazarus perform the tasks of a messenger, rather than respond to the justice that was now playing out. Do you see others, or do you see the versions of others that fit your own purposes?

Who would you exclude?

Jesus was famous for accepting the least desirable people into his teaching sessions. This often irritated the religious scholars and those who sought to live pious lives (Luke 15). Jesus made it clear that God loves everyone, especially those who are disenfranchised. In Luke 15, Jesus managed to teach both groups at one time, showing that he cares for all.  Who you would exclude from attending church or Bible study? 
 

Bargaining with God

 

In our attempts to avoid suffering, we often try to bargain with God or find some key activity that will ensure our safety or success. In Luke 13, Jesus teaches that hardships are not the result of a person's specific sin, but a result of our fallen world. The hope of the Christian is not for an easier life, but rather for the hope to come in the resurrection of our souls and of the world itself.

Healing that angers religious men

 

Rather than waiting for another time, Jesus chose to heal a man on the Sabbath day (Lk 6). In doing this, he reminded the law-keepers that God's law was given for our good, not as a way to find fault with each other. Jesus saw a man in need, and in healing that man, he gave those around him an opportunity to receive his forgiveness and instruction. Are you able to rejoice when underserving receive blessings?

The journey begins now

When Christ calls his first disciples(Matthew 4:18-22), he asks them to "follow" but he doesn't say where he is going. Instead, Christ tells the prospective disciples what they will become, "fishers of men." When we answer Christ's call to accept his sacrifice and receive his gift of forgiveness, we begin a journey that is worthy of our attention. Are you focusing on the end of your journey with Christ, or on Christ himself? 

Can you give up power?

 When King Herod discovered that the Christ, who would one day rule Herod's kingdom, had just been born, Herod was determined to hold onto his political power by killing the Christ before he could be king. Herod's desperation to remain king resulted in a death sentence for any child under the age of two. What terrible acts would you be willing to commit to hold your power or privilege? Matt 2:16-18

God's man

 

King Saul appeared to be everything Israel wanted in a king, but lacked character and a strong moral compass. God determined to remove Saul after many of Saul's inappropriate and ungodly actions. While searching for the new king, God pointed Samuel to the least likely candidate, a boy named David. During this time, God warned Samuel to look at the new king's heart, not his physique. (1 Sam 16:7).

For the Joy...

 Christ's vicarious death not only paid for our sins, but also gave us insight into what He valued. The phrase "for the joy that was set before him" (Heb 12:2) reminds us of the intensity of God's love for us. Although we have nothing to offer God, He still loves us and thought we were worth redeeming. Can you rely on God's great love when you feel insignificant, unimportant, or even worthless?

The secret origin of shame

 Shame is first found in the story of Adam and Eve. When they broke God's commandment in the Garden of Eden, they immediately felt shame and hid. God didn't force them to feel shame, they felt it before being confronted. God then provides a way to alleviate their shame, and through Jesus Christ, we have been given the ultimate remedy for our shame. Do you bring the hope of Christ, or the shame of sin?

Caring for the Cause

 God's care for His people is not always straightforward. After calling a drought on the land, Elijah suffered along with those he had cursed (1 Kings 7). God directed Elijah to a poor woman, whose suffering was undoubtedly increased by the drought. During this extreme time, she ensured the cause of  her increased suffering(Elijah) was given provision, and God blessed her for it in two unique ways.

Holding it together

Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us that was central to the creation of the universe and is still bearing the weight of all things. You might say he is holding everything together for us. Can you trust the one who holds all things to hold your life together and to give you grace to face each new personal crisis? 

Blinded by power

 

Psalm 146 warns God's people not to trust in political power, but to trust God for all of our needs. Christians have often been tempted to compromise our core values of love, compassion, and caring to gain power over others. Can you think of a time you've been more interested in "winning" or gaining power than in reaching out to help others?

Preparing for the persecution

 In Luke 19, Jesus tells a strange story to prepare the disciples for the coming persecution the church would soon endure. The story reminds us of the importance of faith and of God's ability to provide for His people even when God seems far away. While most modern Christians do not suffer persecution like the early church, we all have felt seasons where God was distant and we needed faith to believe He cared.

Does your life demonstrate how much you've been forgiven?

 

An unnamed woman demonstrated an unusual amount of care for Jesus. While Jesus was dining with a religious leader, she washed his feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and anointed him with very valuable perfumed oil. The woman was known to be a "sinner," but Jesus is not heard judging her sins. Instead, he corrects those who were offended by her, by telling a story of what love looks like.
(Lk 7:36-50)

Considering Hell

 

Jesus told a story of a man who finds himself suffering in Hell (Lk 16). The suffering described all stems from the man excluding God from his life. While considering the horrors of Hell, we should also consider that God loved us so much that He allowed His Son to suffer the pain of Hell of for us. Jesus took the Hell we deserve, Rom 3:25. The darkest punishment you can conceiver has been applied to Jesus for you.

Could you share your love in the face of hate?

 When asked, who we should love (Luke 10), Jesus responded with a story about the "good Samaritan." In the story, Jesus described a man who generously cared for another man, who should have been considered his natural enemy. The story emphasizes the care we should take in loving our enemies. How have you been able to show love to those who seem to hate you?

Happy to be here

 

Christians often use Psalm 122 to remind us of the blessing we receive when we attend church. However, we should take care no to mistake our church buildings for God's presence. When we gather, either in person or through virtual meeting (Matt 18:20), we are benefiting from seeing God's spirt in our brothers and sisters (John 14).  How are you finding others to worship with?