Your Rights vs God's Word

 Many Christians live in areas that provide extended personal freedoms, some of which seem to even cater to our faith. While we may enjoy our freedoms, we should always consider how those freedoms might infringe on others' ability to enjoy their freedoms. Like Paul (1 Co 9), we should be willing to forego our rights when it means that others could be hurt.

Exposed to the culture

As Christians, we reject the 'world' described as the lust of the flesh, lust of eyes and pride of life (1 Jn 2:16). Sometimes we also reject the criticism and views of others by calling it 'worldly.' Rather than separating from the culture of his day, Paul used it to gain insight and to preach Christ (Acts 17). Have you ever dismissed someone's viewpoint because you believed you were too good to hear it?

Where do they go?

 

Acts 16 tells of a slave Paul heals and a prison guard Paul saved from suicide. While the stories seem to have a conclusion, the two are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. We're left to wonder what happened to them. Maybe their absence invites to imagine what happens next, or just to consider the people in our lives we've lost track of. Can you think of anyone who's disappeared from your story?

The courage of faith

 Ananias demonstrated great faith and courage by ministering to Saul, the persecutor of the Church (Acts 9). Although Saul was certainly a threat to any follower of Christ, Ananias followed God's command to find Saul and teach him about the way of Christ. Saul was healed of his physical and spiritual blindness and became one of the most important figures of the New Testament.

My Damascus Road Experience

 

Many Christians look for a special sign from God to provide assurance of God's love and salvation. While some Christians, like the apostle Paul, did receive this kind of sign (Acts 9), most do not. We are often asked to simply trust in the work Christ has done (Eph 2) and expect a change of heart (James 2). Do you spend more time trying to be saved, than living as if you are saved? 

Jesus loved a doubter

 Christians know both the power and importance of faith. However, God seems willing to engage with honest skeptics. Like many of us, Thomas declared he would not believe Jesus rose from the dead unless he could tangibly verify it (Jn 20).  Jesus demonstrated unique love by allowing Thomas a thorough inspection of the crucifixion wounds. Are you honest with God about your doubts?

Embrace the open tomb

 

The cross has long been the symbol of Christianity, but the empty tomb might be more appropriate. The empty tomb reminds us that Christ shares His victory over death with us (I Cor 15). While we might not need to abandon the importance of the cross, where Christ took our punishment for sin, we should also embrace the message of life that over death represented by the empty tomb.

Death's wrappings left behind

 When the disciples examined the empty tomb, they found the wrappings that had covered the dead body of Jesus (Jn 20). In His resurrection, Jesus no longer needed death's attire. As Christians, we might consider if we are still attempting to wear the attributes of our old life which has been made 'dead' in Christ (Rm 6:6).

Hosanna

 

Although we all know that the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem ends in His crucifixion. But maybe for one day we could focus on the excitement of the crowd and the beauty of the moment (John 12). This event reminds us of the day when Christ will return and bring us true and lasting peace. What would you hope for most when Jesus returns?

Using power over prayer

 

Jesus did not come to earth with an agenda to force His way or His teachings on others. His methods were in stark contrast to the religious leaders who enforced the law of Moses with political tools such as alliances with Roman leaders. One example is found in John 18, where the religious leaders used Pilate and the Roman law to have Jesus executed. Can you think of ways you might lean on politics over prayer?

What's your wakeup call?

 

When Peter denied Christ, he was given a reminder in the form of a rooster crowing (Jn 18), which caused Peter great sorrow (Matt 26). When we understand our sin it should break our heart, but we can take comfort that God still loves us and will forgive us. 

Jesus reverses His rights

 

When Jesus washed the feet of every guest at a dinner part (Jn 13), he displayed a distinct humility often lacking in our Christian practice. As the Son of God, Jesus deserved to have his feet washed, but he not only deferred that right but also reversed it and washed everyone else's feet. Are you more interested in preserving your rights than in demonstrating Christ-like humility?

God seems to be moving slowly

Christians believe that God is actively involved in our daily struggles, but sometimes He seems very distant and uninterested. For example, when Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not immediately go to him with healing but waited until Lazarus was dead (Jn 11). Jesus was able to demonstrate his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. What pain are you suffering through now? Can God gain greater glory through it?

Where NOT to bring your problems

 When Jesus found a blind man, the religious leaders immediately asked whose sin had caused the man to be blind (Jn9). Jesus answered that sin did not cause the blindness, but the blindness was necessary as a way for Jesus to demonstrate his divinity. When you see someone suffering, do you blame them for some shortcoming, or do you see the miracles God is working through you to help ease the suffering?

The Lord's side

 

Although Christians are united in a unique equality through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26-29), we often create social structures as a way to either dominate others or to demonstrate our perceived importance. Can you think of any ways you may have leaned into pride and thought yourself better than those around you?

BePoorNoMore campaign

Christians argue about ministering to those in need of food or other physical assistance. It might be tempting to abdicate caring for either the physical or spiritual needs by focusing on one or the other. Jesus managed to feed over 5000 people and still deliver spiritual teaching (Jn 6). Do you focus on either of the spiritual or physical needs to the exclusion of other needs?

Healing the Nobleman's child

John 4 tells of a 'nobleman' who asks Jesus to come heal his sick child. The nobleman must have been surprised when Jesus asked for nothing in return, and declared the child was now healed. The nobleman demonstrated faith by taking Jesus at his word and not pressing for more details. The man returned to his home to find the child was healed as Jesus said. How can you demonstrate a similar faith?

Jesus knew her, really knew her

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In John 4, Jesus encounters a woman who had been married several times. Unlike many of us, Jesus did not judge her for her many marriages, and did not implore her to 'sin no more' as he did in other stories. Jesus demonstrated that he knew this woman, really knew her, and was willing to help her. Do you find it easier to judge or get to know those who seem very different? 

Here to condemn you

 

One of the most attractive and amazing themes of the Bible is that the perfectly holy God who created us came to earth to save us instead of to condemn us (John 3). Being a Christian means personally demonstrating this kind of love and care to the world. Are you busy condemning the world, or are you bringing the good news of God's love and redemption?  

Rebuild this temple

Christ told a group of temple officials that He would rebuild the temple that they would knock down, but the temple He was referring to was His own body  (John 2). This statement marked a huge change in how we consider access to God. Christ, as our sacrifice, is now our advocate and the person who provides us an audience with God. How do you approach God? Are you able to find a sacred space in the love of Christ?