Extending radical kindness

 

The early church was known radical care and kindness. Often reaching beyond the bounds of ethnicity or even religion, the early church was known as a group who would literally give the shirt off their back for anyone in need (Luke 6). How would others respond to modern Christianity if we considered their needs above our own needs? Can you think of a way to put others first this week?

My pain is greater than your pain

 

We all suffer different kinds of pain, and sometimes it might be tempting to dismiss someone's pain, because we feel it's not like our pain. Satan argued with God that physical suffering was more distressing than emotional or financial loss (Job 2).  Can you find a way to let others share their pain without judging them or minimizing their suffering?

Do you know where you hurt?

 Richard Rohr Quote: “Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.” We see this thought acted out in the story of Hannah (1 Sam 1). When the high priest heard Hannah praying he accused her of being drunk. Instead of becoming angry, Hannah spills her greatest weakness and pain out to her accuser and is granted a great blessing from God. Are you able to face your own weaknesses?

Are you stepping away from God's love?

 When Christians talk about remaining, or continuing in the "Love of God", it often sounds like a mental exercise in remembering to love God. In the gospel of John (Jn 15:9-17), the phrase seems more related to loving God by loving others. Maybe the best way to remain in love with God, is by showing His love to others. How can you love others this week?

Paul glories in...pain?

 The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential voices of the early Church, did not brag about his position. Instead, Paul acknowledged his ongoing prayer for relief and God's refusal to take the impediment from him (2 Co 12). While we don't know what Paul suffered from, we know that this affliction did not undermine his faith or his work. What weaknesses can you be thankful for?

The Ironic Gift

 

When the affluent Christians of Jerusalem found themselves suffering a lack of status and economic opportunity, the less affluent churches of Macedonia gave what they could to assist their fellow Christians
(2 Co 8:7-15). Demonstrations of love like this caused many communities to understand the transformative power of the gospel and to embrace Christianity.

Growing the Kingdom

Most of us want to do big, memorable acts that will create a legacy of our good works, but Jesus compared the entire Kingdom of God to a very small mustard seed that grows into a large tree  Mark 4. What small acts of faith, hope, or charity can you perform as part of the expanding work of God?

On the way to worship

Psalm 130 was part of a 'playlist' of psalms sung while traveling to the Temple. This Psalm reminds us of the pain we have felt, or might be feeling as a way of preparing the ourselves for worship. Whatever our circumstances, we can choose to be like the psalmist and put our faith in God's love and power to see us through these times. How do your hard times show that God is faithful?

Paul confronts Peter with his hypocrisy

Paul was quick to confront Peter's favoritism and hypocrisy (Gal 2). Peter willingly accepted the rebuke and corrected his behaviors. As one of Christ's 'inner circle', Peter had enough influence to dismiss Paul, but by embracing Paul and the gentiles, the church has grown into a worldwide movement of faith. How do you respond when you are found doing wrong?

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

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?

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.

Powerful words

 When asked to heal a Roman military leader's servant,  (Matt 8:5-13) The leader declared that Jesus need not physically attend to the healing, but could simply speak the healing into existence. The request revealed just how power Jesus is, that his word could, by itself, heal the servant. Our words can't heal physical ailments, but our words are still very powerful. How do you use your words? To heal or to hurt?

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

How exclusive is your Jesus?

 

Every group has criteria that must be met to join it. Even the most inclusive group might require you embrace inclusivity, thus creating a criteria that must be met. Christianity's criteria is asking Christ for forgiveness (Jn 14). There is no requirement that you hold to any particular political views, or perform any tasks, or be of any race, or speak a specific language, or wear specific clothes. The only criteria is Christ.

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?