Southwood Lutheran Church

Act 28 - A Blog in 28 Acts

 

The End.  Read Acts 28 here.

We've reached the end of the book of Acts.  28 Books and 28 Blog posts.  Here's what happened to me as I was reading the end of Acts. Although I'd read Acts before, I couldn't remember how it ended. I really couldn't remember if it ended with Paul dead or alive.  I was thinking he did die, but I couldn't remember how.  (SPOILER: turns out he doesn't die.)

As I was reading I began to get more and more tense about what was going to happen, a riot, a shipwreck . . . what's next?  I read faster and faster rushing to get to the ending.  Ah, sweet relief, we find Paul alone in his own home preaching the Gospel and we might be content to think that he lived "happily ever after."   I found it almost comical the way I was reading this book - I've said from the beginning how much Acts reads like a novel.  I realized that I was finishing my reading of Acts in the very same way, with the very same questions. I was drawn into this story in the way that only a great story can do.  Hmmm...but now that I think about it - that might have been the point.

The final chapter ends with several statements about Hospitality:

• Verse 2 - The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.
• Verse 7 - There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.
• Verse 10 - They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
• Verse 14 - There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.

If you ask me, this is a clever ending.  First we get very obvious statements about Hospitality.  Paul is welcomed by strangers, he is taken into their homes, and he is given all of the supplies he needs for his journey.  Then, Paul calls together the leaders from Rome and speaks to them from Isaiah 6 -  "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."  Paul basically tells these leaders that while the message couldn't be more obvious - they simply don't "get it."

Paul's point has always been a Gospel about Jesus for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike.  He is preaching hospitality and he is experiencing hospitality.  Yet, as the prophet Isaiah proclaimed - the point remains obscure to most of the people who hear it. They are welcoming to him, but perhaps it is only because his Jewish background makes him more "like them."  They still do not welcome a Gospel for the Gentiles.

This part of Paul's life seems to end with a proverbial ride into the sunset.  However, there are subtle reminders to us that Paul's message is still one that many of God's people refuse to listen to today.  We often find ourselves circling up and sharing the message with only those who are "like us." Paul wanted us to look beyond ourselves and open up our hearts, homes, belongings, and gifts, so that many more people would come to know about Jesus.

This is the brilliance of Paul's ending, he has done his work and now its up to those that follow.  Paul has commissioned us to go and continue spreading the good news to the "ends of the earth."  This is an ending that involves you and I and we have a great task before us. 

• Do you ever find yourself listening to the Gospel, but not really hearing it?
• What ways are you looking outside of yourself to bring the good news to the ends of the earth? 
• Do you find ways to interact with and offer hospitality to people that are not "like you"? 
• Is this Acts 28 an ending that you can be a part of?

Pastor Sara

Thanks for joining us in this 28 part blog post!  What book are you reading next?

 

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16. We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day.  Be sure to join us in reading this entire book.  We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

 

Act 27 -- A Blog in 28 Acts

Weathering the Storm

Most of us will never experience anything so catastrophic as a shipwreck….or will we? I’ve never been on a ship at sea, but in my life I’ve encountered the perfect storm a few times. I’ve felt the waves of anxiety and fear and hopelessness come crashing across my bow and found myself reeling, just trying to stay afloat in deep water, “like a cork in the storm” (v. 15).  Haven't you? Acts 27 (read it here) has some lessons for how to make decisions in the middle of the storms of life:

• Dump the Cargo Overboard (vv. 18-20) - The storms of life force us to decide what's important. What are the real priorities in life? In crisis mode, everything else is dead weight. Survive the storm by jettisoning the unnecessary. For me, the priorities are God, family, and other close relationships. What are the priorities for you? I know I don't live every day in a way that reflects my priorities. Will it take a storm help me rediscover them?

• Don't Give Up Hope (vv. 21-26) -- Paul says, "Hey, you really blew it when you didn't listen to me. But don't dwell on that. Things will be looking up soon!" Who is the Paul in your life who can cast a vision for the future that gives you hope?

• Throw Out the Anchors and Pray for Daylight (vv. 27-29) -- Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop reaching around in the dark for a solution, to anchor yourself for a while, and to pray for insight and clarity about what to do next. It takes courage and patience to stand still and wait in the darkness. And prayer can help us with both the courage and the patience to wait it out.

• Don't Jump Ship (vv. 30-32) -- Jumping ship won't be good for you or for anybody else. Don't give up, and find someone to encourage you and help you be accountable to finding a solution instead of running away from the problem.

• EAT! (vv. 33-38) -- (Paul and my mother have something in common on this one!) Take care of yourself. Thank God for what you have and enjoy it. Share it with others. But remember that the things that are fulfilling in this life are only temporary -- and it all gets thrown overboard in the end.

• Take the Risk to Make a Landing (vv. 39-44) -- Maybe it's starting to seem a lot safer on the ship than in the shark-infested waters between the ship and the "land" in the distance (that could turn out to be a mirage after all).  When the insight you're praying for finally comes, it's not likely to look like a blinking neon light. It's more likely to be the still small voice...the land no one recognizes in v. 39. The anchors aren't supposed to be forever. The ship isn't either. Cut the anchors, put your sails to the wind, and head for the land. You might hit a reef, but you can't move toward what God has in store for you if you never raise anchor.

The story has a happy ending. Everyone makes it to shore alive. None are lost. Our endings are rarely so perfect. But imperfect endings make strategies for dealing with the storms of life all the more important.

Kim

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16. We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day.  Be sure to join us in reading this entire book.  We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Act 26 - A Blog in 28 Acts

Do you know who Festus is?

I was talking about Acts 26 with Kim, Sara and Chip and I asked them about Festus.  Festus is mentioned in Acts 26 as a Roman Govenor.  I rememberd a guy named Festus from the old television show, Gunsmoke.  They didn't know who I was talking about.  Do you?  (Check out the poll in the right hand column of this blog to add to the conversation.)

You know you are getting old when the people you work with don't remember the TV shows you watched years ago.  They didn't know anything about Festus, or Matt Dillon, or Miss Kitty or Doc.  (If you don't know what I'm talking about, its' ok.  Just humor me).  So we laughed and made jokes about my age.  Chip even asked "was it in black and white?"

I don't know if we ever went back to talking about Acts 26.  But it didn't matter.  We were having some fun (if at my expense), and that makes life a joy.

St. Paul always seemed to find joy in every situation.  He seemed to be able to get beyond the fear of the trouble he was in and find a sense of peace.  Read Acts 26 and see if you agree with me. To stand before the power of Rome in defiance takes a tremendous faith in an ever present God!

I'm not always that faithful.  Sometimes, certain situations can get me very anxious.  But I am not as anxious when I am with other followers of Christ.  When I am in Christian community I always feel uplifted...stronger.  Yes, there is power in numbers.  But there is also power in faith. A power that comes from being a part of the body of Christ.  Knowing that you don't have to walk this life alone...but that you have fellow followers of Jesus Christ who care about you along the way.  I am strengthened by the church, the body of Christ. 

Kim, Chip and Sara didn't know who Festus was. (Be sure to answer our poll question and let us know if you knew who Festus was.)  But they know who Jesus is.  And I find strength in our common faith.  It's good to be the church together! (even though some of the church doesn't even know that Matt Dillon was the sheriff of Dodge City).

Pastor Greg 

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16.  We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day.  Be sure to join us in reading this entire book.  We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Act 25 - A Blog in 28 Acts

Enjoying Where You Are on the Way to Where You're Going

Acts 25 is a chapter that is mostly narrative and on the surface it seems to contain very little devotional or deeply spiritual meaning. The cool thing about this passage is that it reveals part of the process that Paul goes through on his way to Rome. Paul had always wanted to preach in Rome and Jesus revealed to him earlier in Acts that he would get the opportunity to share Christ with people in Rome. However, his journey to Rome was a bumpy one to say the least. Here in Acts 25 he goes from trial to trial and gives his testimony before many people. Read all of Acts 25.

The Jews desperately wanted to silence Paul and his teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. In fact, they wanted to kill Paul for being the leading teacher of The Way. They wanted Paul to be transferred to another city so that they could ambush and kill him on the way there! However, God protected Paul from the zealous Jews. Paul was able to share his testimony with Festus, a Roman proconsul and eventually to Agrippa, the highest ranking Jewish official of their day. Paul remained faithful throughout the trails and continued to share his testimony at each opportunity.

Many times in life we have a sense of where we would like to be or where God is calling us to be. We know that God wants us to achieve something for him or to take a new path for him. But sometimes life seems to get in the way. We face financial, relational or time constraints. Our dreams and goals sometimes feel like they are unattainable or that maybe we misunderstood where God was trying to lead us. I think that we need to take the attitude that Paul had. He was undeterred by all of the trials that he had to face. He continued to remain faithful to Jesus in word and deed and instead of focusing on the fact that he wasn’t in Rome where he wanted to be, he made the most of every opportunity he was given.

Like Paul, we need to be people who don’t always focus on the trials of life, but instead on the promises. We need to remember that God has promised eternal life to all who believe. He has promised that walking in relationship with him will bring us true joy and fulfillment that our world can never give us. God has promised to always be with us. He wants us to remain faithful where we are along the way to where He wants us.

What is God’s plan for your future? Do you feel called to take a new step or move in a new direction? Are you making progress or do you seem to be running in quicksand? If you are currently facing trials of any sort, remember that part of following Christ is making the most of every opportunity that we are given. We need to imitate Paul and trust that God is in charge and that He will lead us to where He wants us on His timeline and not ours. Who is God calling you to share His love with? How are you making the most of the opportunities that He is giving you? Be sure to take some time this week to enjoy life no matter what is going on. Stay focused on where you are going, but don’t forget to enjoy the unexpected stops along the way.

Chip

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16.  We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day.  Be sure to join us in reading this entire book.  We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Did you see the poll?

Did you see the poll over in the right hand column of the blog? Did you wonder why we're asking you this ridiculous question about Festus?  Don't worry - be sure to check in on Wednesday March 14th - Pastor Greg has a blog post on Acts 26 that explains the discussion about the infamous Festus!

This poll question will change from time to time - go ahead and vote its totally anonymous!  Let me know if you have ideas for questions you'd like to ask our blog readers - (I'm open to poll suggestions, but should let you know that I reserve the right to veto too!)

Did you vote yet?

Pastor Sara

p.s. - I voted for the uncle on the Addams Family.

Act 24 - A Blog in 28 Acts

Two Faced Felix  Read all of Acts 24 Here.

Acts is full of interesting people, with interesting names (Dorcus and Drusilla, Festus and Felix - just to name a few.)  Today we tackle Felix.  Felix is the Governor, he is in much the same role here with Paul as Pilate was with Jesus at the end of the Gospels.  Like Jesus, Paul has been arrested at the urging of the Jewish leaders and now handed over to the government to be sentenced and punished. Now Paul is in Felix's hands and we get a sense that Felix is a greedy, ambitious, and two-faced leader.

We are told right away that Felix is "well acquainted with The Way."  It could be that he just knew something about this group of Christ followers - but it is more likely that he was actually very interested in them.  It seems might even seem to us that he is placed in this situation in order to be transformed by Jesus.  In fact, he brings his wife to Paul and together they listened as Paul spoke about faith in Jesus Christ.  We have to ask, why would a government official bring his wife to meet and learn from a prisoner if he/they weren't interested in what this prisoner was teaching?  Why would he allow Paul freedom and the benefit of his friends' assistance if not for a genuine interest in Jesus.

At first glance Felix seems to be on the cusp of a transformation in Christ.  But if we take another look, a few more details appear that will make us rethink this conclusion.   In the verses that follow we find out that Felix was inconvenienced by this message, that he was looking only for a bribe from Paul, and that he was strategically positioning himself  to be "in" with the Jews.  What? What happened here to make Felix turn away from the message about Jesus so abruptly?

The turning point is verse 25 - As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."  For Felix, righteousness and Self-control seem to be the deal breakers.  We know that Paul must have been speaking to him about the ways in which life changes when you follow Christ - for Felix this was "inconvenient."

When does following Christ become inconvenient for us? Is it with an expectation toward righteousness?  Self-control?  Is it Christ's command to us to lose our lives for his sake?  To live sacrificially?  To love our neighbors?  To put God first and foremost in our lives? 

Take some time to examine your faith.  When is it that being a follower of Christ is inconvenient for you?  Pray this week that God will strengthen you so that you can follow Jesus in every way.

Pastor Sara

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16.  We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day.  Be sure to join us in reading this entire book.  We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Act 23 - A Blog in 28 Acts

God or Religion?

The events of 9-11 were a stark reminder, especially for Americans, of the destructive power of religious fanaticism. As fresh as it is for us, religious fanaticism is really nothing new. It led to the crucifixion of Jesus, the stoning of Stephen, and in Acts 23, it leads a group of 40 men to plan a way to ambush and kill Paul. Read all of Acts 23 here. (And lest those of us who live in glass churches throw stones, don’t forget about the Crusades.)

All of these examples have some basic commonalities:

• People isolate themselves from others
• Plans are shrouded in secrecy
• Commonly held ethical principles are violated (don't lie; don't kill)

Although the examples are extreme, they illustrate the twisted-in-on-itself nature of choosing “religion” over “following God.” In more subtle ways, we make choices between religion and God every day. It's usually easier to call it out in others than it is to see it in ourselves, but we all do it. Here are some more common examples:

• When being Lutheran or Methodist or Catholic (insert your denomination of choice) is more important than being Christian
• When being Christian is more important than being a disciple of Christ (they’re not always synonymous)
• When we're insiders and others are outsiders
• When we place a higher value on being right than on loving people
• When we territorially protect the institution at the expense of caring for the individual

In Acts 23, one of the Pharisees in the Council accusing Paul asks a good question, "What if it turns out we're fighting against God?" It's a question I want to ask myself as I make decisions as a leader in the church. Am I following God or just maintaining the religious institution? It's a serious question....but here's a light-hearted look at what the difference between "being religious" vs. "following God" might look like today.

Kim

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16. We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day. Be sure to join us in reading this entire book. We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Act 22 - A Blog in 28 Acts

Can I have a Testimony!  Read All of Acts 22 here.

In Acts 22, St. Paul gives his testimony.  He is sharing with the people the kind of person he "used to be" and how God is now using him in a new way.  It is a powerful testimony that displays how God can even use someone like Paul (who in his former life was nothing more than a glorified bounty hunter of Christians).  God changed Paul into the most successful evangelist the Christian church has ever known. Amazing! 

His testimony reminds me of how powerful God's transforming love is.  It can really change people from the inside out!  It transformed Paul, and it can transform you and me.

His testimony also prompts me to ask myself; What's my testimony? How can I share with people the transformation that God has made within my heart?  What difference does my relationship with Jesus make in the way I think and behave? 

These are questions we all should ask.  In fact, we should know our answers to them, because someday we will be with someone who will need to hear how God has transformed us into a new being.  It will be our opportunity to really touch someone with the incredible grace and transforming love of God by sharing our own testimony.  And who knows, that testimony might be the very thing that person needs to hear to begin a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ!

Today, think of your own testimony.  How has God made a change in you?  How are you different because of his love and grace in your life?  Then prepare to share it with someone.  Because you never know when the opportunity will offer itself when someone may ask; "Can I have a testimony?"

Pastor Greg

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16. We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day. Be sure to join us in reading this entire book. We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Act 21 - A Blog in 28 Acts

Thy Will Be Done.
Read all of Acts 21 here.

After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." - Acts 21:10-14

Thy will be done. We say these words every time we recite the Lord’s Prayer. We talk about doing God’s will. But do we really understand what God’s will could demand of us? Sometimes God’s will is easy to understand and accomplish. Other times it seems nearly impossible to comprehend and terrifying to accomplish. It seemed that way for Jesus. For Jesus, God’s will meant sacrificing his life for all of us. For Paul, it meant giving his life up as a testimony to Jesus.

In this story, we read that Paul was with some of his friends in Caesarea when a prophet named Agabus came to him and described his upcoming imprisonment for the Gospel and future suffering. Paul’s friends pleaded with him not to go and to avoid the suffering to come, but Paul responds decisively, “I am not only ready to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Apparently, Paul said it with such conviction that he couldn’t be convinced otherwise. Finally the only thing left for the people to say is, “The Lord’s will be done”. Paul’s friends understood that as hard as it was for them to fathom, Paul’s destiny was to suffer for the cause of Christ. What faith Paul had! What deep understanding of the ways of God his friends had!

Put yourself in this story today. What if you were Paul and a prophet approached you and told you that you would be imprisoned and tortured when you traveled to a nearby city? Then imagine that all of your closest friends were begging you not to go. But you have deep conviction that you are supposed to go to that city because God wants you to and because you actually choose to suffer for Christ’s name to be glorified. Imagine this situation if your best friend is Paul. How hard would it be to accept that God actually wants your friend to be imprisoned for His sake?

I am amazed and humbled by the faith and trust of the people in this passage. Paul had the courage to know what was right. His friends trusted God in the midst of their fear and grief. God’s will isn’t always pleasant or easy. When God calls you to do something difficult or to suffer something for His name, will you be ready to say, “The Lord’s will be done”?

Chip

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16. We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day. Be sure to join us in reading this entire book. We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.

Act 20 - A Blog in 28 Acts

The Long Goodbye. Read all of Acts 20 Here.

Growing up I learned what Minnesotans affectionately call "the long goodbye." There are about 10 steps involved.  When visiting the home of a friend, its good to know the proper way to say good bye. 

• First look at your watch and mention that you should get going.
• After about 10 minutes, stand up and mention again that you should be going.  Make no sudden movements.
• In about five more minutes you will get your coat on and move toward the door.  At this point, you will usually have one hand on the door knob, but your conversation will likely continue before you actually open the door.
• It is not unlikely that a topic will come up and you will move back into the house or back yard to see the garden or the latest home-improvement project.  At this point you may have to move back to the first step.
• When you do go outside, don't be surprised if your host goes with you and continues to converse for even 10 more minutes.
• When you do get in your car, you should roll down the window and lean out so that your host doesn't think you're trying to rush off.
• As you start to pull away your host will probably walk a few steps with your car and then stand waving until your car is no longer in site.  Don't drive away to quickly.  Look back at least once.

You really should begin these steps about a half hour or more before your car will actually be driving away.  Remember, this "long goodbye" is done with almost every visit. You might think that the two people were never going to see each other again, when in fact they will most likely do the whole thing once more in a day or two.

In the end of Acts chapter 20, Paul is saying a "long goodbye."  He has spent not only an afternoon with these people, he has spent three years with them.  He has built churches, he has endured persecution, he has been involved in a riot, he has preached with both compassion and urgency, and now he will leave them. This is no short and sweet goodbye - this will take time.

And Paul is more willing to spend the time!  He wants to depart from these Ephesians in a way that gives honor to their relationship with each other and with God.  In his goodbye, (verses 25-36) Paul accomplishes several things:

• He is clear that they will not see him again. (vs. 25)
• He reminds them that he poured his heart out for them.  He left nothing out. (vs. 26-27)
• He gives them the task of caring for each other, empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so. (vs. 28)
• He warns them of the danger ahead, danger that might even come from within their group. (vs. 29-30)
• He commends them to God and God's word. (vs. 32)
• He reminds them that he worked among them only to proclaim the Gospel and not for any kind of payment. (vs. 33-34)
• He encourages them to support the weak and live generous lives. (vs. 35)
• Finally, he prays with them, hugs them, and grieves with them.  And then they walk him all the way to his car ship. (vs. 36-37)

Paul's relationship with these people is open and honest at the deepest and most intimate level. He is not afraid to say to them exactly what he needs to say.  He speaks to them upon this departure as if he were going to die tomorrow.  Of course Paul does know that what is ahead of him is going to be difficult, he will be imprisoned, and he will die for the sake of the Gospel.  No matter what is ahead of him or behind him, he will treat this present moment, and these current relationships as if they were the most important thing that ever happened to him.  This is a long goodbye in the very best way.

The beautiful thing about this long good-bye is that it puts the person above the planner.  Paul was an incredible example (to them and to us) of devotion to God and God's people.   So, how about it?  How about we all become experts at the long goodbye?  Or at least say "how are you?" like we really care about the answer!

What if we treated every good bye as if it were our last?  What if we entered into each conversation with each person we ever spoke to as if they were the most important person God ever put in our path?  What if we could walk away knowing that we said every single thing that needed to be said? 

Pastor Sara

This 28 part blog will post each Tuesday through Friday from April 1 through May 16.  We'll post on one chapter of Acts each day.  Be sure to join us in reading this entire book.  We'll learn about Jesus, about his disciples, and about how we can become more fully devoted followers of Christ.