Month: April 2018

Breakthrough

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Acts 10 

“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” Acts 10:44

In this chapter, God is moving more than ever. Peter is being used as a tool in God’s plan and everything is falling into place. Peter gives a sermon at the end of the chapter that is so powerful, the Holy Spirit falls on everyone there, even the Gentiles.

 Just before, Peter says, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts10:34). He understood God doesn’t show favoritism; it didn’t matter who you were, Jew or Gentile, as long as you feared God, you were accepted by Him. Peter had no idea what was about to happen. No idea that everyone in that room was about to confess that God is Lord, no idea that they would be speaking in tongues and wanting to be baptized.

God wants to use us as His tool just like Peter. The same spirit of God that lived in Peter, lives in us. God had to work in Peter’s heart and mind before He could work through him though. The same is true for us, God has to work in us before He can work through us, and that should be our prayer today and every day.

-Grace Rodgers

Conversion for All

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Acts 9 

Saul is the worst kind of person. In our human eyes, he is completely undeserving of love, grace and patience. We would have tried to avoid him at all costs. I­n this chapter we see a true miracle happen, Saul becomes a person we don’t recognize anymore, and God does it all to show us how much he loves us.

To understand this further let’s read what Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15-16:

“though formally I was a blasphemer, persecutor and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example”

What he means by this is that God had you in mind when he redeemed Paul. He showed his “mercy”, “perfect patience” and “overflowing grace” so that we can take hope for our own salvation and the salvation of others even when it seems like there is no hope at all. God changed Paul suddenly and without warning; Paul wasn’t preparing his heart or life to accept God, it just happened.

 This is a perfect illustration of Jesus’ suffering done for you. Saul persecutes the name of Jesus and rebels against God for YEARS. He abuses, mocks, and tears-down everything that God had built up. Jesus asks him in verse 4, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Saul doesn’t have an answer but drops everything to listen to the voice of Jesus.

 God chose Paul way before Paul chose God.

 The same love that God showed Paul, He wants to show you even when you think you’re too angry, or are too far gone, or can’t be converted, or don’t think a loved one can be converted, or aren’t good enough, or aren’t strong enough, or don’t think He can do it, God can and will suddenly and unexpectedly move and with more mercy, patience, and grace than you ever thought possible.

Grace Rodgers

Hi all! I’m Grace! I live in Michigan and attend Garden Park Church of God.  I’m an Industrial and Graphic designer and you may recognize my work at FUEL, mid-west family camp or in various projects throughout the conference. When I’m not designing you may find me rock climbing, gardening, or giving piano lessons. I’m excited to spend this post-Easter week with you!

God Makes Persecution Serve His Mission

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Acts 8

  

After the stoning of Stephen not only is there immense sadness and persecution, but Saul is now on fire to destroy the church. Christians are scattered all over Samaria and Saul is literally hunting them down. Even when it seems all hope is lost, they do NOT stop preaching the word. God makes persecution serve His mission.

 

The lesson here is not just that God turns setbacks into triumphs, but rather, when we as a church become comfortable, don’t face adversity, and get used to feeling safe, we become stagnant. We need that constant push to keep us in motion.

Persecution can obviously have harmful effects on the church, but prosperity, if not properly checked, can create even more devastation. We are constantly praying for comfort and that’s okay, but maybe we shouldn’t be afraid to pray for God to move even if it leads to persecution.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

 

Grace Rodgers

Better Than Nothing

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Read Acts 7 then watch this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oArDFU_IESQ

 

If you grew up watching Disney movies, then you most likely have heard Thumper’s most famous tagline. It’s easy to remember and fun to say while trying to mimic Thumper’s voice. “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say nothing at all.”

This line is misleading. It gives the impression that the only things we should say should be nice. (Or at least considered nice.) It is wise to use caution when saying less than nice things; however, they are still necessary for the edification of the church. If Jesus spoke nicely about everything where would we be? He probably would not have done everything he did, He might not have died and been raised if he was nice to everyone.

Speaking truth is not always easy or fun. It is often the most difficult thing to do. In Acts chapter 7 Stephen is speaking things against the temple council and their actions with handling Jesus. Stephen tells them they care more about what their ancestors have to say than God. He also calls them out on worshiping the temple and not God.

If that wasn’t enough Stephen says this “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.” Did you catch it? He called them stubborn and heartless! Ouch, that’s not very nice. What would Thumper’s father say about that one?

Here is my take away, sometimes the truths we need to say aren’t always nice or well received but are needed to break down walls, so the holy spirit is able to change others and ourselves. That change we experience from the truth being told is way Better Than Nothing.

Here is my second takeaway, TACT is important. That is why I like to follow up with a compliment after the truth has been said.

Thanks, everyone for reading this week.  I hope to see you at FUEL!

Jesse Allen

 

Does Not Perish

Acts 6 4

Acts 6

What is the difference between a Christian organization that feeds the homeless and a worldly organization that does the same? The Gospel.

I would say that the most important thing you can do when we go on mission trips, foreign or domestic, is that we prioritize the Gospel. No matter what we are handing out, whether it be food, clothes, bedding or backpacks, or the sweat of our brow, the Gospel should be included.

When the disciples began to grow in number they started to have problems with some of the widows getting food to eat. Widows were very common in that day, and they were not always able to support themselves. But they were being overlooked and it was up to the disciples to take care of them in some way. The disciples were being stretched thin already so they decided to put someone else in charge of that situation, which by today’s standards was good leadership. So that’s what they did and the issue was resolved.

Now what they did is not as important as why they did it. They did it because “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.” Acts 6:2 They recognized that anyone could had helped feed the widows, but they were called to the ministry of the word.

I would argue that we all are called to the ministry of the word. However some of us are called to that ministry in different ways because of our different gifts.  I love handing out food and things people need, it simply makes me feel good. But what tops that is when I am able to sit down and talk with someone about the Kingdom of God and Jesus. Then praying with that person. Sharing with them your heart and how the Gospel has changed your life.

Here is my take away, we are called to serve people with the Gospel. Using our gifts and abilities and our hearts. The world is more than capable of handing out things that do not last the test of time. But we have something that Does Not Perish.

-Jesse Allen

God >Men

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Acts 5:27-32

God’s Not Dead. These movies are inspiring to me. Especially the second one, where the teacher is put on trial for her comments about Jesus. Now I don’t remember the whole story but I believe she wins the court case in the end, even though she had to go through some rash times. This movie sets a modern example for what Peter and John had dealt with in Acts 5:27-32.

Peter and John are once again preaching the Gospel and spreading the news of Jesus’ resurrection when they are stopped by the High Priests and associates. They were told before to not speak of Jesus or the resurrection otherwise they would be punished. But even in the presence of powerful men Peter answers with this “We must obey God rather than man.” (Does this sound familiar? Peter himself once tried to rebuke Jesus and almost this same phrase came from Jesus’ mouth. Matthew 16:23) After that Peter and John were flogged and released, but they were glad they were able to suffer for obeying God.

In God’s Not Dead 2 the teacher did not recant her words. Meaning she willingly accepted any punishment that would be appropriate in court – including losing her teaching license. It may not seem comparable to Peter and John, however it still was a big deal.

Here is my takeaway, Christianity is not fluffy. Christ call us to “Take up our cross” and follow Him. This means that when we speak the Gospel and we stand up to obey God rather than men, that it may be the most difficult thing we do.

 

Jesse Allen

 

On the Counter

Acts 4 13

Read Acts 4 (especially verses 13-22)

Grandma Wilma was the best cook. It was universally accepted by my family. She cooked everything from homemade chicken and dumplings, to the best lemon cake you have ever had. Even when she made bacon we all fought over the little bits that were leftover. It was all so delicious.

I was a curious child so I always wanted to help grandma cook. It was fascinating. I loved to see all the different ingredients for everything and it finally got to the point where I would sit on the counter next to the stove and constantly ask questions about how everything was cooked. Thus, my love for cooking began. Now I am no well-trained chef but I can cook anything because of the principles my Grandma Wilma taught me, and I am confident that I can learn more because of the time I spent with her.

In chapter 4 of Acts, we see that Peter and John are being ridiculed for healing the man in the previous chapter. They are also still speaking about the resurrection of Jesus in such a way that it is bothering the chief priests and scribes. Not only are they speaking about this they are recognizably untrained by a temple priest; however, they are recognized by having been with Jesus. (Now he was a pretty cool guy) Apparently, Jesus’ influence led Peter and John to understand certain things and have confidence in the message that Jesus had told them to speak about the kingdom and the resurrection.

After they spoke they were threatened to death if they kept talking about the resurrection, but having seen Jesus after His resurrection they knew they did not have to fear the ones who were threatening them.

Just like my Grandma was able to teach me how to cook when I sat next to her on the counter, Jesus was able to teach and show the disciples how to teach boldly, and have confidence in the message because they had been with Him. This is the definition of discipleship. They didn’t need a fancy education to understand what Jesus had done for them, or what he had started. All they needed was to be with Him.

Here is my take away, the more time you spend in Jesus’ teachings and discovering what He said, the more confident you will be in your ability to share those teachings. Some people might even recognize you as having been with Jesus.

Jesse Allen

 

That Same Spot

The same spot

Read Acts 3:1-10

Every time I go to the store they are always in that same spot. Always holding a sign, and the majority of them never looking very happy. Not that they have any reason to be happy. They are obviously standing there for a reason that probably doesn’t make anyone want to smile.

You drive along past them, and then it happens, a waterfall of guilt, distrust, and pride hit you all at once. First, the guilt because you feel bad that you could have spent a few dollars less and helped them.

Second distrust because you don’t know what they would do with the money. Maybe they spend it on drugs. Perhaps they are an alcoholic that needs money to fill a bad habit. They possibly could just be a person with a sign and a less than honest mindset.

Third pride because now you are thinking to yourself one of two things you are justifying your restraint to give them money because of reason number two, or you are proud of yourself for turning around and giving them money or food. Either way, they probably will be there tomorrow.

I have heard of many different ways to handle the homeless and the poor, but only one way sticks out to me. That is, speaking life into someone’s situation. Jesus was the best at this, and he taught his disciples to do this too. In Acts 3 in the first scene that we see is Peter and John walking up to the temple during the hour of prayer. As they are going about their business, this crippled man, that is always in the same spot starts begging them for some money. Once he gets their attention, and Peter and John realize what is happening, Peter answers this way, (Acts 3:6) “I do not possess silver or gold but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”. And the man began to jump and praise God.

Peter and John could have easily ignored or found money to give this man, but instead, they spoke life into his situation, and a miracle happened. Now I am not saying that every situation you encounter will end up like this one. However we have something that money cannot buy, and that is a message of a great kingdom, and of a great king, that is much greater than all treasure.

Here is my take away, next time you find yourself in this situation and you are NOT ALONE, ask that person if you can pray with them, or take interest in their life, so that you may speak life into their situation just like Peter and John. You might find that they will no longer be in THAT SAME SPOT.

Jesse Allen

 

Struck, Panic, Changed

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Acts 2

Do you like cinnamon rolls? They are amazing. One of the best treats money can buy and the best way to break a diet, especially if you eat an entire can in one sitting. Well they are good as long as they aren’t burnt to a crisp.

I had cooked some tacos for chapel lunch at the Bible College that day. After I had cooked and made sure I put everything out for the tacos, I then decided to go ahead and make my plate. So I got in line, eventually sitting down to eat my delicious tacos. About my second bite into my third taco, I got a funny feeling. I slowly put my taco on my plate. After about a second or two of staring blankly at the wall I gasped, grabbing my chest, then rapidly departing my chair. I ran to the kitchen only to find twenty four smoking, burnt cinnamon rolls.  After that day I always made sure multiple people knew I was cooking cinnamon rolls.

Have you ever had one of these moments? They are, for a short time, terrifying. That is because you know you did something wrong or in my case forgot something very important. What feeling is it we feel in that moment? Our good friend Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, describes it as “pierced to the heart”. It is that moment when we are struck, then we panic, and we change.

Peter gave a powerful sermon to some who doubted about Jesus being the Christ, and how it was all of their faults that he was crucified. He talked about Jesus’ resurrection and how He fulfilled the scriptures they all knew beforehand. Scripture such as Psalm 110:1 “The LORD said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for my feet.” Which concludes that they crucified the Messiah they had all been waiting to deliver them from evil. After Peter finishes his sermon it happens to them, “they were pierced at the heart” Acts 2:37 After this they began to panic, and  ask what should they do about such events and choices they have made in the past. Peter answers them in Acts 2:38 “Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Here is my takeaway, don’t wait till its too late – you might be burning the cinnamon rolls of life. We don’t always realize that we are forgetting something, or that we are wrong, but when we do we feel pierced at the heart. Understand that you have sinned and need repentance, and forgiveness of sin.

Jesse Allen.

 

Hey My name is Jesse and I am currently in my Pastoral Internship with Blood River Church of God. I am originally from St.Louis, Missouri and love Cardinal Baseball, fish and coral aquariums and Hope for a kingdom that will be restored here on the earth. Thank you for reading!

Oh No! Not Again!

Watch this video before reading!

Pets! If you haven’t seen the movie I recommend it. One of my favorite themes in the movie is Max’s devotion to Katie. It reminds me of my childhood and all the dogs I have had over the years. It also reminds me of how dedicated the Apostles were to Jesus and the building the Kingdom. Even though they were dedicated the Apostles didn’t always know exactly what was going on. This happened with two particular events we can see in the Bible that relate to the scene you just watched out of Pets. First Jesus’ death, and second His ascension to heaven.

For the majority of us reading this, we know Jesus died and was raised. We were given the whole story after the fact. But to the disciples the three days Jesus was dead were horrible and they missed him very much. They didn’t know what to do without him, but then he was raised from the dead and everything was perfect for the disciples. But you guessed it, Jesus, like Katie came back for what seemed like only a few moments.

Now Jesus did this so that people could understand God’s plan for the future. That one day the Kingdom of God would be restored here on the earth and the resurrection of the dead was real. Acts 1:3 says “To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.” Even the disciples were asking him if he was going to restore the kingdom at that time, to which he said no one knows except the Father in Acts 1:6-7 But instead of establishing the kingdom at that point in time in its fullness Jesus gives instructions to those who believe in him in Acts 1:8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” He gives us this mission to go be witnesses of His resurrection. This also links the meaning of the kingdom with it by understanding now that resurrection is possible. (Although there are about 3 or 4 resurrections in the Bible.) After Jesus instructs the disciples to do these things they watch him ascend to heaven. The disciples, like Max, just waited at the door for some time thinking, “Oh No Not Again!” before Angels had to remind them that Jesus would be back, and to go be loyal to what he had told them. (Acts 1:10-11)

Here is my take away, GO! BE LOYAL TO JESUS AND BE HIS WITNESS. The Kingdom won’t come until this is fulfilled. He was raised from the dead so that you one day will also be raised from the dead.

 

May YHWH be with you always! Have a great Resurrection Sunday.

Jesse Allen

(Yesterday we finished reading the book of Matthew and now we will be reading through the book of Acts together – one chapter a day.  Having followed Jesus’ life through one gospel account, now we will read the account of the early church and Jesus’ apostles after he ascended into heaven. Keep reading and living and sharing His Word! )