Acts 21

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, May 4: Acts 21

V4 – “And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” If it’s not clear by now, Luke gives us one more reminder: God is the one animating Paul’s missionary movement. As we read through Luke, we’re probably not surprised that Paul receives guidance in vision — Luke has already trotted out a few examples of this in his writing. But an equally important voice emerges here: the faithful community. They urge Paul not to go on to Jerusalem, even though Paul believes strongly that he must go there. But how do we resolve this tension? Is the Spirit telling Paul to go to Jerusalem, only to tell these believers that he must not?

The next episode may help us answer the question. Paul arrives at Ptolemais and the believers share another Spirit-inspired vision: Agabus, using Paul’s own belt, demonstrates the binding that will occur in Jerusalem. This vision is validated: “Thus says the Holy Spirit.” But when these believers see that Paul cannot be dissuaded, they shrug their shoulders and say “Let the will of the Lord be done,” (v14).

It seems we should distinguish between prophecy and interpretation of prophecy. The prophetic word concerning Paul is predictive, not prescriptive. Paul seems convinced that God will use his time in Jerusalem as a testimony to the Gospel. To this he commits himself. And the believers tearfully say, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Posted in Gospel, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Acts 20

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, May 3: Acts 20

In Acts 20, we find Paul in Troas, joining the believers on the first day of the week. The miraculous raising of Eutychus is a reminder of the new life Christians celebrate each Sunday. The Lord’s Day is a declaration of resurrection as the church gathers in communion, for He has raised us through the power of His own rising. And we celebrate this joyously together — even as we reverently worship Him for His great love, our communion is sweet for we share it together. Each week begins with Sunday, the day of new beginnings and new life.

Paul speaks some heartfelt words to the Ephesian elders, indicating the depth of his relationship with them. Paul understands these rich relationships to be the result of God’s Kingdom power to save in Christ. Again, this is part of the communion we enjoy — life along the Way. But Paul’s words are bittersweet as he bids these believers farewell. Paul isn’t sure what will happen to him in Jerusalem, but he prepares himself for the worst: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that i received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

v28 is a helpful reminder for those in church leadership. Overseers are to serve as “under-shepherds” — those who are mindful of their commission to tend the Lord’s flock. We should never lose sight of the fact that the sheep are HIS…not ours. Anyone who shepherds a subset of the Lord’s flock would do well to remember this stewardship principle.

Posted in Church, Gospel, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | 1 Comment

Acts 19

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, May 2: Acts 19

Paul encounters some disciples in Ephesus, believers who have received John’s baptism but who lack the Holy Spirit. These “irregular” disciples are incorporated into the body — baptized in the name of Jesus and given the gift of the Spirit. Lack of understanding is not an impediment to the Kingdom in Paul’s ministry. Proper understanding comes as a result of fellowship, rather than acting as a test of it. There’s an important lesson for us here.

Paul’s interaction with the sons of Sceva underscores the transformative power of this Kingdom message. “Many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.” (v18-19). The Gospel call transforms this community, undermines the cultural norms of magic arts, and authors new life in what was previously a dark, pagan place.

The riot in Ephesus also illustrates this in depth of detail. Luke is telling us that the Gospel has implications for every facet of one’s life: social, economic, relational, etc. No dimension of our lives is off limits to the ramifications of the Good News of Jesus.

Posted in Gospel, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Acts 18

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, May 1: Acts 18

Acts 18 highlights Paul’s continued missionary travels. But I want to focus on the last part of the chapter that deals with Apollos and the correction he receives from Priscilla and Aquilla.

Apollos possesses a knowledge of the Scriptures and a great deal of eloquence, a powerful combination that he uses to bless God’s people. But for all of his fervency, Apollos knows only the baptism of John (v25). Priscilla and Aquilla graciously take Apollos under their wing and provide him with the instruction he lacks. Their example reminds us of Barnabas, the encourager who refuses to give up on Saul and John Mark and all of God’s people. Priscilla and Aquilla reach out to Apollos in a time when it would’ve been easy to leave him to fend for himself, alone in his ignorance. But their presence makes all the difference in Apollos’ life.

Today, I want to quietly give thanks for the many Priscillas and Aquillas who have pulled me aside and graciously offered correction and friendship and encouragement to me in my walk with the Lord. These embodiments of grace have richly blessed me and have made all the difference in my life. We all should be this fortunate.

Posted in Friends, Love Others, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | 2 Comments

Acts 17

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, April 30: Acts 17

Acts 17 gives us insight into Paul’s missionary strategy. As he passes through Thessalonica, Paul goes to the local synagogue for three consecutive Sabbaths to preach Jesus as the Messiah. “He reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead.” Paul understands that these Jews have a context for understanding Jesus through the Hebrew Scriptures (or, Old Testament, as we call it). Paul’s evangelistic appeal to them is rooted in Scripture.

In Athens, Paul takes a different strategy. As he walks the streets of this great city, he is greatly distressed at the number of idols (v16). He continues to preach in the synagogue, but he also takes his message to the marketplace (v17). This street-preaching puts Paul in dialogue with the philosophers of the day — Epicurieans and Stoics. This gives Paul an opportunity to make a different kind of appeal — a cultural appeal. He lauds the Athenians for their religiosity (v22). “For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.” (v23)

Paul takes this cultural artifact — an altar to an unknown God — and uses it as a springboard to preach the Gospel. He also quotes from one of the ancient poets, probably Epimenides, when he says, “In him we live and move and have our being.” (v28). Altars, poems — these are products of culture, yet Paul infuses them with Gospel meaning. This is Paul’s missionary strategy with these Gentiles: to meet them on their own terms, preaching Jesus as the power to infuse life with true meaning and purpose.

“In him we live and move and have our being.” Amen.

Posted in Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Missiology, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Acts 16

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, April 27: Acts 16

An interesting development occurs in the early verses of ch16: Paul comes across Timothy, a disciple of Jesus with a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Paul circumcises Timothy “because of the Jews who were in those places,” (v3). For those who would accuse Paul of looking for any reason to violate the circumcision command, Timothy is the rebuttal. Paul never teaches Jews to abandon their Jewish heritage; his concern is for a path to Gentile conversion that is unobstructed by Jewish practice.

V5 is another of Luke’s summary statements: “So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.” Daily, incremental growth — numerically, spiritually — defines the early church.

V6 is also fascinating: (From the ESV Study Bible) “From Antioch in Pisidia, Paul and Timothy travel far northward, and then westward. Natural human wisdom would have led them to think they should preach the gospel in all the cities that they passed through, but instead the Holy Spirit directed them on a 400-mile journey by foot to Troas. They must have had a strong sense of the Spirit’s direct guidance and concluded that he would guide others to preach the gospel in the northern regions of Asia.”

God sends Paul a vision of a Macedonian man and this prompts Paul to alter his travel plans. Acts is clear that God is still the primary character. As the narrative shifts from the exploits of Peter to the activity of Philip to the missionary impetus of Paul, God remains front and center — prompting, guiding, leading. This is because this is HIS mission; we are but willing participants in HIS missionary work.

God blesses Paul’s faithfulness — leading him to Lydia, who is converted; a spirit-possessed slave girl, who is healed; and a Philippian jailer, who is set free from the bondage of sin. The text says Lydia is a God-fearer or a God-worshipper — she has a context for understanding the Gospel in light of her previous understanding. The slave girl represents those who are adamantly opposed to the work of God’s Kingdom. And the jailer doesn’t even understand his own condition as a prisoner to sin. Yet, each of them receives the invitation into God’s Kingdom life. Each one experiences new life resulting from the Gospel proclamation.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (v31).

Posted in Faith, Gospel, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Acts 15

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, April 26: Acts 15

Acts 15 is another landmark chapter in our reading this year. This chapter describes the resolution to a tremendous controversy in the early church: the inclusion of the Gentile believers. All the major players are here for this council-discussion: Peter, Paul, James, Barnabas. The question: should Gentile converts also be required to undergo circumcision?

Peter speaks first, alluding to his call to baptize Cornelius: “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe,” (v7). Peter appeals to his experience at Cornelius’ (Acts 10) and concludes with this assessment: “We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will,” (v11). Barnabas and Paul also make a personal appeal, relating all the signs and wonders God has provided in their ministry to the Gentiles. James, as one of the influential voices of Jerusalem, appeals to Scripture, turning to Amos 9 and God’s promise of restoration for His remnant people — including the Gentiles.

The council agrees not to further burden the Gentile Christians, only to ask them to exercise discretion in food and sexual restrictions. Judas and Silas are nominated to accompany Paul and Barnabas as they share this news in the Gentile churches.

But the collaborative victory of the early part of the chapter is quickly forgotten; by chapter’s end, Paul and Barnabas have separated. The cause of this rupture? John Mark. On their first missionary journey, John Mark returned home halfway through (Acts 13.13). Paul seemingly loses confidence in the young man, but Barnabas remains an encourager to the end. He refuses to give up on John Mark, much as he refused to give up on Saul years earlier.

Posted in Church, Gospel, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

Acts 14

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, April 25: Acts 14

You can’t help but appreciate the risks Paul and Barnabas are willing to take for the sake of the Gospel. At every turn, people are opposing them, stirring up the crowds against them, attempting to stone them, etc. Even in the moments when the crowd wants to worship them — as in Lystra — it’s not long before the tables have turned and their running them out of town or leaving them for dead. But the bold character of these leaders is a powerful example for us to follow. I’m afraid that too often we prefer safety and security over risk and vulnerability. How often do I pray for safety and blessing? How often do I pray for courage to boldly confront sin? How often do I pray for a spirit of proclamation?

In our culture, I think many of us have bought into this idea of a privatized faith. But New Testament faith is boldly public: in the market place, in the synagogues, on street corners and in homes…the Gospel is preached in its fullness in every nook and cranny. The disciples seem animated by this unshakeable belief: “The grave couldn’t hold him! Therefore, I will fear no evil! Because my Jesus has promised victory!” So whether they’re being thrown in jail, persecuted by religious leaders, or stoned and left for dead by the bloodthirsty crowds, these disciples just continue to preach this message. It’s all because He lives. That’s the kind of faith I want to have. Don’t you?

“We bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.” (v15) This is the Good News: that the Living God has revealed Himself to us in Jesus Christ, the embodiment of life and love and truth.

Paul and Barnabas cap their missionary journey by appointing elders in the churches (v23), an important detail. God has always called godly men to shepherd His people. And this principle continues to the present day. Take a moment today and give thanks for your church’s godly shepherds and their wives. They give of themselves so freely, so deeply. In so doing, they follow the example of the Good Shepherd.

Posted in Church, Leadership, Project 3:45, Scripture | Tagged | Leave a comment

2012 MLB Preview: NL West

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Jason

Here’s my final division preview. I think this is an incredibly difficult division to handicap. Each of these teams has considerable strengths, but there isn’t a complete team to be found here, in my opinion. It should make for an interesting race. I could legitimately see any of the top 4 teams here win the division.

1st place: San Francisco Giants

I don’t love their lineup, but if Buster Posey is back, he and Pablo Sandoval should provide a solid anchor. Melky Cabrera does a lot of things well and he can really help them out. One of the keys will be 1B Brandon Belt. Bruce Bochy jerked him in and out of the lineup too much last year. If they would just give the kid 500 ABs, he’ll produce. And they could use his power. The strength of this team is the power rotation of Lincecum, Cain, and Bumgarner. Those three guys should propel the Giants to the top of the heap. But Lincecum’s loss of velocity and Brian Wilson’s season-ending injury are legitimate concerns.

2nd place: Los Angeles Dodgers

Matt Kemp is an other-worldly talent. Is there any doubt he’s the best all around player in baseball right now? It looks like he’s determined to avenge last year’s MVP loss to Ryan Braun. In Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers also boast perhaps the NL’s premiere starting pitcher. The key will be the talent around these two. Andre Ethier needs to have a healthy bounceback campaign. Dee Gordon needs to emerge as a Jose Reyes-type force at the top of the lineup. He could easily steal 60 bases. It seems like Chad Billingsley has been around forever, but he’s still young enough to develop into a solid #2 behind Kershaw. And we’re all just waiting for Kenley Jansen to assume the closing duties. He’s a flamethrower. If the Dodgers had one more bat to support Kemp and Ethier, this division could be theirs.

3rd place: Arizona Diamondbacks

Talk about being snake-bitten: Stephen Drew, Justin Upton, Chris Young, Daniel Hudson…all out with injuries. But if they get everyone healthy, this is the deepest lineup in the division. Young and Upton are multi-tool talents. Miguel Montero is a power hitting force behind the plate. And Aaron Hill and Jason Kubel are capable of 25 HR and 80 RBI each. Ian Kennedy is a workhorse and the pen is decent with J.J. Putz and David Hernandez. But if they don’t have everyone healthy, they won’t be able to compete with the Giants and Dodgers.

4th place: Colorado Rockies

We’ve seen what this team is capable of in the second half, so you can never safely count them out. With CarGo and Tulo in the #3 and #4 spots in the lineup, supported by Todd Helton, Mike Cuddyer, and Dexter Fowler, they should score plenty. But it’ll all come down to the starting pitching. Ace Jeremy Guthrie would be a #3 or #4 on the other clubs in this division. In Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Nicasio, and Drew Pomeranz, there’s hope for the future in the rotation. But I suspect the Rox next division title will come after uber-prospect Nolan Arenado has a couple of years under his belt at 3B.

5th place: San Diego Padres

There’s just no power to be found in this lineup. Until Carlos Quentin returns from injury, none of their current players cracked double digits in homers last season. Bud Black knows they’ll have to manufacture runs: Cameron Maybin, Orlando Hudson, Chase Headley, Will Venable and Jason Bartlett all stole at least 13 bases last year. But they’ll struggle to score 500 runs. They have some nice pitchers, like Cory Luebke and Edinson Volquez. But it’ll be another long season in San Diego. Hey, at least the weather should be nice.

All Division Team

C Buster Posey

1B Todd Helton

2B Aaron Hill

SS Troy Tulowitzki

3B Pablo Sandoval

LF Carlos Gonzalez

CF Matt Kemp

RF Andre Ethier

SP Clayton Kershaw

SP Tim Lincecum

SP Matt Cain

SP Ian Kennedy

SP Cory Luebke

RP Huston Street

Manager Bud Black

Posted in Baseball, Sports | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

2012 MLB Preview: AL West

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Jason

It’s been a few weeks since I picked up my MLB Predictions. (A major school project and moving to a new house has occupied a lot of my time lately.) But I want to pick up here with the AL West, which should be a great showdown.

1st place: Texas Rangers

I know I have the advantage of nearly three weeks of baseball in the books to draw on, but we’ve known this was a formidable club for a couple of seasons now. No team boasts a deeper lineup than the Rangers: speed, power, contact skills…it’s all there. The only thing that could slow them down offensively is the injury bug: Hamilton, Kinsler, Beltre, and Cruz have all spent time on the shelf the past few seasons. If they all go down at the same time, the Angels could catch them. The starting pitching has surprised me: it looks like Darvish is for real and Holland and Harrison have continued their development. Alexi Ogando helps shore up the ‘pen, but I don’t trust Joe Nathan over a full season. I just don’t think he’s the same guy anymore. But it might not matter much; with this offense, there won’t be many three-run leads to protect.

2nd place: Los Angeles Angels

I LOVE their top four starters; that’s the strength of this team. Weaver, Haren, Wilson, and Santana should be able to carry them through a 162-game schedule with at least 60 wins. I think the Wilson signing is huge – taking away their rival’s best pitcher. I also think Jordan Walden is a lock down presence in the ninth. So the pitching will be sound. Offensively, this team can run: Erick Aybar, Peter Bourjos and even Howie Kendrick could each approach 30 steals. And, oh yeah, there’s this new first baseman in Anaheim, too. Sure, Albert is pressing right now, but his numbers will be there in the end. The rest of the lineup, though, is looking old. Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells are becoming liabilities, both at the plate and in the field. The Angels have to hope Kendrys Morales is back; he’s the only other real threat in this lineup outside of Pujols and Kendrick. But they should score enough to hang with the Rangers all year. I see them squeezing out one of the two wild card spots.

3rd place: Seattle Mariners

And now, we turn to the have-nots. Seattle has a crop of young pitchers on the way, but they’re a couple of years from contributing. In 2012, the M’s will let some of their young bats get MLB seasoning. Dustin Ackley looks like a solid 2B. He’s probably not batting-title good, but he could develop into a .290 / 15 HR / 20 SB guy at the top of the lineup. Jesus Montero has a legit bat, too. He needs 500 ABs in the majors. I think Justin Smoak has the chance to be a Geoff Jenkins / Jeromy Burntiz type hitter, but his time is running out. They need to let him play, too. Ichiro and Felix will continue to produce, but this club will be safely mired below .500 by the end of May. But in 2014, they could be really good again, especially as Texas and Anaheim continue to age.

4th place: Oakland Athletics

It seems like they’ve been rebuilding for a decade. But I don’t see a ton of MLB-ready talent on the horizon, other than future ace Jarrod Parker. At the plate, this team is kind of a mess. The Cespedes signing looks like a good one, but where do the rest of the runs come from in this lineup? Billy Beane is playing this season with an eye toward 2015, when their new stadium is supposed to be built. That means the organization’s most meaningful games played this year won’t be played at the major league level; they’ll be at the high-A and AA levels. It’ll be a long summer in Oakland.

All Division Team

C Mike Napoli

1B Albert Pujols

2B Ian Kinsler

SS Elvis Andrus

3B Adrian Beltre

LF Josh Hamilton

CF Yoenis Cespedes

RF Ichiro Suzuki

DH Mike Young

SP Felix Hernandez

SP Jered Weaver

SP Dan Haren

SP CJ Wilson

SP Yu Darvish

RP Jordan Walden

Manager Mike Scioscia

Posted in Baseball, Sports | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment