In Acts 5 is the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who conspired to shortchange God when they sold a piece of property and held back part of the money. Their deceit led to their death. And, following their deaths, the account reads that "great fear seized the church." (Acts 5:11)
Well, I guess! Can you imagine something like that happening today? How would you react if a member of your congregation was struck dead because of something he/she had done to try and "cheat" God?
Why do you think this couple died? What was so great about their sin that it led God to strike them dead?
I'd like to hear your opinions. Click on the comment link below and weigh in with your thoughts. Also comment on what questions this raises in your mind?
Monday, November 27, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Over the river and up the interstate
I don't know how many of you remember the old holiday tune, "Over the River and Through the Woods," but I recall way back when singing along with my four siblings as we travelled to Louisville, KY, for the holiday gathering at the homes of both sets of grandparents. Those were fun trips taken in a much simpler time.
Now, in today's mobile society, it's rare for a family to be able to gather together in one place on the same day. But, no matter whether you're alone or with a whole "passle" of family, let's be mindful of, and thanful for all our blessings. Like in the movie, "White Christmas," let's remember the words to the song that Bing sings to Rosie, and fall asleep counting our blessings.
(And, if you're too young to remember the movie, let me suggest you rent it - or ask your mom about it.)
Now, in today's mobile society, it's rare for a family to be able to gather together in one place on the same day. But, no matter whether you're alone or with a whole "passle" of family, let's be mindful of, and thanful for all our blessings. Like in the movie, "White Christmas," let's remember the words to the song that Bing sings to Rosie, and fall asleep counting our blessings.
(And, if you're too young to remember the movie, let me suggest you rent it - or ask your mom about it.)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Rock and roll
I had lunch today with a friend who serves a local church as missions and evangelism pastor. Part of our conversation had to do with his frustration with people who seem to have no inclination to share their faith - in the workplace, the neighborhood, or wherever.
My reply was to remind him of the scenario we find in Acts. It begins with Jesus' promise of the power of the Holy Spirit and with his instructions to be witnesses wherever we may be. (Acts 1:8) It continues with the coming of the Holy Spirit in power on the day of Pentecost and with Peter's sermons, following which thousands came to faith in Christ. Then, in Acts 3 and 4 Luke tells of the work of the Holy Spirit to bring healing to a lame man, and to empower the church again following the threats of the religious leaders.
Here's the point I tried to make. We can preach evangelism, teach evangelism, even practice evangelism, 'til the cows come home. But if we're not empowered and directed (i.e.) filled by the Spirit of God, we labor in vain. Conversely, if we are Spirit-filled, then we will both live and share our faith with conviction and boldness.
Toward the end of Acts 4, the church prayed for boldness, and the house shook. It states that "While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence." (The Message) Could it be that we need to pray for the same thing and expect the same results? Are we outside of God's will if we're not asking him to empower us to witness?
My reply was to remind him of the scenario we find in Acts. It begins with Jesus' promise of the power of the Holy Spirit and with his instructions to be witnesses wherever we may be. (Acts 1:8) It continues with the coming of the Holy Spirit in power on the day of Pentecost and with Peter's sermons, following which thousands came to faith in Christ. Then, in Acts 3 and 4 Luke tells of the work of the Holy Spirit to bring healing to a lame man, and to empower the church again following the threats of the religious leaders.
Here's the point I tried to make. We can preach evangelism, teach evangelism, even practice evangelism, 'til the cows come home. But if we're not empowered and directed (i.e.) filled by the Spirit of God, we labor in vain. Conversely, if we are Spirit-filled, then we will both live and share our faith with conviction and boldness.
Toward the end of Acts 4, the church prayed for boldness, and the house shook. It states that "While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's Word with fearless confidence." (The Message) Could it be that we need to pray for the same thing and expect the same results? Are we outside of God's will if we're not asking him to empower us to witness?
Sunday, November 12, 2006
First Platoon Alpha
I arrived in Vietnam in the fall of 1971, fresh from a year and a half tour in Germany in the First Infantry Division. After a brief orientation, I was given my orders, handed my gear, loaded onto a helicopter, and flown out to the mountains west of DaNang, a reluctant warrior whose mission was to command 35 young men who were equally as reluctant.
As the chopper landed on the mountainside, I noticed several soldiers running toward us. “They’re happy to see me,” I thought. It didn’t take me long to realize that they were rushing to unload the rations and mail from the Huey.
I slid out rather ingloriously, stepped onto the skid, and, holding onto my helmet and struggling to get my rucksack properly adjusted, asked the first GI that I encountered to take me to Sergeant Garlic, the platoon sergeant.
Sergeant Mike Garlic, a 3-tour combat veteran, was to become my right hand, an experienced and tested NCO upon whom I learned to lean.
He extended his hand. “Welcome, Sir. We’ve been expecting you.”
“Sergeant Garlic,” I started, “I’ve spent the last year and a half commanding mortar and recon platoons in Germany. I’m going to rely on you, especially in my first week or so in the bush. I trust your judgment and your abilities. I’ll make the decisions, but I will look to you for input.”
“Roger that, LT.”
It was in that moment that I realized that I had been given a new moniker. Men didn’t salute or call you sir in the jungle, because Charlie liked to target officers. L.T. was fine with me.
After the Huey had been unloaded and our position secured again, I began to meet the men of my platoon. They were a diverse bunch who had little in common except for a shared mission and a shared hardship, and the fact that virtually every one of them had been drafted, as had I. This assemblage of soldiers was a cross-section of America – every corner of the country, every ethnicity, every political persuasion. There were southerners such as Jimmy from Alabama and our machine gunner, Mike, from Louisiana. There were northerners like Bob, from Pennsylvania, and another grunt that we all knew simply as Linebarger. There were even two E5s from California who had been in graduate school.
Our mission was to disrupt the supply caravans that traveled the Ho Chi Minh Trail from North Vietnam into the south. We patrolled each day, setting up ambushes in areas of suspected activity. Before dark we circled into our night defensive perimeter and braced for attack.
When we moved each day we had to cut a trail through the jungle undergrowth. Yet, as difficult as were our circumstances, these young men went about their duties without grumbling or complaining. We knew how much we needed to hang together for survival.
For the next several months the first platoon of Alpha Company, First of the Forty-sixth Infantry, slogged through the jungles, slept in two-man defensive positions, engaged the enemy, and battled the elements – monsoon rains, snakes and leeches. As we patrolled together, fought side by side, and for three days each month partied together in the rear, we grew to be a unit, and I grew to admire and respect every young man in my command. I felt honored to lead them.
One episode in particular reminds me of the indomitable spirit of the American fighting man. Early one October morning, we were all startled by the thud of an anti-personnel mine, then realized with horror that it was Bob Maggs, our radio operator, who had caught the trip wire. Bob died before we could get him evacuated by helicopter. This nineteen-year-old soldier left behind a wife he had hardly gotten to know before he shipped out to the other side of the world.
After we regrouped, I began asking for volunteers to carry the platoon radio, one of the toughest and most dangerous assignments. I was amazed by the number of volunteers.
“I’ll hump (carry) the radio, L.T.”
If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times.
These were brave young men with whom I was privileged to serve. They were heroes. Represented by men like Bob Maggs and 58,000 other names on a granite wall in Washington, along with thousands more who came home to a less-than-grateful nation, they were and are America’s finest. I salute you – and every veteran of every era. Welcome home.
As the chopper landed on the mountainside, I noticed several soldiers running toward us. “They’re happy to see me,” I thought. It didn’t take me long to realize that they were rushing to unload the rations and mail from the Huey.
I slid out rather ingloriously, stepped onto the skid, and, holding onto my helmet and struggling to get my rucksack properly adjusted, asked the first GI that I encountered to take me to Sergeant Garlic, the platoon sergeant.
Sergeant Mike Garlic, a 3-tour combat veteran, was to become my right hand, an experienced and tested NCO upon whom I learned to lean.
He extended his hand. “Welcome, Sir. We’ve been expecting you.”
“Sergeant Garlic,” I started, “I’ve spent the last year and a half commanding mortar and recon platoons in Germany. I’m going to rely on you, especially in my first week or so in the bush. I trust your judgment and your abilities. I’ll make the decisions, but I will look to you for input.”
“Roger that, LT.”
It was in that moment that I realized that I had been given a new moniker. Men didn’t salute or call you sir in the jungle, because Charlie liked to target officers. L.T. was fine with me.
After the Huey had been unloaded and our position secured again, I began to meet the men of my platoon. They were a diverse bunch who had little in common except for a shared mission and a shared hardship, and the fact that virtually every one of them had been drafted, as had I. This assemblage of soldiers was a cross-section of America – every corner of the country, every ethnicity, every political persuasion. There were southerners such as Jimmy from Alabama and our machine gunner, Mike, from Louisiana. There were northerners like Bob, from Pennsylvania, and another grunt that we all knew simply as Linebarger. There were even two E5s from California who had been in graduate school.
Our mission was to disrupt the supply caravans that traveled the Ho Chi Minh Trail from North Vietnam into the south. We patrolled each day, setting up ambushes in areas of suspected activity. Before dark we circled into our night defensive perimeter and braced for attack.
When we moved each day we had to cut a trail through the jungle undergrowth. Yet, as difficult as were our circumstances, these young men went about their duties without grumbling or complaining. We knew how much we needed to hang together for survival.
For the next several months the first platoon of Alpha Company, First of the Forty-sixth Infantry, slogged through the jungles, slept in two-man defensive positions, engaged the enemy, and battled the elements – monsoon rains, snakes and leeches. As we patrolled together, fought side by side, and for three days each month partied together in the rear, we grew to be a unit, and I grew to admire and respect every young man in my command. I felt honored to lead them.
One episode in particular reminds me of the indomitable spirit of the American fighting man. Early one October morning, we were all startled by the thud of an anti-personnel mine, then realized with horror that it was Bob Maggs, our radio operator, who had caught the trip wire. Bob died before we could get him evacuated by helicopter. This nineteen-year-old soldier left behind a wife he had hardly gotten to know before he shipped out to the other side of the world.
After we regrouped, I began asking for volunteers to carry the platoon radio, one of the toughest and most dangerous assignments. I was amazed by the number of volunteers.
“I’ll hump (carry) the radio, L.T.”
If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times.
These were brave young men with whom I was privileged to serve. They were heroes. Represented by men like Bob Maggs and 58,000 other names on a granite wall in Washington, along with thousands more who came home to a less-than-grateful nation, they were and are America’s finest. I salute you – and every veteran of every era. Welcome home.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Barriers fall
In Acts chapters 2 and 3 we see two significant barriers to the spread of the gospel overcome.
First, on the day of Pentecost, we see that different languages could not stop the spread of the gospel. As they departed the upper room, they entered a city packed with persons from, as Luke records it, "every nation under heaven." Moving about in this sea of pilgrims, each of the 120 believers was able to communicate the message about Christ in a language that was known and understood by someone. God wanted the message proclaimed, and he was not going to let something like language serve as a barrier.
This miracle of both speech and hearing ("we hear them declaring the wonder of God in our own tongues!") was followed by Peter's powerful sermon and resulted in thousands of persons coming to faith in Christ.
Soon after, on another day, Peter and John were making their way to the temple to pray when they encountered a man lame since birth. We don't know much about this man, but we can assume that he must have been brought to this spot daily in order to beg. As Peter and John came near the man asked for money. Peter, who had found a new boldness since Pentecost, looked right at the man, as did John. "Look at us," he said. The man, hoping for a handout, got something totally unexpected. Peter, who probably wasn't carrying either paper or plastic money, took the man by the hand and instructed him to walk. As he did this he declared that this healing was in "the name of the Jesus Christ of Nazareth."
The man not only stood, he began to walk and jump. And wouldn't you? I think I would be inclined to "bust a move" and dance.
This miracle led to the second opportunity for Peter to preach - and preach he did.
Here's one of the key lessons, in my opinion. God will not let any barrier stand in the way of the declaration of truth - of getting the message out. The language barrier fell on the day of Pentecost, and here, a few days later, we find that a person's circumstance will not keep him from responding to the clear message of good news, if he is open to receive that truth.
And, like the first century, in the 21st century God is still working miracles and using his people to get the message out.
He used Peter and John to heal a lame man and to boldly declare the gospel. How would you like for him to use you?
First, on the day of Pentecost, we see that different languages could not stop the spread of the gospel. As they departed the upper room, they entered a city packed with persons from, as Luke records it, "every nation under heaven." Moving about in this sea of pilgrims, each of the 120 believers was able to communicate the message about Christ in a language that was known and understood by someone. God wanted the message proclaimed, and he was not going to let something like language serve as a barrier.
This miracle of both speech and hearing ("we hear them declaring the wonder of God in our own tongues!") was followed by Peter's powerful sermon and resulted in thousands of persons coming to faith in Christ.
Soon after, on another day, Peter and John were making their way to the temple to pray when they encountered a man lame since birth. We don't know much about this man, but we can assume that he must have been brought to this spot daily in order to beg. As Peter and John came near the man asked for money. Peter, who had found a new boldness since Pentecost, looked right at the man, as did John. "Look at us," he said. The man, hoping for a handout, got something totally unexpected. Peter, who probably wasn't carrying either paper or plastic money, took the man by the hand and instructed him to walk. As he did this he declared that this healing was in "the name of the Jesus Christ of Nazareth."
The man not only stood, he began to walk and jump. And wouldn't you? I think I would be inclined to "bust a move" and dance.
This miracle led to the second opportunity for Peter to preach - and preach he did.
Here's one of the key lessons, in my opinion. God will not let any barrier stand in the way of the declaration of truth - of getting the message out. The language barrier fell on the day of Pentecost, and here, a few days later, we find that a person's circumstance will not keep him from responding to the clear message of good news, if he is open to receive that truth.
And, like the first century, in the 21st century God is still working miracles and using his people to get the message out.
He used Peter and John to heal a lame man and to boldly declare the gospel. How would you like for him to use you?
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A On A Roll
A few years ago one of my grandchildren decided to write to her uncle, who was away at college. During the first semester of her third grade year she sat down at the computer and typed him a note.
Dear Timbo,
I miss you very very much.
Today was very nice because I got on the A on a roll.
How are you? How are Josh and Bryan?
I miss you all.
The A on a roll means that I got all A’s.
I like third grade a lot.
It is fun.
My first nine weeks have gon pretty well.
Today I got chased by Jordan.
Not a boy I like at all at all.
He gave me ten seconds to run anywhere I wanted on the field.
Boy did I beet him.
But he got me finally.
I forgot to tell you if he catches me he torchers me.
I screamed.
He realy can tickel.
I have to chalenge him tomorrow.
Well now you no about my life today.
Your nese.
Aren’t children wonderful? Life is so simple for them. Can you remember when your only concern was being chased by a boy? Or a girl? Or perhaps your worry was that you weren’t being chased. I don’t have to tell you that children are impressionable. How parents react to their child’s report card or test scores makes a lasting impression, as does the way a child is treated by peers. Many children grow up in a performance-based environment. They feel like they must work hard to please others. Often these feelings and behaviors are carried over into adulthood.
Does your present behavior reflect your “formative years?” Perhaps you were the class clown, because it gained you much-needed attention. It could be that you were the class klutz, with no athletic skill whatsoever. Maybe you share the sentiments that Janis Ian wrote about in “At Seventeen.” She sings of “those whose names were never called when choosing sides for basketball.” On the other hand, possibly you were the all-A student whom the teacher loved – the one who always raised her hand to give the answer. You might have grown up with a sibling who was the “golden-haired” child that could do no wrong, while you felt like the black sheep.
I’ve been reading The Message version of Acts. In chapter 10, after Peter realizes that the good news is for everyone, he exclaims, “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!” (Acts 10:34) Now, in its original context, this meant that the gospel is for both the Jew and the non-Jew. But I believe that there’s another truth at work here, and that is that God doesn’t keep score of rights and wrongs. In other words, our standing with God has nothing to do with our performance, and everything to do with His grace.
Let me share these words from The Search for Significance, by Robert McGee.
The moment you trust Christ, many wonderful things happen to you:
All your sins are forgiven, past, present, and future (Colossians 2:13-14).
You become a child of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:15).
You are delivered from Satan’s domain and transferred into the kingdom Christ (Colossians 1:13).
Christ comes to dwell within you (Colossians 1:27; Revelation 3:20).
You become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You are declared righteous by God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
You enter into a love relationship with God (1 John 4:9-11).
You are accepted by God (Colossians 1:19-22).
Look at it this way. God wants us to stop trying to please Him and to start trusting the fact that, once you put your trust in Christ, you are already fully pleasing to God. If you’re a follower of Christ you’ve already received your gold medal and Jesus is the One who won it for you. You’re a winner in God’s eyes. So rejoice in the fact that you’re on the winner’s stand and you will never be anything less than a champion, simply through trusting Jesus. Grace is God’s work, and you can’t add anything to what He has already done for you.
Dear Timbo,
I miss you very very much.
Today was very nice because I got on the A on a roll.
How are you? How are Josh and Bryan?
I miss you all.
The A on a roll means that I got all A’s.
I like third grade a lot.
It is fun.
My first nine weeks have gon pretty well.
Today I got chased by Jordan.
Not a boy I like at all at all.
He gave me ten seconds to run anywhere I wanted on the field.
Boy did I beet him.
But he got me finally.
I forgot to tell you if he catches me he torchers me.
I screamed.
He realy can tickel.
I have to chalenge him tomorrow.
Well now you no about my life today.
Your nese.
Aren’t children wonderful? Life is so simple for them. Can you remember when your only concern was being chased by a boy? Or a girl? Or perhaps your worry was that you weren’t being chased. I don’t have to tell you that children are impressionable. How parents react to their child’s report card or test scores makes a lasting impression, as does the way a child is treated by peers. Many children grow up in a performance-based environment. They feel like they must work hard to please others. Often these feelings and behaviors are carried over into adulthood.
Does your present behavior reflect your “formative years?” Perhaps you were the class clown, because it gained you much-needed attention. It could be that you were the class klutz, with no athletic skill whatsoever. Maybe you share the sentiments that Janis Ian wrote about in “At Seventeen.” She sings of “those whose names were never called when choosing sides for basketball.” On the other hand, possibly you were the all-A student whom the teacher loved – the one who always raised her hand to give the answer. You might have grown up with a sibling who was the “golden-haired” child that could do no wrong, while you felt like the black sheep.
I’ve been reading The Message version of Acts. In chapter 10, after Peter realizes that the good news is for everyone, he exclaims, “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!” (Acts 10:34) Now, in its original context, this meant that the gospel is for both the Jew and the non-Jew. But I believe that there’s another truth at work here, and that is that God doesn’t keep score of rights and wrongs. In other words, our standing with God has nothing to do with our performance, and everything to do with His grace.
Let me share these words from The Search for Significance, by Robert McGee.
The moment you trust Christ, many wonderful things happen to you:
All your sins are forgiven, past, present, and future (Colossians 2:13-14).
You become a child of God (John 1:12; Romans 8:15).
You are delivered from Satan’s domain and transferred into the kingdom Christ (Colossians 1:13).
Christ comes to dwell within you (Colossians 1:27; Revelation 3:20).
You become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
You are declared righteous by God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
You enter into a love relationship with God (1 John 4:9-11).
You are accepted by God (Colossians 1:19-22).
Look at it this way. God wants us to stop trying to please Him and to start trusting the fact that, once you put your trust in Christ, you are already fully pleasing to God. If you’re a follower of Christ you’ve already received your gold medal and Jesus is the One who won it for you. You’re a winner in God’s eyes. So rejoice in the fact that you’re on the winner’s stand and you will never be anything less than a champion, simply through trusting Jesus. Grace is God’s work, and you can’t add anything to what He has already done for you.
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