Victory in Christ

Paul had people with vastly different opinions of him.  Some treated him as a god, but not much later some were stoning him.  “And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’” (Acts 14:11)  “But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.” (Acts 14:19)  In his letter to the Galatians he made it clear that whatever feeling men had of him did not matter.  “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)  Jesus warned us that if our aim is to please men, we will receive our reward on this earth rather than in eternity.  “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5)

Today’s reading: Acts 13-14

King Herod was persecuting some in the church and had Peter thrown into prison.  “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5)  During the night Peter was led out of the prison by an angel of the Lord.  He went to a house where some of those were praying for him.  “And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, ‘You are out of your mind.’ But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, ‘It is his angel!’” (Acts 12:13-15)  Even though they had been praying diligently for Peter, they were shocked to see him.  Jesus tells us that we must have faith when we pray.  “And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.’” (Mark 11:22-25)

Today’s reading: Acts 11-12

During his preaching to Cornelius, Peter explained that God treats all men equally.  “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” (Acts 10:34)  Paul also referred to that fact in his second letter to the Corinthians when talking about who Christ was sacrificed for.  “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)  He continued that thought by explaining how a man who is in Christ should act.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Today’s reading: Acts 9-10

As Christians were being persecuted by Saul and others, they made good use of the opportunities given them.  “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)  There is similar opportunity for us in what we know as the Great Commission.  “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18)

Today’s reading: Acts 7-8

Suffering is not something that most people enjoy, but the Apostles had occasion to feel this way when they were beaten for teaching about Jesus.  “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41)  Peter says not only should we be prepared to suffer, we should also be prepared to explain why we are happy to do so.  “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:12-15)

Today’s reading: Acts 4-6

During Peter’s sermon at Pentecost he was asked a question by some in the crowd.  “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Act 2:37)  He did not hesitate in answering them.  “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” (Act 2:38)  Of all the multitude that heard Peter’s sermon, only a portion of them obeyed.  “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Act 2:41) That same gift is available to us through that same method today.

Today’s reading: Acts 1-3

After Thomas was told that he missed the opportunity to see the resurrected Jesus, he made a statement that helped get him the nickname Doubting Thomas.  “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”  After Jesus showed him the scars, He contrasted Thomas’ faith to those who have not seen Him.  “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” (John 20:29)  Peter reminds us what we can inherit if we have a true faith even though we have not seen.  “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8)

Today’s reading: Luke 24; John 20-21

In this last chapter of Matthew we find what is known as the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV That command is still as active and important for us today as it was back then.

Today’s reading: Matthew 28; Mark 16

When Jesus was brought before Pilate, the people in the crowd were the one’s who had the most influence on the decision. “So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15 ESV) As we often see happen, the opinions of the ones who scream the loudest decide the outcome, even when wrong. Another more important point to be made from this verse is the agony put on our Savior. The scourging of Jesus is barely mentioned, but it was a process that was such a cruel punishment that it often led to death itself. Not only did our Savior die for us, he died the most cruel death imaginable. We ought to show our appreciation for this sacrifice by loving and serving Him. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV)

Today’s reading: Matthew 27; Mark 15