Are there people in your life that have a tremendous impact and influence on you?  You know the kind of people that just make you a little bit better when you spend time with them.  Jesus certainly had that effect on others and He continues to do so today.  Let’s look at another incident with Peter and John found in Acts 4 together today.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

I love the very last line – they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  They noticed that Jesus had clearly made an impact in the lives of Peter and John after all they were ordinary unschooled men.  The influence of Jesus was leading them to do extraordinary things.   My prayer for all of us is that the world might also notice the impact of Jesus in all of our lives.  People might notice that we have been with Him.  That Jesus has so rubbed off on our lives that we start to speak and act like He did.  The best way for this to happen is by spending time with Him in prayer and in the Word. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Have you ever seen someone change radically?  Maybe you haven’t seen them in awhile and they lost a lot of weight or changed their hair color.  Perhaps you have seen someone undergo a tremendous behavior change in their life do to new life decisions.  It is always amazing to me when you notice some of these changes.  I think that perhaps there is no greater change than what happens to Peter after He receives the Holy Spirit.  He was always impulsive, at times bold in other instances timid to the point of denying Jesus.  After Pentecost, Peter turns into perhaps the greatest human force of building the church.  Let’s look at Luke 3 at Peter’s continuing new bold behavior for Jesus. 

11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Peter and John had just healed a man in the name of Jesus and through the power of Jesus.  People are astonished and so Peter uses this opportunity to immediately confront the crowd with the message of the Gospel.  He wants to take advantage of every opportunity to get the message out to the world.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit this is a new Peter.  He is taking the challenges that Jesus left Him with seriously.  I pray that God might grant us all a little bit of the boldness of Peter.  May we, like him, be a force that brings the Gospel to the world.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

To me it is such an amazing honor and privilege that God chooses to use us.  He asks us to be His messengers and gives us the honor of bringing the gospel to the world.  Certainly God could do it Himself with signs and wonders.  Jesus was here for 33 years and at the end only a few faithful were following Him.  Yet in Acts 2 Peter, yes Peter delivers one sermon and 3,000 people become followers of Jesus.  God does not need us to deliver His message but He chooses to use us which is our honor and privilege.  Let’s look at Acts 2 together today. 

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”  When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”38 Peter replied, “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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The thing is it is still God doing the work of changing hearts.  He just allows us to be His voice and carry His message to the world.  We are His plan so we need to be sure to faithfully share God’s love with the world.  That means loving others like Jesus loved.  Living like Jesus lived, and sharing His gospel message with the world.  After all if Peter can do it we all can!

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

As we conclude our walk through the book of Luke I figured we should continue on with his next letter, the Acts of the Apostles commonly called Acts.  It is a fitting sequel to the gospels as it shows the response of the disciples and other early church members to Jesus leaving and His giving of the Holy Spirit.  In that sense they are in the exact same boat as we are today.  Let’s begin this journey together today with the introduction to Acts found in chapter 1. 

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus knew that the disciples would have some moments of struggle after He left.  He left them with a clear purpose and He gave them (and us) the power to carry that mission out through the gift of His Holy Spirit.  That’s the beautiful thing about Jesus.  He doesn’t ask things of us that He hasn’t given us the gifts and strength to do.  We are tasked with the very same job as those early disciples.  We must carry Jesus’ message and love into the world through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit which He gives us.  Shoot, if Peter can do it anyone can right?  I pray that we might all carry on the work of Jesus and these early disciples and share God’s love with the world.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Have you ever missed something that was right in front of you?  I have had a few obvious and silly examples, like looking for my glasses when they were on top of my head or searching for keys that were in my pocket.  Sometimes we are so distracted that we miss even the most important things that are right in front of us.  This happened to two men in Luke 24.  Let’s take a look at the passage together today. 

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked.“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Even as Jesus walked and talked with them as they were speaking about Him they didn’t notice Him right in front of them.  I think that happens to us at times in life as well.  We get so preoccupied by life that we miss Jesus right in front of us.  Not Jesus physically but things that He is teaching us and opportunities to share His love.  I pray that we might all take the time in the midst of the business of life and look for Jesus.  He is with us always and wants us to learn from Him. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

I have often found myself in the midst of the story of the crucifixion feeling bad for Pilate.  I know that maybe that sounds strange since he is the one even mentioned in our Apostles Creed along with the crucifixion.  The thing is he looks for a way out over and over.  He wants nothing to do with Jesus’ trial and certainly not with His death.  He tries three times to dissuade the religious leaders and crowds.  Let’s look together at some of his interaction found in Luke 23. 

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17]  18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) 20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” 23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Perhaps Pilate’s greatest fault in all of this is that he wasn’t willing to stand up and do what he thought was right.  He tried to avoid the situation.  He tried to talk the people down.  In the end it was his decision.  He simply was not willing to take a stand.  Obviously that was God’s plan all along to use him for this purpose.  Some traditions even believe that Pilate became a follower of Jesus after all of this.  Perhaps that greatest thing we can take away from Pilate is the need to stand up for what we believe.  Pilate was in a difficult situation.  He knew what he thought should happen but everyone else was against him.  Life can feel that way at times.  That is why it is so important to have others in our life who hold to the same faith we do and can help us along in this often difficult journey.  It is so crucial that we are linked with allies to stand beside us, push us, and encourage us through the challenges of life.  Pilate was alone and had no such support and so he succumbed to the wishes of the crowds.  I pray that we would all have close allies to help us navigate the tough situations of life. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

It is always an interesting thing when people miss the point.  The disciples were guilty of this several times during Jesus’ ministry but perhaps none more blatant than at the Last Supper.  Let’s look at the text from Luke 22 together today.

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. 24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus started off this meal by washing the disciples feet and illustrating to them how a leader should be a servant.  He then offers the Last Supper as yet another reminder of how He would give Himself up for us all.  Yet immediately after this the disciples begin arguing amongst themselves as to who is the greatest. I am all for a little ribbing and debate with friends but they really seemed to be missing the point here.  Jesus pours His heart out, serves them, and offers up a lasting moment that carries on today.  They are still concerned over who will have the best seat at the table.  It makes me think about how often we miss the point as well.  How often do we focus on the wrong things instead of the heart of the matter that Jesus seems to always get to.  How are we doing at loving others?  How well are we sharing God’s love with the world in word and action?  I pray that God might give us all eyes so that we don’t miss the point. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

There have always been people who have predicted the end of the world is coming.  They look to sign and try and interpret scripture to say that Jesus is about to return.  While I think it is good to have an attitude and mindset that Jesus’ return is imminent, I think too often we focus on the wrong things.  We have a tendency to focus on the signs instead of focusing on being ready, or our mission of sharing His love and message with the world.  Let’s look at some of Jesus’ words about the end from Luke 21. 

Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

Jesus encourages us to be ready but not to worry.  He tells us not to get caught up with those who say the end is coming.  He reminds us that we must bear testimony for Him and He will even give us the words to say.  There are always signs out there in the world that the end is near.  Don’t focus on looking for these and interpreting them.  Use these as a reminder to get to work and be ready!  Jesus is coming.  Keep doing His work.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Throughout Jesus’ public ministry on earth the religious leaders are trying to catch or trap Him in what he says.  Sometimes He says things seemingly to provoke them and other times He measures His words carefully.  In both instances though He leaves us with truths that we can hold on to.  Let’s take a look at one such instance found in Luke 20.

20 Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied.25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

The Jewish people were not happy about the taxes that they had to pay to Rome.  The Pharisees were included in this but they assumed that Jesus as this potential Jewish Messiah would lead an uprising about this.  They asked Him if they should pay taxes.  His response is brilliant when He asks to see a coin.  – Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and God what is God’s.  The reality is that Caesar’s taxes were unfair and were instituted by force.  On the other hand everything is God’s.  Our resources, our gifts, our very lives.  Jesus is teaching us a principle in the midst of this interaction about using out time, talents, and treasures for Him.  He has given everything to us and therefore our lives are offered to Him as our act of worship.  The Pharisees meant this as a trap, yet Jesus used it as another opportunity to teach us truth.  I pray that we might all give to God what is God’s namely our lives.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

One of my very favorite Bible stories growing up was always the story of Zacchaeus.  I was always curious just how short he was.  Just how wee was the wee little man we sang about?  I also thought it was great that Jesus immediately went and shared a meal with him.  I remember my teacher in Sunday school making a joke about how no one has ever liked tax collectors except for Jesus.  Let’s look at the story together today found in Luke 19.  

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

One of the things that struck me the most about the story of Zacchaeus was the immediate transformation that takes place in his life after encountering Jesus.  Tax collectors in that day were notorious for being greedy and taking more that was owed and then keeping it for themselves.  Zacchaeus not only commits to paying that back, but he says he will pay back four times the amount and give half of his wealth to the poor.  Jesus takes that heart of greed and it is immediately changed to a heart of generosity.  That is the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.  He changes us from the inside out through the power of His Spirit.  The other thing that sticks me about the story of Zacchaeus is the lengths that he goes to to see Jesus in the first place.  I’m sure that it must have been embarrassing for him to have to climb a tree to see past the crowds.  That didn’t matter because seeing and experiencing Jesus was just that important.  I pray that attitude of Zacchaeus would be one that we all would take on.  We will do whatever it takes to see and experience Jesus.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave