Today we look at the story of Stephen, who is often referred to as the first martyr of the Christian faith.  Of course technically Jesus is first and without His death there is no Christianity, but Stephen is the first one recorded after that.  He delivers an amazing sermon that takes the people of Israel through all of their history.  It starts in Acts 7:2 and goes all the way through some of the verses we are looking at today.  I encourage you to read the entire thing but for our purposes today we will simply look at the end of the chapter.

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

I am struck by Stephen’s boldness and the forgiveness he offers in the midst of being stoned to death.  When it comes to being bold in sharing our faith I think we often grasp at excuses for not doing it. “I don’t want to offend anyone.”  “I don’t know what to say.”  “I’ll leave that to the professionals.”  This story is a great reminder of just how serious the early church took the Great Commission.  It was one of the final messages of Jesus for us to go and make disciples.  I pray that God might give all of us the boldness of Stephen in sharing our faith and Jesus’ love with the world!

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Have you ever been part of a team where you were missing a key element?  When I was in middle school we had quite the exceptional football team.  We went undefeated for three straight years and honestly didn’t even have many close games.  At first we had a struggle though because we ran out of the shotgun formation and didn’t have anyone to play center and hike the ball.  Our first practices and even first few games we mishandled lots of snaps and even had a few lost fumbles as a result.  Finally we had a practice where coach made everyone practice at center.  It turned out one of our wide receivers was great at snapping the ball.  We had lots of people who could play receiver and catch but he was really the only one who could snap worth anything.  Once we had his skills we were unstoppable.  The same is true with the church.  When everyone is using their gifts and talents the church thrives.  Let’s look at one such situation in the early church from Acts 6. 

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Once these first Deacons were established and began using their gifts it said the word of God spread and the number of disciples increased rapidly.  That’s the thing about the church, it’s not about any one thing or one person.  It thrives when everyone is using their gifts well.  That is what God intended and why He gives us all spiritual gifts in the first place.  From serving to singing, from teaching to hospitality God needs each and every one of our gifts for things to really grow like they should.  I pray that we all might use the gifts He has given us to help build His church

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Why do you do the good things that you do? When you help out another person what is the motivation?  There are all kinds of reasons we might help others.  Perhaps we have a genuine love or affection for them.  Maybe we are motivated by a sense of duty or obedience to help.  Maybe we like and enjoy how it makes us feel.  Sometimes, if we are honest, we might want to be noticed or appreciated for helping others.  In Acts 5 a couple does something really good but for the wrong reasons and they are dishonest about it.  Let’s look together at the story of Ananias and Sapphira. 

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

The problem certainly wasn’t in the generosity or even that they didn’t give all of the money.  The problem was all about their dishonesty and motivation.  They wanted people to think that they had given away all of the money from selling their property.  They wanted to be recognized and appreciated for their great sacrifice.  They were not truly motivated to serve Jesus and help the ministry of the Disciples.  I pray that God would give us the right heart as we seek to serve and love others.  Help us all to share God’s love with the world because we are called to and out of our great love for Him.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

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