Tag Archives: Generosity

Riot in Jerusalem

252 – Riot in Jerusalem

Acts 21:15–22:30

Paul met with the elders of the church in Jerusalem and reported on how Gentiles were turning to Christ. Everyone glorified God when they heard this. 

But then the elders shared their concerns with Paul. “Jewish Christians think that you’re teaching Jews to abandon the Law of Moses. We need to stop these rumors. Four men have taken a vow to God. They want to fulfill its requirements at the Temple, but they don’t have the money to pay for it. Join them in their vow, and pay their fee. This will demonstrate that you haven’t abandoned the laws of God.” 

Paul agreed. So he took the vow and went to the temple with the men. The ritual took seven days. 

On the last day, some Jews from Ephesus saw Paul in the market place with a Gentile Christian from their city. Later they saw him in the temple and assumed the Gentile was with him. They yelled, “Help! Here’s the man who has turned the entire world against us. Now he’s bringing a Gentile into our temple!” 

Soon, the crowd became an angry mob. They grabbed Paul and took him out of the temple and started to beat him. Roman soldiers ran into the crowd to stop the beating. Their commander put Paul in chains and told his men to take him away. 

The crowd shouted, “Kill him!” and started moving toward the soldiers. Seeing this, the soldiers picked up Paul and carried him. When they got to the door of the barracks, Paul said to the commander, “May I speak to the crowd?” The commander was surprised, but finally agreed to let him speak. 

Paul stood on the step and raised his hand. Everyone grew quiet. He said, “I was given a strict Jewish education. I proved my dedication to our religion by persecuting believers in Jesus. I put both men and women in jail and even had some of them killed.

“One day I went to Damascus to bring more prisoners back to Jerusalem. Suddenly, a bright light surrounded me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say, ‘Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting me?’ 

“I said, ‘Who are you Lord?’ The voice said, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth—the one you are persecuting.’ He then told me to go into Damascus and I would be told what to do. 

“Once I was in the city, a believer in Christ came, and I called on the name of the Lord and was baptized. 

“I came back to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple. The Lord spoke to me again. He said, ‘I’m sending you to far off places and there you’ll preach to the Gentiles.’ ” 

As soon as Paul said the word “Gentiles,” the crowd once again went wild. They started yelling and throwing dust in the air. They threw their coats on the ground and shouted, “Kill him! Wipe him off the face of the earth!” 

Quickly, the commander took Paul into the barracks. He ordered soldiers to beat Paul until he had answered all of their questions. As the soldiers prepared to do this, Paul said to one of them, “Is it legal to beat a Roman citizen without a trial?” 

The soldier immediately told the commander about this. He went to Paul and asked. “Are you a Roman citizen?” 

“Yes, I was born a citizen.” 

Those who were getting ready to beat Paul immediately moved away from him. The commander himself became concerned for his own life because he had put a Roman citizen in chains—and almost beat him—without a fair trial. 

Continued in the next story 

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The Joys of Giving – 2 Corinthians (b)

248 – The Joys of Giving – 2 Corinthians (b)

2 Corinthians 7:1-13:14

This second half of 2 Corinthians is the most personal of all of Paul’s letters. Its purpose is to restore the relationship between him and the church before his upcoming visit. He continued by saying: 

When I got to Macedonia, I was constantly thinking about you. I still didn’t know how you responded to my letter. But then I found Titus, and his report made my heart leap for joy! He told me how you loved me and wanted to do right. He said my letter caused you grief, but a godly grief. It led you to repent and continue your walk with God. My rejoicing has never been so full.

Another source of my joy is seeing how the churches here in Macedonia are giving to help those who are suffering in Jerusalem. They organized together so they could meet that need, even though they themselves are poor. The people have given according to their ability to give, and yes, beyond their ability. 

I asked Titus to share this need with you because I knew you’d want to follow the example of the Christians here. But it’s also the example that the Lord Jesus gave us. He left the riches in heaven to become poor, so we could be rich. 

Titus told me you immediately responded and wanted to give to this need. Praise God! 

Now listen. The principles of giving are simple. First, every farmer knows—you don’t harvest much if you don’t plant a lot of seeds. Your giving is like planting seeds. If you’re generous, you’ll gain a generous harvest. 

Next, each person should decide what he wants to give and then give it. God loves it when people give with gladness in their hearts. 

Finally, when a seed is planted, it produces many seeds. So it is with giving. God multiplies your gift. Here is how it multiplies. First, the receiver is thankful for the gift. Second, you are blessed for giving. Next, they pray for you and then you pray for them. And finally, they are prompted to be generous with others when they are able. And it goes on and on. 

Now, concerning my letters. I know some are saying, “Paul is bold when he writes letters, but he is nothing when he’s face to face.” 

Don’t believe it. I’m the same person. I may be weak on the outside, but my weapons are powerful through God. He works through me to tear down anything that stands against him. Don’t make me be that way when we see each other. 

Would it help if I bragged about myself? You know I don’t like to do that, but I’ll do it if it helps you be true to Christ. You let others brag about themselves, and they don’t even love you. I’ve totally given myself for you, so maybe you’ll put up with just a little bragging. 

I’m a son of Abraham in every way. I serve Christ more enthusiastically than anyone. Because of my walk with Christ, my body has suffered every abuse that man can give. My travels for God have exposed me to every disaster a man can endure. Danger has been my constant companion. I’ve given up all comforts of life for Christ. On top of all that, I’m constantly burdened about the well being of all the churches. 

I can’t keep this up. Let me say it this way. I know a man who was taken to the third heaven. I don’t know if he was dead or alive. All I know is, while he was in paradise, he saw and heard things that can’t be talked about. 

I have to stop this foolishness. I’m really only proud of one thing. God has given me a thorn in the flesh because of all the special revelations he has given to me. I prayed three times, asking him to remove it. Finally he said, “My grace is all you need, because my power will be seen in your weakness.” 

Now that is where I’ll brag—in my weakness! God gave it to me to demonstrate his power. Therefore when I’m weak, I’m strong. 

Well, I’m a fool for bragging so much. Actually it is you who should be bragging on me. While others debate whether or not I’m an apostle, it shouldn’t be a debate for you. 

Oh, my dear brothers. One fear clouds all my joy. I’m afraid we’ll all be disappointed when
I come to you. I dread the fact that I may find nothing at all has changed. I’m warning you. If that’s what I find, you’ll see the power of God working through me, and you won’t like it. 

Our time together would be much better if you’re strong and I’m weak. That’s why I’m writing this to you now. 

Finally brothers, be of good cheer and make sure you maintain spiritual health. Give everyone a hug for me. May the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

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Spiritual Gifts – 1 Corinthians (b)

246 – Spiritual Gifts – 1 Corinthians (b)

1 Corinthians 8:1-16:24

Paul started this letter by scolding the church for dividing themselves into groups that judge others. He then dealt with several sins that had found root within the assembly. He went on to say:

You asked about several things, so I’ll answer each of them. The first deals with eating meat that has been offered to an idol. Of course we know that an idol isn’t really a god. It’s just a piece of wood or stone. Still, eating this type of meat may offend someone who has just come out of idolatry. We should never sin against a fellow Christian. Therefore, I’ve determined not to do anything that causes a brother to stumble in his faith. 

Here is another rule to live by. Do whatever is lawful to win others to Christ. You’ve seen my example. I’ve set aside many privileges, and have become all things to all people so I could win some. It’s like a runner who does whatever it takes to win a race. This requires self-control in every area of life. He doesn’t do anything that slows him down—and all of this for an earthly prize! My reward is eternal. Therefore, I do whatever it takes to win. 

God will make sure you’re not tempted in any way that’s beyond your ability to resist. You’ll always find a way of escape if you look for it. 

All of this has to do with eating meat served to idols. Focus on helping others and establishing their faith. When someone invites you over for a meal, eat it without asking questions. But if they say it was offered to idols, leave it alone. What you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for God’s glory—and don’t offend others. 

I’ve heard some disturbing news. Some of you are using the Lord’s Supper as an occasion to eat your own supper. Certain members are having big meals while other are sitting there hungry. How can you embarrass your fellow believers this way?

Remember, the bread and the cup represent the body and blood of our Lord. Don’t be guilty of abusing these symbols. Disrespect for our Lord’s body is the reason why some of you
are sick, and yes, some have died. Therefore, examine yourselves when you come together around the Lord’s Table. Show reverence, and show consideration for one another. 

You asked about spiritual gifts. Remember this. The Spirit of God deals with Christians differently. He gives each of us gifts for the purpose of serving others. This is like the human body. Each part works for the good of the whole. It’s the same with the body of Christ. One part doesn’t say to another, “I don’t need you.” No, no! We all need each other’s gifts. The gifts are different, but they all come from the same Spirit. 

Still, our gifts are useless without love. It’s love that makes our gifts work for the benefit of others. Love makes you patient and kind instead of focusing on yourself. It prompts you to act properly with others and not be quick tempered or selfish. 

Love embraces truth, but doesn’t keep track of what others have done wrong. It’s always supportive and believes the best about others. Remember, our gifts are wonderful, but they’re only temporary tools. Love will never pass away. 

Before I finish this letter, I want to make the gospel clear to you. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. The apostles and others were witnesses of his resurrection. Finally he appeared to me, the most unworthy of all the apostles because I persecuted the church of God. Yet, God’s grace works in me. 

The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith. If he’s not alive, then those who die no longer exist. If Christ didn’t rise from the dead, there’s no hope in the world, and all we have is this life. 

But the good news is this: Christ did rise from the dead. And because he did, we will too. Christ will rule over this world and abolish death itself. The last trumpet will sound, and the dead will rise with their glorified bodies. Then the bodies of those who are still alive will be changed. This takes the sting out of dying, and death is no longer victorious. Don’t you see? God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I’ll end this letter by reminding you that the Christians in Jerusalem need our financial help because of the great famine. Each of you should set some money aside to help them. Give according to how God has prospered you. Collect offerings, and then I will send some of you to Jerusalem with your gifts. 

Stand firm in your faith and be strong. Do everything with love. 

Oh, Aquila and Priscilla told me to send you their greetings. 

I’m asking God to give you the grace of our Lord Jesus. And my friends, I want you to know that I love you.

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Christians at Antioch

233 – Christians at Antioch

Acts 11:19-30

The killing of Stephen started a great persecution. Therefore, some believers went north to a city called Antioch. When they first got there, they preached only to Jews, but eventually they shared the message of Christ with Gentiles as well.

God honored this and gave great power to their teaching. Many Gentiles put their faith in Jesus. 

The church in Jerusalem heard about what happened and felt they needed to investigate, so they sent Barnabas. When he got there, he watched what the church was doing—and found that God was blessing them with abundant grace!

Barnabas was thrilled, so he encouraged the believers. He told them to always follow Jesus and remain true to what the Lord taught. The people responded to the teaching of Barnabas because they knew he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.

This resulted in even more people coming to Christ—in large numbers. Barnabas soon realized he needed help. So he went to Tarsus and found Saul. The two of them returned to Antioch, and for a full year they worked together with the believers. They taught large crowds of people.

It was in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

The Lord revealed to the church in Antioch that there would be a great famine. When it came, it was especially bad in Judea.

The Christians in Antioch were concerned about their fellow believers in Jerusalem. They took a collection, and every family gave according to their ability. Then they asked Barnabas and Saul to take their offering to the church in Jerusalem.

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Healing of Dorcas

231 – Healing of Dorcas

Acts 9:32-43

 Peter traveled from place to place, preaching the Gospel of Christ and encouraging fellow believers. At one place, he found a paralyzed man who had been lying on his bed for eight years.

Peter said to him, “The Lord Jesus has healed you, so get up.” Immediately the man was healed and got up. People in that area saw the man and heard what happened, and many of them put their faith in Christ.

There was a woman named Dorcas who lived nearby in the city of Joppa. As a disciple of Jesus, she loved people and did good works for them. She became sick and died.

Her friends prepared her body for burial, and placed it in an upstairs room. The disciples in Joppa heard that Peter was in the area, so they sent two men to him. They said, “Please come with us right away.” Peter agreed and went with them.

When he arrived in Joppa, they took him to the house where they had laid the body of Dorcas. He went upstairs and found women weeping for her. When they saw him, they showed him the various robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was alive.

Peter sent them out of the room, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Dorcas, get up!”

With that, she opened her eyes and saw Peter. So she sat up. He helped her up from the bed, and then called for the other women. He presented Dorcas to them—alive.

The news of this spread throughout Joppa, and many put their faith in Jesus.

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Apostles and Deacons

227 – Apostles & Deacons

Acts 5:17-6:7

The message of Jesus spread throughout Jerusalem, which made the Jewish leaders angry. They sent guards, who arrested the apostles and put them in prison.

That night, an angel came and let them out without the guards seeing it. The angel said, “Go to the temple in the morning and preach to the people.” At sunrise, the apostles went to the temple.

Later in the morning, the high priest gathered the governing council. He then sent the captain of the guards to bring the apostles out of prison. When the captain got there, the prison cell was empty. He rushed back and said, “The guards are at their post and the doors are locked, but the men are not inside!” 

At that moment, someone ran in and said, “The men you put in prison are now teaching in the temple!”

The captain of the guards took his men and went to the temple where they found the apostles teaching the people. He then realized he couldn’t use force against them because his men were afraid of the people. Still, the apostles went with him willingly.

The high priest said, “We told you not to teach in the name of Jesus. Yet you’ve filled Jerusalem with your doctrine. You’re even saying that we’re guilty of killing Jesus.”

Peter spoke up, “We must obey God rather than men. You killed Jesus by putting him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead. Now he sits at God’s right hand and gives repentance and forgiveness of sins.”

This made the religious leaders angry. They sent the apostles out of the room, and then discussed how they were going to kill them. A respected member of the council spoke up, “Be careful what you do with these men. My advice is to leave them alone. If they’re simply following human emotions, nothing will come of it. But if this movement is from God, you can’t stop it. In fact, you’ll be fighting against God.”

After some discussion, they agreed with this advice. Still, before letting the men go, they had the apostles beaten and said, “Never speak in the name of Jesus again.”

The apostles left the council rejoicing. They said, “God has allowed us to suffer for the name of Jesus!” They continued to preach Christ, and the number of believers grew even larger.

A problem developed at this time. The church made provision for the widows among them. Some of the widows were from Israel, and
some were from Jewish communities in other countries. The ones from Israel received better care than the others.

The apostles said, “We must focus on preaching the Word of God and prayer. Still, this need must be met.”

They told the congregation to select seven men who would oversee this responsibility. They said, “Whomever you choose must be highly respected and filled with the Holy Spirit. They must be known for their wisdom.” Everyone liked this idea, so they selected seven men who were qualified. The group included Stephen and Philip.

The apostles prayed for these men and gave them the responsibility for this need. This caused the number of believers to grow faster. Even a large group of Jewish priests put their faith in Christ.

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Ananias and Sapphira

226 – Ananias & Sapphira

Acts 4:32-5:16

The believers shared everything they owned. If someone had a need, others would sell their possessions and give to that need.

A godly man named Barnabas had some land and sold it for the needs of others. He brought the money and gave it to the apostles.

A married couple named Ananias and Sapphira also decided to sell some land and give the money to the apostles. It was to be used for the good of the church. But Ananias changed his mind after the land was sold. He and his wife decided to keep some of the money for themselves. The two of them agreed that they’d still give part of the money to the church but say they gave it all. 

Ananias went to the gathering of believers without Sapphira. He gave his gift to Peter and said it was the full amount he had gotten when he sold the land. Peter looked at him and said, “Satan has filled your heart and caused you to lie to the Holy Spirit. You didn’t have to sell your land; and once it was sold you didn’t have to give all of the money to the church. Why did you decide to lie about this? You didn’t lie to us. You lied to God.”

As soon as Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. This caused great fear to spread across the entire congregation. Several young men picked him up, wrapped him in strips of cloth, carried him out, and buried him.

Three hours later, Sapphira came to the gathering. She hadn’t heard about what happened to her husband. Peter said to her, “Did you and your husband sell the land for the amount of money you gave to the church?”

“Yes, that was the total selling price.”

Peter looked at her, “Why did the two of you agree to test the Holy Spirit? Listen. Do you hear those footsteps? Those are the young men who just buried your husband. Now they’ll take your dead body and bury it.

Immediately, she fell down and died. The young men came and found her lying dead on the ground. They picked her up and buried her next to her husband.

News of this spread throughout the region. Because of it, people were more careful when they thought about joining the band of believers. Still, their numbers increased greatly—of both men and women.

People from Jerusalem and the surrounding towns brought sick people and placed them by the side of the road. They were healed when Peter walked by and his shadow passed over them.

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Crippled Man Healed

225 – A Crippled Man Healed

Acts 3:1-4:31

One afternoon, Peter and John went to the temple at the time of prayer. There they saw a man begging who had been crippled since he was born. Every day people carried him to a gate called Beautiful so he could beg money from those going into the temple.

Peter stopped in front of the man and said, “Look at me.”

The man looked at him, expecting to get some money. Peter said, “I don’t have money to give you, but I have something better. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk.”

As Peter and John helped the man up, his feet and legs became strong. He stood by himself and then he walked. He even jumped for joy while praising God!

People saw the man walking, and recognized him as the one who was crippled and sat begging at the gate. They gathered around the three men.

Peter said, “This man was healed by the name of Jesus, the one you told Pilate to crucify. You killed Jesus, but God raised him from the dead. We’ve seen him and can tell you—he’s alive.

“Look at this man. He’s standing by the power of Jesus. Turn from your sin and accept Jesus as your Messiah. God will forgive your sins.”

The Jewish rulers found out that Peter and John were preaching to the people, so they sent guards who put the two disciples in prison. Still, many people became followers of Christ. The number of believers increased to over 5,000.

The next morning, the high priest sent for the two men, so they could stand before the council.

The religious leaders asked, “Who gave you the authority to preach to the people?”

The Holy Spirit guided Peter as he answered. “This man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—the one you killed on a cross. God raised him from the dead, and he’s the only way of salvation.”

The rulers were amazed at the confidence of Peter and John. Since the two men didn’t have a formal education, they knew their boldness came from being with Jesus.

The council couldn’t say anything about the miracle because the crippled man was standing in front of them. They could see he was healed.

They decided to threaten the disciples and demand that they stop teaching about Jesus. Peter and John didn’t hesitate to answer. “You’re asking us to disobey God so we can obey you. That’s impossible! We know what we’ve seen and heard.”

The leaders eventually released Peter and John. The two men went back to the fellowship of believers and told them what had happened. Everyone rejoiced together. Suddenly the building started to shake, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. With this, they had new boldness to tell others about God’s message.

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Triumphal Entry

213 – Triumphal Entry

John 12:1-11 Matthew 21:1-11 Luke 19:39-40

Jesus and his disciples were invited into a home for a meal. Lazarus was also invited and Martha helped serve. While they were eating, their sister Mary poured expensive oil on the feet of Jesus and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the smell of the perfumed oil.

Judas Iscariot said, “Lord, that oil was wasted! It could’ve been sold, and the money given to the poor.” He didn’t really care for the poor, but was in charge of the disciples’ money and was stealing from it. 

Jesus said, “Leave her alone. You’ll always be able to help the poor, but you won’t always have me. Mary has anointed me for my burial. And as the gospel spreads throughout the world, people will hear of what she did.”

The next day, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. He told two of his disciples, “Go into the village, and there you’ll find a donkey with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, tell them the Lord has need of them.”

The two went into the village and found the donkey and colt. The men untied them and started walking away. The owners said, “What are you doing?” They replied, “The Lord has need of them,” so he allowed them to go. So the disciples brought the donkey and colt to Jesus.

No one had ever ridden the colt before that day, yet the disciples put their robes on it and helped Jesus get on. As he rode along the path, people spread their robes in front of him. The crowds grew as he rode down the Mount of Olives. They got palm branches and laid them on the path.

People shouted for joy, and praised God for all the miracles they had seen. “Blessed is the King who is coming in the name of the Lord!” As Jesus continued on, they shouted, “Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David.”

Some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Do you hear what your followers are saying? Make them stop!”

Jesus said, “If they stop, the stones will start shouting.”

As he was about to enter the city, he stopped and started to cry. He said, “O Jerusalem! Jerusalem! If you had only known! This was a special day for you, a day that would bring you peace. But now your eyes will be covered so you won’t be able to see. A mighty army will destroy you. All because you didn’t recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

He and the crowd continued into Jerusalem. The entire city was shaken by the event. Visitors from other countries asked, “Who is this?” The people said, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth.”

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The Great, Rich, and Poor

212 – The Great, the Rich and the Poor

Matthew 20:20-28 Luke 19:1-10 Mark 10:46-52

The trip to Jerusalem took Jesus through Jericho. Along the way, the mother of James and John knelt before him and said, “Lord, I want my sons to sit next to you when you’re in your kingdom—one on your right side, and the other on the left.”

He said, “You don’t know what you’re asking.” Turning to the men he said, “Are you able to suffer like I’m about to suffer?”

They answered with confidence. “Yes, Lord. We’re ready to suffer.”

Jesus looked at them for a moment. “It’s true. You’ll suffer for me, but what you’re asking is not within my control. The Father will choose who will sit on the right side of me and on the left.” 

The other ten became angry with the brothers when they heard this conversation. Jesus called them together and said, “In this world, people of authority become lords over others. They expect to be praised and served. This isn’t to be true of you. If you want to be great, start serving others. If you want to become the greatest one of all, start serving everyone.”

“Follow my example. I didn’t come so others would serve me. I’m giving my life so others can live.”

A chief tax collector lived in Jericho, whose name was Zacchaeus. He wanted to see Jesus as he passed through town, but he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd.

So he ran down the path ahead of the people, and climbed up in a sycamore tree. He knew he’d be able to see Jesus when he passed under the tree.

When the Lord got to that spot, he stopped!

He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down from that tree. I’m staying at your house today.”

Zacchaeus quickly got down from the tree and welcomed Jesus into his house. People started to murmur, “How could he even think about staying in the house of that great sinner?”

But Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “I’m going to give half of everything I own to the poor. And where I’ve cheated people, I’ll pay them back four times the amount I took from them.”

Jesus said, “Today, salvation has come to this house. I came to seek and to save those who are lost.”

As Jesus left Jericho, he passed a blind man named Bartimaeus. He was begging on the side of the road. He heard the crowd and said, “What’s going on?

“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

When he heard this, he yelled, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

People nearby told him to be quiet. But he yelled even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and looked in his direction, “Go, bring him to me.”

They went to Bartimaeus and said, “Jesus is calling for you. Hurry, get up and go to him.”

Bartimaeus got up, threw down his beggar’s coat, and went to Jesus. The Lord said, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Teacher, I want to see!”

The Lord said, “Go. Your faith has healed you.” Immediately, Bartimaeus could see, and he started following Jesus.

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