Acts 7:57
“Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord.” NKJV
Finally, their restraint broke. They began to yell. They stopped listening. And they charged at him together.
Mob mentality is a powerful thing. More powerful and evil than we often recognize.
It is no different then a physical form of the common logical fallacy--the bandwagon fallacy. ‘Because everyone else is doing this, I am justified in joining them.’
Committing sin is always harder when you are the only one doing it. We as humans have a natural tendency to see what is common as what is good or acceptable. This is obviously not the case.
There are several studies on this matter and the one that comes to mind was an experiment in a small store. They would wait for a few customers to come in and then paid actors would come in and pretend to rob the place while the cashier went in the back for a moment.
The results were shocking. If there was only one customer present, they were very likely to tell the owner after the apparent thieves left.
However, if there were many customers, the changes of it getting reported went way down. Each person knew it should be reported but everyone expected someone else to take that responsibility.
It does not say this in the text, but at any moment one or many of these accusers could have doubted if what they were doing was right. God normally warns us when we commit sin--its called a conscience--but in a group it is easy to overlook.
For me, I need to be wary when other people are going in a direction that I do not think is right. I need to have the confidence to avoid following the crowd and to take a stand.
Not only should I avoid the actions myself, but I should warn the others of the group. Certainly I am not the only one with a conscience, so it is unlikely that I am the only one with doubts about the situation.
I need to be more bold in my opinions. Certainly I keep my opinions, but I rarely force myself to state them, especially if I know they will not sit with a group well.
Who truly lost in this passage? The victim, or the ones holding the stones?
Stephen surely suffered, but soon he was home. The group, however, left that place with the blood of one of God’s chosen on their hands.
Surely I do not want the weight of such a sin on my heart and on those hearts around me.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Retelling A Vision
Acts 7:56
“’Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Stephen did not keep what he saw to himself. He told the angry crowed what the Holy Spirit had shown him. He didn’t interpret or add anything to the vision but told them plainly.
Maybe at this point Stephen knew why the Holy Spirit had shown him this, but if he did he did not share the interpretation.
If it had been me, I might have added something like “look, what I say is true, or else the Holy Spirit would not have shown me…” or “Look, God loves me and stands by what I have said here today!”
And though he didn’t say that, I believe that the crowd heard it regardless. These words are what broke their restraint. No doubt they thought he was making this up to claim that God backed up the insults he just told them.
Think about it. These were God fearing people. If they believed he truly saw God and Jesus then, would they have been angry to the point of Murder, or would they have been terrified?
But in their minds he was already a liar, so the truth he spoke to them only fueled their hate.
The application I see in this:
1st when God shows you something leave yourself, your opinions, and your interpretations out of it. Give it to the people as is.
2nd Don’t let your preconceptions and hate blind you. If someone claims to hear or see a vision from God, do not be too quick to dismiss it unless it is very obviously against His Word and His will.
3rd share what God share with you. Only in rare cases the things that God shows us can only benefit us and no other. Most of the time God uses us to relay his message to us to other people as well, so they might also learn from it.
“’Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Stephen did not keep what he saw to himself. He told the angry crowed what the Holy Spirit had shown him. He didn’t interpret or add anything to the vision but told them plainly.
Maybe at this point Stephen knew why the Holy Spirit had shown him this, but if he did he did not share the interpretation.
If it had been me, I might have added something like “look, what I say is true, or else the Holy Spirit would not have shown me…” or “Look, God loves me and stands by what I have said here today!”
And though he didn’t say that, I believe that the crowd heard it regardless. These words are what broke their restraint. No doubt they thought he was making this up to claim that God backed up the insults he just told them.
Think about it. These were God fearing people. If they believed he truly saw God and Jesus then, would they have been angry to the point of Murder, or would they have been terrified?
But in their minds he was already a liar, so the truth he spoke to them only fueled their hate.
The application I see in this:
1st when God shows you something leave yourself, your opinions, and your interpretations out of it. Give it to the people as is.
2nd Don’t let your preconceptions and hate blind you. If someone claims to hear or see a vision from God, do not be too quick to dismiss it unless it is very obviously against His Word and His will.
3rd share what God share with you. Only in rare cases the things that God shows us can only benefit us and no other. Most of the time God uses us to relay his message to us to other people as well, so they might also learn from it.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
Acts 7:55
“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” NKJV
While Stephen’s judgers were furious at him, he did not falter, but his eyes wandered up to heaven where he saw a vision from God. It is interesting to note, at this moment in time, all three members of the trinity were immediately present and visible to him.
Seeing God alone is a very significant thing, but Jesus and the Spirit were there as well.
It is unclear to me why they chose to reveal themselves physically to him just then. Perhaps it was a last attempt to sway the crowd, or to give Stephen courage for the read that lay ahead.
And on top of that, it could have even been meant for us. It is proof that even when the whole world, it seems, forsakes you, God will not forsake you.
He will be faithful to us even to death and beyond.
The application then is to know that God will be faithful, and that, even in the midst of great turmoil, look up to God, for He will be there with you.
“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” NKJV
While Stephen’s judgers were furious at him, he did not falter, but his eyes wandered up to heaven where he saw a vision from God. It is interesting to note, at this moment in time, all three members of the trinity were immediately present and visible to him.
Seeing God alone is a very significant thing, but Jesus and the Spirit were there as well.
It is unclear to me why they chose to reveal themselves physically to him just then. Perhaps it was a last attempt to sway the crowd, or to give Stephen courage for the read that lay ahead.
And on top of that, it could have even been meant for us. It is proof that even when the whole world, it seems, forsakes you, God will not forsake you.
He will be faithful to us even to death and beyond.
The application then is to know that God will be faithful, and that, even in the midst of great turmoil, look up to God, for He will be there with you.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Acts 7:54
Acts 7:54
“When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.” NKJV
The people judging Stephen were furious when he told them not to accept the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Of course, we know this was true. If the Holy Spirit had been in them and they were obeying his will, then they would not have done what they did (that is, stoned him). Furthermore, we know that they Holy Spirit was with Stephen, so he would not have made a false accusation.
The reality of this is that Stephen’s judgers probably knew this rebuke in their hearts to be true. People don’t get that angry at a false rebuke in my experience. However, it is very easy to be angered when someone points out a huge fault of yours that you deny, in a very ungraceful and accusing way.
They chose to hate Stephen and call him a liar rather than admit that truth to themselves, and that is a very easy path to go down.
The application for this is rather simple. Reflect before you anger. I rarely show anger outwardly but sometimes when I hear something I don’t want to, I harden my heart toward that message. That only happens when I know in the back of my mind that it is true and that I should change or sacrifice or whatever it is the Lord is calling me to do.
“When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.” NKJV
The people judging Stephen were furious when he told them not to accept the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Of course, we know this was true. If the Holy Spirit had been in them and they were obeying his will, then they would not have done what they did (that is, stoned him). Furthermore, we know that they Holy Spirit was with Stephen, so he would not have made a false accusation.
The reality of this is that Stephen’s judgers probably knew this rebuke in their hearts to be true. People don’t get that angry at a false rebuke in my experience. However, it is very easy to be angered when someone points out a huge fault of yours that you deny, in a very ungraceful and accusing way.
They chose to hate Stephen and call him a liar rather than admit that truth to themselves, and that is a very easy path to go down.
The application for this is rather simple. Reflect before you anger. I rarely show anger outwardly but sometimes when I hear something I don’t want to, I harden my heart toward that message. That only happens when I know in the back of my mind that it is true and that I should change or sacrifice or whatever it is the Lord is calling me to do.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Act 2:46
Act 2:46
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” NIV
Every day, the believers went to the temple and then ate together in each other’s homes. When they ate they did not complain or resent it, even in their hearts.
The new believers fellowshipped together every day, and they were spending time in the temple together, and outside of the temple as well.
This is strikingly different than the average American church. Most churches only meet on Sunday (or Saturday) once a week and maybe at some other night as well.
What is even more rare, is meeting outside of the church building and outside of church services.
It is also said that when they ate, they did so gladly. At this point they were in each other’s homes, and both host and guest were able to remain joyful throughout the meal.
I know, for me at least, being a host and having people in my house--even close friends--can be stressful and frustrating. You have to do a lot of work for them before they come (in the form of cleaning, making food, setting the table, ect.) during their stay (serving the food, taking the plates, entertaining, and so on), and then even more after they leave (extra dishes, messes, ect.).
However, the new believers were focused on Jesus, and therefore their hearts were glad regardless.
The application for this in my life is that I need to be a more willing servant--even in my heart--to other people.
This application is going to come into practice for me this weekend, when we will be first serving at a wedding, then serving in the city.
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” NIV
Every day, the believers went to the temple and then ate together in each other’s homes. When they ate they did not complain or resent it, even in their hearts.
The new believers fellowshipped together every day, and they were spending time in the temple together, and outside of the temple as well.
This is strikingly different than the average American church. Most churches only meet on Sunday (or Saturday) once a week and maybe at some other night as well.
What is even more rare, is meeting outside of the church building and outside of church services.
It is also said that when they ate, they did so gladly. At this point they were in each other’s homes, and both host and guest were able to remain joyful throughout the meal.
I know, for me at least, being a host and having people in my house--even close friends--can be stressful and frustrating. You have to do a lot of work for them before they come (in the form of cleaning, making food, setting the table, ect.) during their stay (serving the food, taking the plates, entertaining, and so on), and then even more after they leave (extra dishes, messes, ect.).
However, the new believers were focused on Jesus, and therefore their hearts were glad regardless.
The application for this in my life is that I need to be a more willing servant--even in my heart--to other people.
This application is going to come into practice for me this weekend, when we will be first serving at a wedding, then serving in the city.
Acts 2:45
Acts 2:45
“and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” NKJV
As these new believers gave their lives to Jesus, they also gave up their earthly goods for the betterment of the church.
As God molded their hearts, they came to lose their lust for worldly wealth and loved their brothers as much as themselves by giving freely to them.
It is interesting to me how quickly their hearts changed toward these things.
I have been a believer for a while and I still have difficulty giving up the passions of the world. I’ve never had difficulty with money. I’ve never enjoyed having money, so it isn’t hard for me to give it up--not yet anyway.
But for me my idols lie elsewhere. For me, it is my own writings.
It has just recently come to my attention that I need to give those up for at the very least this year--or until God tells me it is okay to pick them back up again.
This is going to be very difficult for me, because I am very passionate about my work, but I know the Lord will help me though it.
The one verse God kept using on me today was “… we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV.
This verse only solidifies that message. The things of this world will pass away, and they all belong to the Lord anyway. I should be willing to sacrifice everything for the Lord. Even if the thing in and of itself is not inherently wrong.
The best definition of sin I have ever heard is “Sin is any action, idea, or promise that brings your further away from God and closer to the things of this world.” For me, writing became a sin.
The reason that verse from Corinthians is such a powerful argument against me is because when I write, I write all the time. In class, before bed, on the bus, even though I don’t have any paper--because I write it in my head.
I need to focus my thoughts onto God, and not on fiction if I am to hear Him clearly and do His will.
Update: (This will make more sense if you know me well.) I deleted all my stories, so my only backups are back in Washington. It is really depressing right now to be so far away from my work, but I know He will help me through it. A year. Just one year. No distractions, and fully devoted to Christ.
My mind has been trying to wonder back to what I would write, if I could, but He has been faithful to give me 2 Corinthians 10:5 every time.
“and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” NKJV
As these new believers gave their lives to Jesus, they also gave up their earthly goods for the betterment of the church.
As God molded their hearts, they came to lose their lust for worldly wealth and loved their brothers as much as themselves by giving freely to them.
It is interesting to me how quickly their hearts changed toward these things.
I have been a believer for a while and I still have difficulty giving up the passions of the world. I’ve never had difficulty with money. I’ve never enjoyed having money, so it isn’t hard for me to give it up--not yet anyway.
But for me my idols lie elsewhere. For me, it is my own writings.
It has just recently come to my attention that I need to give those up for at the very least this year--or until God tells me it is okay to pick them back up again.
This is going to be very difficult for me, because I am very passionate about my work, but I know the Lord will help me though it.
The one verse God kept using on me today was “… we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV.
This verse only solidifies that message. The things of this world will pass away, and they all belong to the Lord anyway. I should be willing to sacrifice everything for the Lord. Even if the thing in and of itself is not inherently wrong.
The best definition of sin I have ever heard is “Sin is any action, idea, or promise that brings your further away from God and closer to the things of this world.” For me, writing became a sin.
The reason that verse from Corinthians is such a powerful argument against me is because when I write, I write all the time. In class, before bed, on the bus, even though I don’t have any paper--because I write it in my head.
I need to focus my thoughts onto God, and not on fiction if I am to hear Him clearly and do His will.
Update: (This will make more sense if you know me well.) I deleted all my stories, so my only backups are back in Washington. It is really depressing right now to be so far away from my work, but I know He will help me through it. A year. Just one year. No distractions, and fully devoted to Christ.
My mind has been trying to wonder back to what I would write, if I could, but He has been faithful to give me 2 Corinthians 10:5 every time.
Acts 2:44
Acts 2:44
“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.” NKJV
The church was together and, in Christ, they shared similar interests, goals, fears and experiences. Furthermore, they live by the same doctrine and have the same morals. They believed the same things about the future and their purposes in life. They all believed the same things about death. Most importantly, they all believed in Christ.
When I think about it, Christians really should have all things in commons. Now I’m not talking about which animal they think is the cutest or what the best way to cut your hair is, but the life determining things.
What is the Christian’s goal?
To live for Jesus, and go where he sends.
What does a Christian fear?
Temptation, the evil one, and what will happen to the un-won souls.
How does a Christian love?
Unconditionally, as Jesus did, to the best of our ability.
And the list can go on. Obviously sometimes we as Christians fall below the mark when it comes to these things, but in general, because of Christ we are of the same mindset.
Furthermore, we are of the same background. Once we were lost and now we are found. Once we were trapped in our sin, now we are free.
The application I bring from this is that I first need to realized and continue to treat other Christians as brothers, at all times because we are all sons and daughters of Christ. I should not accuse, judge or argue among my fellow Christians, but do everything in my power to bring friendship and peace.
Second, I need to keep my heart focused on what God’s heart is on, and not the things of this flesh. I should not let my heart get caught in worldly passions and plans.
“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.” NKJV
The church was together and, in Christ, they shared similar interests, goals, fears and experiences. Furthermore, they live by the same doctrine and have the same morals. They believed the same things about the future and their purposes in life. They all believed the same things about death. Most importantly, they all believed in Christ.
When I think about it, Christians really should have all things in commons. Now I’m not talking about which animal they think is the cutest or what the best way to cut your hair is, but the life determining things.
What is the Christian’s goal?
To live for Jesus, and go where he sends.
What does a Christian fear?
Temptation, the evil one, and what will happen to the un-won souls.
How does a Christian love?
Unconditionally, as Jesus did, to the best of our ability.
And the list can go on. Obviously sometimes we as Christians fall below the mark when it comes to these things, but in general, because of Christ we are of the same mindset.
Furthermore, we are of the same background. Once we were lost and now we are found. Once we were trapped in our sin, now we are free.
The application I bring from this is that I first need to realized and continue to treat other Christians as brothers, at all times because we are all sons and daughters of Christ. I should not accuse, judge or argue among my fellow Christians, but do everything in my power to bring friendship and peace.
Second, I need to keep my heart focused on what God’s heart is on, and not the things of this flesh. I should not let my heart get caught in worldly passions and plans.
Acts 2:43
Acts 2:43
“Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.”
At this time people were amazed and afraid of what was happening. In the midst of this turmoil God used the apostles in order to show his power and presence within the new church.
God often uses moments of fear for great things. In the midst of challenges is often where I see God the clearest, because that is when I am really paying attention.
When I am complacent I often lose sight of who holds my life. But when I am terrified, knowing that Christ is with me is the only thing that keeps me going.
I believe that many wonders and signs were given at this time because of the fear, because everyone was paying attention.
As an application to my life I would just say that I need to remember more often that God uses scary moments for our good. Also that it is alright to be afraid. In fact, more than likely it will cause me to grow as God helps me through it. Therefore I shouldn’t be afraid to go into scary situations for the Lord’s sake. Because if he wants me there, he will get me through it and there just might be fireworks along the way.
“Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.”
At this time people were amazed and afraid of what was happening. In the midst of this turmoil God used the apostles in order to show his power and presence within the new church.
God often uses moments of fear for great things. In the midst of challenges is often where I see God the clearest, because that is when I am really paying attention.
When I am complacent I often lose sight of who holds my life. But when I am terrified, knowing that Christ is with me is the only thing that keeps me going.
I believe that many wonders and signs were given at this time because of the fear, because everyone was paying attention.
As an application to my life I would just say that I need to remember more often that God uses scary moments for our good. Also that it is alright to be afraid. In fact, more than likely it will cause me to grow as God helps me through it. Therefore I shouldn’t be afraid to go into scary situations for the Lord’s sake. Because if he wants me there, he will get me through it and there just might be fireworks along the way.
Acts 2:42
Acts 2:42
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in prayers.” NKJV
The new church body made a continual effort to grow in their faith. They learned doctrine, built relationships and prayed regularly.
There are several things we, as Christians can learn from this example.
First, to learn the bible. You can never fully know everything that is in the bible, so there is always reason to study it. Set times for individual study as well as discussions as a group.
Second, build relationships in the church. The church body should be like a large family. Treat each other as loving brothers in Christ and help our brothers to stay focused and catch them when they stumble. And it goes without saying, to treat someone like a brother, you need to know them really well.
Third, Pray regularly. Make times for silent and individual prayer with God as well as praying as a group. Matthew 6:5-18 goes more in depth on personal prayer, and Matthew 18:20 talks about the importance of groups.
And lastly “continue steadfastly.” Building your faith is a continual effort. Human nature is not to be pure, therefore our relationships with Jesus must be deliberate and focused. Write yourself reminders or talk to friends about Him, but keep your heart upon Jesus. One of the best ways to stay focused upon him is to give your money to Him. “For where your treasure is, so will your heart be also.” So if your money is given to the Lord, your heart will be there too.
Remember that this verse doesn’t say “They continued steadfastly on Sundays” or “they continued steadfastly every day aside from Mondays.” It is a daily commitment, and one we all need to work on.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in prayers.” NKJV
The new church body made a continual effort to grow in their faith. They learned doctrine, built relationships and prayed regularly.
There are several things we, as Christians can learn from this example.
First, to learn the bible. You can never fully know everything that is in the bible, so there is always reason to study it. Set times for individual study as well as discussions as a group.
Second, build relationships in the church. The church body should be like a large family. Treat each other as loving brothers in Christ and help our brothers to stay focused and catch them when they stumble. And it goes without saying, to treat someone like a brother, you need to know them really well.
Third, Pray regularly. Make times for silent and individual prayer with God as well as praying as a group. Matthew 6:5-18 goes more in depth on personal prayer, and Matthew 18:20 talks about the importance of groups.
And lastly “continue steadfastly.” Building your faith is a continual effort. Human nature is not to be pure, therefore our relationships with Jesus must be deliberate and focused. Write yourself reminders or talk to friends about Him, but keep your heart upon Jesus. One of the best ways to stay focused upon him is to give your money to Him. “For where your treasure is, so will your heart be also.” So if your money is given to the Lord, your heart will be there too.
Remember that this verse doesn’t say “They continued steadfastly on Sundays” or “they continued steadfastly every day aside from Mondays.” It is a daily commitment, and one we all need to work on.
Greetings and Introduction
Dear person,
Welcome.
I wouldn’t feel right letting anyone one read this without a little background on me. My name is Kayla Harrington, and right now I live in a place called Potter’s Field Ranch in Montana.
Potter’s Field is a Christian Missions training school, and I’ll be here for about three months before going overseas to serve at the church there. And then after six months there I will come back to Montana for a month, then return to my home church in Washington to serve.
Potter’s Field is a really neat place. Everyone here is truly dedicated to becoming, as Pastor Mike calls it, a “radical” Christian. We are all learning to listen to and obey our Lord, though that is not always easy.
My entries here will be either personal updates or my thoughts on certain scriptures. Some of this also an assignment, so I apologize if anything comes out dry.
Oh, and when you read anything posted about the scriptures I STRONGLY encourage you to pull out your bible or find one online to read the text and the context before reading my opinion on it. I always post the version and the location in the bible, so it shouldn’t be that hard. =)
~Kayla Harrington
Servant of the Lord Jesus, the Christ.
Welcome.
I wouldn’t feel right letting anyone one read this without a little background on me. My name is Kayla Harrington, and right now I live in a place called Potter’s Field Ranch in Montana.
Potter’s Field is a Christian Missions training school, and I’ll be here for about three months before going overseas to serve at the church there. And then after six months there I will come back to Montana for a month, then return to my home church in Washington to serve.
Potter’s Field is a really neat place. Everyone here is truly dedicated to becoming, as Pastor Mike calls it, a “radical” Christian. We are all learning to listen to and obey our Lord, though that is not always easy.
My entries here will be either personal updates or my thoughts on certain scriptures. Some of this also an assignment, so I apologize if anything comes out dry.
Oh, and when you read anything posted about the scriptures I STRONGLY encourage you to pull out your bible or find one online to read the text and the context before reading my opinion on it. I always post the version and the location in the bible, so it shouldn’t be that hard. =)
~Kayla Harrington
Servant of the Lord Jesus, the Christ.
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