Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
SPECTACLES OF GLORY "Pick me! Pick me! Pick me..." Matthew 25:31-46 Mateen Elass
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SPECTACLES OF GLORY
“Pick me! Pick me! Pick me. .."
Matthew 25:31-46
Though this parable is relatively well-known, it is perhaps the least taken to heart by Christians, because we tend to see ourselves as good people compared to the rest of the world. It’s so easy to recite our religious deeds and steps we’ve take to avoid obvious sins. Far from seeing our own present need for mercy, we come to church thinking God must be pretty impressed with us, and instead of focusing on His forgiveness and support, we rehearse our own little self-justifications. In the process, we never connect with God. But the broken sinner, humbly aware that he has nothing to boast about and no right to be in God’s presence, cries for mercy from a distance. The self-righteous remain imprisoned in their suffocating world of inward focus; the broken penitents are set free to life with God by their turning away from themselves to God’s gift of love.
SPECTACLES OF GLORY
“Pick me! Pick me! Pick me. .."
Matthew 25:31-46
Though this parable is relatively well-known, it is perhaps the least taken to heart by Christians, because we tend to see ourselves as good people compared to the rest of the world. It’s so easy to recite our religious deeds and steps we’ve take to avoid obvious sins. Far from seeing our own present need for mercy, we come to church thinking God must be pretty impressed with us, and instead of focusing on His forgiveness and support, we rehearse our own little self-justifications. In the process, we never connect with God. But the broken sinner, humbly aware that he has nothing to boast about and no right to be in God’s presence, cries for mercy from a distance. The self-righteous remain imprisoned in their suffocating world of inward focus; the broken penitents are set free to life with God by their turning away from themselves to God’s gift of love.
Monday, November 17, 2008
SPECTACLES OF GLORY "Am I a Pharisee" Isaiah 6:1-8 & Luke 18:9-14 Leo Wideman
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SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"Am I a Pharisee"
Isaiah 6:1-8 & Luke 18:9-14
Leo Wideman
Though this parable is relatively well-known, it is perhaps the least taken to heart by Christians, because we tend to see ourselves as good people compared to the rest of the world. It’s so easy to recite our religious deeds and steps we’ve take to avoid obvious sins. Far from seeing our own present need for mercy, we come to church thinking God must be pretty impressed with us, and instead of focusing on His forgiveness and support, we rehearse our own little self-justifications. In the process, we never connect with God. But the broken sinner, humbly aware that he has nothing to boast about and no right to be in God’s presence, cries for mercy from a distance. The self-righteous remain imprisoned in their suffocating world of inward focus; the broken penitents are set free to life with God by their turning away from themselves to God’s gift of love.
SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"Am I a Pharisee"
Isaiah 6:1-8 & Luke 18:9-14
Leo Wideman
Though this parable is relatively well-known, it is perhaps the least taken to heart by Christians, because we tend to see ourselves as good people compared to the rest of the world. It’s so easy to recite our religious deeds and steps we’ve take to avoid obvious sins. Far from seeing our own present need for mercy, we come to church thinking God must be pretty impressed with us, and instead of focusing on His forgiveness and support, we rehearse our own little self-justifications. In the process, we never connect with God. But the broken sinner, humbly aware that he has nothing to boast about and no right to be in God’s presence, cries for mercy from a distance. The self-righteous remain imprisoned in their suffocating world of inward focus; the broken penitents are set free to life with God by their turning away from themselves to God’s gift of love.
Monday, November 10, 2008
SPECTACLES OF GLORY "Earning God's Trust" Matthew 25:14-30 Mateen Elass
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SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"Earning God's Trust"
Matthew 25:14-30
Mateen Elass
The parable of the talents (a significant amount of money) is all about handling God’s resources in such a way as to earn His trust for much bigger responsibilities in the future. Key to earning such trust are these words: “his” – the master entrusts his property to servants, who are to give it their greatest attention; “at once” – the servant with the largest amount immediately sets to work on the master’s behalf while the one with the least does nothing active with it, just digs a hole and buries it; “good and faithful” – good means committed to the master’s interest, and faithful means engaging in these good ends until the master returns; “much” and “joy” – faithful stewardship in this life will mean greater glory and joy in the world to come, for such action earns God’s trust.
SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"Earning God's Trust"
Matthew 25:14-30
Mateen Elass
The parable of the talents (a significant amount of money) is all about handling God’s resources in such a way as to earn His trust for much bigger responsibilities in the future. Key to earning such trust are these words: “his” – the master entrusts his property to servants, who are to give it their greatest attention; “at once” – the servant with the largest amount immediately sets to work on the master’s behalf while the one with the least does nothing active with it, just digs a hole and buries it; “good and faithful” – good means committed to the master’s interest, and faithful means engaging in these good ends until the master returns; “much” and “joy” – faithful stewardship in this life will mean greater glory and joy in the world to come, for such action earns God’s trust.
Monday, November 3, 2008
SPECTACLES OF GLORY "What's Your Net Worth" Luke 12:13-21 Mateen Elass
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SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"What's Your Net Worth"
Luke 12:13-21
Mateen Elass
The parable of the rich fool is all about material covetousness. Jesus’ teaching about human worth runs counter to our culture. The media trumpets the “net worth” of our most successful billionaires. Jesus says, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. ” The parable shows one who works hard to amass a fortune, but in the process ignores what really gives life value. In the end, unable to control the future, he must leave behind the treasure he worked so hard to obtain, and with a shriveled spirit face God with nothing to offer. How much wiser to be rich toward God now, and discover your real net worth: priceless in God’s eyes!
SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"What's Your Net Worth"
Luke 12:13-21
Mateen Elass
The parable of the rich fool is all about material covetousness. Jesus’ teaching about human worth runs counter to our culture. The media trumpets the “net worth” of our most successful billionaires. Jesus says, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. ” The parable shows one who works hard to amass a fortune, but in the process ignores what really gives life value. In the end, unable to control the future, he must leave behind the treasure he worked so hard to obtain, and with a shriveled spirit face God with nothing to offer. How much wiser to be rich toward God now, and discover your real net worth: priceless in God’s eyes!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
SPECTACLES OF GLORY "No More Half-Hearted Prayers!" Luke 18:1-8 Mateen Elass
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SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"No More Half-Hearted Prayers!"
Luke 18:1-8
Who hasn’t cried out to God and heard silence in return? What do you do then? In the parable of the unjust judge, Jesus urges us to not give up, but trust that God indeed will hear and answer us with all-wise speed. If such an evil judge would vindicate a woman against her accuser, not because he cares about her situation but simply because he is wearied by her constant pleas, how much more will the God who cherishes us hear our pleas for vindication against His and our enemies, and come to our aid? Do you believe this? It will show in how long you continue to pray when you don’t immediately see any results. When the Son of Man comes, will he find people who persevere in prayer because they trust in God’s faithful love?
SPECTACLES OF GLORY
"No More Half-Hearted Prayers!"
Luke 18:1-8
Who hasn’t cried out to God and heard silence in return? What do you do then? In the parable of the unjust judge, Jesus urges us to not give up, but trust that God indeed will hear and answer us with all-wise speed. If such an evil judge would vindicate a woman against her accuser, not because he cares about her situation but simply because he is wearied by her constant pleas, how much more will the God who cherishes us hear our pleas for vindication against His and our enemies, and come to our aid? Do you believe this? It will show in how long you continue to pray when you don’t immediately see any results. When the Son of Man comes, will he find people who persevere in prayer because they trust in God’s faithful love?
Monday, October 13, 2008
SPECTACLES OF GLORY "O for a Church with Bigger Sinners" / Luke 7:36-50 / Mateen Elass
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Only self-aware sinners can experience forgiveness. The bigger our sense of desperation, the greater the possible relief of grace, and hence the greater the response of love that leaps forth from our hearts toward God. Those who feel they can rescue themselves from a crisis often despise the offer of help from rescuers, wanting to show off their own ability. Those trapped in life-threatening situations beyond their abilities to escape are thrilled when someone risks death to save them; from then on they can’t sing the praises of their rescuer enough. So with the sinner and God. What we need in church is not really for people to sin more and worse sins, but for us to truly realize how heinous even our “respectable sins” are before a pure and holy God, and how dire our situation is apart from Jesus Christ.
Only self-aware sinners can experience forgiveness. The bigger our sense of desperation, the greater the possible relief of grace, and hence the greater the response of love that leaps forth from our hearts toward God. Those who feel they can rescue themselves from a crisis often despise the offer of help from rescuers, wanting to show off their own ability. Those trapped in life-threatening situations beyond their abilities to escape are thrilled when someone risks death to save them; from then on they can’t sing the praises of their rescuer enough. So with the sinner and God. What we need in church is not really for people to sin more and worse sins, but for us to truly realize how heinous even our “respectable sins” are before a pure and holy God, and how dire our situation is apart from Jesus Christ.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Spectacles of Glory "Who'd Have Thought...?" Luke 13:18-21 Rev Mateen Elass
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Most small and insignificant things in life end up in oblivion – lost, destroyed or tossed out. But some such things have built within them the surprising capacity to make a big impact on their surroundings: mustard seeds, yeast, the Kingdom of God. They start out small, hardly noticeable – the birth of the Son of God in a side alley of civilization, one man’s life tossed aside by the world into a nondescript hole in the ground – only to spring up into resurrection life that transforms the lives of all it touches and grows beyond all proportion to tower over the creation. Or like leaven that leaves no part of the dough untouched, the Kingdom of God moves relentlessly to penetrate the whole world and change it. We are part of a living movement which will not be stopped.
Most small and insignificant things in life end up in oblivion – lost, destroyed or tossed out. But some such things have built within them the surprising capacity to make a big impact on their surroundings: mustard seeds, yeast, the Kingdom of God. They start out small, hardly noticeable – the birth of the Son of God in a side alley of civilization, one man’s life tossed aside by the world into a nondescript hole in the ground – only to spring up into resurrection life that transforms the lives of all it touches and grows beyond all proportion to tower over the creation. Or like leaven that leaves no part of the dough untouched, the Kingdom of God moves relentlessly to penetrate the whole world and change it. We are part of a living movement which will not be stopped.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Spectacles of Glory "Worthy of Invitation" Matthew 22:1-14 Rev Mateen Elass
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When God throws a party to honor His Son, and you receive an invitation, how should you respond? As if there is nothing more important in all the world than to be there. In this parable, such an invitation goes first to the “favored list” – the religious community of Israel. But they treat the invitation as of low priority, snubbing God to do other, menial, routine tasks instead. Some even abuse or kill the messengers to spite the King. In return, they are wiped out by the King, who then invites the least worthy. They are welcomed, clothed in wedding garments to participate fully in the festivities. What qualifies you to be worthy of invitation? The willingness to drop everything else to make this party the center of your attention!
When God throws a party to honor His Son, and you receive an invitation, how should you respond? As if there is nothing more important in all the world than to be there. In this parable, such an invitation goes first to the “favored list” – the religious community of Israel. But they treat the invitation as of low priority, snubbing God to do other, menial, routine tasks instead. Some even abuse or kill the messengers to spite the King. In return, they are wiped out by the King, who then invites the least worthy. They are welcomed, clothed in wedding garments to participate fully in the festivities. What qualifies you to be worthy of invitation? The willingness to drop everything else to make this party the center of your attention!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Spectacles Of Glory "The Weeds Won't Win" Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Mateen Elass
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One might think that the community associated with Jesus would be marked by continual love, kindness, mercy, joy and so on. In reality, we discover that there is lots of evil within the church. Why is this? One answer, to be sure, is that there is a lot of evil still in those who are Christians – we are in the process of sanctification, we haven’t arrived. But in this parable, Jesus offers a further answer. The enemy of God sprinkles his own captives into the midst of the church, who early on are indistinguishable from true followers, and who integrate themselves into the church so well that to expel them would be to cause great hurt among the people. We are to endure them patiently, until Christ sifts them out on Judgment Day.
One might think that the community associated with Jesus would be marked by continual love, kindness, mercy, joy and so on. In reality, we discover that there is lots of evil within the church. Why is this? One answer, to be sure, is that there is a lot of evil still in those who are Christians – we are in the process of sanctification, we haven’t arrived. But in this parable, Jesus offers a further answer. The enemy of God sprinkles his own captives into the midst of the church, who early on are indistinguishable from true followers, and who integrate themselves into the church so well that to expel them would be to cause great hurt among the people. We are to endure them patiently, until Christ sifts them out on Judgment Day.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
SPECTACLES OF GLORY "The Sold-Out Life" Matthew 13:44-46 Rev. Mateen Elass
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What we value most is often seen best by what we are willing to sacrifice to possess it. Jesus makes clear in these parables of the treasure in a field and pearl of great price that the Kingdom of God is the greatest prize of all. Do we believe Jesus? What would it mean to live with the Kingdom as our most cherished pursuit? Have we counted the cost of sacrifice, and found the Kingdom to be far more valuable than what we have given up?
What we value most is often seen best by what we are willing to sacrifice to possess it. Jesus makes clear in these parables of the treasure in a field and pearl of great price that the Kingdom of God is the greatest prize of all. Do we believe Jesus? What would it mean to live with the Kingdom as our most cherished pursuit? Have we counted the cost of sacrifice, and found the Kingdom to be far more valuable than what we have given up?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
God on Earth: “When The Ordinary And Extraordinary Collide” Acts 4:13-22 Rev. David Leard
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The Sanhedrin leaders are perplexed by these two simple Galilean peasants, whose preaching is so compelling and informed. Knowing Peter and John had been Jesus-followers, they wonder. Seeing the healed man standing beside the apostles, they have no refutations to offer. As they confer privately, their only plan is to threaten Peter and John (and by extension all Christians) to speak/teach no longer in the name of Jesus. The apostles’ response is that the compulsion of God is stronger than the threats of men. And they are released, after a few more vain threats. Violence cannot silence the gospel – what a necessary message for the church to hear today!
The Sanhedrin leaders are perplexed by these two simple Galilean peasants, whose preaching is so compelling and informed. Knowing Peter and John had been Jesus-followers, they wonder. Seeing the healed man standing beside the apostles, they have no refutations to offer. As they confer privately, their only plan is to threaten Peter and John (and by extension all Christians) to speak/teach no longer in the name of Jesus. The apostles’ response is that the compulsion of God is stronger than the threats of men. And they are released, after a few more vain threats. Violence cannot silence the gospel – what a necessary message for the church to hear today!
Monday, June 23, 2008
God on Earth: “Throwing Caution to the Wind” Acts 4:1-12 John Gruel
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Peter and John know that their open-air preaching in the Temple is annoying the authorities, but many people are responding so they keep speaking of Jesus. This leads to their arrest, and interrogation on the morrow. Standing under the intimidating glare of the highest religious authorities in Israel, these simple fishermen refuse to be cowed, and instead challenge these leaders’ unbelief. They too need to repent and find times of refreshing in Jesus, for there is no other name by which salvation comes to human beings. I’m put to shame by such conviction and boldness. How do we recover what these early Christians showed – faithfulness to the message in the face of intimidation?
Peter and John know that their open-air preaching in the Temple is annoying the authorities, but many people are responding so they keep speaking of Jesus. This leads to their arrest, and interrogation on the morrow. Standing under the intimidating glare of the highest religious authorities in Israel, these simple fishermen refuse to be cowed, and instead challenge these leaders’ unbelief. They too need to repent and find times of refreshing in Jesus, for there is no other name by which salvation comes to human beings. I’m put to shame by such conviction and boldness. How do we recover what these early Christians showed – faithfulness to the message in the face of intimidation?
Monday, June 16, 2008
God on Earth: "Refreshment for the Journey" Acts 3:17-21 Mateen Elass
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In response to the lame man’s healing, crowds gather, and so Peter preaches. The new age of the Messiah has dawned, as God promised. The crowds acted in ignorance, rejecting Jesus, but now in generous mercy God was offering them forgiveness if only they would turn and embrace the true Messiah. In the place of the dryness, weight and emptiness of their souls, God will give them times of refreshing as they now walk in His presence, and continue their journey into blessing until God sends Jesus back into the world to finalize all human destinies.
In response to the lame man’s healing, crowds gather, and so Peter preaches. The new age of the Messiah has dawned, as God promised. The crowds acted in ignorance, rejecting Jesus, but now in generous mercy God was offering them forgiveness if only they would turn and embrace the true Messiah. In the place of the dryness, weight and emptiness of their souls, God will give them times of refreshing as they now walk in His presence, and continue their journey into blessing until God sends Jesus back into the world to finalize all human destinies.
Monday, June 9, 2008
God on Earth: "So Close..." Acts 3;1-10 Mateen Elass
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So many of us know the experience of being “so close and yet so far” from the dream goal we’ve wished to attain. The lame man at the Beautiful Gate knew this in a literal way. Paralyzed from birth, he lies near the threshold of the Temple at this gate, unable to go in under his own power, forbidden to be brought in because of his disability. All he can do is seek the pity of the fortunate in the form of alms. The Lord changes all that through Peter, granting the man not what he is asking for but what he no longer allows himself to dream about – being made whole, able to offer God full-bodied worship, restored to full status in the community. This miracle wakes many to the possibility that God can do far beyond our feeble expectations, taking us beyond “so close” to “walking and leaping and praising God.”
So many of us know the experience of being “so close and yet so far” from the dream goal we’ve wished to attain. The lame man at the Beautiful Gate knew this in a literal way. Paralyzed from birth, he lies near the threshold of the Temple at this gate, unable to go in under his own power, forbidden to be brought in because of his disability. All he can do is seek the pity of the fortunate in the form of alms. The Lord changes all that through Peter, granting the man not what he is asking for but what he no longer allows himself to dream about – being made whole, able to offer God full-bodied worship, restored to full status in the community. This miracle wakes many to the possibility that God can do far beyond our feeble expectations, taking us beyond “so close” to “walking and leaping and praising God.”
Monday, June 2, 2008
God on Earth: "The Fellowship of the Kingdom" Acts 2:43-47 Mateen Elass
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Life in the Spirit transforms not just individual lives but the community as well. As the power of God flows through the apostles to heal individuals, so that power changes the priorities and values of new disciples. They want to be together, their compassion for others outweighs their desire to amass things for themselves, they find the center of their concerns shifting from the mundane to God instead. Their fellowship extends to joyful meals with plentiful food for guests. The change in lives is so evident that many are attracted to Christ, and the Lord blesses their new community by touching more people on a daily basis and bringing them into the fellowship.
Life in the Spirit transforms not just individual lives but the community as well. As the power of God flows through the apostles to heal individuals, so that power changes the priorities and values of new disciples. They want to be together, their compassion for others outweighs their desire to amass things for themselves, they find the center of their concerns shifting from the mundane to God instead. Their fellowship extends to joyful meals with plentiful food for guests. The change in lives is so evident that many are attracted to Christ, and the Lord blesses their new community by touching more people on a daily basis and bringing them into the fellowship.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
God on Earth "SAVE YOURSELVES!" Acts 2:22-42 Mateen Elass
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Through Peter’s first sermon, Jesus brings roughly 3000 into his Kingdom by the convicting power of the Spirit working through the retelling of the Passion story. Peter’s message highlights God’s sovereign arrangement of the destiny of Jesus, utilizing the rebellion of human beings to bring salvation to the human race. He pinpoints their guilt in murdering Israel’s Lord and Messiah, but offers them the incredible gifts of forgiveness from this same person and the new life of the Spirit. All they have to do is “save themselves” – by admitting their guilt and throwing themselves on God’s mercy, turning from the ways of the world and welcoming God into their lives. God, who has cut them to the heart, will heal their hearts and bring them into communion with Himself and His new creation (the church).
Through Peter’s first sermon, Jesus brings roughly 3000 into his Kingdom by the convicting power of the Spirit working through the retelling of the Passion story. Peter’s message highlights God’s sovereign arrangement of the destiny of Jesus, utilizing the rebellion of human beings to bring salvation to the human race. He pinpoints their guilt in murdering Israel’s Lord and Messiah, but offers them the incredible gifts of forgiveness from this same person and the new life of the Spirit. All they have to do is “save themselves” – by admitting their guilt and throwing themselves on God’s mercy, turning from the ways of the world and welcoming God into their lives. God, who has cut them to the heart, will heal their hearts and bring them into communion with Himself and His new creation (the church).
Monday, May 19, 2008
God on Earth: "Gawkers, Mockers and Shockers" / Acts 2:12-21 / Mateen Elass
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When God powerfully acts in our world, many people do not have eyes to see. Many are perplexed, for they have no framework by which to make sense of what they are encountering. They are open to being helped, but unsure in their own interpretations. Others, who have written God out of the creation, cast about for the closest natural explanation for what they are seeing, even if their view makes no sense. But those who are schooled in God’s ways, who live in union with Christ, can not only see God’s handiwork but also make sense of how what God is doing fits into His master plan of transforming the world into His Kingdom. Such insight is usually shocking to the ears of the first two groups.
When God powerfully acts in our world, many people do not have eyes to see. Many are perplexed, for they have no framework by which to make sense of what they are encountering. They are open to being helped, but unsure in their own interpretations. Others, who have written God out of the creation, cast about for the closest natural explanation for what they are seeing, even if their view makes no sense. But those who are schooled in God’s ways, who live in union with Christ, can not only see God’s handiwork but also make sense of how what God is doing fits into His master plan of transforming the world into His Kingdom. Such insight is usually shocking to the ears of the first two groups.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
God on Earth "How Christians Make Decisions" Acts 1:15-26 Mateen Elass
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Jesus chose twelve apostles for profound theological purposes. One of them defected, as foretold by Scripture. Peter recognizes the need to select a replacement. How is this understanding reached, and how does the early church select the replacement? This text indicates a combination of three elements: Scriptural input; the use of sanctified reason; and a submitted heart as seen in dependency on God to show His direction. These three elements are still crucial for Christians today in discerning the will of God for important decisions.
Jesus chose twelve apostles for profound theological purposes. One of them defected, as foretold by Scripture. Peter recognizes the need to select a replacement. How is this understanding reached, and how does the early church select the replacement? This text indicates a combination of three elements: Scriptural input; the use of sanctified reason; and a submitted heart as seen in dependency on God to show His direction. These three elements are still crucial for Christians today in discerning the will of God for important decisions.
Monday, April 21, 2008
God on Earth "God's People In Active Stillness" "God's People In Active Stillness" Acts 1:12-14 Mateen Elass
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Imagine coming across a discovery of unparalleled magnitude for the well-being of the human race, and then being ordered to sit on it until you are commanded otherwise. How would you respond? The disciples are told to wait till they have received power from heaven – and so after Jesus’ ascension they turn to prayer, keeping the communication lines open with God. They actively wait, devoting themselves to listening and pleading with God – this time is characterized by unity of mind and heart, and by full inclusion of all Jesus’ followers – the apostles, the women (!), and Jesus’ mother and siblings (!). The mission of God is accomplished not simply by knowing the truth, but by following God’s leading.
Imagine coming across a discovery of unparalleled magnitude for the well-being of the human race, and then being ordered to sit on it until you are commanded otherwise. How would you respond? The disciples are told to wait till they have received power from heaven – and so after Jesus’ ascension they turn to prayer, keeping the communication lines open with God. They actively wait, devoting themselves to listening and pleading with God – this time is characterized by unity of mind and heart, and by full inclusion of all Jesus’ followers – the apostles, the women (!), and Jesus’ mother and siblings (!). The mission of God is accomplished not simply by knowing the truth, but by following God’s leading.
Monday, April 14, 2008
God on Earth: The Sequel "The Last Lecture" Acts 1:6-11 Rev.John Gruel
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In the prologue to Acts Luke recounts Jesus’ final days with his apostles – that period between his resurrection and ascension during which he spoke to them about the kingdom of God, prepared them for the gift of Holy Spirit power, and commissioned them as his witnesses. In many ways this was his last opportunity to teach them, his “last Lecture,” a time to offer to them what mattered most to him.
In the prologue to Acts Luke recounts Jesus’ final days with his apostles – that period between his resurrection and ascension during which he spoke to them about the kingdom of God, prepared them for the gift of Holy Spirit power, and commissioned them as his witnesses. In many ways this was his last opportunity to teach them, his “last Lecture,” a time to offer to them what mattered most to him.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
God on Earth: The Sequel "The Gospel According to FPCE" Acts 1:1-5 Mateen Elass
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Luke introduces Acts as the sequel to his gospel, with the extraordinary implication that all that Jesus began to do in his earthly body up through his ascension he now continues to do in his extended body (the church). The upshot of this is that we must recast our often meager vision of the church and its mission in light of the fact that we are called together (bearing the life of Jesus) to be his agent of the gospel in meeting the needs of the world, just as he did in his earthly life. Of course, this calling is impossible in our own strength, and so we are commanded to receive and act in the power of the Spirit of Jesus - the Holy Spirit.
Luke introduces Acts as the sequel to his gospel, with the extraordinary implication that all that Jesus began to do in his earthly body up through his ascension he now continues to do in his extended body (the church). The upshot of this is that we must recast our often meager vision of the church and its mission in light of the fact that we are called together (bearing the life of Jesus) to be his agent of the gospel in meeting the needs of the world, just as he did in his earthly life. Of course, this calling is impossible in our own strength, and so we are commanded to receive and act in the power of the Spirit of Jesus - the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
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