I'm excited to be reading through Acts with our congregation. I'll be blogging my thoughts here daily over the next 28 days. Here's some of what's rattlin' around in between my ears after reading Acts 1 this morning before worship:
- I love the book of Acts. It is the history of the early church, and it is the inspiration for the way we try to do church at BridgeWay.
- I'm reminded of Craig Groeschel's words at Acts 2 a couple years ago, "What if what happened in here (referring to the book of Acts), could happen out here (referring to the church today)."
- I'm convinced that the reason the early church was used the way it was by God was the power of God's Spirit at work through the people of the church. (see vs. 4&8)
- While I'm not real comfortable with the whole casting lots thing in verses 23-26. I am reminded of the importance of seeking God's direction as we look to place people in positions of leadership within the church.
- It's also interesting to note that leaders were selected from within the existing disciples and not from outside...kinda makes you think that churches might want to rethink the strategy of bringing in hired guns from outside the organization who don't really understand what God is doing inside of their local church.
http://daleschaeffer.blogspot.com/2009/05/acts-1-reflections.html?showComment=1241438520000#c5387334129201747716'> 07:02
I thought it interesting that in the Message version, verse 7 focuses on timing being the central thought. God's timing is perfect and we need to wait for it. Often times we get out there in our own timing and realize that we should have waited on His timing. What is even more amazing is that even those times that we get ahead of God, He can still use our impatience to accomplish His will.
I am so glad that he included the women in verse 14. I have two daughters, a daughter-in-law and five grandaughters. It's important to me to see their inclusion in God's work. A mautre man knows just how important a woman's input is.
Verse 17 points out that even Judas had his own place in the ministry. Someone had to turn Jesus over and Judas sure played his part well.
As far as casting lots is concerned, we notice that they nominated, prayed and then drew straws. The problem in casting lots or drawing straws comes into play when step two is omitted. Thus the second step in our exercise as a body of believers.
http://daleschaeffer.blogspot.com/2009/05/acts-1-reflections.html?showComment=1241447760000#c1849329437919125746'> 09:36
I too thought it was interesting in verse 21 they that they thought it necessary to choose one that had been with them form the beginning. Understands where they are, where they came from and where they are going... (something we like to see in all our participants @ Bridgeway) be on board be in favor with and love in the times that everyone may not be together on a certain thought, idea or agenda.
... then in verse 24 they prayed for Gods guidance and direction. They didn't lean on their own understanding but on that of Christ Jesus. Praise God that we too are all learning (or remembering) that of what the Lord has told us. Thank you for speaking Gods Truth and leading us in the direction He has for our us and His Church.