Good Samaritan United Methodist Church

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Read Acts 3:1-10 Dave Paulson

In today’s reading Peter and John and going into the temple for prayer when a man lame from birth asks them for alms. They stopped, gave the man their full attention, told him they didn’t have money, but they would share what they had. Peter took him by the hand, lifted him up and he was healed. What a great example of standing with those God misses most.

The story reminds me that money can’t substitute for personal involvement if we take seriously the needs of people around us. We need to share both. Power for healing is released when we simply focus on someone, listening, and taking them seriously. This applies not only to strangers but to members of our families also.

Lord, make us sensitive to the needs around and give us courage to act in your name. Amen

Monday, February 22, 2010
Read Acts 3: 11-26 By Carl Cottrell

This passage relates what happened at the temple immediately after Peter and John had healed a lame man who had been lying at the entrance. The man, “walking and leaping and praising God”, attracted a crowd who were astonished at what had happened to him.
Peter emphatically reminds the crowd that it was not he and John who had healed the man, but rather it was the power of faith in Jesus who had been glorified by God. Peter goes on to remind the crowd that it was they who had rejected Jesus and had caused his death and that they had done this through their own ignorance of their past history. Peter tells them of the line of prophets from Moses onward who had predicted the coming of the messiah and how the people should listen to whatever he said. Peter ends his sermon with the reminder that God sent Jesus “to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways”.
Peter’s sermon is as timely for us today as it was when he delivered it- God gave us Jesus as our salvation, our hope for the future. We need only to believe in him, ask for forgiveness of our sins and we will be given everlasting life. Today, let us pray again for our salvation through Jesus blessed name. Let us be thankful for the blessings of our Savior each and every day of our lives.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Read Acts 4:1-22 Sandra Daniels

WE WILL STAND

Acts 4:12, “There is salvation in no one else for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”

I have to admit I was not in favor of the decision made around the Relaunch. I still question the direction we are going. The one thing that keeps me going is the belief that in the midst of it all is Christ. The One in which we all come together and whose name we celebrate and worship, Sunday after Sunday. “There is salvation in no one else for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”

For some reason when I read this passage I thought of the chorus to “We Will Stand” by Joy Song, and when we appear to be divided we can remember the One who unites us. “You’re my brother, you’re my sister; so take me by the hand. Together we work until He comes. There’s no foe that can defeat us if we’re walking side by side, as long as there is love we will stand.”

The strength of the 1st Century Christians, no matter what was going on; they stood together. We will stand as we look to the future to see where God is leading us.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Read Acts 4:23-31 Carol Eidt

Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness

The prayer in this passage is very powerful – but the combination of joy, passion and humility it expresses are even more compelling when considered in the context of the recent experiences of the early church. Coming close after the amazing events of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the breathtaking visitation of the Holy Spirit, the conversion of thousands, and the healing of the lame man at the temple, this prayer takes on new meaning. The men at the center of these events might be expected to be feeling pretty proud of themselves at this point. After all, in spite of formidable opponents, they have kept steadfast in their faith, and have continued to spread the Word of God to greater and greater numbers, converting thousands along the way. Yet, they have continued to give all glory to God, mindful that the source of all their strength lies only there. Their prayer begins by praising God, and then recalling King David’s words that prophesied the very opposition that they were facing. Then, they pray that God will give them strength to continue to spread God’s word, and not be intimidated. They ask this humbly, as lowly servants in the greatness of God’s creation.

“God, may we follow in the faithful footsteps of those who first spread your Word. May you give us the strength to be your disciples in a challenging world, and the humility to remember that we are your humble servants. Amen”

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Read Acts 4:32-5:11 Joyce & Mark Fisher

In this passage, believers willingly sell their property and belongings, give all proceeds to the church, and then live happily—even blissfully—commune style, in the grace of God. It sounds like the perfect passage for the “Extravagant Giving” campaign! However, it ends with God killing a couple who secretly kept part of their money made from the sale of their property. One could assume that this passage could be used by cult leaders to manipulate people to give all of their money, leave their family, and join the cult in order to avoid the same demise.

But we feel this passage is actually a metaphor for giving all that we have to God—but not under threat of instant death. Rather God wants us to give our whole heart, our whole mind, our whole soul, and live as one community. This interpretation supports the relaunch our Good Sam. It is not just about giving our money on Sunday mornings, but rather to making church, church members, and all of the people of the world part out our daily lives. It may be taking meals to families in turmoil, or driving a car full of youth to an outing, or praying for a distant family member in need. It may be singing in the choir, being a mentor for a confirmation youth member, or fixing a leaking faucet in the bathroom at church. It may be putting together health packages for earthquake victims, donating money for mosquito nets, or working at the Family Shelter.

God does want us to live as a community. God does want us to give all we have back to him. But we should do it willingly. And living as a commune—sharing all we have with each other, sharing responsibilities for each other, sharing each other’s burdens, and sharing each other’s joys—can be a reality and our church family becomes one with our families.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Read Acts 5:12-42 Dollie Forney

Peter and the apostles met regularly in Jerusalem. They stirred up excitement within the city and made disciples as well as gained admirers. They were healing all kinds of people within Jerusalem and from surrounding cities and doing it all in the name of Jesus. For this they were thrown in jail. Miraculously God frees the apostles and commands them to continue their work at the temple. Puzzled but undeterred the police are ordered to arrest the apostles again and take them to the High Council. The Chief Priest of the High Council ask why the apostles were defying orders and teaching in the name of Jesus (not to mention implying the leaders were responsible for the crucifixion). Clearly the High Council feared the increasing popularity of the apostles and their growing influence on the people. Peter and the apostles answered they were simply doing what God had asked them to do and even if they break the laws of the high priest, they work for God alone.

This angered the Council and not much was standing between the apostles and a death sentence.

But a single Pharisee named Gamaliel pointed out: What if the apostles were speaking for God? If they were not, they would fade away like all the other phonies before them who claimed they spoke for God. But the price for being wrong by putting these men to death was far too high.

I learned Gamaliel lived and died a Pharisee. He was Rabbi to the apostle Paul before Paul’s conversion. He was so beloved by the Jewish faithful, the Mishnah (the first recording of the Oral law of the Jewish people), pays tribute to him in Sotah 9:15 "Since Rabban Gamaliel the Elder died, there has been no more reverence for the Torah, and purity and abstinence died out at the same time." He was well known for his broad minded and compassionate views.

Christian scholars claim he was an "undercover follower" baptized by Peter and John and remained in the Sanhedrin to help smooth the way for the apostles. Jewish scholars insist Gamaliel was a Pharisee all his life and although an admirer of Jesus and His teachings, he did not believe in the divinity of Christ. The Catholic Church canonized him as a Saint, although Jewish records contend he belongs to the non-Christian branch of Jewish leaders. His bones rest in a cathedral in Pisa, Italy. He is the only Rabbi buried in a Christian church crypt.

So as we "choose up teams" in these stories, remember Gamaliel, the Rabbi Saint. Jews and Christians seek to claim him but clearly he acted on behalf of God regardless which "team" he played for.

Gracious God,
You seek our faith and obedience. Your influence knows no boundaries.
Amen

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Read Acts 6:1-15 Margaret Friend

Often it seems that our minds get stuck anticipating the difficult paths we expect in the future. We get hung up on the much larger budget or the additional people that are needed to fulfill our vision. This passage tells us that the “prerequisites” for growth may already exist, ready to tap with the support of the Holy Spirit. “Choosing to stand with others” who may not have come to the church by a familiar path can enrich our Christian experiences and expand the reach of the church beyond all expectations.

The “progress reports” in these verses indicate that the disciples were increasing. Certainly we love to hear such reports, but the early church was also experiencing growth problems. To be specific, the Greek widows were being ignored by the Hebrew leaders in the daily distribution of food. This neglect was probably more because of the demands on the apostles and the difference in language and background than any intent to short them. However, we can certainly identify with this situation as similar to ones we know and might expect it to lead eventually to a split group and resentment between factions.

The leaders recognized that the spiritual growth of the church was vital and more than enough for them to handle. They chose to delegate the function of “waiting on tables”, or presiding over the distribution of charitable gifts. “The Seven” selected are significant in that they were all of Greek background and were chosen by the whole group because of their Spirit-filled wisdom. The existing Hebrew leadership demonstrated their respect and support for this group by praying and laying hands on them in what became the “ordaining” or “commissioning” we now practice. In this way, the “material ministry” to be led by “The Seven” and the “spiritual ministry” of the “Word of God” and prayer led by “The Twelve” (apostles) were given equal importance. In addition, leadership had been expanded to some who were of a different background than the original apostles.

Another note of significance comes in the second “progress report” when we are told that “a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” These priests were from the “old covenant” of Judaism who responded to the preaching of the apostles that Jesus’ sacrifice made the old sacrifices unnecessary. Their acceptance of a new and higher covenant of obedience to God as well as the acceptance of these priests as part of the early church should also remind us not to place limits on the way into God’s kingdom.

Prayer: May we always remember to look past the things that divide us – Jew or Gentile, slave or free, man or woman – and seek the One who does not see any differences except in our response to Him and His Word. Amen