One step forward. Two steps back. Sometimes it feels like that. We get off to a courageous, tremendous start and we feel, well, invincible. We think nothing can stop us or slow us down. Then, we run into opposition. People who don't listen or care to listen. In many cases, around the world, it can be people who actually want to do physical harm or pain to get their point across. We are slow to learn and slow to comprehend, many times. If we haven't learned it by now then let it make it plain and clear. There are people in this world who do not like the message of Christ and will kill you or I to silence that piece from being heard. We live in a freer society in the West and more tolerant of others views. But, we have seen moments where rioting can occur and those values and laws are laid to rest until people get their own pain and frustration out in the open for a while. We are only into chapter 6 here in Acts and already we are seeing some stressful moments coming to the fo...

  We have seen the former disciples now referred to as "apostles" come through some minor persecution. They have been thrown in jail momentarily only to be set free. They have been flogged and yelled at and told not to preach in the name of Jesus anymore only to head right back into the Temple courts and seek people in which to engage on the basis of the Message. Now, in Chap 6, it seems as if the story shifts gears. There are a few internal issues and matters to discuss as well as new people to be introduced to along the way.  Every story, historical or otherwise, needs drama in order to catch the readers attention and hold it. And, if the bible is full of one thing, it is drama. Human beings are full of it and drawn to it. In sporting events, it is the games between two rivals that grabs the most enthrallment. Yankees vs Red Sox. Ohio State vs That Team Up North. Up until now we have seen the scripture in Acts make reference to the disciples being all of one heart ...

  We've been exploring the theme of Passing the Buck. With that intention in mind, we continue on through Acts 5 and look at 3 simple lessons. The simple lesson here should be not to lie . Maybe, God knows everything .  The community had set its mind, as we read at the end of Acts 4 a couple of weeks ago, to give all that it had in order to share with others and put the needs of others first. Ananias and Sapphira learn here that they cannot keep some of it for themselves. We are either in this walk with God 100% or we are not in it at all. "How could you conspire to test the Lord?" Peter would ask of them both at separate times. The simple lesson here is not to test the Lord . Did you grow up pushing the limits with your parents? Always testing your teachers to see how much they could take? Try that with the Lord and see how far it goes. Go on. Test the Lord. You'll find he is patient and kind and you'll always find out when you least expect it that He has a lesso...