February 8
Read: Acts 6:1-7
Recently I have done a great deal of studying on discipleship. It seems to be a hot topic currently, and there are many, many books out on how we should do it. As they all claim a biblical foundation, let’s cut out the middle man and see what we might glean from the Bible directly concerning this idea of discipleship.
In Acts 6, we see seven men chosen by the congregation for special work. Often, study Bibles will call these men the first deacons. The church had a ministry that was not getting sufficient attention. Concerned church members brought the problem to the apostles. The apostles called the church body together and explained that they did not have the time to personally oversee this business, as it would distract them from their primary duties of Bible study and prayer. So they empowered the congregation to select men who could do the work for them. In Acts 6:3, they gave specific qualifications for the position. They must be men, of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. Isn’t it fascinating that they didn’t look for successful businessmen, or wealthy merchants, or proven managers? You know, the church may have considered these things in their decision making. The Bible doesn’t tell us one way or another. But first and foremost were the spiritual qualifications.
Rather than call these men the first deacons, I prefer to think of them as simply mature disciples of the Jerusalem church. They had obviously been in the church for some time, as it takes longer than a few weeks to recognize the stated qualifications. These men clearly stood out amongst the congregation as men who serious about their service for God and mature in their faith. In the chapters that follow, we see that at least two of them men, Stephen and Philip, were fervent witnesses for the Lord. George Barna (Growing True Disciples, Waterbrook Press, 2001) defined a disciple as a “person committed to becoming and to reproducing spiritually mature zealots for Christ.” Certainly this group embodied that definition to the utmost degree.
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we too are called to be disciples. If we asked the church about you, would you be described as a man “of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, an evangelist?” And if not, then what are you doing to change that? The most important part of Barna’s definition is in the first few words, “a disciple is a person committed to becoming...”. What you are now is not as important as what you are committed to becoming. Please, Lord, make us all like those men in Acts 6, sold out disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh, and by the way, there was an additional significant consequence of these six disciples’ service. Look closely at Acts 6:7. After these disciples assumed ministry responsibilities, “the Word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Who’d a thunk it?
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Church Growth
February 7
Read: Acts 2:32-47
In Acts 2:32-47, the Lord has chosen to give us a glimpse of the very first church. On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended upon them in mass. Peter preached, and about 3000 people got saved, were baptized and added to the church. Talk about church growth! From 120 disciples praying together in the upper room (Acts 1:15) to a local assembly of more than 3000 members in one day! Don’t you know that was an exciting time to be in Jerusalem?
Besides the phenomenal growth, the other thing that should interest us is the activity of the First Baptized Assembly at Jerusalem. In verse 42, the Bible says: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers.” This church majored on doctrine, fellowship, and prayer. In verse 43 we see a spirit of reverence and of power. In verses 44 and 45, we see how they proved their love one to another. Verse 46 testifies to their unity and their thankfulness (notice they met together every day). Finally, verse 47 says they had an attitude of praise.
To borrow a phrase from the sports announcers, let’s do a quick recap of that. The First Baptized Assembly at Jerusalem was notable for their doctrine, fellowship, prayer, reverence, power, love, unity, thankfulness and worship. Is it any wonder that “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved?”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: Acts 2:32-47
In Acts 2:32-47, the Lord has chosen to give us a glimpse of the very first church. On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended upon them in mass. Peter preached, and about 3000 people got saved, were baptized and added to the church. Talk about church growth! From 120 disciples praying together in the upper room (Acts 1:15) to a local assembly of more than 3000 members in one day! Don’t you know that was an exciting time to be in Jerusalem?
Besides the phenomenal growth, the other thing that should interest us is the activity of the First Baptized Assembly at Jerusalem. In verse 42, the Bible says: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers.” This church majored on doctrine, fellowship, and prayer. In verse 43 we see a spirit of reverence and of power. In verses 44 and 45, we see how they proved their love one to another. Verse 46 testifies to their unity and their thankfulness (notice they met together every day). Finally, verse 47 says they had an attitude of praise.
To borrow a phrase from the sports announcers, let’s do a quick recap of that. The First Baptized Assembly at Jerusalem was notable for their doctrine, fellowship, prayer, reverence, power, love, unity, thankfulness and worship. Is it any wonder that “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved?”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
He must increase...
February 6
Read: John 20:30-31; John 21:20-25
Most Bible scholars put the writing of John’s Gospel at about 90 AD. Placing Jesus’ death on the cross at about 33 AD, and John as the son of Zebedee and a member of Jesus’ original twelve disciples, that makes John a pretty old man by the time the book was written. Beginning life as the son of a fisherman, John was called by Jesus at a relatively young age and discipled three years by the Lord Himself. For approximately sixty years he served the Lord and His church in various capacities, and tradition places him in the city of Ephesus at the time the Gospel was penned. There, the Holy Spirit inspired John to record the life of his Lord, and the aged apostle was used by God to give us one of the most moving and personal accounts in the whole Bible.
It’s clear when we study John’s life that God used an amazing man to record an amazing story. Labled the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus, John and his brother began their walk with the Lord as anything but the apostles of love. They thundered, they threatened, and they connived, even enlisting their mother in their attempts to gain the highest place. They, with Peter, were privileged to be Jesus’ inner circle. And like Peter, to the mortal eye it looks as though they were born to failure. But God can see where we can’t. And gradually, patiently, marvelously, the “Son of Thunder” became the “Apostle of Love.”
It is in the gospel of John that we see the distance the apostle had traversed. First, from seeking the top spot he had progressed to the point where he would not even include his own name in the book that he wrote. Whenever you see the name John in the Gospel of John, it is a reference to John the Baptist. If the Holy Spirit in divine inspiration forced him to speak of himself, he identified himself simply as the disciple whom Jesus loved. John was very quick to dispel any rumors of his own superiority, making sure that Jesus was accurately quoted, and that he, John, was not exalted. For a signature, he very simply described himself as a witness giving a testimony. And his last words in the gospel concern the things that Jesus did that were not recorded. The aged apostle had come to the point that every wise disciple will someday reach, that it is not about him, but about Jesus. To borrow a phrase, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: John 20:30-31; John 21:20-25
Most Bible scholars put the writing of John’s Gospel at about 90 AD. Placing Jesus’ death on the cross at about 33 AD, and John as the son of Zebedee and a member of Jesus’ original twelve disciples, that makes John a pretty old man by the time the book was written. Beginning life as the son of a fisherman, John was called by Jesus at a relatively young age and discipled three years by the Lord Himself. For approximately sixty years he served the Lord and His church in various capacities, and tradition places him in the city of Ephesus at the time the Gospel was penned. There, the Holy Spirit inspired John to record the life of his Lord, and the aged apostle was used by God to give us one of the most moving and personal accounts in the whole Bible.
It’s clear when we study John’s life that God used an amazing man to record an amazing story. Labled the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus, John and his brother began their walk with the Lord as anything but the apostles of love. They thundered, they threatened, and they connived, even enlisting their mother in their attempts to gain the highest place. They, with Peter, were privileged to be Jesus’ inner circle. And like Peter, to the mortal eye it looks as though they were born to failure. But God can see where we can’t. And gradually, patiently, marvelously, the “Son of Thunder” became the “Apostle of Love.”
It is in the gospel of John that we see the distance the apostle had traversed. First, from seeking the top spot he had progressed to the point where he would not even include his own name in the book that he wrote. Whenever you see the name John in the Gospel of John, it is a reference to John the Baptist. If the Holy Spirit in divine inspiration forced him to speak of himself, he identified himself simply as the disciple whom Jesus loved. John was very quick to dispel any rumors of his own superiority, making sure that Jesus was accurately quoted, and that he, John, was not exalted. For a signature, he very simply described himself as a witness giving a testimony. And his last words in the gospel concern the things that Jesus did that were not recorded. The aged apostle had come to the point that every wise disciple will someday reach, that it is not about him, but about Jesus. To borrow a phrase, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Wow and Double Wow!
February 5
Read: John 17:1-26
It is always instructive to read the prayers of Jesus. The when, what and how of Jesus’ personal communications with the Father provide wonderful insights into the purpose and mechanics of prayer. Jesus’ prayer in John 17, though, should be special to every believer, as it is the one identifiable point in Scripture where Jesus prayed for each of us personally.
In John 17:20, Jesus says, “Neither pray I for these (the disciples) alone, but for them which shall believe on me through their word:” When Jesus said, “them which shall believe on me through their word” He meant me and you! We are each and every one of us begotten of the Word of God passed through the disciples. They told someone, who told someone, who told someone, who, two thousand years and only God knows how many generations later, told me. When Jesus prayed that prayer, He prayed for me! So, realizing that this is the Son of God doing the praying, and that it’s highly unlikely that His prayer will not be answered, what did He ask for?
First, He prayed that we might be one with Him and the Father. He prayed that we might enjoy the same relationship that He enjoyed with His Father. Imagine having the same understanding and empathy with God the Father that Jesus had. And Jesus prayed for it!
Second, He prayed that we would ultimately be with Him, and that we might see His glory. Jesus asked the Father that we be permitted to be with Him where He was, and that we might behold Him in the glory He had before the universe was created.
Now, seriously, do you think those prayers are not going to be answered? What an incredible eternity we have in front of us. We will one day be with Him, beholding His glory, and sharing the same relationship with the heavenly Father that Jesus himself has. Wow and double wow! Or as Paul says, Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: John 17:1-26
It is always instructive to read the prayers of Jesus. The when, what and how of Jesus’ personal communications with the Father provide wonderful insights into the purpose and mechanics of prayer. Jesus’ prayer in John 17, though, should be special to every believer, as it is the one identifiable point in Scripture where Jesus prayed for each of us personally.
In John 17:20, Jesus says, “Neither pray I for these (the disciples) alone, but for them which shall believe on me through their word:” When Jesus said, “them which shall believe on me through their word” He meant me and you! We are each and every one of us begotten of the Word of God passed through the disciples. They told someone, who told someone, who told someone, who, two thousand years and only God knows how many generations later, told me. When Jesus prayed that prayer, He prayed for me! So, realizing that this is the Son of God doing the praying, and that it’s highly unlikely that His prayer will not be answered, what did He ask for?
First, He prayed that we might be one with Him and the Father. He prayed that we might enjoy the same relationship that He enjoyed with His Father. Imagine having the same understanding and empathy with God the Father that Jesus had. And Jesus prayed for it!
Second, He prayed that we would ultimately be with Him, and that we might see His glory. Jesus asked the Father that we be permitted to be with Him where He was, and that we might behold Him in the glory He had before the universe was created.
Now, seriously, do you think those prayers are not going to be answered? What an incredible eternity we have in front of us. We will one day be with Him, beholding His glory, and sharing the same relationship with the heavenly Father that Jesus himself has. Wow and double wow! Or as Paul says, Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
On Holy Ground
February 3
Read: John 13:1-20
Every time I reach John 13 in my Bible reading, I always feel as though I have stepped onto holy ground. The ever burning bush of Jesus’ last night with the disciples prior to the cross always makes me want to take off my shoes, bow down, and worship. Here in the Gospel of John is the record of the last Passover, when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and left them explicit instructions to follow His example. Here, in John 13:34-35, we receive the royal command to love one another and a description of the distinctiveness it would bring us as His disciples.
Going on, we see Judas leaving to accomplish the betrayal, then in chapter 14, the wonderful words, “Let not your heart be troubled...” Jesus proclaims the exclusivity of the gospel in John 14:6, then gives the wonderful promise of the Spirit. He leaves His peace and gives us the wonderful analogy of the vine and the branches. This section, from John 13 to John 17, is what He told the disciples at the last supper, and includes wonderful promises of prayer and comfort and even the high priestly prayer of Christ, when He prayed for each of us.
Has your Bible reading ever brought you to a point where you sit hushed, savoring each word and breathing out praise with every verse? I’m afraid that too often I come to the Word as a duty rather than a temple, and I rush through my daily chapters, mostly missing the blessings my wonderful heavenly Father intended me to receive.
Today, let’s try to pray our way through the Scriptures. It really doesn’t matter where you’re reading. God’s Word has something special for you each and every day. No matter which way you look, it’s holy ground.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: John 13:1-20
Every time I reach John 13 in my Bible reading, I always feel as though I have stepped onto holy ground. The ever burning bush of Jesus’ last night with the disciples prior to the cross always makes me want to take off my shoes, bow down, and worship. Here in the Gospel of John is the record of the last Passover, when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and left them explicit instructions to follow His example. Here, in John 13:34-35, we receive the royal command to love one another and a description of the distinctiveness it would bring us as His disciples.
Going on, we see Judas leaving to accomplish the betrayal, then in chapter 14, the wonderful words, “Let not your heart be troubled...” Jesus proclaims the exclusivity of the gospel in John 14:6, then gives the wonderful promise of the Spirit. He leaves His peace and gives us the wonderful analogy of the vine and the branches. This section, from John 13 to John 17, is what He told the disciples at the last supper, and includes wonderful promises of prayer and comfort and even the high priestly prayer of Christ, when He prayed for each of us.
Has your Bible reading ever brought you to a point where you sit hushed, savoring each word and breathing out praise with every verse? I’m afraid that too often I come to the Word as a duty rather than a temple, and I rush through my daily chapters, mostly missing the blessings my wonderful heavenly Father intended me to receive.
Today, let’s try to pray our way through the Scriptures. It really doesn’t matter where you’re reading. God’s Word has something special for you each and every day. No matter which way you look, it’s holy ground.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Is Satan Your Enemy?
February 3
Read: John 12:1-11
In this passage, the Pharisees, already intent on killing Jesus, add Lazarus to the hit list. And why were they so upset with Lazarus? John 12:11 says, “because that by reason of him (Lazarus) many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.”
Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. A number of people had witnessed the miracle, and word had spread throughout the region. Can you imagine how many people must have asked Lazarus, “Is it true? Did Jesus really bring you back from the dead?” In every case, Lazarus must have answered with enthusiasm, “He did indeed.” Then they asked other witnesses. And no matter who they asked, the answer came back the same. This Lazarus, who was dead, is now alive. And many believed on Jesus.
Ephesians 2:1 says “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:”. To quicken means to “make alive”. We who were dead are made alive. Just as Lazarus was raised physically, so Jesus has made us alive spiritually. And just as Lazarus’s everyday life was a testimony to the grace and power of God, so should our lives be also.
The Scribes and Pharisees saw their kingdoms crumbling, and they held both Jesus and Lazarus responsible. Does Satan hold you responsible for the crumbling of his kingdom? Is the strength of your testimony such that God can use it to rip souls from Satan and his minions? Do you have an enemy determined to destroy you?
Let’s hope so.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: John 12:1-11
In this passage, the Pharisees, already intent on killing Jesus, add Lazarus to the hit list. And why were they so upset with Lazarus? John 12:11 says, “because that by reason of him (Lazarus) many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.”
Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. A number of people had witnessed the miracle, and word had spread throughout the region. Can you imagine how many people must have asked Lazarus, “Is it true? Did Jesus really bring you back from the dead?” In every case, Lazarus must have answered with enthusiasm, “He did indeed.” Then they asked other witnesses. And no matter who they asked, the answer came back the same. This Lazarus, who was dead, is now alive. And many believed on Jesus.
Ephesians 2:1 says “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:”. To quicken means to “make alive”. We who were dead are made alive. Just as Lazarus was raised physically, so Jesus has made us alive spiritually. And just as Lazarus’s everyday life was a testimony to the grace and power of God, so should our lives be also.
The Scribes and Pharisees saw their kingdoms crumbling, and they held both Jesus and Lazarus responsible. Does Satan hold you responsible for the crumbling of his kingdom? Is the strength of your testimony such that God can use it to rip souls from Satan and his minions? Do you have an enemy determined to destroy you?
Let’s hope so.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
What a Testimony!
February 2
Read: John 9:1-41
John chapter 9 is the story of a man healed by Jesus and the controversy that resulted. Although subject to ridicule and slander, the man adamantly maintained that Jesus had healed him, and that Jesus was from God. In v. 25 he proclaims to the Pharisees, “Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”
Later, in vs. 30-33, his confidence grown, the man marvels that the Pharisees cannot see the simple truth that since Jesus did things that no man has ever done, He must be from God. In v. 33, he sums it up, saying, “If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.”
Although the Pharisees rejected the testimony of the healed blind man, I tend to believe there were many others who did not. His testimony was simple and powerful. I was blind, and now I see. As simple as it is, there is power in it. So too is there power in the testimony of any life touched by Jesus. Recently, we have begun some of our services by asking one of our brothers or sisters to give his or her personal testimony. In every case, it is evident that there is great spiritual power in the testimony of a changed life. In every case, we can say with the blind man, I was blind, and now I see.
God wants to use the testimony of our changed lives to change others. We should pray for opportunities to share the work God has done in our lives with those who do not know Him. Some will reject and ridicule, but some will hear with a heart prepared to receive Him. That’s what Jesus meant when He said that we would be His witnesses.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
Read: John 9:1-41
John chapter 9 is the story of a man healed by Jesus and the controversy that resulted. Although subject to ridicule and slander, the man adamantly maintained that Jesus had healed him, and that Jesus was from God. In v. 25 he proclaims to the Pharisees, “Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”
Later, in vs. 30-33, his confidence grown, the man marvels that the Pharisees cannot see the simple truth that since Jesus did things that no man has ever done, He must be from God. In v. 33, he sums it up, saying, “If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.”
Although the Pharisees rejected the testimony of the healed blind man, I tend to believe there were many others who did not. His testimony was simple and powerful. I was blind, and now I see. As simple as it is, there is power in it. So too is there power in the testimony of any life touched by Jesus. Recently, we have begun some of our services by asking one of our brothers or sisters to give his or her personal testimony. In every case, it is evident that there is great spiritual power in the testimony of a changed life. In every case, we can say with the blind man, I was blind, and now I see.
God wants to use the testimony of our changed lives to change others. We should pray for opportunities to share the work God has done in our lives with those who do not know Him. Some will reject and ridicule, but some will hear with a heart prepared to receive Him. That’s what Jesus meant when He said that we would be His witnesses.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
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