We are off to a great start! Congratulations to Us!
I’m adding a few questions to make it a bit more personal for this wonderful group. These are challenging chock-full chapters. We’ll be pondering:
Are we praying for boldness like they did? When is the last time you were bold?
What idol caused Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit?
What did Stephen see when dying? Have you been at the deathbed of someone who was like that?
Sunday: SPYING GOD
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
To Get Started Follow These Steps (They are pretty easy, but if you have trouble, find someone young!)
- Search for “Bible App by YouVersion” in the App Store (if you don’t already have it).
- Tap “Plans” (bottom menu)
- This is where all reading plans live.
- Search for: “The Bible Recap”
- Look for:
- The Bible Recap (New Testament)
- or The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble
- Look for:
- Open the plan
- Tap “Start Plan”
- Customize your start
- Choose
- Then look for “Adjust Plan” or “Start from Day…”
- 👉 Scroll until you find Day 48 in N.T. (Acts 4-6)
- Choose
Tap into that day and follow the directions for each day — It will usually look like this:
- Devotional (Prayer)
- Read the chapters (Usually one a day — and highlight)
- Share one thing you learned
- Watch Tara (almost under 10 minutes)
- Share your “God Shot”
Monday: Acts 4
Begin on Day 48 in the New Testament Version and Pray the Prayers in the Devotional
- Read Acts 4 and highlight. Then share one thing that stood out to you and why.(Do more if you like – do that what when, why questions, or make 10 observations, or just share one thing.)
- Are you praying for boldness? Share the last time you were bold for the Lord!
Tuesday: Acts 5
3. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
4. What idol might have been beneath Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? When did you last struggle with the idol of affirmation and how did you handle it? Be specific.
Wednesday: Acts 6
5. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
6. What did Stephen see at the end? Have you been at a deathbed or heard about one that moved you?
Thursday/Friday: Tara, God Shot
Go back to the devotional and scroll down to see the Bible Recap — should look something like this:
7. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
Saturday:
8. Any questions you want to ask of your sisters? Or comments on something one shared?
127 comments
My God Hunt is seeing His Spirit work in all of you! Your enthusiasm about this study really is wonderful.
God also rescued me from a scammer I’d been e-mailing with for 3 weeks. She (or whoever it was) was so convincing, telling me she was publicist who could bring back the kind of sales I’d had with The Friendships of Women forty years ago. I nearly sent her a check, BUT GOD. When she started pressuring me I knew pressure never comes from the Holy Spirit so slowed down and got counsel. My youngest daughter discovered the warm picture she was using was not her, and my FBI son-in-law said: “One hundred per cent scam.” It was the Lord who rescued me.
Oh Dee, so glad the Lord rescued you from this scam…there are so many out there anymore!!
Thank you Jesus, for always going ahead of us and speaking to us through Your still small voice. Thank you for bringing the truth to Dee, through her daughter and son in law. Praising You Lord.
So scary! Thank You Lord for giving us wise people to help us be discerning in these types of situations.
Thank you all. Makes me sympathetic how easy it is to be tricked.
Sunday: SPYING GOD
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
Last Thursday, I met with a lady friend (a sense of His presence through fellowship) who is in charge this year to lead our annual October Women’s Luncheon. We both felt the Lord’s presence and guidance (answer to prayer) as we talked about the theme, verse, speaker, and the general agenda for that day. As we talked about several options, we felt God’s peace with what we agreed on, trusting Him to open doors for us.
She is planning to ask 2-3 women (unusual timing of their circumstances that lines up with our theme) to give a short testimony in line with our theme, The God of the Ordinary, based on the Bible Study by Alistair Begg of the same title. We will be using his 6-week study (help to do His work) for a follow-up to the event.
I thank God for His Word, and He has led me to the following verses (Scripture becoming radioactive)
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are… to I Corinthians 1:27-28
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
Dee, thank you again for teaching us this principle of Spying God in our lives.
I love how you sought the Lord together, Bing, for your luncheon.
I love the theme you chose of The God of the Ordinary, the study by Alistair Begg and the great verses, Bing. God Was truly with you all. All this reminds of the song: “Surely, the Presence of the Lord is on this Place”.
Sunday
My God hunt…
God has been faithful in answering my specific prayer this last week – that no matter what each day brings, I would choose to praise Him.
“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.”
Psalms 145:1-3 NLT
Beautiful Praise and verse, Sharon! Amen!
Sharon, I have found the verse that He is in the praise of His people to be true. I love how TLC has us pray through the Scripture after we studied it – -and it is often praise.
Acts 4. I kept thinking of Keller’s statement that “God only gives Satan enough rope to hang himself.” The persecution of Peter and John simply exploded those being saved – 5,000 men came to Christ. (I’m trying not to be bothered that the women are not counted — but I do know according to Rodney Stark that 2/3 of the early church was women who were so thankful to be treated with respect.)
When I shared my testimony to International Students last summer the church objected, not believing Acts 4:12. But God brought great good out of that too.
I love verse 16: “What shall we do with these men, for a notable isgn has been performed as evidence.” You think? It amazes me that despite the evidence they dug their heals in to stop them. Fighting against God.
THEY ARE SO BOLD, YET THEY PRAY FOR MORE BOLDNESS. OH LORD, HELP ME TO BE BOLD AS A LION AND GENTLE AS A DOVE.
Verses 25-26 reminds me that people who are so upset about Trump (and I do think there are reasons to be) have forgotten that God is in charge. I find myself endeavoring to be a peacemaker between two men at pickleball over this — praying God will bring good out of this.
Last time I was bold. I don’t like to be confrontational but am doing so with the two men at odds over Trump at pickleball. They both came to me though they are on opposite sides. I am trying to speak truth in love to each. I needed the verse Sharon gave me from Leviticus for the Jewish man and I think the Christian is going to bring a peace offering of flowers for the Jewish man’s wife today. Would love prayer for God to bring peace if not agreement.
I will pray for this situation, Dee. Praying for God’s peace.
The news media twists facts and I hear people speaking words that are not true. Our leaders says crazy things in gruff ways. It is difficult to find reasonable answers when so much unreasonable chatter is happening. So many people say they don’t even know what to believe anymore. It is a difficult time in history. We definitely need to pray for our country and the leadership on all sides.🙏
Any news about the men? I like to remind people that they don’t have to like their boss…
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
My daughter took me to the very top of Cape Cod for the weekend. It was beautiful and interesting to see the sand dunes and the ocean. To see the magnificence of God’s creation from a different point of view.
It brought to my mind, Psalm 8.
“O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” Psalm 8:1
The earth speaks His glory if we take time to look at it and spend time in it, away from so many devices that call to us daily.
Oh that sounds like a great weekend, Patti!
Patti, what a sweet weekend to have with your daughter and enjoy together God’s creation…love the verse you shared and so true about “getting away from the devices that call us daily.”
Monday
Read Acts 4 and highlight. Then share one thing that stood out to you and why.(Do more if you like – do that what when, why questions, or make 10 observations, or just share one thing.).
The priests, the temple guard and the Sadducees were upset that Peter and John were teaching about Jesus.
They were proclaiming about Jesus’s resurrection.
They were put in jail for the night.
5,000 men (and probably many women) believed.
When they were brought before rulers, elders, scribed and high priests, John and Peter were filled with the Holy Spirit.
They were bold in proclaiming that it was in the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, who they crucified, whom God raised, that this man was healed
Verses 11 and 12 are fulfillment of prophecy; the stone that was rejected
They boldly claimed that there is No salvation in any other name under Heaven that has been given among men, bu which they can be saved.
They recognized the men had been with Jesus, and the man was healed so they were without words! I love this!!!❤️.
When told they could not longer speak to any man using this Name (Jesus), their answer was BOLD!
Acts 4:19-20 “ Whether is is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.”
‘When they returned to their companions, they relayed the news and they prayed together for confidence to speak God’s Word. The place where was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the congregation of those who believed became united in commitment as one heart and soul.
Barnabas sold his property and brought the proceeds to the apostles for their ministry.
Are you praying for boldness? Share the last time you were bold for the Lord!
Yes. I want to be bold for Jesus, but gentle in spirit when I am being bold. Often, I try to just say a little bit and wait till someone asks or just talk about their life. So often people will tell you things that you can pray for. And that’s always a good starting place for me. Very few people will be upset if you say, “I’ll pray for you.” It’s something I try not to overthink or plan ahead on.
I find just getting to know a person, they can see things a difference in believers and non-believers. Believers tend to have more joy and more trust in other people and less anxiety about circumstances. Faith is something to share, not to sell.
Love the reminder to just ask if I can pray!!!
Patti, glad you wrote out the verses that stood out to you. I started doing that, but got pulled away, and now I am another day behind. Ugh! I love your emphasis on prayer. Indeed, a good starting place.
Sunday: SPYING GOD
—This past weekend we attended one of our grandson’s graduation from High School. He was mostly homeschooled with the exception of a few classes in our public school while he played sports. But his graduation was at a large Christian School in association with the home school cooperative they now belong to since they moved and live in the city. There were 50 students graduating and each set of parents had written a short blessing that was read while the parents met them on stage and gave them their diplomas. It was a very meaningful ceremony like none other I have ever attended. It was respectful and God was truly honored. His Word was at the heart of most all of it.
A unique blessing happened Sunday afternoon as we were then able to attend our youngest granddaughter’s ballet recital. That was a first for me personally and it was delightful. The performance was the story of the Velveteen Rabbit and the beautiful thing was the ballet instructor in the handout program and verbally introducing the program shared the impact that Tim Keller and his preaching and writing had on her life. She shared the Gospel beautifully in her sharing. As I watched the girls dance I thought of you Laura. You would have loved it.
Wow — love that story from the ballet instructor!
What a lovely weekend, Bev! The graduation was so God centered and the ballet, with a focus on the gospel. And The Velveteen Rabbit is such a great book. Thank you for sharing!
Oh, Bev! What great opportunities you are having with your grandchildren. Love the parents reading a blessing for their children, and the Velveteen Rabbit performance-I would have loved to see that!
Sounds wonderful Bev! You are right…I love dance and would have loved it too 😉.
1. Read Acts 4 and highlight. Then share one thing that stood out to you and why.(Do more if you like – do that what when, why questions, or make 10 observations, or just share one thing.)
I love how the disciples speak with confidence. How they have loyalty to Jesus regardless of their circumstances. I want to be like that.
Are you praying for boldness? Share the last time you were bold for the Lord!
I don’t know if I have consciously prayed for boldness. I have asked God to help me speak of my faith. This has been in the past. Yesterday, the verse of the day was about this very thing, so I asked Him to give me someone new to be able to say something about Him. He did!
Last night, I was in a small Pilates class; only me, another participant, and the young, adorable instructor. The instructor asked what we are doing for mothers’ day. Yeah I wanna say I’m going to Florida to visit my mother. I said I don’t know. I think I’m in church this weekend. I don’t think the young instructor knew what to say. She said, “that sounds nice. Are you Catholic?” I answered that I’m a mutt; Catholic, Methodist, and now Baptist.”She asked, “What church do you go to?” The other woman shared as well. I guess I was being bold last night by bringing this up in my exercise class. I tried to fit in a statement about being for the Bible, not the denomination, but it didn’t work out in the conversation.
It made me smile that when you said you were going to church she assumed you were Catholic. Sounds like a good starting conversation.
What a sweet way to build a bridge, Laura. I like your kind of boldness.
After reading my post again I realized (UGH! Stupid autocorrect!) that it didn’t come out right.
The other lady said she was going to Florida to visit her mom (my mom is deceased). I said I’m going to sing in church this weekend.
Laura, you often make me smile. I need to look up the meaning of “mutt” in that context. Smile. and the question, “…are you Catholic?” Smile again.
The Catholic statement is because there are so many up here. We used to say we had a “Heinz 57” dog (a meat sauce that is a mixture of things). It was popular when I was a kid. Mutt was analogous to Heinz 57. Hahaha!
I really should have pointed to the Bible instead of the denomination. Next time.
Monday: Acts 4
Begin on Day 48 in the New Testament Version and Pray the Prayers in the Devotional
Read Acts 4 and highlight. Then share one thing that stood out to you and why.(Do more if you like – do that what when, why questions, or make 10 observations, or just share one thing.)
—What stood out to me at the start of Chapt. 4 was how the rulers certainly asked the right question of Peter and John when they said “By what power or in whose name, have you done this?”after the healing of the crippled man. Peter gave them an immediate and very clear answer that it was by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene. It was an answer they didn’t want and they were rejecting the truth that was right before their eyes. He then used scripture to identify them as builders who rejected Jesus the stone that was now the cornerstone. Verse 12 is says it all and Peter declared it boldly.
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” That statement still rings true today.
Then Peter and John after having been in prison overnight and then freed went back to the other believers and had a prayer meeting. I found it interesting their prayer was full of scripture and the Holy Spirit filled them and the result caused them to preach the Word of God again with boldness.
I am reminded of an old Norwegian pastor and friend who years ago would tell us the only two things that really matter in our Christian walk is the Word of God and prayer. I certainly see that to be our example here.
Are you praying for boldness? Share the last time you were bold for the Lord!
—I have not prayed for boldness. I have not thought to pray for boldness. If anything that unnerves me a bit. I am not unwilling to pray for it. I just want you to make sure it is a boldness from the Holy Spirit and not Bev’s flesh. I do take joy in the thought of what God can do in being bold for Him.
I cannot readily name a time I have practiced boldness for Jesus in a secular setting. I really need to evaluate all this in my own personal life.
Bev, Yes, Word of God and prayer certainly are necessary in our Christian walk! 🙏
Acts 5
Isn’t it interesting that God gave Peter the knowledge that this couple was lying about giving all? They didn’t need to give it all, but I think they wanted the kind of affirmation Barnabas was getting without the sacrifice.
I’m pondering what it means to “lie to the Holy Spirit.” I guess any time we lie, we are lying to the Spirit. Right? Exaggerating my accomplishments, which I have done in the past, is akin to this. It is looking for the affirmation of man instead of God. It’s been a while since I’ve done this for I am more keenly aware of His presence, but it certainly is a stern reminder of how serious this is.
Some false teachers say the husband is accountable but not the wife is she is submtting to him and it cause her to sin. This certainly shows that is not true.
While this seems drastic, there are other accounts in the OT of God being severe at the beginning of Him doing something new such as when Uzziah touched the ark to keep it from falling and was struck dead. Surely he went to heaven yet God used that episode to purify His people and cause them to realize how holy He is.
“We must obey God rather than men.”
Love Gamaliel’s words, to leave them alone in case they be found opposing God!
I want to be bold this weekend as I share at my grand=daughter’s 2nd wedding. She had an Indian wedding last year, this weekend is her Christian wedding with many from the groom’s family who do not believe. Appreciate prayers for their hearts and wisdom for me.
I will be praying for all who attend the wedding to sense the presence of God, and a special joy and peace.
Dee, I remember the beautiful pictures you shared of your granddaughter’s wedding at an Indian wedding last year. Praying for you this weekend for the heart of the groom’s family who do not believe and wisdom for you as you share. Indeed, an opportunity to be bold! Holy Spirit, lead and provide for Dee even as she prepares to speak this weekend.
Uzziah! I clearly remember reading this account to my kids when they were little. My oldest son was so upset that God would kill him for trying to do something good. He cried angry tears about that story.
I can relate to a wedding with non-believers! I’ll be praying for you to be bold in your faith and for open hearts to the gospel, Dee.
3. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
The Holy Spirit enabled Peter to discern the lie of Ananias. His wife, foolishly, followed his example. God will not be mocked. Their example, made others cautious about their relationship with the Apostles. This is probably because they were half hearted followers, not totally committed to following Jesus and the apostles. Yet, they held the apostles in high esteem.
My God shot is we must obey God rather than men. This is such truth. I have regretted obeying others, but I have never regretted obeying God, no matter the cost.
4. What idol might have been beneath Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? When did you last struggle with the idol of affirmation and how did you handle it? Be specific.
The sin of deceit, twisting the truth, in order to look like what you are not. They wanted to appear generous, when they were not.
I struggle with being strong and firm with my daughter, who I live near. I love her so much and she is kind and generous. She also is very strong willed and can be impulsive. She will make plans, but not ask of it is something I would enjoy. She took me to a breakfast place in Cape Cod, that was so out of my comfort zone. I told her I was not comfortable going there, but she insisted, as she had paid ahead and made reservations. It is so hard to get her to see my perspective on things. I went, but in the future, I need to learn to be firm without making her angry. I have learned to ask the important questions ahead of time!
So sympathetic with how hard it is with controlling people — but if we don’t stand up, it just gets worse! Praying for you.
Patti, I understand your struggles with relating to your daughter. She sounds very much like my Ruth, strong-willed and impulsive at times. I have been seeing a change in her, for the better, though, and just like how you continue to pray for your daughter, so have I. God loves our daughters even more than we do. So thankful our God is trustworthy.
Monday: Acts 4
Begin on Day 48 in the New Testament Version and Pray the Prayers in the Devotional
Read Acts 4 and highlight. Then share one thing that stood out to you and why.(Do more if you like – do that what when, why questions, or make 10 observations, or just share one thing.)
This chapter brought out 3 main things to me…
1. The sharing of the gospel by Peter and John where 5,000 men believed and the sharing of the gospel to the council and not backing down to their threats!
2. How all the believers gathered together, praised and prayed, knowing God’s will in what was happening and asking for boldness and then the meeting place shook and they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit! THEN they preached the word of God with boldness.
3. The sharing of their possessions , no needy people and the first mention of Barnabas (“Son of encouragement”) was of him selling a field he owned and bringing the money to the apostles.
Are you praying for boldness? Share the last time you were bold for the Lord!
I always pray for boldness, but in asking, that I do it in accordance to His leading and power, in kindness and love.
I am becoming more bold with my sister in telling her that I’m praying for God to bring healing to her leg, the Bible study I do Thursday mornings in Psalms and just having a servants heart and a right attitude in taking care of her…no grumbling and responding in love.
No grumbling but responding in love!
I love that you are praying for and caring for your sister, Sharon. Responding in love…this is so good: in accordance to His leading and power, in kindness and love.
Sharon, I agree on the kindness and love. Sometimes, there are things that need to be said that are difficult and will only come off with pain if we speak the truth. I need to speak such a word today and I am praying for the Lord to go ahead of me and soften this blow. Without addressing this situation, more damage will come I am afraid, yet in addressing it the words must be carefully considered and filled with love and grace.
Sunday:
God at work:
We attended the funeral visitation last week. Our friends appear to be coping well. The 4 children, 16 and up, are so sad. I can’t imagine their grief, but we know the Lord will hold them close. I have in mind a card to send to the mother of the man who died. She once saved my daughter when she wandered into the road as a toddler. I’m so grateful and have never forgotten. The Lord works through relationships in our lives. I’m praying He will use me to comfort my friend.
We have decided on a study for the small group my husband and I lead from church. Freedom in Christ by Neil T. Anderson. It looks amazing and I’m excited to see where it will take us in terms of spiritual growth. I think it’s just what our group needs. I love to see the Lord working to develop relationships and grow our group.
Lastly, our church has been looking for a building. There have been so many details that needed to fall into place for this and they are! We know the church is the people but we look forward to a building to grow in together.
What great examples of God at work in your life, Chris. I love that you will be able to comfort one, who had such an impact on your life, saving your toddler. Our lives truly are a weaving.
Monday: Acts 4
Begin on Day 48 in the New Testament Version and Pray the Prayers in the Devotional
Read Acts 4 and highlight. Then share one thing that stood out to you and why. (Do more if you like – do that what when, why questions, or make 10 observations, or just share one thing.)
One thing that struck me is the power of the Holy Spirit at work among His people: Peter, the healing of the lame man, the sharing of possessions, and boldness. I see a common thread of the Spirit weaving His way through the growing church at that time.
Are you praying for boldness? Share the last time you were bold for the Lord!
I need to pray for boldness from the Holy Spirit. Last time I could remember, I prayed for boldness for the Lord, and I lost a friend. Many years later, I heard from a mutual friend that she became a Christian! Praise God!
These days, God has taken me out of my comfort zone to take me to events where I see more people. I look around and see a sea of people who may be lost, and my heart breaks. Is the Lord preparing me to be bolder as He has given me a softer heart towards others? He has done so much for me, and I need to share His goodness and love with them.
Bing, I love your tender heart and searching of the Lord’s work in your life.
Amen to Chris, Bing.
Lost a friend and then gained a sister!
Monday: Acts 4
Begin on Day 48 in the New Testament Version and Pray the Prayers in the Devotional
Read Acts 4 and highlight. Then share one thing that stood out to you and why.(Do more if you like – do that what when, why questions, or make 10 observations, or just share one thing.)
Chapter 4:2 The church leaders were greatly annoyed because the disciples were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the ressurection from the dead. Their pride was hurt! They were the leaders, not these uneducated men. Further along, verse 16-17, the sign evident to all and that they could not deny was to be hushed so that this damage of their pride didn’t continue. Verse 28 the disciples recognize that these events were prophesied by David. When they prayed in verse 31, the earth shook!! They continued to speak with boldness.
Are you praying for boldness? Share the last time you were bold for the Lord!
Oh, sisters, I am praying for boldness today. I have a DIL., whom I need to speak with today, Lord willing . She has been leaving relational wreckage everywhere amongst the family with her anger. I’m praying to be bold for Christ and for her heart to be soft, that I may help her discern what this is all about and help her heal. May I do this with love and grace, In Jesus name.
Praying for your talk with your DIL today, dear Chris. May you be bold, yet gentle and may she be receptive with a softened heart.
Thank you, Patti!
Chris, I pray you will know clearly from the Lord what your responses should be to your DIL. Your comment that her anger has been causing relational damage in your family was interesting because my DIL in Texas is a very angry woman and it is taking its toll on her in particular. As far as my part God still is not giving me liberty to speak to her. And oh how I want to but this has to be his timing. Ultimately she will have to hear from God. His voice is the only one that matters in the end.
I so agree, Bev, often anger hurts us more than others. I feel this conversation needs to happen, but all that it entails I am searching for discernment from the Father. It has come to the point that all the family is talking but no one to her and everyone is afraid to address her about this. I hope to help, but need to say hard things in order to bring it up. Ultimately, I suspect she is actually mad at herself and taking it out on everyone else.
Still waiting for her to answer though so it may not happen at all today. I know the Spirit ultimately has to work in her heart, but God does use us at times to do his work. Praying I am right but will proceed with caution.
Praying for your discussion with your daughter.
Question: has anyone else listened to the devotion by Tara-Leigh for day 48?
I am concerned about her claim that Jesus is not omnipresent, but limited to a physical body and currently seated at God’s right hand while the Holy Spirit moves about freely. Am I understanding this right? Isn’t Jesus considered omnipresent by verses such as Matthew 28:20 where he says, “I am with you always.”???
I hope I haven’t opened the can of worms, but this hit me as wrong. As I am searching on the internet, it looks like a big ‘ole can of worms. Maybe we don’t want to address this here? Dee?
So not to start a derail of our study, I will just say for now that I am sorry I did not look this up on my own first, although I am interested in knowing what you all think of this. From what I am gathering, “she is not saying Jesus has lost his divine attribute of omnipresence, but highlighting a distinction in the way the members of the trinity currently interact with the world.” This is a quote from the AI answer linked to her podcast site https://podcasts.happyscribe.com/the-bible-recap/day-028-genesis-46-47-year-8
I find this very interesting and in some ways helpful to make these distinctions but it definitely through me off to hear her say, Jesus is limited by his physical body and seated at God’s right hand. I think I understand and see how the scriptures agree with what she is trying to say, but I’m not sure I’m in complete agreement with how she conveyed it.
I hope I’m not derailing our study, but maybe helping some of you who have the same concern when you listen to the devotion. This was new to me and I’m not done learning about it! Looking forward to your understanding, Dee.
Chris — I’m trying to find where you are to check it out. My NT day 48 doesn’t mention this and yout AI link took me to Genesis. Is it in some other material?
It is an interesting question but I want to find it first.
Yes, the link is other material, but my NT day 48 (Acts 4-6) says it right in the beginning of the devotional video.
Okay — I listened again and in the very beginning she says Jesus had a physical body and was bound by that, but the Spirit did not. She also said Jesus is now, in a physical body, at the right hand of God.
I think those things are true. But it did make ponder for I have imagined a hug with Jesus in heaven. I guess I get back to it is beyond our comprehension to understand how He can be with us and yet bound by a body. I do believe He has a physical body in heaven and that was His point with the eating of fish and being touched. I don’t see that changing. It seems an apparent contradiction that He can be with us always yet have a physical body — but I think He’s going to work that out somehow.
I have written to Greg Scharf, who was mentored by John Stott to see what he says.
I listened to it on the Bible Recap Acts 4-6.
Chris,
I would concur that maybe it was the way you heard her comment that threw you off. It didn’t feel to me like she was conveying a wrong message but I heard it in a different context. I didn’t hear it as limiting the omnipresence of Jesus.
As I considered what I thought she was saying her words were that
“While Jesus can only be at one place at a time.” I took that to mean that (Jesus’s body) can only be at one place at a time. Because He has a physical body that is as true of him as it is of us. Our bodies can only be at one place at a time. But the larger picture is that Jesus in being one with the Holy Spirit is everywhere present in the Spirit. In the perfect unity of the Trinity they all move together as one. I felt her point was to highlight the work of the Holy Spirit who after the resurrection was now dwelling in all believers which hadn’t been the case before. Jesus made it plain to the disciples He would not always be with them and He needed to go to be with the Father so the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) could come to us and the greater work would extend far beyond his physical presence. Her initial comment may have felt like she was limiting Jesus and his presence to being on the throne of God but the mystery of the Trinity is frankly beyond our comprehension. I have a pastor friend who said if you try to figure God out you could lose your mind. He is just simply beyond our mental grasp in this flesh. It won’t be until we have a glorified body like Jesus has that we will be able to take Him all in.
I agree with you that her comments from the Genesis link were helpful to make distinctions relating to the presence of God. So we can concur that Jesus is everywhere by the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus is right here with me personally by the power of the Holy Spirit and He is right there with you Chris by the power of the Holy Spirit but His body is at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. What wonderful truths.
Dee, I look forward to what Greg Scharf has to say.
Chris, I did listen to Tara-Leigh. It seems like she is referring to the Ascension of Jesus, but it is a bit vague. I think the Trinity and the concept of the Trinity are so difficult to understand and so difficult to explain. My finite brain cannot totally comprehend the scope, depth and immensity of God and His power and His Creation, though I trust His Word. I believe Jesus is omnipresent, yet He does not reveal Himself in earthly body.These verses speak to that:
Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Romans 8:34: “…Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
1 John 2:1: “But if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous.”
1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
He is all these things, so I feel the same way you do….it is a bit confusing…..
Thank you each for your perspectives. They all help 🙂 I definitely thought first that she was limiting Jesus, but in reality she was speaking of the limitation of his physical body which seems a contradiction. I completely agree that we cannot understand the trinity with our finite minds. And this was completely new to me to think of Jesus body being at the right hand of God physically and yet him being present here in the Spirit. The three in one is a mind boggler!!
Thank you all for praying for my talk with my DIL. We had a great conversation and I prayed for the Lord’s leading all the way. I’m trusting we discussed for now what needed to be the most and I believe we cleared the air on a lot and got to the bottom of at least some of her anger. Now my husband needs to clear the air with her as well and that should make a big difference.
I reminded the two of them that the Lord puts us together and uses relationships to sanctify us. When we are united in the Lord we can glorify him and have power, which we cannot without that unity. I believe there will be some restoration to their relationship soon. Thank God for forgiveness!
Praising God with you, Chris! So good that your talk with your DIL was healing and productive.
I wanted to jump in here to give a TLC logistics perspective. I have been doing her read the Bible in a year plan, so I have all 365 days on my app. It helps if you give the scripture plus the day for me because it’s not split into Old Testament and New Testament.
Also, she gives a monthly “reflection and corrections” spiel. This maybe one topic where she does that at the end of the month. I’ll try to find it and see. She likes to make corrections or clarifications of things she said if people question her. I love that about her.
Yesterday (Day 125) she spoke of the song “How Deep the Father’s Love for Me.” She addresses the line, “…the Father turned His face away.” She discusses our view of the Trinity. It’s interesting and she says she is in the minority in her belief. Start around 1:20 and listen to her view of Psalm 22.
https://youtu.be/23lrAVJWhwc?si=jBtcVNQZ77jGpZS8
Thank you for this link, Laura. It is good and informative! ….and thought provoking! I liked her explanation of the Trinity too.
This is so interesting. Thank you.
Tuesday: Acts 5
3. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
—It appears to me that Ananias and Sapphira were very much in agreement in their decision to sin and lie about their actions. What stood out to me is Peter is strong in his comments that they were lying to God. The gravity of their sin and God’s response to it had a very sobering effect on the church. Satan being the father of lies right away tried to disrupt the good work God was doing in building his early church. The tactic of lying showed up quickly but God would have none of it in these fresh beginnings. Also in these first beginnings of God building his church it was almost humorous to me to see how the religious leaders immediately attempted to stop the believers from teaching and preaching the message of Jesus as the Messiah but they were frustrated at every turn. Their fighting against God and what was happening was an exercise in futility. The power of the Holy Spirit in the disciples lives was something they just couldn’t reckon with and God kept setting them free and empowering them even more to preach. I love the resolve we see here in Peter and the apostles when he told them “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
4. What idol might have been beneath Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? When did you last struggle with the idol of affirmation and how did you handle it? Be specific.
—Had to think on this a bit cause it would seem to me there was a basic greed in their hearts when they kept back some of the money for themselves but they obviously wanted to look good and appear to be acting generously like everyone else was doing at the time. I think affirmation is a real issue for most if not all of us. We all need affirmation but when it becomes an idol to make us look good it has unhealthy results. This is clearly true of me too. After getting home from Texas and enduring some hard realities about our son and particularly our daughter in law and a couple of our grandkids living down there the truth is they are difficult and don’t represent our family well. So by comparison coming back and being with our family here at home who are a lot more “shiny” I find myself much more ready to talk about them who do represent our family well. They make me look a whole lot better as a parent. Doesn’t that scream wanting affirmation. 🥴 So I am challenged to be authentic but to minimize the differences. Frankly like most families ours is a very mixed bag but we love them all. I have also been convicted to continue to pray more for the Texas family. Getting a break from all their noisiness and chaos I had kind of set them aside in my prayers. Not completely but they weren’t at the top of the list. But God hasn’t forgotten them and I need to be more faithful to pray for them and have a greater heart of love for them.
This was a good question. It took me to a place I didn’t expect.
I liked your response, Bev. A little gentler than TLC’s who said they smelled like white-washed tombs. Affirmation is a strong desire for most of us — and I struck by Galatians 1:10 that we are seeking to please man we cannot be servants of Christ. And I do want man’s approval at times, so very convicting.
Oh, I so agree, Bev. Affirmation is something that is always simmering in my heart. I don’t like confrontation, so I think that is linked to wanting affirmation or not being forthright…. 😩 Lord, give me a clean and genuine servant’s heart.
I don’t like confrontation, either. Your prayer for a clean and genuine servant’s heart is my prayer, too, Patti. Yesterday’s circumstances made me ponder this idol of approval once again. I am grateful that no matter where my heart is, either condemned or convicted, God will not abandon me. His ways are not my ways, but they are always for my good and for His glory. He is a very awesome God!
Tuesday: Acts 5
1. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
It gives me the shivers to imagine being there to see the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. I don’t question their salvation, but they did reap the consequence of their lie. I wondered if they had children? I realize it was not mentioned. I wondered what would have been in their minds and hearts. Aaah…rabbit trailing?
I have lied before and suffered its consequences. God has been merciful and brought clarity to my sin, wooing me to a right relationship with Him. Never giving up on me, blessing me with a future, not dependent on my past or performance, but out of his never-ending, forever love.
My God shot is that when I lie, I lie to God ultimately, and not just to man.
What idol might have been beneath Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? When did you last struggle with the idol of affirmation and how did you handle it? Be specific.
Ananias and Sapphira wanted approval and affirmation from their brothers and sisters. They were not wholehearted givers but pleasers of man.
I am finding it a little bit easier to say “no” nowadays. And yet, when I say “yes” and go with the flow of the Spirit, He energizes me to do what He leads me to do. And not to necessarily revel in the good feelings of affirmation from others, but to thank God for including me in His work. I believe that is a shift to honor Him and not to look to man for affirmation.
Bing, Your servant’s heart is sweet to observe and hear about. 💕
Wednesday: Acts 6
5. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
v. 3 Choose 7 men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom to be ministers of practical work (care of the widows). The wisdom of dividing the work among the brethren. There was no mention of women here, but I would presume this reflected the cultural context of the time.
Vs 8-15 AFTER the word of God had spread, opposition came, and Stephen was seized.
v. 10 Those who opposed Stephen could NOT stand up against the wisdom THE SPIRIT gave him as he spoke. I need to trust the Spirit to do the same for me.
v. 15 Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel. How would Stephen have looked?
6. What did Stephen see at the end? Have you been at a deathbed or heard about one that moved you?
Stephen saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. As a nurse and a friend to a beloved member of the church we belonged to in the past, I have been at her deathbed. Eva was restless, and I felt like her homegoing was coming soon. Then I saw her sit up and raise a hand like she was reaching for somebody, then she collapsed back to bed and died. I felt a hush and a sense of holiness in that room from the moment I entered.
I have seen that at my mother’s deathbed and heard about it at others. Does seem like a physical body!
Acts 6 Observations
Love that the Church is called to care for widows. I think they still are, though we are not as destitute as they were then.
Delegating responsibilities so one doesn’t have to do it all.
Interesting that a great many priests became obedient to the word — I think the implication is they were not before.
They who opposed could not understand the wisdom or spirit of Stephen.
Similar to instigating hatred against Jesus
Stephen’s face like an angel.
Acts 4, 5, 6
1. In chapter 4 two things stood out to me that I had not focused on before. The first thing is that 5,000 men believed, 5,000! So many messages I’ve heard focused on the boldness of Peter and the content of his message/defense before the Jewish leaders. 3,000 on Pentecost and 5,000 here. So a small estimate might be 10,000 believers. How many of them stayed in Jerusalem and how many returned to their homeland, we don’t know, but the church was exploding. The POWER of the Holy Spirit is again evident.
After being held overnight Peter is again filled with the Holy Ghost and speaks boldly to the high priest and all the Jewish elders/rulers. Peter “opens the scriptures” to them by interpreting OT prophecy (as he did at Pentecost), and preaches about Jesus. What stood out to me was the reaction of the high priest, rulers/elders/scribes in that they were perplexed and not noticeably angry. They warned the apostles and threatened them, but no physical punishment or evil plots to kill them. These Jewish leaders must have heard the message in Acts 2 and there was no response from them. Now in Acts 4 the response is tame compared to how they reacted to Jesus. Truly the Holy Spirit was guiding the events.
2. I haven’t prayed for boldness.
Acts 5 3. 10 observations 1. Peter has the discernment of the Holy Spirit and KNOWS what Ananias has done, telling him that Satan has filled his heart (echoes of Judas Iscariot). 2. Ananias did not lie to men, “but unto God,” (reminiscent of the broken hearted bridegroom in Hosea, all sin is ultimately against the Lord) 3. Sapphira repeated the lie to Peter, and both she and her husband were struck down dead (she had an opportunity to tell the truth but chose to lie). 4. The apostles performed many signs and wonders, still gathering at the temple. 5. Everyone that came to them for help was healed, even just being in Peter’s shadow (I thought of the woman who said, “if I can just touch Jesus’ garment..”). 6. MORE believers, both men and women. 7. This time the apostles were put in prison, not just detained, but the angel of the Lord freed them and told them to go preach in the temple. 8. The apostles are brought again before the priest and council and again tell them of the risen Christ, that they are witnesses (so is the Holy Ghost, The Holy Ghost is given to those who obey God). 9. NOW we see the typical reaction of jealousy, anger, fury – want to kill the apostles. 10. Gamaliel (whom the apostle Paul learned under), a knowledgeable and well-respected man, stands up and advises the council not to fight against the apostles. If they are false teachers they will fade away. If they are sent from God, to oppose them would be to oppose God.
4. Ananias and Sapphira wanted public recognition and praise/approval for what the had done.
I actually shy away from public affirmation, as I know where it can lead me if I start craving it. Privately, affirmation from my husband used to be something I craved. I used to get disgruntled/angry. I did not know how much I wanted that until two years ago. You asked for specifics, here goes. We had been married 50 years in January 2024. The following Christmas, at our family meal, we each spoke about something from the past year that was special. My husband spoke at length about our 50 years of marriage. He said that all he had to do was go to work, and that I took care of everything else. My mouth dropped open. That was when I realized how much I had wanted his affirmation. Of course all the women at the table went, “Aww..”
Acts 6 5. Seven men are appointed to oversee the ministry to the widows (contention between Hebrew speaking women and Greek speaking women). They were all Jewish believers but different culturally. One of the seven was Stephan, The number of disciple increased even MORE and Stephan full of faith and the Holy Spirit spoke and did great wonders/miracles. Certain men tried arguing with Stephan, but they could not refute him, so they hired men to falsely accuse him of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin (same thing happened at Jesus’ trial).
**Interesting note: The Roman emperor when Jesus was tried had firm control, and the Jews were not allowed to kill anyone. NOW Caligula was emperor and had relaxed Roman control somewhat over the territories, so the Jews could now execute judgement.**
6. And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
I smiled at your story of your husband’s affirmation. I think that is very natural to want, and not wrong — for Proverbs 31 talks about her husband praising her and her children. That seems a bit different than crazing the applause of people in general.
What a great analysis of these chapters, Cheryl. I think we all desire our husband’s praise. Your husband’s compliment was late in coming, but truly from the heart.
From TLC — she does makes things in technicolor often – like when they asked where Peter and John got their power, they said, “Jesus — the guy you killed.’
All so very real to them that they didn’t care about anything else. May that be true of me.
Tuesday: Acts 5
3. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
This chapter has valuable insights that are applicable to my life.
1. When lying (any sin) takes place, it is against God. It reminds me of what David said in Psalm 51:4, “Against You, and You alone,have I sinned…”. Acts 5:4D, Peter says, “You weren’t lying to us but to God!” If this happened today, how many grave sites would there be on the lawn of the church?
Dear Lord, “Keep my tongue from speaking evil and my lips from telling lies.” Psalm 34:13
2. Trust and obey…the apostles obediently spread the gospel and trusted in God to take care of them. They were thrown in jail and an angel set them free during the night and what did they do at daybreak? They went back to the Temple and continued preaching and teaching. They were picked up again and Peter boldly gave them the gospel which angered them to wanting to kill them. Thankfully Gamaliel stepped in with words of wisdom and the apostles were flogged, told to never speak in the name of Jesus and let go. It amazed me that the apostles left rejoicing. Why? “God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” WOW! They then went to the Temple every day and from house to house to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
Dear Lord, help me to trust and obey in spreading the Good News and if persecuted/ridiculed for it, to rejoice that You count me worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus!
4. What idol might have been beneath Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? When did you last struggle with the idol of affirmation and how did you handle it? Be specific.
The idol beneath their sin is approval. They were willing to be greedy and lie to be accepted so they could be part of sharing their possessions like everyone else was.
In looking for a new church I have found myself getting caught up in wanting approval so I’ll be accepted…am I wearing the right outfit, does my hair look good, am I smiling enough, did I respond the right way, etc.
Awww Sharon – -you are so real! Who wouldn’t love you?
Sharon! Amen to Dee!!
I love the scriptures you quote here, Sharon. They are so applicable. Your entire post is an inspiration.
5. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
Within the fellowship there were two groups of Jews: the Hellenistic were from other lands, than the Holy lands and spoke more Greek than Hebrew. The Hebrews spoke more Aramaic and they preserved the Jewish customs and culture, helping the widows with food.
The early church was concerned with spiritual ministry and material ministry.
The Word of God kept spreading, the number of disciples increased, many priests came to the faith
Stephen was filled with power and grace, yet many rose against and were dishonest about his ministry.
All in the Council, who saw his face, saw the face of an angel.
God Shot: Stephen was mistreated and misunderstood, much the way Jesus was.
6. What did Stephen see at the end? Have you been at a deathbed or heard about one that moved you?
Stephen saw the heavens open up and the Son of Man, standing at the right hand of God.
My sweet mother, saw an angel in the corner of her room, two nights in a row, before she died. She said the angel looks like my oldest daughter and is waiting to walk me across the bridge to heaven. She was not on any drugs, she was very lucid and at peace. She died on that daughter’s birthday. 💕
I never heard that story, Patti! Wow.
Oh Patti, your story gave me goosebumps…amazing!!
It gave all of us goosebumps too!
How beautiful a story of you mother and an angel. I love this.
3. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you. Do more, or just your God shot.
What stood out from Acts 5 is how Peter knew</i Ananias and Sapphira lied about the amount. Did the Holy Spirit inform him? Also, why did they have to give their money to the ministry? Were they required to because they were followers?
4. What idol might have been beneath Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? When did you last struggle with the idol of affirmation and how did you handle it? Be specific.
I’m guessing the love of money or comfort was their idol. I don’t see their idol as affirmation. Why would it be that?
I am struggling with it (affirmation) right now! My new boss is not very nice and I somehow care if she knows what kind of teacher I have been in my career. I have worked hard for kids for 30 years now and I don’t feel like I have her respect. She doesn’t know much about me and what I have accomplished in my career. I want her to know and affirm me. I have to keep reminding myself that God knows and appreciates my work. It doesn’t matter if she does or not. But she makes me feel undervalued.
That is hard, Laura. Praying God opens her eyes!
Laura, I pray that her heart is softened. If she is not very nice, it may not be about you, but about who she is. You are a blessing to so many and you have a giving heart.
So now I feel like a “heel” because I found out my boss is struggling with a very serious health issue. She has to have a major surgery this summer. It’s the third time for the surgery over the course of her life. I need to be more compassionate.
While you could not have known what was happening with her, I do feel the same. We all need to be more compassionate, not knowing what another is going through.
My God Shot is how holy (Ananias and Sapphira) yet how person (Peter out of prison) He is.
Yesterday I felt under the enemy’s attack as I prepare to leave for a trip wtih so many things going wrong, yet I absolutely know He is with me.
Praying for safe travels and many blessings on your trip, dear Dee.
Thursday – TLC
The POWER of the Holy Spirit moving and directing the apostles is the SAME today, and He dwells within ME. I don’t expect to be like the apostles who were empowered for a specific purpose, but I need to be more aware and sensitive to His leading. As Paul prayed for the Ephesians in 1:18,19 “18
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,..”
I agree with this thought. The same Spirit and being more aware of his leading.
Wednesday: Acts 6
5. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
—My God shot was “So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.” Acts 6:7
This verse stands out to me about the power of God and the Gospel. Like Gamaliel had said in Chapter 5: 39 “But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
We see that you just can’t stop God and the amazing works He was doing then and continues to do today.
6. What did Stephen see at the end? Have you been at a deathbed or heard about one that moved you?
—It is an amazing event recorded in Chapter 7 about Stephen seeing Jesus standing at the right of God in Heaven. And that was before the first stone was thrown to kill him.
—I was caring for my aunt’s affairs and was with her in the last few days of her life. She was obviously seeing others in the room with us and would mention them. Some of the nurses told me she was hallucinating but I recognized she was experiencing something more. Once she looked at me and said “Did you hear that?!” I said no to which she replied “I did!” And got a huge smile on her face. I suspect it was music because she was an accomplished musician. Another time she described a girl up on a hill and was telling her and motioning for her to
come on down. In those last days I never saw or sensed any fear on her part. I had gone home to change my clothes and came back to spend the night with her. I visited briefly with the nurse and the aids at the nurses station as I came back in. They told me while I was home they had cared for her needs and had turned her to her back. When I walked in to her room it was perfectly silent and I knew she was gone. The raspy breathing we had heard all day had stopped. She had prepared her own obituary several years before all neatly typed and at some point she had hand written on the top of it “Gone to live with Jesus”. As I walked up to her bed I took her face in my hands and she was still warm and I exclaimed “Aunt Alice! You have gone to live with Jesus!” It was an exhilarating moment to know in my heart that was true.
Oh, Bev, your aunt! That is such an amazing story. I have been blessed to be in the presence of many men who passed. My grandfather was first. His death caused much distress for my mother. The atmosphere was not calm or comforting. It was sad. My father I shared. My step-father also passed in my presence. My mom was there and she was so detached. She watched her favorite show as he was laboring to breathe in his last moments. I just sat there praying and feeling awkward watching him breathe and knowing it was the end. After I prayed aloud with my mom and shared a hymn with her. I was also there when my father in law passed as was all the family. My MIL had us all sing hymns to him in his last moments. It was sweet. Each person I’m sure experienced it differently, as you did Bev. You saw something others did not. There is a spiritual discernment that is not given to those who don’t believe.
Dear Greg Scharf certainly answered Chris’s question and our confusion thoroughly. Here it is:
Thank you, Dee. This is so interesting and so good!
Thanks so much Dee,
I know theological questions rely on theological answers to help clarify our thinking which for most of us can be a bit mind boggling but I found what Sharf shared to be particular interesting and helpful regarding this question we had. I also thought this paragraph was concise and enlightening. At least for me it was
As a result of the incarnation, the divine Son acts through two natures without violating the integrity of either one. In his human nature, the Son is limited to the capacities of a sinless human nature as gifted and empowered by the Spirit. But the Son also continues to live and act “outside” (extra) his human nature according to the perfections of the divine nature.
I also found the comparison of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed views interesting because it took me to a bit deeper level regarding the doctrines of consubstantiation and transubstantiation. Thought provoking discussion. Thank the Lord for people like Greg Sharf. 😊
Bev — I sent your comment on to him. I know he worked hard for us! So thanks.
And thank you, Bev for your reflection on this. It has helped me have a clearer understanding.
I’ll be honest, Bev, I had to look up those doctrines. I have heard of them, but did not know their names. I have never fully understood the views of the Lord’s Supper distinctly between the different faiths. I find it interesting that my own reformed view of the Lord’s Supper holds to exactly what I was concerned about as being wrong at the beginning of our discussion. That is that the reformed belief is that Jesus is present at the Lord’s Supper through the Holy Spirit. Of course, his physical body is not here. I guess I have just never carefully thought this through. I am grateful for Greg Scharf’s answer and for our discussion.
Wow, Dee! Chris’ initial comments on Christ’s humanity and presence got me thinking. The response here by Greg is way over my head, but to some degree, I have this quiet presence of peace that Jesus is omnipresent. How He does that, whether at the right hand of God or in us through the Spirit, is the inexplicable true mystery of the Trinity for me. I love that there are people like Greg Scharf who can articulate the wisdom he has shared with us here.
I think of Pentecost and how people from other languages could understand what the disciples were saying in their language. I feel good knowing that God can open my eyes and heart to the wonders of his word, even when, technically, I cannot understand it in higher-order English! Aaahhh…
I wholeheartedly agree with your comment Bing. The quiet peace that Jesus can be omnipresent through the Spirit. I don’t think I have ever questioned that, but it was the limiting feature of his physical body that caught me off guard. The key statement that helped me in Greg’s answer is the place where he quotes statements from Stephen Wellum: Jesus is limited to the capacities of a sinless human nature as gifted and empowered by the Spirit, but the Son also continues to live and act “outside” his human nature according to the perfections of the divine nature. An example, of this, I think is when Jesus many times while doing ministry here on earth, disappears. He leaves a crowd about to stone him, right? It is then that we see his divine nature here on earth. I suppose I never thought of his physical body being limited in any way, but on earth he did need rest and food. Ahh. It is mind boggling and I must let my faith and peace about his divinity rule.
5. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you and why. Or just your God Shot. Or do more.
“None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.”
Acts of the Apostles 6:10 NLT
I think it’s interesting that these men had no rebuttal that they could come up with to argue, well, against Stephen. And then, because they didn’t, they decided to get rid of him.
6. What did Stephen see at the end? Have you been at a deathbed or heard about one that moved you?
Stephen saw Jesus, at the right hand of God (I had to read the next chapter to glean this though. In this chapter his face just got radiant.
I have not had this occurrence in my life. I think the only thing that comes to mind is the frustration I had when my mom was on her deathbed and I was 1000 miles away and couldn’t be there. My brother called me and told me I needed to talk to her because she wasn’t going to make it. I was stymied and didn’t know what to say. I remember saying, and crying, that “this” was awful, meaning me not being able to be there next to her, but rather on a phone. I felt like I was it able to handle it well. I told her I loved her. I don’t know if she could hear me and she didn’t respond. I feel as if I let her down by not being there. I should have sung to her. I have regrets about that call.
I know this isn’t the same, but I was once with one of our beloved cats when he died. I was afraid, and didn’t want to be alone with him, but I stayed. I didn’t want him to be alone. It ended up to be a very calm, sweet time, where he just slowly stopped breathing. I petted him and spoke to him. It was nothing like I expected it to be in that moment.
Oh, Laura. Your post just brought me tears. That helpless feeling of being so far away from your mom in those last moments. I’m so glad you at least had the phone call, but I can see how that would feel so hard, too. Oh, death. It is so hard. I’m having such a hard time facing Mother’s Day this year. Our sweet friends and their losses. My sweet DIL’s and their losses. My own loss. This has been a hard season. I need though to look at all the positive things. I am surprised that my mom is coming to lunch for Mother’s Day. Usually, she is gone riding her horse, but she doesn’t leave until next week. I need to find a gift today. I never know what to buy her.
Sorry for my ramble….Back to your sweet cat. I do believe the Lord puts animals in our lives to teach us things and to bring comfort. I’m glad you had that experience with your cat. It is sweet.
I do love the verse in I Cor. 15:55-57 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh, Laura! My heart goes out to you about your not being there with your Mom when she passed away. I wasn’t either when my mom died, and I have moments when I feel very sad about it, too.
What a sweet moment with your beloved cat. And thank you for sharing these vulnerable moments with us.
4. What idol might have been beneath Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? When did you last struggle with the idol of affirmation and how did you handle it? Be specific. While I do see affirmation by others here, I also see wanting their own way and hiding that from God, as Adam and Eve did in the garden. They aren’t believing that what God provides is enough, and they want to take care of that problem in their own way. I think I struggle with this daily. Will he really provide for all that I need? Will I have the money I need or the things I want? What if I don’t? At times like that I need to look back at all the ways he has provided for me in the past and remind myself that he is a great God who loves me well.
6. What did Stephen see at the end? Have you been at a deathbed or heard about one that moved you? He saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. I was with my dad in the minutes before he died. He reached up from the bed towards the ceiling with one arm and looked as if he was seeing someone and had a huge grin on his face. Then he laid down to rest. I had been with him for hours and he had been much pain. When he rested I left for a bit but when I returned he was gone. I wondered in that moment while he reached up if he was seeing heaven. He never spoke but I believe he was.
7. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.” Can I say I don’t love the term “God Shot”? It’s new to me for sure, but in my mind the word shot has to do with guns and alcohol. I guess I don’t understand where she came up with this. Anyway, what stood out to me, was the way the council kept rising up against Stephen. They heard only parts of what he said and then twisted his words or perceived what he said in a way that supported what they wanted to believe. I experienced this with family situation this week and I did this myself with TLC’s intro to the devotion. Not that I wanted to hear anything wrong with her devotion, but something seemed off to me and I questioned it. I’m glad I did because this was new thinking for me and I learned something. The problem with the religious leader is they are not looking to learn something new. And with the family situation, again the misinterpretation was not leading to some new understanding but to division. We need to be careful when we question other believers. Is our motive to unify one another and glorify God or is our motivation personal?
8. Any questions you want to ask of your sisters? Or comments on something one shared? I’m hoping to read through all the comments later today. I like this study so far. I love the app and listening to the Bible. I truly appreciate all of you helping me when I felt something was off and helping me see something new. This week has been tough for me personally. I’m not sure why but I’m struggling to concentrate. I’ve sat down with my bible study each day as usual and struggle to get anything done. I don’t doubt there could be some spiritual warfare. I look forward to learning more here in the coming weeks.
Father, please bind the enemy and help Chris concentrate. I’m glad if Greg helped you!
Chris, you are not alone in your struggle to concentrate. April seemed so hectic for both Richard and me, and May has started the same way. We have end-of-the-year things to wrap up and new things “sprouting”, often at the last minute. This past Tuesday was my Jesus and me day, but I found a couple of things interrupting my time until a friend said, “This was your Jesus and me day, but just not the way you thought it would be.” I keep on going back to “Be still and know that I am God.”
Thank you, both. I like the idea of a Jesus and me day 🙂
This idea of Ananias and Sapphira and their money, has had me thinking a lot this week. Could they have sold the property and offered a portion of it? Why did they have to give it all? Was the “standard,” offered by Barnabus (meaning because he gave it all) meant for all? Others were required to give it all as well? They could have just said they sold their property and were giving x amount of dollars of the sale. Would they have been allowed to live then? They wouldn’t be lying then. It just seems so harsh. I mean David did so many egregious things and was not killed on the spot 🤷🏻♀️.
Often at the start of things, and this was the start of the Church, God is severe with sin to purify the body.
PLEASE PRAY for me today. Speaking at my eldest grand-daughter’s Christian wedding in Seattle. Her Indian wedding was last November and the Seik parents of the groom are here. I’ve memorized Philippians 1:1-11 and am explaining that this tells us the power we have to love when things are hard. This was an early hymn written within years after the resurrection. I am going to tell them that the same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in believers and can help this couple love when it is hard to love. Please pray for everyone, including the bride and groom and his parents. Thank you.
Praying Dee!! ♥️♥️♥️
Dee, praying for you. What a privilege and an opportunity to share God’s love in a bold way. Your words, His Word, will bring fruit.
Amen to Bing and Laura.
I am just seeing this Dee. I am praying right now. Praying for all to understand and absorb the Word of God from Philippians. Lord, we pray that You will be very present at this wedding.
I’m only seeing this now at 8:30pm, but I’m praying your speech went well and that hearts are accepting and the Spirit is moving hearts towards Him. You are so brave, Dee, and I’m sure the Lord prompted you which means he will work through you.
Dee, thank you for the answer to my question from Greg Scharf!! A bit more than I ever expected and so thorough:)