2 for the price of 1

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Don Merritt

to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Acts 15:36-41

In this brief passage we get some interesting insight into the humanity of these two New Testament giants. I think that in passages like this, it is best to take the text at face value, resisting the temptation to fill in the gaps with speculation and opinions that the text itself doesn’t quite provide. In that spirit, here’s what we actually know about the incident: Paul had an idea that he and Barnabas ought to retrace their first journey’s steps and see how the churches were doing that they had established. Barnabas thought they should take Mark along on the trip and Paul did not because he hadn’t completed the first one; they couldn’t agree on this, so they didn’t go on the trip Paul suggested. In the aftermath of this, Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas through Syria and beyond. At this point, Luke hasn’t told us where Barnabas and Mark went after Cyprus or where Paul and Silas went after Cilicia.

Here’s what Luke did not tell us: He did not tell us that there was a personal break between the two men, there is no mention of drama, just that they had a sharp disagreement, which doesn’t necessarily mean they fell out. You also might have noticed that neither of the men got mad and left the church or spread division and gossip about the other; they just didn’t decide to go on the trip Paul suggested. Unless Luke provides details later, or Paul does in one of his letters, that’s the story.

Do you see, dear reader what I’m doing here?

I’m quite familiar with what many commentators like to do with this story at this point in a study of Acts, filling in details that aren’t in the text. The problem with that is that if we allow ourselves to indulge in such speculation, we tend to miss something really cool: Instead of one missionary trip, there will be two, and thus these two guys, by having a disagreement, just doubled the Gospel’s reach. Have you ever asked yourself why our disagreements result in division and discord, and their disagreement benefitted the Gospel? You see, these early “greats” were still human, and the early church wasn’t perfect or without the humanity of its members, but at least in this instance, the parties involved responded by building the Kingdom twice as fast, instead of just being ticked off and sulking.

Personally, I think there’s a great lesson for us here; don’t you?

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Prayer, part 4

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Don Merritt

As we continue our look at the Classical Spiritual Practice of prayer, I’d like to offer another approach to prayer which is both classic, and potentially controversial. The controversy comes into play when people insist that a more formal approach to prayer, like we discussed in “Prayer 3” is the only proper way to pray.

As I’ve mentioned before, God relates to each of us a little differently, and this is nothing that should come as a shock to anyone. God knows us and how to relate to each of us; He created us.  As for me, I think that both approaches are not only valid, but that they enhance each other and deepen my relationship with our Lord when used together. Is my opinion right or wrong? I don’t know, but it works for me. Will it work for you too? I don’t see why it wouldn’t, but the only way for you to find out is to give both a try.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What is God’s will for us? Where can we find joy? Is it God’s will that we find joy? What should we pray about?

All these questions are answered in the three short verses above.  God’s will for us is that we be joyful, that we pray continually, and that we give thanks in all circumstances.

I don’t know about you, but this seems rather simple to me. Why do so many people say that it is so hard?

When we pray, whose presence are we in?  God’s of course.

How easy is it to slip back into the old ways when we are in His presence?  Not very, for we are centering on our relationship with Him.  We fall backwards when we are looking away from Him, isn’t that right? So, maybe the key is to do what Paul said, and pray continually!

But how?  We have families, chores, jobs, school… The answer is so easy and so obvious that most of us miss it; just talk to Him.

Yes, that’s right, just talk to Him!!!

Talk to the Lord all the time.  Start when you wake up, “Good morning, Lord, thanks for a new day.”  Was that difficult?  Then, as you get ready, keep talking to Him about your day, about the things on your mind, about how much you love Him, and how thankful you are for all that He has done in your life, and the lives of those around you.  Talk to Him about how much you want to serve Him today, and that you want to serve Him today because you love Him.  Talk to Him on your way out the door, on the bus, in traffic, at your work station.  Talk to Him about your work and how you want to do the very best you can so that that He can be glorified… because of how much you love Him.  Talk to Him at lunch, on your way home, in the kitchen, at the dinner table…

Develop the habit of talking to God.  Approach this not in fear and trembling, but as though you are with your very best friend in all the world… because you are!  He is the friend that you can say everything to, your fears, your sins, your mistakes… He knows about them anyway, so why not get these things off your chest? You see, we don’t need any formal written prayers, that are of dubious value anyway, for this isn’t a corporate or ceremonial thing.  It’s just you and the Lord.  Nobody needs to know, except for the Lord… but soon, everybody will see the difference it makes in who you are and how you behave.  They will see your joy, your inner peace and your new inner strength.  Your whole outlook on life will change as you make this practice a part of who you are in Christ.

None of this means that you might not have a more formal time set aside for prayer and reflection; this will enhance it.  This does not mean that you don’t study the Word; it will enhance your study. This does not mean that you skip church; it will enhance church.

Some of you will note that I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said before by others, and that is true.  This practice of continual prayer is as old as the Scriptures, and over the centuries many have written about it, including Brother Lawrence in the classic “The Practice of the Presence of God.”  You need not take my word for it, you can get that on the internet for free.

Or, you can just start talking to God right now.  Tell Him how much you love Him in your own simple words, in your own heartfelt way.

Here’s a suggestion: Set aside a regular time for prayer every day. For most people, first thing in the morning is best. If you are concerned that you will run out of time before work or school, get up earlier. I am up by 4 am most days, and although this used to be difficult, now that I’m used to it, the pre-dawn is my favorite time of day. Try the method I set out in “Prayer 3”. You can be formal or informal, whichever works best for you. Then, talk with God as much as you can for the rest of your day; you see, these two approaches to prayer are not mutually exclusive.

In our next get together on spiritual practices, let’s move into another one, Study. As we look at study, I’ll show you where prayer and study can intersect which is one of the most powerful spiritual practices there is. See you then.

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“I never knew you”

Posted on February 16, 2025 by Don Merritt

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Matthew 7:21-23

Right after He comments on false prophets, Jesus has a few things to say about false disciples. Many people say they believe in Jesus without doing the Father’s will; that isn’t going to cut it on the last day. I want to be careful here not to give the impression that I am suggesting that they somehow haven’t earned their salvation, for salvation is not something we earn; it is God’s free gift. However, receiving grace demands a response, and it seems to me that Jesus is telling us that where there is no response other than saying, “yeah sure, I believe in Jesus,” and then going on with business as usual, we have a false disciple. I say this because of the discussion in the last section; look at the fruit. If there is not fruit, then you are no disciple.

There are many groups out there who claim to be Christian, but who are not. There are many religious leaders who take on the form and appearance of following Jesus, but who do not, and they have many followers who do likewise, and are not followers of Jesus at all, in spite of what they may claim. This is what Jesus is warning us about.

Take particular note of verse 23 where He tells how it is that He knows this: “I never knew you”. Do you see the relational aspect of that? To “know” Jesus is to be in relationship with Him; it is quite a different matter than simply “believing in” Him… as the Devil and his demons do.

Here is a trustworthy saying: Relationship with Jesus always brings about a response; where there is no response, there is most likely no relationship.

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The Conference in Jerusalem Gets Started

Posted on February 15, 2025 by Don Merritt

The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.  He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

Acts 15:6-11

As the Jerusalem council begins in earnest, there is much discussion of the proposition that Gentiles must be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses before they can be saved by grace. Peter rose to speak, and in a single paragraph spoke volumes to those assembled. First of all, he reminds the apostles and elders of the Jerusalem church that he requested their blessing to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, and that they had assented to his request. Then he pointed out that God Himself had made the choice to give the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. This was a sort of “kill shot” for the Pharisaic contingent that insisted Gentiles must become circumcised Jews before being Christians, since it was obvious that God had made no such requirement of them.

He cinches the argument in the next sentence:

He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith

With his point fairly won, Peter now points a rhetorical finger at his opponents:

Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?

Game over.

After Paul and Barnabas tell their story, James stepped up to agree with Peter and actually offered a sort of compromise: They would not demand circumcision (which was basically a joke) but require that the Gentiles follow certain Mosaic principles

Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For the Law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. (15:20)

James’ idea was agreed to, and the letter was drafted and delivered to Antioch by a delegation appointed for that purpose (15:22-35). The believers in Antioch received the delegation and the letter they bore with obvious relief, and the matter was settled… sort of.  As I noted before, circumcision would keep coming up as time passed, and those Mosaic principles would only last for a time.

Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, working to build the church there and strengthening the body of believers, but as we will see next time, nothing stays the same for long.

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The Conference in Jerusalem- Introduction

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Don Merritt

Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

Acts 15:1-5

This is where one of the great controversies of the first century began; certain Jewish believers started teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised before they could receive God’s grace, for after all; God’s grace was really intended just for the Jews… right?

A conference is held in Jerusalem to decide the question and the Antioch (predominantly Gentile) church sends Paul and Barnabas as its representatives.

As the text tells us, they were warmly welcomed when they arrived in Jerusalem, and they began to tell the apostles and elders, all about everything that God had done through them among the Gentiles. It was at this point that certain believers from “the party of the Pharisees” make their assertion that Gentiles must first be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses.

 This assertion has some very serious problems: First, every man who reads this can tell you that an adult male will only submit to circumcision if one of three things is present:

1. Superhuman faith.

2. Extreme levels of an intoxicating substance.

3. Overwhelming force.

Unless one or more of these three factors is present, anyone who comes at that particular region of a male with a knife is not likely to live to tell the tale− we’re funny like that. As a result, this could be seen as a rather thinly veiled way to keep Gentiles out of the church.

Secondly, what these men were trying to do is to mix covenants, which is a theological error of immense proportion that a great part of the New Testament is written to warn us against. Two excellent examples of this are the entire books of Galatians and Hebrews which both make the case that the Law is over and done with, that the Old Covenant is “obsolete” and will “soon disappear” (Heb. 8:13). As hard as the New Testament authors tried to prevent this, the controversy continued throughout the first century, yet a controversy is one thing, the real disaster happened a few centuries later.

When the Roman Emperor Constantine decreed that Christianity was to be legal in the Empire, that was a pretty good thing, but then he went a step further and made it the official state religion, but in doing so, he gave the theologians of the day a real quandary, for the New Covenant does not create a theocracy, for it teaches that the Kingdom of God is not of this world, and theocratic government is very much of this world. Their solution was to introduce certain parts of the Old Covenant into their theology so that Christianity could be a state religion. The result of this mixture of theologies is that we have been fighting amongst ourselves ever since, and all too often the cause of our disputes can be traced back to this error.

In our time, we have in many places, a similar impulse as those Pharisaic brothers at the Jerusalem conference. We see this manifest when we tell a new believer that he or she must believe and do something or other to be a Christian. We might tell someone, for example, that they must take so many classes or sign a creed or doctrinal statement, or we might tell them that they must first stop smoking or sinning or get their lives in order before they can be a Christian, but that isn’t the Gospel that Jesus and the Apostles taught, and it isn’t what we read about in Acts 2:38. The Good News is that you don’t have to get your act together to receive Jesus Christ, and that by receiving Him; the Holy Spirit will come and help you to get your act together.

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Prayer, part 3

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Don Merritt

Introduction

Prayer is really the fundamental spiritual practice of the Christian life, and although we often neglect it, we do so at our loss. There are four main types of prayer found in the Scriptures, prayers of praise, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of intercession for others, and prayers of supplication which are personal requests. What follows here is an easy matrix that can be used to begin a deeper prayer life. It begins with a Scriptural foundation, and then moves on to action steps, and if you put it into practice for a period of time, not only will you have a deeper and more meaningful prayer life, you will also have a documented record of all that God is doing in your life which, in and of itself, makes the effort more than worth it.

Of course, this is not the only way to approach individual prayer, not by a long shot, but it has been used for many centuries by God’s people, it isn’t complicated, and once it becomes a habit, it will easily be the favorite part of your day. It will also send you off to school or work or whatever with a whole different perspective.

Biblical basis for prayer

In General:

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. Proverbs 15:8

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Matthew 6:7

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed

Luke 5:16

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Luke 18:1

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

James 5:13-20

Giving Thanks

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Intercession (praying for others)

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Mark 11:25

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:28

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

Romans 15:30

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

2Cor 1:10-11

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 1:18

Supplication (Prayer for yourself; asking for things)

The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs15:29

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Matthew 21:22

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Pray in the Morning

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 6:9-11

Get Started!

Action steps:

  1. Take a piece of paper and label it “Things I’m thankful for”.  Then list everything you can think of that you are thankful for… don’t leave anything out, no matter how small it may seem.
  2. Take another sheet and label it “Things I want to praise God for” and list everything that you can think of to praise God for.
  3. On a third sheet label it “People I need to pray for” and list everyone you can think of who needs prayer.
  4. Label a fourth sheet “Things I need to pray for” and list anything that you need prayer for in your life.
  5. Select a book of the Bible that you either are currently reading or one that you would like to read.  If you can’t think of anything, pick Matthew, starting with chapter one.
  6. Make time the following morning for prayer, and then pray through your lists in the order from above: Do not deviate from that order, this is important! When you are finished with that, turn to your selected Bible reading and slowly, prayerfully go through it, asking God to open your eyes to see the riches that it has for you.
  7. Do this every day from now on; force yourself if necessary!
  8. As your prayers for yourself or others are answered, take them off of those lists and add them to your thanksgiving or praise lists.  In a few months, you will have a documented record of the amazing things God is doing in your life, and you will never view life the same again.

Kick it up a notch!

Intermediate prayer…

Action Steps:

  1. Pick another book of the Bible.  If you don’t have any ideas, use the Psalms.
  2. At lunch time, take a quiet break and prayerfully and slowly read a Psalm each day at lunch, ask God to guide you through the rest of your day and any other requests or intercessions that are appropriate.  Always be sure to include prayer and thanksgiving.

“Big Boy” Mode

With morning and mid-day prayer as a foundation, continue your prayers constantly throughout your day and night: In your mind just keep talking with God.  Ask questions make observations and requests just as if God were standing next to you… because in truth, even if you can’t see Him with your eyes, He is there.

A Final Note: I have recommended this to literally hundreds of people. Few actually ever bothered to try it. Of those, fewer still stuck with it long enough for it to become a habit. Yet those who did, have all reported to me that it was a life-changer.

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An Incredible Adventure

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 14

Paul and Barnabas moved on to Iconium, where a great number of both Jews and Gentiles received their message; they performed signs and miracles to confirm the Word of Truth as they went along through the town, and they ministered boldly for quite some time. Of course, not everyone accepted the Truth, and opposition rose up to the message culminating in a plot by leading Jews, together with leading Gentiles, to cause bodily harm to the two men, and they were forced to move on to Lystra.

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. (14:8-10)

That had quite an impact on the crowd, but not quite the kind of impact Paul had expected, for the Gentiles took this as a sign that they were embodiments of pagan gods. When Paul and Barnabas realized this, they reacted:

“Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them. (14:15-18)

Some Jews arrived in town from Antioch and Iconium who turned the people against them, and Paul was stoned in the streets, his body dragged out of town and left for dead, but he was not dead; they moved on to Derbe.

They were well-received in Derbe, where a large number were moved to follow The Way, after which Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps, strengthening and encouraging the fledgling churches along the way, appointing elders and telling them that, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (14:22). Finally, they arrived back in Antioch, where they told the church everything that they had encountered on their incredible adventure.

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Love… Again!

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Don Merritt
14todo_6

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For,

“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you.

1 Peter 1:22-25

Peter wraps up chapter one with these wonderful verses, bringing his discussion of our lot as followers of Jesus back to the source of everything in a Christian’s life: Love.  His reference to our having “purified” ourselves is another reference to our having our sins taken away.  I wonder how many of us really grasp what that means…  Our sins haven’t been merely atoned for, as they would have been under the Old Testament Law, they have been taken away, removed, eliminated entirely.  They are gone. It is as though they never happened.  This is the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Great news… in Christ you have been “purified.” This is the truth, and when we obey the truth, we love one another as God loved us.  

Jesus taught us that we should love one another. Why should we love one another?  Because we have been born again.  We were not born again in the biological sense, but in a spiritual sense.  We are without sin because our sins have been removed, so we no longer have the stain of sin… and it’s about time we acted like it.  Again, this is the power of the Gospel going forward; we should act as though we are in Christ… because we are.

Take careful notice of the quote from Isaiah 40 in the next verses. Isaiah tells us that we are like grass or flowers.  We will grow, fade, and die, but God’s Word is eternal and will endure forever.  As mortal humans, living in a physical, biological body, we will grow up, fade, and then die, but as followers of Jesus Christ who have been redeemed from the old, sinful life and filled with the truth of the salvation of Jesus Christ, we too will carry on forever.  Do you know why that is?  Note that Isaiah said that the word of the Lord endures forever.  The word is none other than Jesus Himself who lives in us in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, we are different now… love one another, and let the earthly things go…

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Sad, Yet Glorious

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Don Merritt

Acts 13:13-52

When the time came, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark left Cyprus and sailed for Asia Minor. For whatever reason, Mark decided he had had enough and went home; Luke does not tell us why he did that, thus we can only speculate. The rest of the party set out for Pisidian Antioch which was quite a distance inland, beyond the Tarsus Mountains. Upon arrival, they proceeded to the synagogue, where Paul stepped up as the leader and delivered a barn-burner of a message.

As had Peter before him, Paul went through the history of Israel, showing the chain of events that had led to the present day and the preeminence of Jesus, the Son of God. The Jews who were present, along with a number of Gentile converts were electrified by his message, and you might be too if you read it; it was certainly one for the ages. Afterwards, the leaders of the synagogue invited them back the following week to teach further about Jesus.

So far, so good.

The following Sabbath, not only the synagogue members, but the whole town came out to hear what Paul would say. Apparently, the Jewish leaders were upset by this; Luke says they were jealous of Paul. I don’t know about you, but this makes me wonder… what had they expected; didn’t they know that this young Paul was a real up-and–comer… a Pharisee among Pharisees? Surely they knew that he was one of those young men who would later be called the “best and the brightest” of their generations…

Whatever the case may have been, they turned on Paul and Barnabas, contradicting them and heaping abuse on them:

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
    that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Acts 13:46-47

Two things jump out at me here: The first, and obvious one is that this is the pattern we have seen before; the gospel is proclaimed first to the Jews, and then to the Gentiles. Second is a point that many will have a problem with: When the Jewish leaders decide for whatever reason to reject the message of Christ, Paul and Barnabas were done with them. Neither Paul nor Barnabas got down on their knees begging them to reconsider, and no, they didn’t share the love… the Jewish leaders turned against the message, and the messengers turned against the Jewish leaders. In doing this, they shared God’s love with the ones who were still receptive to it; the Gentiles.

The result?

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. (13:48)

The Jewish leaders weren’t quite finished; they stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who withdrew from the area, but the Word spread throughout the region.

I must admit that this is a tough lesson, maybe that’s why many commentators don’t speak of it as plainly as I just did, but Paul had warned them the week before when he quoted the prophet:

“‘Look, you scoffers,
    wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
    that you would never believe,
    even if someone told you.’” (Acts 13:41; c.f. Hab. 1:5)

For Paul and Barnabas, it was on to Iconium…

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Prayer, part 2

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Don Merritt

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:9-15

Before we get too far into this discussion, it’s important for us to bear in mind that these verses are found in a part of the Sermon on the Mount in which context is set in Matthew 6:1:

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Keeping the context of 6:1 in mind, take a look at this prayer, what do you see?

Do you see “look at me”? Do you see “gimme the goodies”?

Hardly.

What we can see here is humility, putting God’s purpose first and foremost, necessities forgiveness, and overcoming the evil one; it is elegant in its simplicity.

We are addressing the Father in heaven, acknowledging His glory and giving Him honor, and then asking for His kingdom to come in its fullness, where His will be the only will that is done on earth, just like in heaven. Notice that this doesn’t leave all that much room for my own will to be done, in fact, my will and your will are not mentioned at all.

There is a request that God would provide for us, a humble request to be sure, and then a request for God’s forgiveness as we forgive others; a scary thought for many, I might add. Finally, we are to ask God not to lead us into temptation, but to deliver us from the evil one, again a request of supreme humility. When you put this all together, Jesus is teaching us to pray in a manner that is entirely foreign to the religious life of His time, and a lot more foreign in our own time than we might like to think about, with only God’s will being mentioned.

After this, Jesus goes on to expand a little bit on the whole subject of forgiveness making a conditional statement in verse 15, which must have blown the minds of the Pharisees and their gaggle of friends. Truly, this is radical now as it was back then.

Was it Jesus’ intention that we simply recite these words over and over? I really doubt it; I see this as a model for prayer, the elements to be included in prayer, rather than something to be memorized and recited to the absence of anything else, particularly when we lose what He is actually saying here. Of course, I would never say that there is anything wrong with reciting these verses, or any verses.

Here’s some homework: Reflect and pray on these verses, asking Him to reveal them in their fullness to you. I think you’ll find this to be a fascinating exercise in spiritual practice.

In our next installment, I’d like to share a very classic method for prayer, one that has changed the lives of thousands over the centuries… see you then!

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