Acts 28:23-31

Thursday, September 3. 2009

We have reached the end of the Acts of the Apostles. It feels a little anticlimactic without a rousing speech from Paul commissioning the rest of us to continue running the good race and fighting the good fight the way many of Paul’s letters do. Acts ends with Paul busy doing the very things he has done all throughout his ministry: preaching about the Kingdom of God, teaching people the ways of Jesus, and supporting the believers.

That may be the final important lesson for us to learn from the first church. As followers of the Way, we don’t need to be preoccupied with writing the last chapter of our own life stories. The last chapter shouldn’t be any different than the middle chapters. Of course we may find ourselves in different places with different people in our lives and different sets of challenges to face, but if we are faithfully following in the way of Jesus, there ought to be a consistent storyline throughout our lives. No matter where we go, no matter who we are with, no matter what the circumstances we face the same qualities of Christian character ought to be visible. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul referred to those qualities as the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

Those qualities are included in the words that surround us every time we gather in the courtyard at church. Like Paul’s story in the book of Acts, they are the qualities that should consistently define our life together and our individual lives as we follow the way of Jesus.

As you come to end of the Acts of the Apostles, what are some of the lessons you have learned from the stories of the first church?

Posted by Pastor Tom Ott in 2009-Acting Up All Summer at 07:51 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

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After praying and mediating while sitting on a stone bench in one of the catacombs while in Rome several years ago and reading the book of Acts this summer, I'm struck by these: 1. how doggedly these pioneers kept focused on faith in God in such threatening life experiences; 2. how they focused on community support (not just a "me-myself- and God" faith); 3. how the community shared ALL THEY POSSESSED for the benefit of all (much of which is lost today); 4. how the community clearly preached and taught faith in God revealed in Jesus in their TIME and PLACE (model for every generation); 5. how they simply told the story of Jesus and no wandering off into debating theological pet points. Thanks for this journey which has renewed my faith and reinforces that which really counts.

#1 Bob Manning on 2009-09-04 10:52 (Reply)

I had to really look at the book again to ponder what I had learned. The one thing that strikes me the most, is the story of each person. Paul, Peter and the others were so human. They had talents and problems, a call by God and yet had to work to make a living. I am reminded again, they are like me and all of us. Still their faith and struggles brought about a life changing message and healing to inidividuals and whole communities. I hope that is what my part will be as a new member of First Congregational. I am very challenged by this book, this is not an easy message! I need to do this prayerfully with others.

#2 SALLY O'DELL on 2009-09-13 21:38 (Reply)

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