“A Training Manual, of Sorts”

Date: 06-05-15

My Thoughts:

Some people can put things together without looking at the instructions. Others of us need a picture. Still some need step by step instructions. Which are you? I’m kind of the last two depending on the project. Though there have been those few times I’ve been able to assembly something without an instruction manual, I prefer the pictures….

Lifestyle worshiper, when it comes to your walk with Jesus, do you like the pictures in the Training Manual, or do you try to assemble your life ‘intuitively’? Ironically, maybe you’ve discovered that the Life of Jesus is often counterintuitive. You know, “He who saves his life shall lose it and he who loses his life shall find it,” type of ‘huh’. This is why sometimes we need to give the Training Manual a closer look….

It has been suggested by some commentators that the Book of Acts was part of a training manual for new believers called, catechumens. These were they who came out of some rather dark traditions into the Light and required some more directed training. Ironically, the Book is not written as a typical training manual with charts and graphs and ABC’s and 1 2 3’s. Rather it is a collections of episodes in the early church’s life to give us a rather ‘theology in life’ training. And in our pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ, I’m fascinated and intrigue at this perspective of the Book of Acts.

Perhaps spending more time in the Life “Training Manual” will make clearer some of the more counterintuitive aspects of my journey with Jesus. Would you agree? Your thoughts?

Main Text: — Acts 1:1-2 — In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. — 1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV84)

You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings. —2 Timothy 3:10-11 (NIV84)

  Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. — 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV84)

 Heavenly Father, ignite in me a passion for Your Son that will make Your Light in me reveal the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep my mind and thoughts laser focused on Him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Pastor Mike

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