Collective Wisdom
The Lone Ranger first launched as a radio show back in 1933 and quickly gained the love of its listening audience. The popularity of the show grew so much that it became a television show that ran from 1948-1957. The show was about a former Texas Ranger who fought outlaws and he became an enduring icon of American culture. The idea of being a Lone Ranger captures the inner longing of our collective cultural moment. We want to be the captain of our own ship, the master of our own domain.
However, the early church had a different approach to life and specifically to decision making. When they were faced with the biggest theological decision they’d ever made, they called for a council to meet. They didn’t take a Lone Ranger approach, they wanted to get the collective wisdom and insight of the church before they made their decision about the future. As we review the account, we see that the church “debated,” they “discussed,” and they “judged” – all with the intent of trying to listen to different points of view. Then when it came time to make a decision, they took all of that feedback into account and moved forward in unity (Acts 15:25).
The Early Church laid out a good model for us to follow, not only corporately, but in our personal lives as well. So, what might it look like to open ourselves to the collective wisdom of others? There are a few things that come to mind. First, invite people to speak into your life. This is not something that will come automatically, you must seek it out. And then when people give you feedback, try your best to receive it humbly. Don’t overreact, even if you disagree. Attempt to see things from their viewpoint and ask yourself if what they’re saying might be true. Second, weigh people’s input differently. Not all advice is created equal. Weigh people’s input based on their love for you. Ask, does this person care about me? Will they be here even if I don’t take their advice? Weigh their advice based on the life they live. Do you want to live the kind of life this person is living? If you take their advice, your life will probably end up looking similar to theirs. However, don’t base your acceptance of input on whether or not you like their feedback.
We can all benefit from having others speak into our lives – just like the Early Church did. Do you have those kinds of people in your life? If not, ask Jesus how you could cultivate those kinds of relationships. If you do, reach out today and let those people know that you’re grateful for them.
Pastor Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor
Civil Discourse
After Luke tells us that two factions had formed in the early church about what to do with Gentile believers, he says in Acts 15:6-7, that “the apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter” with “much debate.” What do you think this debate between groups with opposing positions sounded like? Did people get offended? Were there any slammed doors? Were there tears? Doesn’t that seem to be how impromptu debates tend to end these days? Or, maybe they were people who knew how to have meaningful discourse while keeping things civil.
The word “civil” means “courteous and polite.” What if “courteous and polite” were the adjectives that news outlets used to describe their work? “CNN, the C stands for Courteous!” or “Fox News: Real News. Really Polite!” The sad truth is that courteous and polite doesn’t attract viewers the way that inconsiderate and rude does.
Imagine if there were an alien race of intelligent beings that didn’t quite have the technology to visit our planet, but were only able to learn about us by listening to American “News” Channels (and yes, News is intentionally in quotes). What would they assume about the state of human to human public discourse? Would they assume that we are a reasonable race of people? Would they be excited about coming and sharing their ideas with us? I would have to guess not. They would probably assume that there was no such thing as “civil discourse” on this planet, especially when people disagree. Would you blame them for coming to that conclusion?
Unfortunately, civil discourse, and especially civil disagreement, is not only lacking in news outlets, it is sorely lacking between families, friends, and sadly, even in churches. We have bought into the lie that people who disagree with us are our enemies and that we need to fight them. However, this couldn’t be more antithetical to the way of Jesus.
Richard Mouw (who happened to be one of my professors in seminary), has lived as an excellent example of someone who can disagree and remain civil with those he disagrees with. He has written multiple books that encourage Christians to do the same. In one called, Adventures in Evangelical Civility, he writes, “our civility is grounded in a genuine conviction that we have much to do by way of preparing for the city that is to come. Practicing a calm and steady humility is not merely a way of biding our time until the end-time arrives. It is itself a crucial way of anticipating the final chapter of the narrative, an important preparation for the eschaton.” Dr. Mouw suggests that civility isn’t just a helpful way to stay out of trouble in today’s world, but it is a crucial signpost of the kingdom to come. Gentle, calm, courteous, and polite humility is the way of Jesus. It’s my prayer that you and I would become people who practice real civility especially with the people we disagree with.
Josh Rose
Teaching Pastor
A Holy Hunch
An important technique in the practice of Bible study is to notice repetition; that is, how often words or phrases are repeated in a section of Scripture. When you see something occur a number of times, it’s more than a good clue that God is trying to tell you something, because things that are important get repeated. Given that, what I find fascinating is that one phrase (or a version of it) pops up three times in these seven verses. I wonder, did you notice it? It first appears in verse 22, then reappears in verse 25, and then makes its last appearance, albeit with a slight and very interesting twist, in verse 28. The phrase? “It seemed good to…” In verses 22 and 25, it seemed good to the apostles and the elders. In verse 28, it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and the apostles and elders.
What are we to make of this? Well, one thing is that sometimes the guidance we get from the Spirit is a little more squishy than we’d like it to be. Sometimes we have to make important decisions without a “clear word from the Lord.” Think about it, the apostles and elders were gathered together to talk about the Biblical requirements for salvation, and the clarity and direction the church leadership is able to give to the Gentile believers is based in part on “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” Based on the information they had, the input of others, and what they sensed to be the leading of the Holy Spirit, they made a decision that changed the trajectory of Christianity forever!
I think we can all relate to having to make decisions based on a “holy hunch,” right? “Do we buy a house in this neighborhood or that?” “Do I accept this job offer, or stay where I am?” “Is it time to take this relationship to the next level, or cut it off?” “Which Life Group should I join?” “In which ministry should I volunteer to serve?” We don’t always get clear guidance, but rather more of a sense about which direction we are supposed to move. I don’t know about you, but sometimes a more clear sign (such as what Gideon received in Judges 6:36-40) would be nice. But that isn’t always how He works.
Usually, when I have a decision to make, I pray and ask for guidance (as well as go through a number of other steps wise decision-makers utilize, and which this text highlights), and then I make the choice that seems best. I don’t always have a clear word from the Lord, and sometimes there are multiple good options from which to choose. It’s in those moments that there can be a good degree of squishiness, and while that can be a bit unnerving, it does generate the opportunity to walk by faith and trust Him to guide all my steps, even the ones that I only sense are the best ones to take.
Scott Smith
Connection & Growth Pastor
Ambushed by Encouragement
I was walking to my car the other day on a way to a meeting. My head was down, I was focused. Michael Tejada, one of our maintenance guys, was driving by in a cart, I quickly looked up, gave him a measly little nod, a half-smile, and kept walking to my car. But as if it were the most normal thing in the world, he stopped his cart, smiled real big, and said, “Hey Josh, guess what? Jesus is bananas about you, bro!” And then he just drove away.
I barely had time to react. I just let out a surprised exclamation and barely got out the words, “Wow, thanks!” before he was gone. I got into my car with the biggest smile on my face, and I haven’t stopped thinking about that little drive-by encouragement ambush ever since. Michael really made my day! His words were simple, playful words, but they were shockingly meaningful and profound words at the same time. They stopped me in my tracks, and I was truly encouraged by them. My eyes are a little sweaty even now as I think about those words.
There was a man named Joseph in the book of Acts, who must have been a lot like Michael. In fact, Joseph was so encouraging that the apostles decided to give him a new name. In Acts 4:36, Luke tells us, “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement).” I love that. “Barnabas” is the playful nickname that Joseph earned for being so encouraging! It’s as if they were saying, Joseph, must have been born out of encouragement. So cool! And this is the same Barnabas who we studied this week in Acts 11. He becomes one of the more influential early Christians who take the gospel all over the world. But get this, it doesn’t sound like he is influential because he is a great and learned theologian like Paul. He didn’t write down all these events like Luke. We don’t know if he was a preacher like Peter. What we do know is that he was influential because he was encouraging.
This makes me think that our perception of what matters in the kingdom of God might sometimes be flawed. We sometimes think (ok, maybe I sometimes think) that learning and studying and reading and teaching and planning and meeting are the holiest and important things. Now, don’t get me wrong, those are good things, but sometimes the simple things, like a kind word might actually be the most useful. Michael’s words to me were more like Jesus’ words than any theology book that I have ever read, and more than most sermons I’ve ever heard. Maybe we need to learn from Barnabas and Michael. Maybe it’s time to share a kind and encouraging word. Will you do that today? In fact, will you try to encourage someone in a surprising, loving way today? See if you can make someone’s day with an ambush of encouragement.
Josh Rose
Teaching Pastor
The Pebble in the Pond
As a group of frogs traveling through the woods, two of them fell into a deep pit. The other frogs peeked in and told these two that they were as good as dead as it was impossible to come out. Ignoring the discouragement, these two frogs tried to jump out anyway. A while later, one of the frogs, lost its spirit in the constant discouragement and gave up…and died. The second frog kept on jumping. The more the others commented, the harder he tried. Finally, he jumped out!“ Didn’t you hear us?” asked the frogs. “I am a little deaf. I thought you were cheering me on.” answered the frog.
Encouraging words can make a huge difference in someone’s day or life. Sometimes the smallest gesture, a smile, compliment, or a hug at the right moment can be life-changing. And then what happens? The one giving the encouragement feels good and usually, the one who has been encouraged feels uplifted and goes on to encourage someone else. It really is like dropping a pebble in a pond—the ripple effect is endless. And it doesn’t cost a thing, not even a lot of time. Sometimes just listening to someone who is discouraged can encourage them and the greatest encouragement I have been privileged to give and receive is praying with someone. Just try offering to pray with someone who has shared their struggle. It might feel awkward at first, don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will give you the words. The blessing will be immense and the more you do it, the easier it will be. In fact, you will look forward to the next opportunity to ask, “can I pray with you?”
Barnabas encouraged the church at Antioch “to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” What a great encouragement. As a result of him and Saul teaching great numbers of people of the church, the disciples were called “Christians” first at Antioch. (Acts 11:26) But the ripple effect continued, it was the first but not the last time. Ever notice how the ripple gets larger and larger in the pond? (and the church kept growing)
Scripture is full of encouragement to share with other people. A quick text message to someone and a verse of encouragement can brighten someone’s day. A handwritten note to someone can mean the world to someone sick. Tomorrow Pastor Josh is going to share some other ways we can encourage each other. You might never know if or how your encouragement makes a huge difference in someone’s life, but if it is authentic and comes from the heart it will be the gift that doesn’t stop giving. Let’s be interested in others, be good listeners, and take every opportunity to be a Barnabas in someone’s life today.
Deb Hill
Exec. Admin. Assistant
“Spiritual Hospitality”
“To listen is very hard because it asks of us so much interior stability that we no longer need to prove ourselves by speeches, arguments, statements, or declarations. True listeners no longer have an inner need to make their presence known. They are free to receive, to welcome, to accept.” This quote by Henri Nouwen provides a picture of what he calls, “spiritual hospitality”. How odd it is to think that just listening, essentially doing nothing, can communicate a value that is termed hospitable. We live in a can-do, achievement-focused, productive society that wants to help and fix things, and yet, we have to pause and ask the question, who is really receiving the help? Are we looking for accolades? Is our drive to fix just trying to prove our own worthiness, our value? Is the other person actually looking for help? Do they want to be fixed or do they just want to be heard?
In Acts 11, Barnabas is sent to Antioch to check out the perceived chaos. He arrives on the scene and in verse 23 it says, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,” Barnabas saw the grace of God? What does it look like to see God’s grace lived out? Could it be that seeing the grace of God is as simple as listening and watching the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of people who are longing to be transformed? Barnabas was not there to fix anyone, he was there to instead receive joy from watching the power of the Spirit of God at work and then encourage the believers to keep going! Following, verse 24 goes on to tell us that many came to the Lord!
My guess is that Barnabas had what Nouwen referred to as “interior stability”. He had no need to prove himself and because of that, he was free to listen, enjoy what he saw and encourage the people to keep on keeping on. We’ve heard Pastor Ryan say, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” I’ve also heard it said that encouragement, which is a form of caring, is 90% listening. This week, pay attention to how you are encouraging others. Are you looking to fill your own bucket with compliments for your incredible wisdom and ability to fix things? Or do you have the heart to encourage through rejoicing in the good things God is doing and simply listening?
Lynette Fuson
Director of Care & Counseling
Enter Sadness
This week we saw that Barnabas was sent out to encourage the persecuted church of Antioch. The name Barnabas, meaning son of encouragement, was given to a man named Joseph as a nickname. I’d suggest if his nickname is recorded in scripture, his impact must’ve been legendary. Maybe encouragement is much more important than it might seem to be, also it might look different than we assume it would.
One of the biggest encouragers God has put in my life is my dear friend Kurt. I’m a fairly upbeat guy, but when I am discouraged and bummed out I don’t receive bubbly optimism very well. I had gone to Kurt with some great sadnesses over the years and he always strives to understand and empathize with my burdens. Having him relate to me in my sorrows is wonderfully validating, it effectively undermines the sadness by destroying the loneliness. Nothing punches a hole in sadness like companionship! He summarizes my sadness succinctly giving me a different perspective, throwing my thinking into stark contrast, and revealing my faulty thinking. On occasion, Kurt will also level the power of scripture against my pity and gently call me out for harboring some kind of pity monster.
We all need encouragement in our lives, being positive and upbeat is a great way to do that. However, we are promised to go through hardships and struggles, and that is when we need a Barnabas. Someone to dive in and pull us out. The new believers in Antioch needed encouragement when the persecution ramped up. To be a true encourager, you need to go sit with someone for a while and actively listen, find out how you struggled similarly, and gently offer perspective. Barnabas and Kurt have at least one thing in common, they tried. Will you try to encourage someone who’s hurting?
Jonathan Duncan
Power of Words
In his book The Ledge, author Jim Davidson recounted the story of a climbing accident he experienced in 1992. He and his friend climbed Mt. Rainier and, on the way down, the two climbers fell 80 feet through a snow bridge into a glacial crevasse. His friend and climbing partner, Mike Price, died on impact. Davidson tells of how he stood next to his deceased friend and remembered the words of his father. See, Jim’s dad had shown undue confidence in his son. He had employed him, believed in him, and encouraged him. With minimal gear and no experience in ice climbing at that level, Jim spent the next five hours climbing out. In his book, Jim tells of the way that throughout the whole ordeal, he kept recalling the words of his dad. And five arduous hours later, thanks to his father's words, Jim climbed out of the crevasse to safety.
Words have the ability to shape worlds. Like seeds, they get planted inside of our head and heart and eventually they bear fruit. They can make us believe or doubt, flounder or flourish, fail or fly. The scriptures speak very poignantly about the power of words. Listen to the way James 3 recounts the expulsive power of the tongue. He wrote, “A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! (James 3:3-5, The Message) A word can accomplish nearly anything, or it can destroy it. A word can either make a life or destroy a life. Wow! That’s quite a drastic statement.
Researchers have found that on average, 16,000 words come out of your mouth every day. That adds up to a gigantic 860.3 million words in the average American lifetime. How are you using your words? How are you leveraging the power of the tongue? Gossip, slander, hatred, and condescension have the ability to destroy. But on the other hand, phrases like “I believe in you” or “I’m with you” or “I appreciate you” have the ability to cause flourishing and vitality. What a gift we have at the tip of our tongue.
Take some time today to encourage someone. Maybe it’s through a written note or a text message. Maybe you could set up time to go on a walk or have lunch with someone. Whatever you do, take the time to speak life into them and trust that God will use it to encourage them.
Pastor Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor
Bold defiance
Hey family, this week we’ve been looking at Acts chapter 4. Let me direct your attention to verses 19 - 20. Here we see Peter and John responding to the priests of the Sanhedron, who had just commanded them to stop talking about Jesus.
But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20
The first question is actually a trick question! The answer is always going to be, it’s better to listen to God, even the priests would have agreed. The point in asking the question is to suggest that there would be a difference between what the priests would say, and what God would say, thereby pitting them against each other. This would be super insulting to them as the whole point of being a priest is being aligned with God, being his mouthpiece. Peter and John finish off this sweet dig with a sarcastic command, you be the judge of God. Now that the lines have been drawn, they get around to actually saying no. They have seen and heard the resurrected Jesus, seen him ascend, and now are empowered by His spirit. Being silent just isn’t an option.
As Christ-followers, we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, for he has irrevocably infused us with His Spirit. That’s why we can now draw near to him just like his apostles did. And we can boldly give a similar response when the world attempts to silence us, and it will try, we’re promised this. The last thing we ever will do is be silent!
Jonathan Duncan
Bold Living
At face value, my classmate Jaken was a real punk. He had natural confidence, a swagger, and just enough attitude to get himself in trouble. Because of his personality, Jaken was a well-known character at my high school. But he was also a lover of Jesus. And Jaken was relentless in how he shared his faith with others.
At first, I didn’t understand why Jaken lived the way he did - boldly sharing his faith with Jesus and not caring what others thought of him - swagger and all. But as I began to spend more time with him the more I began to understand: Jaken didn’t have a worldly perspective. He didn’t care about the social cliques of high school or how popular he was. He was truly, unabashedly himself and it showed in how he boldly shook things up.
We see this same confidence and courage in Peter and John when they are called to testify before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4.
In seeing the courage of Peter and John, the Sanhedrin couldn’t help but come to the unfortunate conclusion that there was no stopping these men - for “these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13).
Time spent with Jesus always comes with dire consequences for the world and the business-as-usual thinking that accompanies it. The prevailing powers and structures that operate this world are shaken and overturned (Acts 17:6) by the bold transgressions of people who have begun to operate on a different, deeper wave-length.
Those who have spent time with Christ see how poorly they first misjudged him. This is exactly what Paul confesses, We once considered Christ from a worldly point of view, but do so no longer - for he turned out to be far greater than we ever imagined. Now, we strive to no longer consider anyone from a worldly point of view any longer. (2 Cor. 5:16)
People who don’t see things from the world’s perspective naturally begin to work against the world. They see people with an eternal perspective and connect together on that basis. Because they both have an eternal destiny together, they now have the power to remove anything that separates them in the present moment.
But in order to be people that truly live boldly, we must be people who have spent time with Jesus long enough to see things from his point of view.
Spend time long enough with him and you’re bound to begin seeing things from his point of view.
Pastor Ryan Lunde
Young Adults
