Gifts, Graces, and Gratitude

<p>Now the church in Jerusalem is central to the start of this “Life”. Cyrene in Libya is mentioned several times: one who carries Jesus’s cross, at Pentecost, and now again here. The difference between this account and the others concerning the spread of the Gospel, is that we do not know who is involved.  Philip and Peter have been prominent, and the accounting of what happened in Caesarea was given in Jerusalem!  But now we do not know who these people are who are breaking with tradition in Antioch!</p><p>The Grace, or “charis” speaks of gifts and power.  Often we associate the power with certain individuals.  But this is not a kingdom of celebrities, but of faithful ones to Jesus. The Gifts and graces are not dependent upon fancy words, rhetoric, or argumentation – rather upon the Lord.  The growth in our faith, dependence, and trust in the Lord comes from walking in His presence. Knowing him and through whom the gifts come, can be as much a surprise to them as to the ones who receive the gift! In each instance, it is the Lord who gives and who works!</p><p>The response of the church is also significant: they send someone whom they trust to see about what is happening.  This seems to not just be a singular phenomenon, but a movement of God! The travelers from this city in Syria are talking about it as they travel. The central control of this movement is now getting out of hand, and folks are losing control of it. There are many challenges coming. What about dealing with sin? How do we keep the purity of faith? How do we train new leaders and disciple new believers? How do we organize our ministries to the poor and our evangelistic movements? Who handles the finances and who does the administration? This thing is getting out of control. </p><p>The focus can shift from knowing Jesus as Lord of his church to trusting in our own abilities! And this becomes crucial:  as we worship and seek him, our trust and reliance upon him grows! We can grow through praise, and through singing, and by resting in him!</p><p>At T