Am I a Christian? (Job 22-24 / Acts 11)

Eliphaz believes Job is suffering because of his sins (Job 22). Eliphaz cannot rationalize in his mind how God could bring such suffering upon an individual unless that individual were living in sin. Yet Job knows his suffering is present to test him and at some point, he will pass the test (Job 23:10-12). Job is simply saying that he is not an evil person (23:11) and that his suffering is not a result thereof. In Job 24, Job speaks of the many lifestyles that can be found amongst the wicked, however he ends the chapter by pointing out God's sovreignty (24:22-24). Do you ever see your suffering as a test from God? I think many times God does use suffering in our lives to shape our character and to test our actions.

In Acts 11, we see where the name "Christian" originated from (v. 26). I am not a huge fan of this name as it has come to mean so many different things in our day. That is why I often use the term "Christ-follower" when writing or speaking. Would you agree that it might serve us better if we called believers in Christ something different than a Christian?

Stop arguing and trust God! (Job 20-21 / Acts 10)

Zophar (Job 20) and Job (Job 21) are found in these two chapters arguing their beliefs concerning the state of the wicked. Zophar thinks the wicked will recieve their punishment now while Job argues that this simply is not the case. Zophar begins his case by insulting Job (20:3) while Job does something very similar to Zophar when he begins his presentation (21:3). Could it be that both men were wrong? In the end, we know that God sides with Job (42:7), but I think we can say that the wicked are at times punished on this earth. The main point is that God's judgment reigns supreme through all of man's opinions and beliefs. In 42:7, God says that what Job said about Him is correct, but God did not say that everything Job said was correct. It is important when reading Job to not take every word literally. Man is still arguing about many things today and one day God will return to set everything straight! Is there any issue you need to turn over to God today?

Acts 10 closes out with a focus on the primacy of the good news! Peter knew this gospel message well (v. 34-43) and the reason he went to Cornelius's house was to share it (this is not stated in the text, but I think he knew something was up). The important thing to realize in this passage is that the gospel-message is for the nations (v. 35). The gospel-message is too big to be contained for one tribe. What are you doing to get this message shared around the globe?