Into The Heart of Argentina

Yesterday after work I dedicated to preparing for Bible study since it was the only block of time I had. My leaning towards doing made me feel a bit guilty that I wasn’t helping with the work project at the ladies burned down house. It turns out that about 60 people showed up, three trucks and a loader. God blessed the effort, the project was completed and I stayed home and was blessed by His Word.

Acts 19 an exciting chapter in an exciting book that hits the highlights of God’s work in the establishment of the Church in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Ephesus in Asia Minor is the focus. Paul starts by asking some disciples (of John) a very revealing question: “Did you receive the Spirit when you believed?” By their response he immediatly knew their status. They had repented (Baptism of John) but lacked some pieces just like Apollos had (ch 18:18-27). Paul fills in the blanks for them intellectually and God did the rest. They believed, were baptized, received the Spirit and it was manifested to them through speaking in tongues and prophecy. Another example to the unbelieving Jews of God’s inclusion of the Gentiles, authentication of the messengers and formost of Jesus as Christ / Messiah.

This piece generated a good discussion at Bible study and a great deal of the time was dedicated to a discussion about the purpose or function of tongues in the context of Acts and the subsequent change in the epistles up to the present day. The more I study His Word the more I see this pattern. The great need for tongues at the beginning and the subsequent cessation in the Biblical account.

We only got through verse 7. But ended with Pastor sharing that he himself would love having an occasional “postcard” (a supernatural manifestation)from God confirming His direction, activity and presence. Wouldn’t we all? However, His inspired Word is sufficient and we are called to “Trust and Obey”. We sang the first verse and the chorus then had a sweet time of prayer.

Had a nice time afterwards talking, looking into the water heater element problem and topped it all off with a scoop of ice cream at Moscow General Store along with John and Loretta. Sweet fellowship and Moose Tracks. I appreciate my church family more now that we’ve had to be away so much visiting other churches. There’s no place like home.

On the way home Tina called and wondered if I wanted to play Settlers with Al, Jon and her. We played one game and Tina soundly beat us. I must get faster at doing this. I’ve discovered a website that has new Argentine Tango selections every day. This post has been a “two time through the selections” one. I hopefully I’ll get better at it and make it in one lap.