The God of the Bible is a God of priorities. As the God of “creation,” “order,” and “truth,” HE is ever emphasizing beginnings, first-things, foundations (fundamentals), forerunners, processes, progressions and “the things that matter most.” As you read the scriptures, you should pay attention to distinctive statements like “first,” “most,” “how much more,” “above all,” etc. Many times God shows us HIS ways by saying, “this is 1st, and then that is 2nd, and this is next.” The order of scriptural truths and the distinction in priority or essential value of truths is a key to understanding God, the Bible and living a fruitful life of faith.
Q-How do you communicate something important?
List and discuss ways people/parents express (verbal and non-verbal) things so that they are remembered or understood?
To discover God’s priorities or “the things that matter most” is not difficult. God will clearly show and tell it, or HE will repeat it…over and over again.
One of the simplest and most important principles for understanding and interpreting your Bible (Hermeneutics) is called the “Law of Frequency.” This means that the priority is whatever is written or spoken of more frequently. In other words, what the Bible says most often and consistently, as well as when it says much more…that is what we need to focus on as most important. If the scripture uses a word or phrase much, then we study and speak on it much; and when the Book says little, we should spend less time studying or speaking about that.
The following 5 truths are a “revelation of the priorities” of our Heavenly Father God and the author of the book of Acts. These truths are clearly emphasized by being mentioned and focused on “first” (in Chapter 1), by being used “most” frequently, and by being included in almost every chapter of Acts.
1. JESUS and THE KINGDOM OF GOD- If Kingdom of God Kingdom of God
Acts is really Trinitarian in its theology. This word “Trinity” is an expression for the three persons who make up our one God. This book speaks uniquely of the Kingdom of God
The preaching in Acts focuses on Jesus. Every major message, and all 13 of Paul’s sermons recorded here in Acts, speak “concerning the Lord Jesus Christ” and the “things pertaining to the Kingdom of God
2. WE…US-
· They mark where Luke the author is an eyewitness to events.
· They may serve as an invitation to participate in the work of the ministry.
· They show a community life that may be foreign to many modern westerners. (plural promises and pronouns, early church life, extended families, communal understanding, cultural differences and corporate destiny)
Q-Do you consider yourself part of the “we” when it comes to the life of faith, the work of the ministry, serving God’s purposes or sharing the Gospel?
Q- How are you involved in church life or active in the community?
Are you an active participant, or merely a bystander?
Luke is writing by the inspiration of the Spirit to prevent us from being spectators, when we have been given the same commission and have access to the same power. God is inviting “us” to step out in faith and obedience to share your life testimony and gifts…and see the Spirit work through you.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT- The most unique phrase repeated in this book is “the Holy Spirit.” Over 70 times, the “Spirit” is spoken of, which is much more than any other book in the Bible (Isaiah=34x), and this profound emphasis is a central theme of the book. The prominence of the Spirit here has prompted some in history to refer to this book as “The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.” Also, “Many have felt that Acts should be called ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit.’ The first chapter records the promise of the Holy Spirit (1:4-5, 8), the second HIS descent, and the rest of the book his work in and through the church.” (Fernando). You should look for some work or effect of the Holy Spirit’s presence in every chapter of this book. As Christians, we must not neglect the “Promise of the Holy Spirit” or the “Power of the Holy Spirit.” The Acts story should impress you “with the glorious regularity of the irregular in the work of the Holy Spirit…is a powerful argument against the stereotyped in Christian organization and method…and a plea for room for the operation of that Spirit” (GCM).
4. PRAYER- Acts opens with the famous “Upper Room” prayer meeting. Fourteen of the first fifteen chapters of Acts and many of the later chapters mention prayer. With over 36 references, it is clear that prayer is a key theme in Luke’s writing. Where God is working, Jesus is revealed or the Holy Spirit is moving…the people have been praying. After experiencing God, the people are praying. And when convincing proof is needed of a true life transformation in Saul, the persecutor and murderer, all that’s said is, “He is praying!” (9:11).
As you read through Acts, it is impossible to miss the prevalence and intimacy of prayer; as well as, the responses of the Living God to these prayers of HIS people. In nearly every story in this book, someone is praying, something needed is being cried out for, or some desperate prayer is being miraculously answered. Even the prayers of “devout” unbelievers are heard and answered here. It seems nothing is more important in a Christian’s life, and it boldly presents a life of prayer that experiences answers and miracles as normal. To them, “prayer was exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the Spirit of God.” And they knew “prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance, but taking hold of God’s willingness!” (P.Brooks). History truly belongs to the intercessors.
5. WITNESSES- Jesus’ last recorded words are the beginning focus for the book of Acts. These words are known as the Great Commission: “You will be My witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Acts is the story of the men and women who took that commission seriously and spread the message of a risen Savior to their family, friends, communities, and even to foreign people and places. Because of this emphasis, Acts serves as a challenge to Christians to live as witnesses wherever they are and wherever they go.
Q-What does it mean to be a Witness? –Acts 4:20
*What does it say about witnesses in Lk 1:2, Acts 3:15, 4:13, 5:32, 22:15?
To be a witness is to tell the truth, and to be ready to openly share what you have “seen and heard.” It also means to be prepared to answer questions related to your experiences and relevant to others deciding what they believe the truth is.
A witness from a Biblical perspective is committed to or participates in apologetics, evangelism and missions (all addressed in later blogs).
The book of Acts is a missionary manual for Church expansion. It puts a priority on evangelism, provokes us to get involved in ministry, and repeatedly shows the power of personal testimonies. It encourages us in apologetics and witnessing as a means to honoring Christ and advancing God’s Kingdom. Acts tells us how to fulfill the Great Commission and spread the Gospel so that loved ones, neighbors and even foreign peoples are blessed. Selah!
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