GET SMART

A Tribute to Hope

2011-09-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

Today is my wife Hope's 44th Birthday; & as a part of our families celebration of the gift of her life, love & faith, I am re-posting this blog:

"NO SAM'S MOM!!!"

It was one of the proudest moments of my life. It ranks up there with becoming a Christian, championship football seasons, passing the Camp Ridgecrest “Little Chief” test, my wedding day, becoming a father, a few special ministry moments and glorious experiences with the Living God.

Some of the neighborhood boys had decided to start a club (6-10 yr olds). So, after extensive planning and intense preliminaries….they set out to build a tree-house …their club-house. After the basic construction from scrap wood and spare nails was done, they put the finishing touches of childhood craftsmanship in place…their stamp of authenticity, -graffiti. There were some splotches and lines of various colors, a few signatures (if you could call it that), a couple of ? symbols, and the crowning achievement…the club-house credo writ large on the exterior wall for all to see.

Now, if you are a parent, have been a summer camp counselor, or did a lot of babysitting (say 2nd to 6th graders); then, this is nothing new to you. The list of “club” rules and members is a normal part of learning to both write and relate (I think). And, I must admit that our daughters tend to be much more serious and creative while universally embracing the “no boys, and especially no brothers allowed” doctrine during those early years.

However, nothing could have prepared me for the neighborhood boy’s club-house graffiti credo. No, it wasn’t your traditional “No Girls Allowed,” nor a more conventional no sisters or adults clause. It was a new, radically different, undeniably bold and revolutionary statement…..”No Sam’s Mom!!!”

WOW! The elementary exclamation of exclusivity, the kid’s key to liberty…the club-house commandment and battle-cry…the castle rampart for protection. Do you get it? This was not a prohibition of all women or parents, but of “1.” Somehow in the infant, imaginative and warrior obsessed minds of these youth; they had focused in on the “1” ultimate opponent they did not want to have to face…“Sam’s Mom,” my wife Hope.

They knew (as I do) instinctively and experientially, this “1” woman was there and would get involved if needful. That’s it! Involvement, concern, action was her character; and she had and would serve as a boundary to adolescent whims and attitudes, while providing a voice of wisdom and conscience. How often our souls and our children are threatened spiritually and we need someone to discern, speak up and get involved to stave off the assault.

The world’s system, postmodern culture and media constantly promote ideas and images that place children’s lives at risk by making false beliefs and sinful activities appealing and applauded. Worse still, is the corresponding spiritual fascism that labors to erase parents, disdain all authority figures and eliminate the Christian faith and God from “normal” life experience. The biggest lie is humanistic, and proclaims that we may live this life on our own, for selfish pursuits and pleasures, and with no reference to either the Almighty or our want…need of piety or devotion.

But not on Hope’s watch. Every neighborhood needs a “Sam’s Mom,” and every family needs an initiator of conversation about values and consequences. Please understand, I in no way am suggesting the oft experienced religious, controlling or condemning parenting; but rather the grace and truth that says, “Have you thought about what that would feel like if it was you? Could we talk and pray about that for a few minutes?” What I’m endorsing is the Pr. 31 “virtuous woman;” the Christian mother whose “kindness brings conviction” and whose “gentleness makes greatness!”

Hope, that’s who you are. You are beautiful, holy, awe-inspiring and lovely beyond compare. Solomon saw and said it by Spirit-inspiration, the neighborhood boys experienced it and I know and love it, “Who is this who shines like the dawn; as beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, awe-inspiring as an army with banners?” She is the “1” coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on her beloved, full of ardent, unrelenting passion (SOS 6:10, 8:5-7).

Hope Buhler, I am forever grateful for who you are. As a gift of life, graced with wisdom and beauty, you are uncommon…precious, priceless. Your faithfulness is a pillar in our love and family. Your strong convictions, fierce loyalty and fiery faith anchor me. Your spiritual sensitivity, personal vulnerability and brutal honesty refine me. Your depth of devotion, high aspirations, width of counsel and the length of your sacrificial-love has touched Heaven and reached my soul…marking my life eternally.

Words cannot express my gratitude for who you are, what you do….how you live, love, believe and serve. You cared and got involved with me, our children, their friends, our neighbors and the innumerable company of souls that have benefited from you “fearlessly diving in.” I will never forget you watching me, writing me, worshipping next to me, our times of spiritual wrestling and soul-wrenching prayer, waiting in desperation…hoping in the Lord, and wondering together. You have been to me and all who truly know you, God’s goodness and truth. You are tried, trusted and treasured. You are pure joy, and can only create unhappiness by being absent.

With all my heart and sincere thanks, Your Husband, Chip.

“Je t’aime plus qu’ hier moins que demain.”
I love you more than yesterday, Less than tomorrow!

P.S. Hope...Sarah and I have 2 words for you………. “kindness!”

HEROES

2011-09-11T10:02:00.000-04:00

Andrea: "Unhappy is the land that breeds no hero."
Galileo: "No, Andrea...Unhappy is the land that needs a hero!"
--Bertolt Brecht, Galileo

"The fate of the hero is linked to the secularization and disenchantment of the modern world. Ours is said to be an age without God, without heroes, and ultimately, without selves... A great many of us have lost our sense of self. Like Alice in Wonderland, we are unable to articulate who we are... ours is an age without heroes or in which heroism is reduced to mere celebrity... without cultural heroes common to all, who represent ideals, we may lose a common sense of what binds us together so our culture itself begins to fragment.

Heroes serve as centers of moral space. They signal to what one's life is called to or committed... (they) are more than figures we admire... in some way, we emotionally identify with a hero... they are further along on our journey, because they have responded to the same call to which we respond... We stand with our heroes, to uphold the values they uphold. For those who have them, heroes are an important inner marker of identity. They are a part of the landscape of the soul.

If it is true that we lost our sense of heroic calling, then the 3 losses---the loss of God, the loss of heroes, and the loss of selves---seem to go together. God, heroes, and selves all partake of the sacred while the central tendency in the collective life of modern/postmodern culture is profoundly profane and secular... Moral vision is essential to selfhood (identity). Traditionally, in the west, God was the source and foundation of the good (godly)... the heroic is itself closely tied to a religious sensibility, a sensibility, we are seeing, that seems on the wane. The word hero comes from the Greek 'heros' (as referenced by Dad in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"), meaning "God-person," the person charged with the charisma of the holy and sacred... for those who have them, heroes (usually) symbolize (embody) moral (godly) ideals... humility, integrity, dedication, vision, and courage." ---Douglas V. Porpora

"No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness than disbelief in great men." -Carlyle

According to Marshall Fishwick, "the search and need for heroes is inherent in human history... (but) heroes have become increasingly attenuated (reduced in force and value) with secularization (worldliness, irreligious). In ancient times heroes were demigods, in the middle ages they were God's representatives, in the Renaissance they were truth-seekers, and in the 19th century=self-made men. Today, there has been a kind of leveling of heroes (with the rise of capitalism). The charismatic (godly) hero, the hero bespeaking transcendental horizons, is (as) dead..."

“The modern world worships heroes of talent, beauty and power. But this is new, a change from days gone by. Previous generations honored heroes for what they possessed that others could emulate.” –Mansfield

Leo Lowenthal documents, "a shift during the early 20th century in the kind of heroes celebrated by the media. Whereas before, American capitalism lauded 'idols of production,' people who actually do something...after WWII, media heroes became mere 'idols of consumption,' athletes, movie stars, and entertainers. This shift reflects a greater cultural orientation toward leisure lives." "Celebrities have replaced heroes in modern culture. Whereas heroes were famous because they were great, clebrities are great because they are famous. the celebrity is a person known for his well-knownness (and moral neutrality or negativity). Celebrities are not moral beacons that fill us with purpose, but empty receptacles into which we pour our own purposeless (fitting heroes for an age without metanarratives=big stories w/ absolutes, truth and reference pts)" -Daniel Boorstin

"We continue to clamor for the very qualities we're rendering impossible. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst." -C.S.Lewis

"Let us not be complacent about our supposed capacity to get along without great men. If our society has lost its wish for heroes and its ability to produce them, it may well turn out to have lost everything else as well." -Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

The purpose of this blog is to ignite hope and inspire heroism. Every life story and truth testimony told here may serve to invite us to intimacy with the Living God, while calling us to courageous action.

''Christianity has survived and thrived miraculously, in the midst of terrible dangers, chiefly because it has found concrete embodiment in human lives of persuasive quality, and the most persuasive of all qualities is that of genuine affection. One demonstration is worth a hundred arguments, for though doctrines may be impressive, it is experience that is convincing." -Elton Trueblood

Brothers and sisters, "hear the word of the Lord... the people who know their God shall be strong (courageously loyal), and carry out heroic deeds -Dan.11:32 ...return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope (God dreamers). Even today...I will restore double to you. For I have bent Judah (praise and thanks), My bow, fitted with Ephraim (fruitfulness and harvest), and raised up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and made you like the hero's sword -Zech.9:12-13 ...keep your eyes open, stand fast in the faith (hold to your convictions), be brave (heroic, be strong with relentless love) -1Cor.16:12-13.

“We need to remember and search for our roots in the luminaries, risk-takers & movements of the church through the centuries...to neglect them is to fall victim to a narrowing amnesia that leaves us floundering." -Timothy Jones

“My eyes shall be on the heroes of the land, the faithful!” –Ps101:6

“Who thru faith obtained promises…out of weakness were made strong…of whom the world was not worthy!!!” - Heb11:2, 33-38

My desire is the same as the journalist on "Enemy at The Gates:"....to give you "hope!...another way-a way of courage, a way of love...We must publish again the magnificent stories that exalt sacrifice and bravery-that make us believe in victory and give hope... Yes, we need to make examples-but, examples to follow. What we need are heroes!!!.....'Do you know any heroes around here?'...YES, comrad...I KNOW ONE!"

Friends let's "look unto JESUS!" ...and "be diligent as followers of them who through faith and patience inherited the promises of God." -Heb.12:1-2, 6:11-12

"Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica" -Acts 17:1-9

2011-08-10T19:27:00.000-04:00

Acts 17:1 – Amphipolis was the capital of the eastern province of Macedonia which was (30 miles) southwest of Philippi, almost surrounded by a bend in the River Strymon. Apollonia (place of Apollo, the Greek sun-god) was a Greek city on the Egnatian Way of Macedonia (28 miles or a days journey) west of Amphipolis, known for its trade.

I. THESSALONICA was the chief capital of Macedonia, situated on the northernmost tip of the Thermaic Gulf. It was capital of the 2^nd division of Macedonia and the residence of a Roman governor. At Thessalonica we are in a Greek commercial city and a seaport. It was a “free city,” enjoying a certain autonomy and its own constitution. Thessalonica was populous and wealthy, an invaluable center for the spread of the gospel. It was important as a harbor with a large import and export trade, but also as the principal station on the great Via Egnatia, the highway from the Adriatic to the Hellespont (Asia to Rome).

Here we find a large number of resident Jews and a synagogue. The Thessalonian church was to become strong and flourishing, composed of Gentiles rather than Jews. This we may gather from the tone of the 2 Epistles addressed to them, the absence of quotations from the Old Testament, and the phrase "You turned unto God from idols" (1Thess.1:9; 2:14). These are the earliest of Paul's Epistles (A.D.52-53), and show us that the apostle was eager to revisit Thessalonica very soon after his enforced departure. He later sent Timothy from Athens to visit the church and confirm the faith of the Christians amid their hardships and persecutions (1Thes.3:2-10). Almost certainly Paul returned there on his 3rd missionary tour (Acts20:1-3), and also during his journey through Macedonia after his 1st captivity (1Tim.1:3).

Acts 17:4-5 speaks of Jason (same as Hebrew Jesus or Joshua), who was a Christian in Thessalonica that opened his home to Paul’s mission team; perhaps the same mentioned in Rom.16:21 as Paul’s “kinsmen” (relative; fellow countrymen). Aristarchus and Secundus were probably converted at this time (19:29; 20:4). Acts 17:6-9 mentions the city’s “rulers” (politarchs), used of “a town-officer, magistrate; a ruler of a city or citizens.” Thessalonica was a "free" city and the citizens could choose their own politarchs. This word used by Luke is supported by inscriptions discovered at Thessalonica which mention Sosipater, Secundus, and Gaius among the politarchs, names occurring as those of Paul's companions later. Gaius is mentioned with Aristarchus also. The only other mention of this town occurs when Paul writes that Demas had forsaken him and gone there (2Tim.4:10). All these names and references show the power and strategic significance of friendships in team ministry and leadership.

ARISTARCHUS was a Macedonian, among the converts of Thessalonica (17:1-9) who accompanied Paul on the 3rd missionary journey through Asia Minor (20:4). A faithful companion and friend, he was with Paul during the riot at Ephesus (19:29), where he was seized and nearly killed. He left that city accompanying Paul to Greece, then to Asia. Later, he preceded Paul to Troas, and accompanied the apostle to Rome (27:2), where he attended Paul and then shared his imprisonment. In 2 Epistles, written during captivity, Paul refers to Aristarchus as still with him, his fellow-prisoner (Col.4:10; Phile.1:24). According to tradition, Aristarchus was martyred during the persecution of Nero.

The Account of Acts 17:1-9 in 1^st & 2nd Thessalonians:

1) PAUL SUPPORTS HIMSELF BY WORK, THE PHILIPPIANS AIDING HIM

(1Thes.2:9; 2Thes.3:6-10; Phil.4:16).

2) PAUL’S FIDELITY IN PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM

(1Thes.1:5, 9-10; 2:1-12).

3) THE FAITHFULNESS AND CHARITY OF THE THESSALONIAN CHURCH

(1Thes.1:1-8; 2:13-16, 19-20; 4:9-10).

4) PAUL’S GREAT LOVE FOR THE THESSANONIANS

(1Thes.3:6-13; 2Thes.1:1-6, 11-12; 2:13-17; 3:1-5)

II. Profound Insights on Heart Devotion:

Take a look at 17:4, and notice the emphasis on the “large number of devout Greeks” that were “persuaded, believed and joined” Paul and Silas. This emphasis seems to be a theme throughout Acts that reveals both the power of true devotion and God’s favorable attention and desires towards such a heart. Let’s look through Acts to see the “devout.”

Luke 1^st mentions this same word when speaking of Simeon in Lk.2:25, as a “just and devout man.” At Pentecost, there were “devout Jews from every nation” and we know the result of that (Acts 2:25). At Stephen’s burial, “devout men carried him” (8:2); and its believed that some of these were the faithful witnesses that then went forth preaching (vs.4). Cornelius the Italian Centurion and influential Gentile convert was “a devout man that feared God;” and the same is said of his family and even some servants and a specific soldier in his home (10:7). Acts 13:50 seems to serve as a warning, by suggesting that devotion, prominence and ignorance combined may be either susceptible to deception or emotionally led astray. We find here among the Thessalonians, a huge positive response to the message of Jesus Christ, His cross, suffering and resurrection by many “devout” Greeks. In Athens, Paul reasons with “devout persons” in the marketplace daily (17:17). And finally, we learn that Ananias, the disciple that ministered to Paul at his conversion, was “devout…and highly respected” (Acts 9=22:12).

This truth of sincere heart devotion stands in sharp contrast with a religious or hypocritical heart. Scripture is clear that God does not see or judge like we do: “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” -1Sam.16:7. There is a clear distinction between a sincere, unfeigned faith and insincere, religious pride; and there is a great difference in a heart truly desirous and devoted to knowing God and HIS will, and a hypocritical heart that performs, portrays and pretends as a manipulation of people’s opinions to curry favor or get what you want. In other words, “Are you going God’s way when HE goes your way? Going your own way and calling it God’s way? Or going God’s way no matter what?” The first is religious pride, the second is hypocritical, but the third is “devout”…sincere faith and true Christian discipleship.

When it comes to believing God, the religious and hypocritical always complain and argue that there’s not enough proof. However, the truth is that the issue is never the paucity of evidence, nor the veracity of Biblical claims, but the hypocrisy of human hearts…an insincere desire to search for or find truth! It appears that God is attracted to devout hearts, and it would be wise for us to be intentional about ministering to the devout, spiritually hungry, truth seeking people we may come in contact with also.

III. Following Biblical Ministry Examples:

Jesus responded to questions with questions to engage people in the process of seeking and finding truth…real answers. One of the best ways to witness and minister to people effectively is to learn to ask questions and listen intently. By asking questions we can gather important information and be sensitive to discern how to minister to them. It also let’s them do the hard work in the conversation by reversing the burden of proof.

*Some good questions: Really? What do you mean by that? Can you explain that to me? Now why do you think that? How did you come to that conclusion? Why do you believe that? What if…Isn’t it possible that? How do you know that?

Now let’s take a closer look at Paul’s example in Thessalonica. Notice these 6 key insights from Acts 17:1-5 about witnessing or ministering to people (some of following notes are from a R. Newman lecture):

1. Like Paul, our ministry might be more ongoing. He returned 3x to the same place, so you should seek to connect with people and witness on an installment plan.

Like Paul, we should have some Bible convictions and knowledge.

3. Like Paul, sometimes our witness may be more dialogue than Bible. See the verbs reasoned, explained, proved, persuaded. Use these and questions to discover what and how to share Biblical truths.

Like Paul, our purpose in sharing should be about Jesus Christ!

Paul’s passion, priority and purpose in ministry was to preach Christ. His witness and work was to bring the revelation of who Jesus is, what He did and what that means for us. The glorious Gospel of God’s Eternal Son…the deepest, most complete and crowning revelation possible of the only-begotten Son is always spoken of by Paul. Paul’s apprehension, comprehension and service of God’s Son was the most complete and fruitful revelation of Jesus Christ in history. As scholars and critics have said, “Paul gave us Jesus Christ!” Jesus is the issue! Make HIM the main thing.

5. Like Paul, our ministry to people might get mixed reviews. Some scoffed, others were interested yet uncommitted, some believed and others rioted violently. Just faithfully sow seeds. If you plant and water, then God will give increase.

6. Like Paul, our witness may be bad news for some before its good news. Jesus death and suffering shows that sin is so bad it needs an extreme solution. The cross makes sin intensely personal. Besides, most people don’t like to accept responsibility, admit when they’re wrong or are in need. Just speak the truth in love, trust the Holy Spirit to work on them, continue to pray for them and look for opportunities to share with them again. Lastly, you may find that our ministry/witness may even cause other believers to be uncomfortable. Nevertheless, let us trust God, not focus on people’s responses, but be faithful with the relationships and opportunities the Lord brings us.

*Note: “It cannot too strongly be stressed that the content of the earliest Christian preaching was not a set of ethical rules, philosophical theories, social programs, or a series of phenomenal events-though it did herald the most outstanding happenings! The distinct content of the earliest Christian preaching may be summed up in 1 word—CHRIST! Now, ‘preaching Christ’ is a pregnant phrase. It is so much more than preaching about Christ (you can preach about Confucius, Socrates, Buddha or Mohammed). But that is not preaching in the New Testament sense. Christian preaching is not just the speaking of words; it’s infinitely more—the communication of the Word. Preaching and witnessing are both a spiritual and supernatural act—‘the transmission of a Person through a person to a group of persons, the Person so conveyed being the everlasting Jesus…Your primary duty lies here: you are to be bearers of the burden of the Lord. You are to carry Christ to the people” (I.Macpherson). Through you, God is to come in Word and Spirit to the world and the hearts of men and women.

Lastly, notice (17:2-3) the apostolic insistence on Messiah’s suffering (His death) and exaltation (His Resurrection) as the 2 basic facts of the Gospel (see Acts 3:18; 23:6; 26:23; Lk.24:26-27,46; 1Cor.15:3-4; 1Pet.1:11). Paul showed that Jesus (1) was born at Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2); (2) was of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10); (3) was descended from Jesse, and of the royal line of David (Isa. 11:1,10); (4) came at the time predicted (Dan. 9:24-27); and (5) was marked by an appearance, character, and work that corresponded with the O.T. predictions (Isa. 53); and surely taught many other Scriptural examples and fulfilled prophecies like these.

“We preach always Christ & Christ alone, true God & true man.” –Martin Luther

IV. Discussion Questions:

1. Is witnessing to others a point of tension for you? Why do you suppose that is? What are some ways of connecting with others to tell them the gospel?

2. Paul had a “custom” of going to a Synagogue on the Sabbath and discussing Scriptures and ministering/witnessing to others there (vs.2, & Jesus did also, Lk.4:16). Do you have any Christian “customs”…daily, weekly, annual commitments to church, Bible study or ministry to others? What are they?

3. Have you ever read a great book about Jesus, or done an in-depth Bible study about who HE is, what HE did, what the Old Testament says about HIM, or what HIS life, words and redemptive work means to us? If so, share a truth you learned about Jesus Christ that was life-changing:

4. Have you ever experienced the fruit of witnessing or ministry to someone over an extended period of time? What was the situation, how did God work through these times, and what was the resulting fruit?

5. Have you or someone you know ever suffered persecution or encountered difficult opposition because of Christian life, convictions or witness? How?

"Paul at Philippi" -Acts 16:11-40

2011-08-10T19:21:00.000-04:00

This is the beginning of the history of all that resulted from the strange circumstances that allowed Paul to discern the Spirit’s preventing their progress as a means of Divine guidance for re-directing the team to Troas. Immediately following the supernatural vision of “the Man from Macedonia,” they “concluded” that God had called them to Europe…so they set sail from Troas. Luke says they “sailed straight” (lit. a straight course), a nautical phrase which means “sailing before the wind.” The voyage only took 2 days because the wind was with them. Later on, we find the same voyage taking 5 days against a contrary wind. Sometimes, the wind is with us…what a blessing!

With this statement, we notice a stark contrast with their previous experience in Asia Minor (our last lesson). We have seen Paul and the team perplexed, stuck, hindered and pushed…but now they sail before the wind. The same Spirit is now seen cooperating; showing favor by the direction of the wind driving these men onward to Divine appointments. This consciousness of the very forces of nature helping the purposes of grace must have been a source of great encouragement that strengthened their faith!

Sailing NW from Troas, they 1st anchored for a night off of Samothracia; a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, about 35 miles off the southern coast of Thrace. They next reached the mainland at the port of Neapolis, 120 miles from Troas. This seaport in NE Macedonia near the border of Thrace, served as the port city of Philippi. At Neapolis, Paul picked up the Egnatian Way (the major road of Macedonia) to journey inland 10 miles to Philippi, the chief city of that part of Macedonia.

I. THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY: (Acts 16:1-40+)

This is the 2nd Missionary Journey of Paul and Silas. They had met Timothy, who was held in high regard in Lystra and Iconium; and Paul had invited him along as a traveling companion. Their round-about journey had brought them to Troas, where the vision of the “Man of Macedonia” brought the team to Philippi, a Roman colony. Luke the beloved physician also joins their party (16:10). Lydia the businesswoman, along with her household, get saved and baptized here (16:15). The deliverance of a demonized girl then results in Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into prison. Their supernatural release at midnight, precipitated by fervent prayer and praise brought salvation to the jailor and his whole house. The rest of the chapter narrates their wise and peaceful departure from Philippi to continue the mission to Macedonia. Their ministry travels will take them to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth (where Paul would stay nearly 2 years) before returning to Antioch once again. This entire 2^nd mission journey would take 3-4 years.

MACEDONIA, is the focused and fruitful mission field on this journey. It’s mentioned 10 times in Acts and 16 times in the Pauline Epistles, was a mountainous country north of Greece, afterward enlarged and formed into a Roman province. Some of its chief cities included Berea, Neapolis, Philippi, and Thessalonica. Philip II of Macedon (ruled 359-336 B.C.) established his capital here at Phillipi. Several of Paul's companions and fellow workers were Macedonians: Lydia (16:14, 40); Jason (17:5-9; Rom.16:21); Gaius (19:29); Aristarches (19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col.4:10; Phile.1:24); Secundes and Sopater (20:4; Rom.16:21); Epaphroditus (Phil.2:25;4:18); Clement (Phil.4:3); Euodia and Syntyche (Phil.4:2); and Syzygus (the “true yokefellow” of Phil.4:3). The Macedonian Christians' support of Paul’s needs and others is mentioned often by Paul (Rom15:26; 2Cor8:1-5; Phil4:15-18). What a profound blessing these friends of faith proved to be!

PHILIPPI was a fortified city of Macedonia located near the northern coast of the Aegean Sea between the cities Neapolis and Amphipolis. The Via Egnatia, the main road between Rome and Asia, passed through it. Philippi was named for Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. A miniature Rome, its official language was Latin, but knowledge of Greek was a necessity for all. Its population was mixed: the Roman colonists, the dominant and ruling class; the old Macedonian stock was numerically the strongest section; and a mixture of Orientals. The second epistle to the Corinthians may have been written in this city. The first church in Europe was planted here. There was no synagogue here (not enough Jews), as at Salamis in Cyprus (Acts 13:5), Antioch in Pisidia (13:14, 43), Iconium (14:1), Ephesus (18:19, 26; 19:8), Thessalonica (17:1), Berea (17:10), Athens (17:17) and Corinth (18:4). The number of resident Jews was small, their meetings for prayer took place on the river's bank, the worshippers were mostly or entirely women (16:13), and among them were proselytes.

NOTE: A striking fact of the Macedonian Churches, beginning here in Phillipi (16:13-18; Phil.4:2-3), and in Thessalonica and Berea (17:4, 12), is the prominence in them of women. This is possibly due to the higher social position held by women in this province than in Asia Minor; but regardless of reasons, would continue to be a distinguishing characteristic and means of blessing in these churches. It is perhaps the most common distinctive of mission oriented churches throughout history that they continually provide opportunities for women to serve in their God given graces and ministries.

II. The Miraculous Breakthroughs in Philippi:

1. The Conversion of Lydia (16:11-15):

Apparently there was no synagogue in Philippi, but Paul and his companions heard that some Jews gathered on the Sabbath by the riverside outside the city. Reaching the spot, they found a group of women praying, including one named Lydia. She was probably a convert to Judaism. Originally from Thyatira, a city in western Asia Minor, she had moved to Philippi where she sold purple-dyed cloth. Thyatira was famous for its dyes.

Not only was her ear open to the gospel; her heart was open as well. After receiving the Lord Jesus, she was baptized and her household. The members of her household had, of course, been converted also before they were baptized. There is no mention of Lydia's being married; her household could have consisted of servants.

Lydia was not saved by good works, but she was saved unto them, that is, in order to do them. She proved the reality of her faith by opening her home to Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy. Phillip's translation says: ‘When she and her household had been baptized, she appealed to us, saying, "If you are satisfied that I am a true believer in the Lord, then come down to my house and stay there." And she insisted on our doing so.’

2. Demonic Deliverance of a Fortune-Teller (16:16-18):

Another day, when Paul and his companions were going to the place of prayer, they met a young woman who had a spirit of divination. Possessed by a demon, she was able to foretell the future and to make other astounding revelations. In this way she brought considerable income to her masters.

NOTE: “DIVINATION” =“Python” in Greek mythology, it was the name of the Pythian serpent or dragon that was said to have guarded the famous oracle at Delphi and which had been killed by Apollo. Later the word was applied to a spirit of divination, or to refer to soothsayers. Since demons are the agents inspiring idolatry (1Cor.10:20), the young woman in Acts 16:16 was possessed by a demon instigating the cult of Apollo, and thus had “a spirit of divination”—“a spirit by which she predicted the future” (NIV); “who was a fortune-teller” (TLB); “claiming to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge” (AMP); “she was a psychic” (The Message Bible).

When she met the Christian missionaries, and for many days after, she followed them, crying out, "There men are servants of the Most High God, which show unto you [not us] the way of salvation." What she said was perfectly true, but Paul knew better than to accept testimony from demons. Also he was grieved because of the wretched condition of this enslaved maid. So, in the all-powerful name of Jesus Christ, he commanded the demon to come out of her. Immediately she was freed from this dreadful bondage, and became a sane, rational person.

3. Paul and Silas Arrested and Imprisoned (16:19-24):

Instead of being grateful that this young woman was no longer demon possessed, her masters bitterly resented the resulting loss of income. They therefore dragged Paul and Silas before the magistrates, and trumped up charges against them. Basically, they accused them of being “troublemaking Jews” who were trying to upset the Roman way of life. The mob reacted violently, and the magistrates ordered Paul and Silas to be stripped and beaten. After a thorough beating, the missionaries were sent to jail, with special instructions to the jailer to guard them securely. He responded by putting them into the inner prison and fastening their feet in stocks. Paul refers to this beating elsewhere (2Cor.11:23-25; 1Thess.2:2; Phil.1:29-30)…it must have been severe.

In this passage we see 2 of Satan's chief methods of attack. First, he tried false friendship--the testimony of the demon-possessed girl; but when this failed, he resorted to open persecution. "Alliance or persecution--these are the alternatives: false friendship or open war" (F.W. Grant). "How the Devil must have triumphed as he thought he had brought the career of these devoted servants of Christ to an abrupt close. His triumph was premature…in this case, it turned out for the furtherance of the work of the Lord. The unexpected happened" (A.J. Pollock).

4. Songs In the Night & Supernatural Release (16:25-34):

The midnight hour found Paul and Silas praying and singing. Their joy was completely independent of earthly circumstances. The source of all their singing was not only in heaven above, but was “Present” with them!. “Any man can sing when the prison doors are open, and he is set free. The Christian soul sings in prison. I think that Paul would probably have sung a solo had I been Silas: but I nevertheless see the glory and grandeur of the Spirit that rises superior to all the things of difficulty and limitation" -Anon.

As the other prisoners were listening to their prayers and hymns of praise to God, the prison was rocked by an unusual earthquake. It opened the doors and unloosed the stocks and chains, but it did not entirely demolish the building.

When the jailer awoke and saw the prison wide open, he assumed that the prisoners had made their escape. Aware that his own life might have to be forfeited, he drew his sword to commit suicide. Paul assured him that there was no need for him to do that because all the prisoners were still present and accounted for.

Now a new emotion swept over the jailer. His fears of losing his job and perhaps his life gave way to deep conviction of sin. He was now afraid to meet God in his sins. He cried, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" This question often precedes genuine conversions. A person must know they are lost before they can be saved. The people in Acts who were told to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ were convicted of their sin and the reality of the One True Living God that is separate from them. Now, the jailer was thoroughly broken up over his sins, so he was told to believe in Christ.

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved-you and your household." Many people today seem to have difficulty knowing what it means to believe. However, when a sinner realizes that he’s lost-helpless, that God is real, and then is told to believe in Christ as Lord and Savior…he knows exactly what it means. It’s the only thing left that he can do. Lastly, notice the Gospel of the Kingdom reaches all classes (16:27-40): the upper class –Lydia the businesswoman; the middle class –the jailor and his family; and the lower class – the demon-possessed slave girl. “God does not show favoritism!”

After Paul and Silas had a teaching session with the household, the jailer demonstrated the genuineness of his conversion by washing their wounds, and by being baptized without delay. Also, he brought them into his house and fed them, rejoicing all the time with his household that they had all come to know the Lord.

5. The Magistrates on the Defensive (16:35-40):

Apparently the magistrates (court judges) had a change of heart during the night, because in the morning they sent the police with instructions to release the 2 prisoners. When the jailer announced the good news to Paul, he refused to leave under such circumstances. After all, Silas and he, though Jews by birth, were citizens of Rome. They had been tried and punished unfairly. So, let the magistrates come and release the prisoners.

The magistrates did come, and rather apologetically! They urged Paul and Silas to leave the city without further disturbance. With the dignity of sons of the King, the Lord's servants left the prison, but they did not leave the city immediately. First they went to Lydia's house, conferred with the brethren, and comforted them. How wonderful! The ones who should have been comforted were comforting others. Then, when their mission in Philippi was accomplished, they left for Thessalonica. Paul would later re-visit the Province of Macedonia (20:1-3; Phil.1:26; 1Tim.1:3); and the saints at Philippi would never forget what Paul had done for them (Phil.4:15-16).

III. Discussion Questions:

1. Have you known anyone like Lydia: a godly woman of excellence, a business-woman that was also an intercessor? Notice the ministry of opening her heart and home so others benefit from the hospitality. How has your life been influenced by someone similar?

2. Tell of someone you know that was miraculously healed or delivered. Have you become aware of the business of religion, or seen financial greed hinder-oppose faith?

3. Have you ever been encouraged or convicted by the testimony of another Christian’s persevering faith through intense persecution or imprisonment? Who, when and how?

4. Remember a time in your life or the testimony of a friend that turned to God in prayer, gratitude and praise in the most difficult of circumstances. Now share how God revealed Himself and turned the tragedy into a triumph of grace:

"The Macedonian Call" -Acts 15:36-16:11

2011-08-10T19:17:00.000-04:00

"In the pursuit of one’s life purpose, there providentially occurs defining moments in the form of refining crises, freeing us from confining limitations, and enabling us to grow in godliness…and perhaps even empowering us to step into greatness!” –Chip Buhler

"Faith never knows where it’s being led, but it loves & knows the One who’s leading." -Chambers

"I have no faith in my faith. My faith is in the faithful God!" -Ravenhill

The story of Paul’s mission adventures in Acts 16 are commonly referred to as “the Macedonian Call.” This statement refers specifically to the spiritual vision and invitation Paul received 1 night at Troas (16:8-10). This vision was the culmination of a series of strange, unplanned events that providentially served to re-direct the team to Troas; and to convict them of God’s calling to go to Europe together and preach. Also, sometimes the phrase “Macedonian Call” is used generally of an individual’s sense of calling to missions or ministry leadership. For the purpose of our study, however, we will look at this more broadly as a topic that deals with God leading us through difficult or unforeseen circumstances, into a transition or change of life direction and calling. I call this a “Redemptive Realignment,” and it is usually experienced by every believer (1-2 times) in their life and faith journey.

Acts15:33-41 tells of the plans and preparations made for the 2nd Missions Trip. Barnabas and Paul had sharp contention over the issue of taking John Mark again. Why did John Mark leave the team on the 1^st mission trip and return to Jerusalem, his childhood home (12:12, 25)? Was it the attraction of his earthly home, his wanting to see his mother and old friends, or his being upset that cousin Barnabas was becoming the "second" man as Paul was ever coming to the forefront as a leader? Regardless, this young man who wavered under the pressures of ministry and spiritual warfare would persevere and obtain glorious victories in Christ. He was not unwilling to go on this 2nd journey, and would accompany Barnabas back to Cyprus, the place of his vacillation (15:39). Nor did Paul always retain an unfavorable judgment of him. John Mark had promising qualities which would later develop and be appreciated (“receive him”-Col. 4:10; “my fellow-laborer”-Phile.1:24; “he’s useful to me for the ministry”-2Tim.4:11).

I. ANOTHER MISSION JOURNEY BEGINS: (Acts 16+)

This is the beginning of the 2nd Missionary Journey of Paul with Silas. Early on this trip, they meet Timothy, who was held in high regard in Lystra and Iconium; and Paul, desiring to take him along as a traveling companion, circumcised him (16:3). Then after some travel through Phrygia, the team was prevented from continuing because of Paul’s sickness. This illness necessitated a change of direction to Galatia for ministry. Not long after that, they say, ‘the Spirit kept them from preaching in Asia.’ However, shortly thereafter, they turn back again, and come to the border of Mysia. This was a province in NW Asia Minor. There, feeling the lure of Bithynia, they intended to go this way…but “No!” Luke records, “the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.” So, Paul passed through Mysia, and pressed on westward to the coast. There, 1 night in Troas, came the vision and voice of a man from Macedonia to Paul. The vision was shared with the team and they “concluded God had called” them to preach there. So, they embarked from the chief port of Troas on the first mission voyage to Europe.

Note: Onesiphorus, a Christian from Ephesus, who was martyred some time between 109 -114 A.D., is supposed to have later evangelized this part of Asia (2Tim1:16-18; 4:19).

TROAS (a Trojan, area near Troy) was the chief city on the coast of Mysia in NW Asia Minor (modern Turkey), visited at least 3 times by Paul (Acts16:8, 11; 20:5-6; 2Cor.2:12; 2Tim.4:13). It was 10 miles SW of the ruins of ancient Troy. It was here that God would later restore to life a young man named Eutychus, who had fallen from a 3rd-story window while Paul preached late into the night (Acts20:5-12; compare 2Cor.2:12; 2Tim.4:13). The vision at Troas of the “Man of Macedonia” brought the team to Philippi, a Roman colony; and Luke the beloved physician also joins the team there (Acts16:10).

II. TIMOTHY, introduced here in Acts 16:1, was Paul's friend and chief associate, who is mentioned as joint sender in 6 of Paul's epistles (2Cor.1:1; Phil.1:1; Col.1:1; 1 Thess.1:1; 2 Thess.1:1; and Phile.1). Timothy was the son of a Gentile father and a Jewish-Christian mother named Eunice, and the grandson of Lois (Acts16:1; 2Tim.1:5). Birthed under Paul's ministry, he is called “beloved and faithful son in the Lord” (1Cor.4:17), and “true son in the faith” (1Tim.1:2). Timothy played a prominent role in the remainder of the 2nd missionary journey. When Paul was forced to leave Berea because of an uproar started by Jews from Thessalonica, Silas and Timothy were left behind to strengthen the work in Macedonia (17:14). After they rejoined Paul in Athens (18:5), Paul sent Timothy back to the believers in Thessalonica to establish them and encourage them in the faith (1Thess.3:1-9). During Paul's 3rd missionary journey, Timothy was also active in the evangelizing of Corinth. After that, Timothy is listed as one of the group that accompanied Paul along the coast of Asia Minor on his way to Jerusalem (20:4-5). Timothy later appears as a companion of Paul during his imprisonment in Rome (Col.1:1; Phil.1:1; Phile.1:1). From Rome, Paul sent Timothy to Philippi to bring back word of the congregation that had supported the apostle so faithfully. Timothy's strongest traits were his sensitivity, his affection, and his loyalty. Paul commends his proven character and faithfulness (Phil. 2:19-23; 2Tim.1:4; 3:10). Yet Paul's warnings to “be strong” (2Tim.2:1) suggests that Timothy may have struggled with fear (1Cor.16:10-11; 2Tim.1:7) and perhaps youthful lusts (2Tim.2:22). But in spite of his weaknesses, Paul was closer to Timothy than to any other associate. Some believe that Timothy later became the Sr. Pastor/leader of the large-growing church at Ephesus.

Note: Acts16:1-8; 2Tim.1:5; 3:15: Paul had refused to circumcise Titus at Jerusalem (Gal.2:1-5+Acts15:1-6). Here, Paul circumcises Timothy as a Jew and not as a Greek Gentile. He did this as a voluntary act of expediency for the purpose of making Timothy more useful among the Jews, who had a claim on him as the son of a Jewish mother. Otherwise, he would not have been allowed to teach in a Jewish synagogue without this token of membership. In the case of Titus, a pure Greek, Judaizers had demanded circumcision as a principle and as a condition of justification and salvation (21:23-26).

III. DIVINE GUIDANCE: Acts 16:10, 2Cor. 2:12

The early church and its leaders depended on the guidance of God in their lives and ministries. They believed in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and were open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in everything they did. This story is deeply suggesting that Paul was left to consider what would be best, and yet stayed open to the Spirit’s leading to keep him from what might not be God’s will. If we desire God’s ways and are seeking His will for our lives, we too should have faith in God’s ability to make His voice known to us; and believe it’s His responsibility to convict us if we are going the wrong way (Jn.10:3-4, Is. 30:21, 50:4-5). “It is surely safer to walk by faith in God, than to be led by my whims. I choose what is most agreeable to me; but God chooses what is most advantageous for me -and proves, in his disposal of me, that his love to me is greater than my love to myself” (J.Meikle). Let’s take a closer look at some unique ways God guided Paul’s team:

1. Separation-Acts15:36-41

The Spirit was working in and through the separation of Paul and Barnabus. As painful and disturbing as it was for them, and is for us who read this (or experience separations of mature adults or Christian leaders because of “sharp disagreements”), God clearly used this to accomplish some distinct and wonderful things through their lives. The separation gave freedom to 2 leaders’ different convictions of the will and purpose of God for that season of ministry. The separation gave 2 godly men opportunities for mentoring young leaders with lasting results (Bible books of Timothy/Mark written). The separation gave 2 missionaries for “the work” of revisiting churches and going to the regions beyond. When studying this situation, you may see that Paul and Barnabus seemed to be both right and wrong concerning different aspects of this disagreement. However, the results that God would bring about through both of these godly men will prove that the Lord Himself was guiding them and using it all to grow them in maturity, and even to teach us. We too may find that the Lord has directed our lives through a difficult time of separation from close or long-term relationships. Out of the darkness of broken relationships may come the light of fresh vision, renewed hope for the future, and maybe even new-stronger bonds of friendship or purpose. These may even prove to be the greatest opportunity and blessing of our lives and ministry, when we look back upon them years later.

2. Salvation –Acts16:1-5

“Special Redemption”…at Lystra, the place of Paul’s stoning (14:19), he finds Timothy. When did Timothy become a Christian disciple? It probably was in the days of Paul’s previous visit on the 1^st mission journey. When younger, Paul had once watched the stoning of a saint called Stephen. He had heard his dying prayer and the vision of the face of Stephen had fastened into his heart and mind. Then at Lystra, Paul had gone through a similar experience, but had miraculously survived. Perhaps another young man had seen this, and so it’s commonly believed that Timothy’s life was changed and faith began by seeing and receiving from Paul’s testimony. Now, Paul returned, scars still hurting and memories vivid and intimidating, but this time to find Timothy at the place of the stones. Then and there, from that moment on, began a rare and wonderful friendship that would become an encouragement and example for Christians and leaders through history. We too must face our fears and failures, trusting God for His special redemptive purposes and fruit. Believing for Him to turn it for our good, and bring salvation to and through a hurtful, disappointing situation or place. Our God is able…and ever bringing redemptive surprises into our lives. “How often God’s servants return after years of absence to some rough, rugged place of battle, blood, agony and find the fruit” –GCM.

3. Sickness-Gal.4:13-14

After finding Timothy and inviting him to join the mission team, they tried to go to proconsular Asia, but they could not do it, because Paul was sick. The missionary apostle had become ill with an infirmity of the flesh so bad, that he could not go on. It then became necessary that they take another direction. So, they go to the Galatians to preach instead. The Spirit guided through Paul’s illness, which necessitated him taking another direction, and serving as a bridge to an as yet unforeseen destination by the Providence of God. Notice, we are not saying that God caused this illness, or that Paul deserved it, etc. We are saying that God used it in a rare but real way. We too may find that a sickness or physical problem is used by God to bring about a change in direction or lifestyle that opens doors for God’s purposes and special ministry opportunities. This was true of Paul, and has been the experience of some who through injury in 1 profession heard a call to another…or even to ministry; or by an experience of sickness may have redirected their life into medical, teaching or other fields. Sometimes being sick or stuck, with an inability to move forward with commitments or desires, becomes a turning point in perspective, priorities or life toward future blessings and benefits.

4. Spiritual Restraint-Acts16:6-7

Most of us view the leading of God’s Spirit in a positive light, as the search for Divine confirmation of purposes. Yes, it’s normal to receive guidance from God proactively through His word, promises, personal convictions and even applying wisdom or counsel to our decision making and direction in life. It’s also, however, true that God may lead us by saying “No,” or by allowing circumstances or conscience to make it uncomfortable or even impossible to move ahead as planned. We may not even discern or understand this until some time later, when we realize He guided us reactively toward His desired destination. God’s word and Spirit can work powerfully as a restraining force in our life decisions, if we will discern and allow it. As you read this story, you notice that the declarations concerning the guidance of the Spirit are put in points of great difficulty, where the Spirit’s leading conflicted with their own intentions. This insight can be a helpful outlook on life. You may look back and say, ‘There was a point where I desired to go a certain way, and circumstances prevented it.’ But Paul and Luke say, ‘the Holy Spirit prevented it.’ There is a time when, perplexed and unsure, difficulties and an uneasy conscience turn them back from the direction they have; and years later Luke writes that “they were forbidden or kept from…the Spirit of Jesus would not allow us to” and Paul would write “a door was opened to me by the Lord” (16:7, 2Cor.2:12). We too may have a time in life where God prevents or does not allow us to continue a certain direction; and we may also experience a series of closed door circumstances that we later call the Lord’s open door!” Every “no” in life may eventually serve as a shout “yes” for something better! HE only takes away to establish (Heb.10:9).

5. Supernatural Vision-Acts16:8-9

There actually are times in Scripture and possibly in our lives, that God does not leave the decision or inspiration for something to us. HE reveals His will supernaturally in visions (5x in Acts). Also in Acts, God’s guidance is sometimes clarified through prophets, Angels or personal-subjective-inward communication or sensing. Here, Paul is lead supernaturally through a vision into the center of God’s will. “What we need then is the confidence—the faith in the guidance of the Spirit in the hours when no voice is heard--no vision is seen. If we will follow then, the hour of vindication will come, there will come the vision, the man from Macedonia, His voice distinctly heard;”(GCM) and then “we” shall “conclude” that God would have us go in a specific direction.

6. Synergy-Acts16:10

This is the 1st mention of “WE,” indicating that Luke, author of the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1), is included in these historical events (with Silas and Timothy). This “first person” continues until Acts 16:40, and resumes again in 20:5-6 (Luke stayed in Philippi). From then till Acts ends, Luke is with Paul! Tradition records that Luke came from Antioch in Syria; others feel that he came from Philippi. He apparently was a humble man, with no desire to sound his own horn. More than 1/4 of the New Testament comes from his pen, but not once does he mention himself by name. He was a careful historian, and Luke’s Gospel reveals his concern for the poor, sick, and outcast; so Paul called him “the beloved physician” (Col.4:10; Phile.1:24; 2Tim.4:11). Dr. Luke was to be a constant companion of Paul, and the eyewitness to his incredible life and ministry (note the "WE" of Acts16:10-16; 20:6, 13-15; 21:1-17; 27:1-7, 15-37). We too may find that God sometimes uses the synergy of friendships, unity and committed partnerships to either confirm or lead us into HIS will for our lives (2Cor.2:12-13).

7. Sailing Faith-Acts16:10-11

Tacitus said, “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” Sometimes, we may know the direction of God, simply because we have come to the “conclusion” that it’s God’s will. The readiness to take a step of faith and risk it all; the conviction to go forward into the unknown after a season of difficulty and uncertainty, may be the confirmation. The actual act of launching forth in a new venture may itself be the proof that it’s in fact the culmination of a long process of discerning God’s best. If life has been an uphill climb, or a series of dead-end streets, and suddenly you sense the season changing and the confidence ‘to release what’s behind and reach for what’s ahead’…you’re likely being led by the Spirit. When the conviction within, call without or “conclusion” we agree on carries more weight than the fears and hindrances that have held us…it’s time to obey God and set sail for Macedonia by faith alone.

We should “never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God!” –CTB.

A Concluding Thought:

How can we know that God has used some unique (negative) things in our lives to guide us into His will? Probably by the results! This is not “pragmatism,” results that are seen immediately or from a temporary, short-term view of “success.” This type of pragmatic measure is usually not Biblical or spiritually accurate. These “results” that prove God’s faithfulness are from a Providential perspective. That means we may look back years later and discern God’s gracious superintendence. We then recognize God’s sovereign, circumstantial guidance through dark or difficult experiences as an “open door” into a most fruitful time of life/ministry. When looking back on separate incidents in our lives, we may see these strange, contradictory and troublesome events merging into a mosaic; until a pattern stands clear, and the beautiful tapestry of our lives reflects the glory of God’s Divine government. When Luke wrote this, years after it happened, he told what they did not know then. The “Spirit” kept, forbid, did not allow…to lead them to Troas. The fact of the Holy Spirit’s guidance is demonstrated by all that follows –vision, faith, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth; salvations, deliverances, church-plants, leaders mentored, books of the Bible written, making life-long friends & ministry partners, godly affections & genuine commitment to peoples & places, etc. All these resulted…all this was Heavenly fruit! The Divine blessing of fruit that remains!

“If we make up our minds that the way of guidance is the way of flaming vision, rolling thunder, articulate voice, and a lifting to a height of spiritual ecstasy; then, we may never be guided…HE may lead us differently. What we need then is the confidence—the faith in the guidance of the Spirit in the hours when no voice is heard--no vision is seen. If we will follow then, the hour of vindication will come. Oh, to go, not where I may choose, even by my love for the Lord, but where I am driven by the Lord’s command. Circumstances of difficulty are opportunities for faith, and the measure of our perplexity in Christian life and service is the measure of our possibilities. Know that God’s shortest way to (our) Troas (open door) may be against our inclinations...”

“It is better to go to Troas with God than anywhere else without Him!” –GCM

IV. Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever had to trust God by faith, and step into the unknown, believing it was God’s will? When, and how? What was the result?

2. Looking back, have any broken relationships or separations from people through disagreements or difficulties ever been used by God to re-direct you into new, godly relationships or purpose? Reflect, and briefly describe:

3. Was there a time in your life that all the natural circumstances seemed to be allied against you; but in reality, you later discovered that God’s Spirit was guiding you in transition to an unforeseen purpose, place or blessing?

4. Have you ever sensed the “no” of God, been convicted to stop and change course through an uneasy conscience, or found yourself re-directing from a “plan or desire” toward a new way because of a Spiritual or Scriptural restraint or boundary? Explain:

5. In the decisions of your life, have you ever had a supernatural dream/vision, clearly heard God’s voice, or discerned God’s “still small voice” or peace within as a means of Divine guidance or confirmation? Remember and tell of the Living God’s faithfulness:

"The Pattern Life of Paul the Apostle"

2011-08-10T19:05:00.000-04:00

Paul is to be an inspirational example for all who are believers (1Tim.1:16). He tells us that Christ made him a pattern for Christians, and he frequently challenges leaders and churches to follow his example. Paul was a man like us…and what Christ has done for him, HE can, does and will do with us. Paul is a trophy of grace, revealing God’s great mercy and patience. His life and faith serve as a pattern that we can learn from and follow (2Tim.1:13-14, 3:10-17). Although Paul’s experiences in Bible stories are unique, the life principles found in them are not. In Paul, we find a tangible model for conversion, calling, Christian Life, missions, life development, visionary leadership, writing, mentoring, suffering, apostleship, etc. Paul was a blueprint! His life is a pattern showing the value of providence, personal encounters, preparation and serving God’s purposes. Let’s take a closer look at the pattern life of the Apostle Paul:

I. Providence

“TARSUS” was “no ordinary (insignificant) city” (Acts 21:39, 22:3). It was the birthplace of the apostle Paul, formerly known as “Saul of Tarsus” (Acts 9:11). Tarsus was the chief city of Cilicia, a maritime province of southeast Asia Minor (modern Turkey). This important city was situated on the banks of the Cydnus River 10 miles north of the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its strategic location, protected on the north by the Taurus Mountains and open to navigation from the Mediterranean, the city of Tarsus was a prize location for the Hittites, Mycenean Greeks, Assyrians, Persians, Seleucids, and Romans. During the Seleucid period, Tarsus became a free city (about 170 B.C.), and was open to Greek culture and education. By the time of the Romans, Tarsus competed with Athens and Alexandria as the learning center of the world.

Paul was also born a Roman citizen (Acts 22:28), as was his father. PAUL was part of his Roman name; but he was also given a Jewish name, SAUL, perhaps in memory of Israel's first king, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, to which Paul's family belonged. His Jewish heritage meant much more to Paul than Roman citizenship. Unlike many Jews who had been scattered throughout the world, he and his family did not become assimilated into the Gentile way of life which surrounded them. SAUL’S parents wanted their son to be well-grounded in the best traditions of Jewish orthodoxy. Because it was the custom among the Jews that all boys learn a trade, SAUL learned tent-making from haircloth supplied by the goats of his native province.

In all this we can see the providence of God. Providence is God’s foresight and timely care in acting to provide or prepare for future use. It’s the superintendence God exercises in our lives and history. Here, we see God’s sovereign plans unfolding ahead of our understanding of them. Even before Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, the Lord was preparing him for a great ministry work and missionary task—particularly to the Gentile world.

Paul’s preparation for Christian ministry actually began the day he was born. He grew up in Tarsus, a multi-cultural city. His early religious education was intensely Jewish because of his family, but he was later educated in Greek culture and philosophy. In fact, Tarsus was noted in the Roman Empire as a great center for secular and pagan learning. Consequently, Paul had unique insights into a non-Jewish worldview.

Paul’s education for ministry continued in Jerusalem, again before he was converted. He studied under Gamaliel, one of the greatest Jewish teachers who ever lived.

At the proper age (around 13) Paul went to Jerusalem to pursue his studies in the learning of the Jews. Here he became a “Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Phil. 3:5), brought up in Jerusalem “at the feet of Gamaliel,” the most illustrious rabbi of his day (Acts 5:34; 22:3). In Jewish faith, a man was a Jew who traced his descent from Jacob and conformed to the religion of his fathers; but he was not a Hebrew also unless he spoke the Hebrew tongue and retained Hebrew customs.

Gamaliel was a Pharisee and celebrated doctor of the law, who gave prudent worldly advice in the Sanhedrin respecting the treatment of the followers of Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 5:34-40). This very celebrated Jewish leader was the mentor of Paul and the grandson of Hillel. Candor and wisdom seem to have been the features of his character, for we read of him in Acts 5:34, where he was “had in reputation (honored, esteemed, beloved, respected) among all the people.” His method of teaching in these divinity schools was Scriptural exegesis, the power of the verse-by-verse exposition of the scriptures. Because of this, Saul knew the scriptures inside and out!

Saul’s zeal for Jewish Law found a ready outlet in his assault on the infant church of Jerusalem. The church presented a threat to all that SAUL held most dear. He is first introduced to us in connection with the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution that followed (Acts 7:58; 8:1-4). He was approving and active in these persecutions.

Though he became steeped in pharisaical legalism, his knowledge of the Old Testament laid the foundation for instant insight into who Jesus Christ really was once Paul was born again.

II. Personal Spiritual Encounters

The story of Paul’s personal encounter with the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus is told 3 times in Acts (9, 22, 26). “Only an event of the greatest importance would merit such repetition by an author whose hallmark is brevity.”-Willimon

Then “suddenly” there was a great light shining from Heaven as bright as the sun. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME?!?” Saul asks, “Who are you Lord?...and the voice says, “I AM JESUS!!!” (Acts 9:3-5)

Jesus was not dead, but alive; and not disgraced but in Heavenly Glory. Jesus spoke in Hebrew, and brought the 2-fold revelation that was to mark Paul’s life and ministry: Jesus is Lord and HE is one with the Christians…the Church. In that moment, the long battle was over…Saul became Paul, and surrendered to Christ.

With astonishing “suddenness” the persecutor of the church became the apostle of Jesus Christ. Saul the religious zealot became Paul the Christian. This dramatic conversion has become a standard for radical life changes, which are often referred to as “Damascus road experiences.” It’s also a witness of the necessity, power and profound influence of personal spiritual encounters.

Paul’s real-life, spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ and conversion experience was a gift from God that enabled him to look at life in a new way. A revelation of who Jesus is, the risen Lord of Heaven and earth, is the key element of a true conversion and fruitful Kingdom living. Lordship produces a changed heart and different perspective of everything in life.

“Christianity is not just an add-on to our lives or a self-help plan; it is a total transformation of who we are, how we see the world and where we are going. When we (like Paul) see God for who HE really is, when we reinterpret our lives and world in light of that revelation, our response can be nothing less than whole-hearted, entire life devotion to God.”

III. Preparation

Here we look at the most powerful and profound season of Paul’s life. This 10 years spent in Arabia and Tarsus is not even mentioned in Acts (between 9:30-11:25). However, Paul writes about this time of intense preparation, mind renewal, Biblical revelation and spiritual formation in the Epistles (Gal.1:17-2:1).

In Arabia: “Wilderness Revelation”

“We all need to go to Arabia to learn lessons like these. The Lord Himself was led up into the wilderness. And in some way, every soul who has done a great work has passed through similar periods of obscurity, suffering, disappointment or solitude.”-F.B.Meyer

Following conversion, Paul evidently spent three years in relative isolation in Arabia, overcoming his feelings of prejudice and dealing with his incredible indoctrination into Judaism. After all, he was proud of his heritage, which he certainly alludes to in his letter to the Philippians. “If anyone else thinks he has reason to put confidence in the flesh, “ he wrote, “I have more; circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (Phil. 3:4-6).

Even though Paul evidently overcame his prejudice more quickly than Peter (see chapter 1), he still had to go through a process of renewing his mind and his conscience—the very thing he years later taught the Roman Christians (Rom. 12:1-2). Furthermore, and most importantly, it was during this time that Paul received more direct revelations from Jesus Christ regarding his mind and his conscience—the very thing he years later taught the Roman Christians (Rom. 12:1-2). Furthermore, and most importantly, it was during this time that Paul received more direct revelations from Jesus Christ regarding the gospel of God’s grace (Gal. 1:15-17). However, it would be another seven or eight years before he was ready to actually carry out the task God had chosen him to fulfill: to become the great apostle to the Gentiles.

"Through men the worldly count as fools, chosen of God and not of man; reared in Thy secret training-schools, moves forward Thine eternal plan. And now, though hidden from our ken, in Midian deserts or Sinai hills; Spirit of God, Thou hast Thy men...waiting Thy time to do Thy will." –Bishop F. Houghton

In Tarsus: “Waiting on God”

The apostle Paul spent his early years at Tarsus (Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3), but returned after his conversion to Christianity (Acts 9:30; 11:25). Here, Paul was waiting and working for a long time. *Excerpt from Charles Swindoll:

“If you go back fourteen years, from the time Paul wrote the second letter to the believers at Corinth (2Cor.12:2-6), that places him at the time he was waiting in Tarsus.

He refused to boast in his giftedness. Instead, he confessed, “I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me…for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2Corinthians 12:9-10). That’s true humility…incredible perspective. He learned to boast in nothing but his own weakness. And, remember, he learned that in the shadows . But nobody knew about it. His transformation never made the headlines.

Your time of God-ordained waiting will never be all that significant in other people’s minds. All they may know is that you dropped out of sight. You’re gone from the scene. It may begin with a bankruptcy. It may start with a horrible experience you go through, such as a tragic accident or a devastating illness. You may endure the pain of a torn reputation caused by someone who didn’t tell the truth. All that devastation has a way of breaking you. The Lord uses the disappointment to lead you to your own Tarsus—otherwise known as His waiting room. There He begins to work deep within your soul until you, like Saul, gain such a renewed perspective, you can honestly confess, “When I am week, He is strong.” When that happens, as it did with Saul, you will be ready to come out of the shadows. Saul was now ready. Not surprisingly, God moved.

In Antioch: “A Dynamic Internship”

Paul’s final stage of preparation involved one year of intensive ministry experience working with a veteran leader who had already proven himself as a man of God (Acts 11:24). Barnabas became Paul’s mentor as together they established the Gentile church that was planted in Antioch (11:25-26). Ironically, this church was born shortly after Stephen’s death, a murder that Paul had condoned. At that time, a number of men “who had been scattered by the persecution” traveled to Antioch in Syria and preached the gospel to Gentiles. This also means this church was born approximately the same time that Paul was miraculously converted. Little did he realize then that ten years later he would work alongside Barnabas, helping to establish this church and at the same time continuing his preparation to become a great missionary to the Gentile world.

The Time Had Come (Acts 13:1-3)

The Lord had designed a unique ministry for Paul. However, to carry out this plan in a very specific way, he had to go through a lengthy period of preparation. But then the day came—obviously unexpectedly. He and Barnabas and several other spiritually gifted men were worshiping the Lord together. As the Holy Spirit often did in those days, He spoke directly and made it clear that they were to commission Barnabas and Paul and send them off for an expanded ministry among the Gentiles. John Mark, a young disciple who lived with his mother in Jerusalem, accompanied Paul and Barnabas on this special mission trip.

IV. Purpose

God has a plan and purpose for your life!!!

Before encountering Jesus Christ, Paul had been doing what he liked or thought was best. Now he was being shown, led, told his assignment and taught what to do. The Christian disciple is someone who knows and follows the Lord. We obey HIS command and commission, and have ceased doing what we want to seek God’s will and ways. The disciple is committed to deny himself, take up his cross and follow Christ. To learn of and live for the Presence, pleasure and purposes of God.

We are all on a search for significance. We struggle with questions of identity, meaning and direction like, “Who am I? Why am I here? What should I do with my life? Where am I going?” We want to make a difference and “leave the world a better place.” Deep within our hearts, we desire to find and fulfill a purpose bigger than ourselves. The call of God gives you the answer to those questions and both the inspiration and aims for your life. The answer is in knowing Christ and serving the purposes of God in our generation!”

*We will study, look into and discover more about finding and fulfilling God’s “purposes” in later lessons when Paul testifies on trial in Acts 26.

V. Discussion Questions

As you look back on your life, can you see how God prepared you for a special spiritual task—even before you became a Christian? How?

2. Have you had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus? List 3-4 times/ways you’ve had “Spirit” encounters that brought comfort, changed your life or gave you new direction:

3. Have you ever been in an extended season of waiting on God? Share some reflections about that time, reasons why-when-where? What was the fruit of patiently waiting on God?

4. Can U remember a time when U sensed U were ready for a new spiritual opportunity & challenge in your life? How did God confirm this to U, & who was involved in encouraging your transition?

5. Can U see/sense that God is still preparing you for future ministry & opportunities that it is not time for or you are not ready to participate in yet? What do you believe are some of your possibilities or God’s promises for your future?

"The Jerusalem Council" -Acts 15

2011-08-10T18:55:00.000-04:00

Following the 1st missionary journey, Antioch became the scene of an important dispute. Certain men from Judea taught that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow other rules for converts to Judaism before becoming Christians (Acts 15:1-2); this theological disagreement led to a church council at Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas were sent here to report how God had given them success in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. The council decided that Gentile converts did not have to be circumcised.

It was in Antioch that Paul, the Apostle to the uncircumcised (Gentiles), withstood Peter, the Apostle to the circumcision (Jews), concerning his prejudice (Gal.2:11-14).

To understand the disagreements that led to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), we begin with this excerpt by Charles Williamson. This example shows in a small way how these early Christian leaders must have wrestled with deep personal concerns related to these conflicts, and the consequences their conclusions may bring. It helps us to identify with the difficulties we all face when dealing with moral and religious convictions, especially when desiring to be a witness or ministering to others.

“My father was a Presbyterian minister who grew up in a time when the ‘rules’ for Christian living were stricter than they are now. In my father’s rigid upbringing, movies and other such frivolous entertainment were regarded as morally questionable, so he never went to movies. After graduating from seminary, he accepted a call to a struggling new congregation. To help the church grow, he made a concerted effort to reach out to young people and draw them into the church. One Saturday he organized a youth gathering. It was well attended and a good start to what he hoped would grow. When the program ended, some of the young people decided to go to a movie, and they invited my father to go along. What was he to do? Should he refuse to go, citing his principles? Or should he go along in order to help build a relationship with the youth? It was for him a genuine moral dilemma.

The decision my father faced was a micro-version of a crucial issue that was before the early church. It was an issue that would have far reaching consequences for Christians, and the decision did not come easily.” These types of decisions usually provoke disagreements because of our need to separate Biblical convictions from our preferences or opinions. On 1 side is religious legalism (wrong standards), on the other side is liscense/lust (no standards), and in the middle stands Jesus Christ, HIS Cross and Spirit, and the truth of HIS Word (the true standard)!!!

I. The Background: What’s going on here?

It’s important to remember that the first disciples were so deeply entrenched in the belief that salvation was only for the circumcised (Jews) that it took angelic visitations, great persecutions and graphic visions of unclean animals before Peter and many others would even take the Gospel to God-fearing Gentiles like Cornelius.

Since every one of the followers of Jesus (and Jesus himself) traced their religious roots back to the Old Testament (to King David, Moses and Abraham), it was natural that they would be drawn toward those who shared this heritage. When Paul would enter a town to tell them of Jesus, he would first go to the familiar surroundings of the synagogue. Many of the first Christians came directly from the Jewish tradition, and they continued to observe the Old Testament laws that governed the kind of foods to eat and many other aspects of daily living. The customs of Judaism were very dear to these Jewish Christians.

However, at the same time, there were also people who had not been raised in the traditions of Judaism who were being drawn to the gospel message that the disciples were preaching. These Gentile converts to Christianity were evidence that the disciples were taking seriously Jesus’ call to be witness “to Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 8 tells us that Philip, Peter and John (v.25) all proclaimed the good news in the towns and villages of Samaria. The doors of the church were cracking open a little wider to these people who had not been welcome before. The Christian church was changing as people from different traditions and cultures were finding their way into the church, and it was inevitable that the different cultures would clash.

II. The Arguments & Issues:

The issue at the Council of Jerusalem was circumcision. This was a vital question in the apostolic age because it involved larger questions about keeping the laws of Moses, and the relation of Christianity to Judaism. Men from Judea came to Antioch and taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation. Paul realized that the essence of the Gospel was at stake and had “great dissension and debate with them.”

These “men” were Judaizers; which meant they were Christians in name, but narrow minded leaders who were zealots for Old Testament law. For them, circumcision of the flesh and dietary restrictions were more important than circumcision of the heart (Rom.2:29, Gal.5:6, 6:15, Col.2:11, 3:11). They were more concerned with outward legalistic observances than a changed life, faith confession or relationship with Jesus.

It seems they hated or feared Paul as a rebel against their traditions, and allowed envy and jealousy to mix with their religious pride and prejudice. They were concerned with the progress of the Gospel among the “unclean” Gentiles and thought the new converts threatened the purity of their church. Today we would call people like that “very religious or legalistic.”

Q-“What is legalism?”

“Legalism is emphasizing things that God doesn’t emphasize…and being religious is embracing an unhealthy affinity for specific forms and styles, and taking offense at things that do not offend God.” –Pastor Tom Tanner

Webster’s defines legalism as “a strict adherence to law; in theology, the doctrine of salvation by works.” Legalistic people are bound to various rules and regulations by a man-made view of holiness (Col.2:21-23), and pursue a doctrine of salvation or sanctification by their own good works rather than by grace, faith or abiding devotion in Christ (Jn.15). Legalism is marked by religious, misdirected zeal without knowledge (Rom.10:2). Legalists lack love and wisdom; and like Pharisees, tend to accuse, condemn or judge those around them. Being judgmental means they’re always making comparisons, and legalism drives them to performance-orientation. These unrealistic expectations of others create an ungodly rating system by which many measure and grade each other (2Cor.10:12). Legalists actually believe that their efforts will earn them favor, and that keeping their rules will make them acceptable and pleasing to God.

Legalism, using the ‘letter of the law, kills’…it brings death to emotions, hopes, dreams, relationships and joy. It destroys passion and vision, especially among youth and new believers. The man-made ‘lists of do’s and don’ts’ and useless attempts of our flesh to keep these rules of strict conformity for acceptance, merit or identity only bring condemnation, frustration, guilt and shame.

Legalism also works in the home and office as well as in religion. In disputes when someone insists on having the last word, or when controlling/demanding to have everything done their way (many opinions are idols). Legalism may operate whenever one person suppresses another with certain spurious demands.

This is all related to choosing between the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or the tree of life (which is Christ). As God’s children we are not primarily called to be a moral people, but a Christ-like people. The Christian journey is not about right and wrong or good and evil, but is about life or death. Ethics and morals do matter, but are not of 1^st importance, nor are they to be embraced/enforced arbitrarily or in unbiblical/un-Christ-like ways. Being a Christian is not about trying to live for Jesus or become a better person (no one can do that); it’s about knowing and trusting God, to have Jesus Christ living in and through you. As C.S. Lewis said, “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good (earned, merited or deserve it), but that God will make us good (a fruit of His Spirit) because HE loves us.”

The real issue being debated was the nature of the Gospel; and specifically, the requirements for salvation. The Gospel of God’s grace teaches that Christ finished the work necessary for salvation on the Cross. All a sinner needs to do is believe and receive Him by faith. If other conditions and requirements are added, then it is no longer a gift but a debt…and salvation is the gift of God that cannot be earned.

III. The Council’s Answers:

The history-making Council of Jerusalem (around 50 A.D.) was an event that Luke clearly gives much attention to, and consequently attaches great importance to. The disturbance of these Judaizers brought the Christian Church (20 years after Pentecost) perilously close to a split which would have seriously hindered its progress and damaged its influence. To avoid this potential disaster, and to settle this escalating-unrestrained conflict, the Churches of Jerusalem and Antioch decided to hold a conference on the subject. “Rather than do what churches often do on such occasions—flee from the fight, submerge our differences, or else storm off in a huff—these Christian leaders demonstrate that the gospel has given them the resources to confront controversy without being destroyed by it” –William Willimon.

In Acts 15:19-20, 28-29, we find the Council’s conclusions. The new Gentile believers were “to abstain from:”

“Pollutions of idols”-the word pollutions means any kind of defilement; and here it’s apparently used in reference to the flesh of animals that were offered in sacrifice to idols. That flesh was often sold later in the market or served at feasts (1Cor.10:25-29). It may not have been morally wrong to eat (1Cor.8:4-13), but it would be offensive to some; so because of sensitivity and for expediency (1Cor.9:19-22), it was advised that they should abstain from it.
“Fornication”-all kinds of sexual sin; which would mean abstaining from lust-driven lives, pornography, sex outside of marriage, and the perverse practices that were acceptable to Gentiles, even in their worship (1Cor.6:12-20, 1Thes.4:3-7). This matters because of the sacredness and spiritual nature of sex, as well as the serious, immediate or potentially lasting consequences of this type of sin.
“Things strangled and blood”-This means the eating of blood (Lev.17:11-14) that was forbidden by Jewish law, and was often a part of pagan worship. These prohibitions go back to the covenant with Noah (Gen.9:4) and pre-dates the Law of Moses. This unique command whether for health, respect for life or some other reason was given to humanity and still matters today.

At first, it may appear that this advice is putting people back under legalism. However, this was not pertaining to salvation because that subject had already been settled (15:7-11). This advice had to do with fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers.

In conclusion, the decisions of the Council were sent in a letter and carried by Paul, Barnabas and others as representatives back to Antioch. The final verdict was: The Apostles released the Gentiles from the obligation of circumcision, but urged them to abstain from practices offensive to Jews, or that would hinder their witness and ministry among them. This decision was a declaration of the sufficiency of faith in Christ, an affirmation of the true nature of the Gospel, and it ensured the universality of Christianity and its mission.

"Paul's 1st Missionary Journey" -Acts 13-14

2011-08-10T18:51:00.000-04:00

“Acts is a selection of events showing the tendencies, passion and patterns of early Christians, and “every story reveals principles and laws, operating with undeviating regularity, and contributing the secrets of the amazing spread of Christianity in the world” (G.C.Morgan). This is a story of mission history and how the gospel moved across cultural, racial and geographic barriers. It encourages us to overcome fears, get out of our comfort zones and trust God to do wonderful things. From now on, throughout Acts 13-28, the focus is on Paul’s ministry and missions activity. No greater missionary has lived than Paul the Apostle (his Jewish name was “Saul” and Roman name was “Paul”). His life provides us with insights that may help us discern the characteristics of a Missions call, commitment and message.

I. The First Missions Trip (Acts 13:1-14:28)

This first of Paul's journeys would take his team through Seleucia, the island of Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and back home again to Antioch of Syria. The time involved in this mission trip would be about 3 years, around A.D. 46-49.

Saul spent his early years at Tarsus (Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3), and went there again after his conversion to Christianity (Acts 9:30; 11:25). Saul stayed a while in Tarsus but later returned to Antioch with Barnabas to minister for a whole year. Then, they carried the special offering to Jerusalem because of a famine, and then returned again to Antioch. John Mark, the son of Mary, also returned with them. The prophetic presbytery at Antioch commissioned "Barnabas and Saul" for their First Missionary Journey. This trip would produce the Galatian churches, but began on the island of Cyprus (Barnabas' homeland) at Salamis. On the western end at Paphos, they encountered the sorcerer Barjesus (Elymas), who was blinded in the meeting with "Paul" (so named in Acts 13:9). Sailing from Paphos, the team landed at Perga, and then on to Pamphylia, where John Mark decided to return to Jerusalem. Paul's journey from Perga to this Antioch may have been fraught with the "danger of rivers" and the "danger of robbers" (2 Cor. 11:26).

"Paul and his company" (Acts 13:13) began their mission to the Galatian churches at Antioch of Pisidia, where Paul preached at the synagogues (13:15-42). The Gentiles received the Word but the Jewish uproar made them move on to Iconium. They later had to flee to Lystra, where because God healed a cripple, Paul was deemed to be a god. Later, he was stoned and left for dead. Paul then experienced a miraculous healing and recovery or was raised from the dead. After moving on to Derbe, the team retraced their steps and sailed back to Antioch, where they stayed a "long time" (about 2 years, 14:28).

II. The Call to Missions

“The 1^st missionary journey was revealed by God to men giving themselves to special prayer and waiting upon God. It’s this alone that can meet the needs of the world”-A.M.

There are several characteristics of the call to full-time missions or ministry work. This call must come from God. Missions and ministry leaders do not choose themselves – their call is directly from God. This call is also confirmed by spiritual leaders (13:1-3). When someone responds to a calling, it often will also require great personal commitment and sacrifice, as well as the encouragement and blessing from others.

It’s essential for the Church to be missionary to the ends of the earth and the end of history. To believe that relationship with God and participating in His purposes are inseparable. To know God, we get close to His heart…and there we discover love for the world and billions of people! This inspires a life of worship and witnessing while helping us read the bible and see other people with God’s heart and eyes. “For God so loved the whole world” that HE gave Jesus and sent us. Learning to live Jn.3:16, motivated by love with a mission vision is important for us all.

Mission is not something peripheral to the Christian life. It is to have priority over mind and manifestations. Understanding this will help us to avoid the traps that have often paralyzed the western church. The pursuits of both the intellectual mind and spiritual manifestations are valuable, but they are not of 1^st importance. There are many well meaning Christians that have pursued almost exclusively one of these to the neglect of the others. However, mission is to have priority and the mind and manifestations are to serve the mission of knowing God and making Him known.

It’s also important to notice that both Peter and Paul (Acts 8, 13) had confrontations with sorcerers. This compares with Moses and the magicians of Egypt (Ex. 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18-19; 19:11, 2 Tim. 3:8); as well as the witchcraft in Samuel’s day (1 Sam. 10:1-12; 19:19-24; 28:6-7); and the giants in the days of Noah. These are clear evidence of a real spiritual battle going. We will look at spiritual warfare in later lessons.

III. Leadership & Life Insights

On this 1^st mission trip, Barnabus learns and lives a leadership insight that is important. Barnabus had been Paul’s mentor since the 1^st trip to Jerusalem, and had brought him to Antioch as well (Acts 9:27+, 11:25+). During their ministry in Cyprus it appeared to Barnabus that Paul was specially anointed and exercising a new level of spiritual authority. Paul was at the point where he needed to move beyond the mentoring relationship with Barnabus. The blessing of God and obedient faith of Paul combined with the discernment of Barnabus to bring about a leadership transition…a passing of the baton. From now on (Acts 13:13, 43), with only 3 exceptions, the Bible always refers to “Paul and Barnabus.” Prior to that, it was “Barnabus and Saul” (13:2,7). Paul took the lead and led from here on.

It takes great grace and maturity for a man like Barnabus not only to allow such a leadership change, but to work to make it successful. It takes humility, wisdom and relational insights to recognize the need to change jobs, switch roles or take a different position on a team. It takes a big man to be willing to step down and become a partner or follower, rather than the leader. Barnabus sensed a difference, took the necessary steps for change and learned to relate to Paul and serve in ministry in a new way. The results were powerful and history-making!

We can learn insights from the situation with John Mark also. After sailing to Pamphylia, he decided to return to Jerusalem. He left the mission team and abandoned his commitment half-way through. Why did John Mark leave and return to his early childhood home (Acts 12:12,25)? Was the attraction of his earthly home, him simply wanting to see his mother and old friends; was he leaving the team because he freaked out over the spiritual warfare and intense confrontations; or was he upset that cousin Barnabas was becoming the "second" man as Paul was ever coming to the forefront???

We don’t know…but we do know this wasn’t the end for him. This event would later spark great contention (dispute) between Paul and Barnabus at the outset of the 2^nd Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-39). However, this believer who wavered in one battle, would live to obtain a glorious victory. He was not unwilling to go on the 2nd Journey, and Barnabus became his mentor. He then accompanied Barnabas back to Cyprus, the place where he had faltered (Acts 15:39)! Often God will take us back to the place we failed to bring fresh revelation and encouragement to move forward in faith and obedience. Lastly, notice that Paul did not retain an unfavorable judgment of John Mark (Col.4:10; 2Tim. 4:11). The result of all this…we have the “Gospel of Mark!”

Lastly, we have insights here about “decisions, direction and divine guidance.” God clearly spoke to them, led/directed/sent them forth on this mission. They also apparently decided to go to Cyprus 1^st because Barnabus was from there and it was easily accessible. It was a good decision. They later sensed guidance to stay or were forced to leave places according to the good fruit or unfavorable circumstances. We too are to live a life of finding/following God’s lead/will through a tapestry of discerning and deciding to move by faith/obedience in certain directions. Life and faith direction decisions are almost always a combination of God’s voice/word, our choices (hopefully by godly wisdom, counsel and desires), and prayerfully/thoughtfully navigating through real-life circumstances. There is no set pattern, 5 steps to, or secret formula for discovering Divine guidance. We must seek and trust God to ‘discern and decide’ HIS will in ways that bring HIM glory and bless people. All this…is being “led by the Spirit.”

III. The Message Preached

In regard to preaching, Luke gives us 2 distinct discourses. In 1 we find the Gospel preached to the Jews in Antioch which Luke emphasizes with 30 verses. And in the other, we see a different tone from Paul when speaking to Gentiles in Lystra (5 verses).

At Lystra, Paul calls the Gentiles to turn from their vain idol-worship to the Living God, who made Heaven and earth, whose providence through generations has watched over the nations, and who gives witness to Himself from Heaven in all the blessings He bestows. Paul appeals to their consciousness of a heavenly power and challenges them to turn to the God whom he preaches. This approach to ministry will be looked at later, when we study Paul’s visit to Athens and Mars Hill.

Now, compare this sermon of Paul to the Jews with Stephen’s (Acts 7; 13:16-41+), and notice the similar style and use of the historical psalms (Ps.105, 106+). The apostle dwells upon the previous history of the Jewish people. He proves that the Messiah, the Son of David, whom he proclaims was the same one their own prophets bore witness to, and that His Advent was heralded by John, His predicted messenger. He then proceeds to remove the prejudice which the rejection of JESUS by their authorities in Jerusalem, their headquarters, would naturally raise among the Pisidian Jews against his divine mission. He shows that Jesus' death and resurrection had fulfilled the O.T. prophecies, and declares this to be the "Good News" (Acts 13:32) which the apostles were charged to proclaim. But then he continues in a bolder tone to declare Jesus' finished work of salvation, and the antithesis between the Gospel and the Law. Paul ends his sermon strongly warning against the bigoted rejection of Jesus' person, work, and teaching. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is clearly his main/concluding point.

Paul was a JESUS preacher! His MESSAGE was the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus! (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Dr. Luke, the author of Acts, the constant companion of Paul, and the eyewitness to his incredible ministry and message records Paul's sermons throughout Acts: Acts 13:16-41; 14:14-18; 17:22-33; 20:17-38; 21:40-22:22, 30-23:9; 24:10-22, 25; 25:10-11; 26:1-29; 27:11-26; 28:17-20, 25-28.

In conclusion, it’s important to understand that in both ministry approaches and messages, and throughout the New Testament, there is a clear pattern to the structure and communication of the Gospel. The 3 principles are: 1) “Find common ground” with those you’re speaking to; 2) “Tell them what they already know/believe to be true;” 3) “Put it in a Gospel context.”

"Early Church Tragedies & Triumphs" -Acts 12

2011-08-10T18:48:00.002-04:00

In the sequence that Luke is following in the unfolding drama of Acts, Gentile Christianity is beginning to take center stage. In the middle of this growing emphasis, a series of startling stories are recorded that show God is Sovereign, and HE is still active in the Jewish church. This chapter gives us a realistic picture of some tragedies and triumphs in the early church.

I. The Unfolding Drama in Judea:

Acts 12 begins with persecution. Satan's relentless attacks on the church continue, and this time the persecution came from Herod, the king. This was Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great. He was appointed king over Judea by the Roman Emperor Claudius. An observer of the Law of Moses, he went to great lengths to please the Jews. It was in pursuance of this policy that he afflicted some from the church and killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. This James had been with Peter and John on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus; and it was his mother who had requested that her 2 sons might sit beside Christ in His Kingdom.
This chapter is an interesting study of God's ways in connection with His people. James was put to death by the enemy, yet Peter was miraculously delivered. Human reason would ask why such preference should be shown to Peter, but our faith rests on the love and wisdom of God. Some Jews responded so enthusiastically to the execution of James that Herod was encouraged to do the same with Peter. However, it was by then the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and executions were not exactly appropriate during religious holidays. Also, the Jews would be too busy with their ceremonies to appreciate the favor, so Herod ordered Peter to be put in jail until his execution. The apostle was guarded by sixteen soldiers, in four shifts of four soldiers each. The church in Jerusalem prayed earnestly for Peter, especially as the death of James was so vivid in their minds.

Peter Delivered from Prison by an Angel -Acts 12:6-17
The night before Herod planned to bring Peter out, the apostle was sleeping soundly, handcuffed to two soldiers. Some would call his sleeping a triumph of faith. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and the cell was flooded with light. Tapping Peter on the side, the angel ordered him to get up quickly.
            Immediately the handcuffs fell off. Then, the angel told Peter to dress, put on his sandals, throw his cloak around him, and to follow. Though in a daze, Peter followed the angel past the first and second guards of the prison. When they came to the iron gate, it opened supernaturally. It was only after they had passed through one street of the city, and the angel had vanished that Peter realized it was not a dream, but that God had miraculously delivered him from the hands of Herod and of the Jews.
            Then Peter stopped to consider the situation, and decided to go to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark (12:12). Some scholars suggest this was the house where Jesus’ Last Supper was eaten and that it continued to be the meeting place of believers in Jerusalem. Notice, the Christians were praying there. When they were desperate, facing impossible situations, they turned to God together. It must have been an all-night prayer meeting since Peter's escape from prison probably took place during the early morning hours.
            Peter knocked at the door of the gate and waited. A maid named Rhoda (same as Rose) came to answer, but was so excited when she saw Peter that she failed to open the gate. She ran back to announce the good news to those who were praying. They thought she was crazy, and did not hesitate to tell her so, but she kept insisting that Peter was really at the gate. They said, "It must be his guardian angel" (or "his disembodied spirit"), but she stated positively that it was the apostle.
            These believers have often been chided for their unbelieving prayers, because they were actually surprised when the prayers were answered. However, instead of criticizing, we should be greatly comforted that God answers such faithless prayers.
            Meanwhile, Peter had been standing on the doorstep, knocking. When they finally opened the door and he stepped in, all their doubts vanished and they broke out into great expressions of joy. He quickly quieted them down, gave a brief account of his miraculous deliverance, asked them to convey the news to James (probably the son of Alphaeus) and the brethren. Then he departed, and we do not know where he went.

Herod's Anger over Peter's Escape -Acts 12:18, 19
When morning came and Peter was missing, the soldiers were thrown into a state of panic. For Herod, also, it was a traumatic experience to be so outwitted. Nothing that the soldiers could say sounded at all convincing. In fact, the lameness of their testimony probably infuriated the king all the more. So he ordered them to be executed. He then left for Caesarea to nurse his wounded pride.
            For some unknown reason, Herod had become very angry with Tyre and Sidon, two commercial ports on the Mediterranean. The people of these cities took advantage of his holiday in Caesarea to try to gain favor for themselves, because they depended on business with Judea. They did this by befriending Blastus, the king's chamberlain, and through him requesting restoration of diplomatic relations. One day Herod came forth in all his royal finery to address the people. They shouted deliriously that his was the voice of god and not of a man. He made no effort to refuse such divine honors, or to give God the glory. Therefore, an angel of the Lord struck him and he died. This was in 44 A.D.
            Immediately, after the report of Herod’s death, Luke gives a report of the growth of the church he had brutally tried to oppress. Through it all, the Gospel expands its outreach continually (Acts 12:24). Although the early popularity of the church has given way to hostility, that doesn’t hinder the life-giving power or forward movement of the Word of God.

This is also believed to be about the time Barnabas and Saul were in Jerusalem, delivering the “support gift” (Acts 11:30). When they returned to Antioch, they took John Mark with them. John Mark was a nephew of Barnabas, and was the writer of the second Gospel. It is impossible to tell whether Barnabas and Saul were in Jerusalem at the time of the death of James, the imprisonment of Peter, or the death of Herod.

II. Important Insights from These Stories:

The Sovereignty of God…

We find here, both miraculous rescues and what seem to be untimely deaths?!?

When reading these stories, it’s easy to focus on God’s deliverance of Peter in answer to fervent prayer and to ignore the non-deliverance of James, which resulted in martyrdom. But the fact that Luke placed these 2 events side by side suggests that the 2 ways in which God’s sovereignty is expressed—physical rescue and no physical rescue—should both be considered when thinking about God’s help in times of trouble.

What is common to these situations is that both James and Peter were faithful to Christ. Just as these disciples prayed for Peter’s release, we too may pray earnestly for deliverance or miracles. But we must leave it to God to express His sovereignty over a situation in a way He regards best. What is most important is that we trust God, pray in difficulty and remain faithful and obedient to Him regardless of the outcome of a crisis we face. God may be moving in mysterious ways to bring special blessings, manifest His glory or empower life-changing testimonies in yet unforeseen ways.

The death of Herod is difficult for some to understand. It says an angel struck him, but we are not told the exact cause of death. Most historians of the time say he was struck with violent abdominal pains, collapsed and died a few days later of intestinal worms. This arrogant and brutal politician was glorious on the outside and rotting on the inside. He had adamantly opposed the work of God and brutally oppressed HIS people. Although evil may hold sway and wicked rulers may look invincible and hurt Christians for a time, they will be judged. Luke says Herod’s punishment was (in part) because he did not praise God when idolized and deified by the fickle crowd’s flattery.

Judgment is a subject too big to teach here. But for now, know that judgment is an action of God whereby HE holds people accountable for their thoughts and deeds. It is when God ‘decides about and deals with’ someone. 1Tim.5:24 says, “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of time; the sins of others trail behind them.” Herod reaped what he sowed. Ultimately, we are all to stand before God’s judgment seat, however as Christians, we have nothing to fear; for we will be proclaimed “Not guilty!” for putting our trust in Christ and the finished work of His cross.

*Excerpt from previous Acts study: Many ask if God judges people like that today? The answer is God can, but won’t usually. This shocking judgment has 4 likely reasons: 1. Judgment as a culmination of and overflow from a series of sinful acts and evil deeds; it was reaping what was sowed or the removal of God’s mercy/protection (Jer.2:19, Gal.6:7). 2. The law of firstfruits, where God makes a clear or typical example in the natural for whatever comes 1^stor is devoted (Adam, Moses, Achan-Ai, Ananias+). 3. The manifest Presence of God in revivals is a serious thing! It’s unwise to oppose the purposes or people of God. That has been the ruin of some empires and emperors. 4. It’s a prophetic preview, an example of the full expression of the powers of the day of the Lord. In conclusion, the resulting reverence of God from judgments may provoke awesome worship, Christian unity, respect from unbelievers, and many salvations.

The Power of Earnest Prayer!

Acts is a study of the Christian prayer life and praying Church. It is full of stories for inspiring and instructing our prayers. Here, we are provided examples of successful prayer that may increase our expectation for answers to prayers. It’s also important to notice that the believers in Acts were not so much interested in reading and studying about prayer, as they were committed to a lifestyle of actually praying (12:5,12). The sequence of vs. 5 and 7 has often been repeated in Bible and church history. It began with “so,” followed by a bad-discouraging report; then came a hopeful “but” and a report of people praying; leading to “behold” (Gr. idou at the beginning of vs.7; not included in the NIV), followed by a report of God’s Divine intervention. “Suddenly” God answered, an angel appeared, a light filled the darkness, the prisoner was set free! Just as the words “constantly” or “prevailing” express the duration of powerful praying, “earnestly, passionately, fervently” expresses the mood of powerful praying. We don’t always receive the answers we ask for in prayer, but Acts is proof, and the Bible is clear that “the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective!”-Jas.5:16. When we recover the Biblical vision of God and His truth, we recover Biblical passion and piety. Fired afresh by the desire to see all that God wishes for us, we are emboldened to pray earnestly, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, here and now!” As G. Campbell Morgan said, "That force of earnest, halting prayer was mightier than Herod and mightier than hell.” Dear friends, let us put our faith in the Living God and passion in our prayers, for “History belongs to the intercessors!”

The Ministry of Angels?!?

Angels are mentioned 7 times in this passage. Angels are supernatural, created beings that serve God, are sent as messengers, fight in strategic spiritual warfare and serve as guardians and helpers for Christians. Angels are prominent in Acts—directing people (8:26; 10:3-6) and helping them in times of trouble (5:19-20; 12:7-10). These ministering Spirits also bring encouragement (27:23), and may act as agents of judgment (12:23). Here the apostle Peter is freed from prison by an angel, and then is thought to be one. Notice in vs.15, they believe they see “his (Peter’s) angel,” which shows the Jewish belief in guardian angels. We also find in the Bible that angels are assigned to territories; in Rev.1-3, angels are assigned to churches; and in Mt.18:10, Jesus says ‘little ones have angels in heaven before the face of God.’ Jesus may be saying that there are special angels that represent some in heaven. Nevertheless, we can be sure that angels are real and certain that a key role of many of them is to help us.

It’s good to know we’re not alone, there is another higher-invisible realm of the Spirit, angels are watching over us—have been given the privilege and duty of protecting us, and there’s more with us than against us! Angels are real and anything is possible.

"The Principles of a Fruitful Church" -Acts 11-12

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I. Antioch of Syria -Acts 11:19-30, 12:24-25

The opening words of this section of Acts are similar to the opening in 8:4. This suggests that Luke is recording a new beginning to what has happened with the ministries of Philip and Peter in Acts 8:4-11:18. Luke is reminding us that the “scattering” of Christians by the persecution connected with Stephen was truly the scattering of the seed of the Gospel in God’s plan. What looked like defeat, disaster and misfortune to many, would prove to be a miraculous sending out of ministers to influence the world.

One of the first deacons was from Antioch (Acts 6:5). After the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), great persecution caused some disciples to flee from Jerusalem to Antioch (Acts 8:1, 11:19). Most of the believers who went out from Jerusalem to other cities, shared the faith and message of Christ with Jews only. However, some from Cyprus and Cyrene shared the Gospel with Greeks in Antioch as well (11:20). Luke tells us where these daring believers who took the lead in this great step forward came from, but we do not know their names. This amazing epoch of church history begins with no famous leaders or prominent figures, but with ordinary believers in dire straits living the normal Christian life…being spiritual catalysts and sowing the seeds that would eventually transform a region and turn the known world upside down!

This ANTIOCH played a significant role in the first-century expansion of the church, and was the capital of the Roman province of Syria. It was the third largest city in the world (next to Rome and Alexandria), located on a river 300 miles north of Jerusalem and 15 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. Antioch was founded around 300 B.C. by 1 of the 3 successors to Alexander the Great, and named for his father. It was a multi-cultural melting pot of politics, religion and commerce. This gateway city was a transportation hub; and was called the “Queen of the East” and “beautiful” because it was filled with everything that Roman wealth, Oriental luxury, Greek philosophy and art could produce. A suburb of Antioch was also a center for pagan idolatry, where famous sanctuaries offered worship accompanied with immoral indulgence and unbelievable indecency. In the early history of Christianity, this cosmopolitan city offered a fruitful field for Christian teaching and served to widen the outlook of the Christian community. At Antioch, believers refused to be confined within the narrow limits of Judaism.

II. The Antioch Church’s Example:

“Acts can be called ‘theological history’-a narrative of interrelated events chosen to communicate theological truths. It views God as acting in the arena of history and through that revealing His ways and His will to His people…Our task is to find those truths and see what abiding principles we can glean from them that we can apply to our thoughts, lives and ministries today.” (Fernando)

Where can we find a model church? What can we learn from studying the 1^st century church that will empower our churches for fruitful ministry into the 21^st century? Now we will look more closely at the Antioch Church (Acts 11, 13) to discover the vital signs and Biblical principles of a thriving New Testament Church:

1. Lay Ministry - Acts 11:19-21

The term “lay” (also laos or laity) means ‘nonprofessional.’ Many call this “body” ministry, and it’s used to refer to the significance and contribution of those who are in the body of Christ, yet are not Church leaders (1Cor.12). Some scholars also refer to this as “the value of non-prominent Christians” in ministry and the works of Christ. Historically, this is an aspect of the truth known as “the priesthood of the believer,” and has been a catalyst for revival and reformation whenever it’s re-discovered and practiced.

The purpose and start of the Antioch church was reaching, winning and serving others. It began with evangelism, but not with an evangelistic crusade or a great leader with a church-plant team. It was the fruit of normal Christian lives. This was personal, relational lifestyle witness and ministry from ordinary believers. Often, the most effective form of evangelism, discipleship and ministry is accomplished when normal, everyday believers reach out to their friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances. It’s vital that all Christians are involved in the life and work of the Church. Christianity is “ordinary people with extraordinary lives” because of Christ; and it is most fruitful when we understand that “every member is a minister” and “all around us is our mission field!” Every Christian has a sacred calling, significant purpose and special place in ministry!

2. Team Leadership - Acts 11:22-24, 13:1

Trans-local (itinerant) ministry, special guest speakers and relationships with other mature Christian leaders outside of a local church, is a mark of authenticity, a result of humility and interdependence, and a means to the blessing and growth of healthy churches. Also, notice the great diversity of the local church leadership in Antioch. There were diverse ages, ethnicities, personalities, gifts and ministry functions on this team. The team was initially headed by Barnabus, a former business man and Levite from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The presbyters were prophets and teachers; and 2 of the 5 were described as and believed to be black men (Simeon called Niger, and Lucius from Cyrene in North Africa), and 1 had a wealthy-political upbringing. This Manaen had been the foster brother or best friend of Herod that had John the Baptist beheaded. And, last but not least, was the highly educated Jew, Saul (soon to be known as the apostle Paul). This leadership team was multi-cultural with complementary ministry gifts; and together they were producing fruit in unprecedented ways. Church leadership in Acts was not a 1 man show, neither was the authority or decision making all top-down and autocratic. In the churches, there clearly was spiritual authority, identifiable leadership, a team of elders and a Sr. Leader. The Sr. leader often functioned as a 1^st among equals. The leadership emphasis in Acts and the New Testament is on servant and plural leadership. In Antioch, we find all this exemplified. They received the leaders sent to them from Jerusalem (Acts 11:22, 26), Barnabas was the lead brother (Acts 13:2; 14:12), they received outside prophetic ministry (Acts 11:27), they developed many gifted leaders (Acts 13:1), a diversity of elders in the same church transcended race and socio-economic status (Acts 11:20), and team ministry was a reality (Acts 13:5). Unity in diversity brings blessing!

3. The Grace of God - Acts 11:23

“Man is born broken, we live by mending. The grace of God is glue.” –O’Neil

When Barnabus arrived in Antioch, “he saw evidence of the grace of God.” What was it that he sensed; what was so apparent and special about these new believers? In the Bible, grace is used to describe a number of things. Grace is the thing God gives us, and the effect of the thing God gives us…the Christian life is a life of grace. A French preacher said long ago, “for the supreme moment when God meets the soul, a new word is necessary, and it is grace!” Its common definition is “the unmerited favor of God.” It has been said that “grace gives us what we do not deserve.” In Christian theology, grace is the unearned gift of God whereby He offers forgiveness and salvation through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. It’s how God’s influence works in us to give and grow a new life in Christ. It is “by grace” you are saved! God’s “amazing grace” changes lives, relationships and environments.

Grace (Gr. charis) also means “gift.” Its origins are “to rejoice and be glad.” To “say grace” before meals or take communion (Gr. eu-charist) is to be thankful and appreciative of the gifts and provision of God. The word is used to summarize the character of Jesus Christ (Jn.1:14, 17, 2Cor.13:14); and may be a description of when the fruit of the Spirit is flourishing (all 9 in Gal.5:22+). It’s also the root word used for anointing and spiritual gifts. To recognize and receive God’s grace/gifts brings a genuine smile to the face, contagious joy to the heart and spiritual blessing to our souls. The result is an overflow of gracious attitudes, kind words and caring actions among us. It produces the opposite of harsh environments, bad attitudes, religious legalism, condemnation or depression.

Grace is God’s glue for fixing the soul and connecting relationships. “The God of all grace and Gospel of grace” are ours. “Grace means there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, and nothing I can do to make God love me less. It means, though undeserving, I am invited to take my place at the table in God’s family” (Yancey). “Understanding God’s grace in all its truth” is the key to a fruitful life, Christian growth and victorious witness (Col.1:6).

To see God’s grace on a people means their lives were changed, the character of Christ was growing in them, and the gifts/anointing of God were flowing from them. God was there! The atmosphere of grace, attitudes of gratitude and joy are proof of new life in Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit and favor of Father God. “Love that goes upward is worship, love that goes outward is affection, love that stoops is grace.” -Barnhouse

4. Biblical Discipleship - Acts 11:26

When the leaders at Jerusalem heard of the ministry breakthroughs in Antioch, they sent Barnabus to visit the church there (Acts 11:22-24). Then Barnabas goes to Tarsus to bring Paul back to Antioch, where they taught the believers for 1 year. Wow, Barnabus and Paul invested 1 whole year of teaching into these believers. These disciples at Antioch were the first to be called "CHRISTIANS!" (Acts 11:25-26, 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16).

The Bible speaks of your commitment and relationship to Jesus Christ with words like “Lordship and discipleship.” These mean we have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and are committed to a life of learning and growing as HIS followers. In Acts 2 we find this commitment also includes devotion to Apostle’s teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. This means giving attention to Bible study, godly relationships, the Lord’s Supper and prayer is normal Church life, and necessary to grow and be fruitful.

To study the Bible for learning and living the truths of God’s Word is essential for all of us. It is building on the “rock” and being prepared for “the storms of life” (Mt. 7:24-27). The Scriptures should be honored above personalities, speculations, prophesies, pet-teachings or traditions of men. Only God can give spiritual life, but only abiding in God’s Word and godly relationships brings spiritual growth and maturity in Christ.

5. Generosity - Acts 11:27-29

Some prophets came to Antioch and received revelations from the Lord that a great famine would sweep over the world. The believers in Antioch immediately decided to send relief to the Christian brethren in Judea. They were not self-absorbed or materialistic, but committed to blessing and sowing in sacrificial service whenever possible. This was certainly a marvelous testimony to the power of the cross and Spirit of Christ in removing animosity in Jew/Gentile relationships. Generosity was manifest in these disciples who gave unanimously, spontaneously and proportionately. They gave “every one according to his ability.”

That this young church-plant would give to the “mother church” in Jerusalem shows how the missionary spirit of giving, sending and serving had been caught and cultivated in the foundations of this church that would become the “mother church” of Gentile missions. What a role reversal, and what selfless giving and mutual interdependence is seen in the Jerusalem church sending members, the Gospel and leaders; and the church-plant at Antioch sending money back to help in crises. Giving in difficult times to those in greater need was clearly manifest here as these believers lived out Jesus words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

6. Worship and Prayer - Acts 13:2-3

At Antioch, they were worshipping or “ministering to the Lord!” Seeking God, intimacy with Jesus and spiritual disciplines were a lifestyle and priority to these early church leaders and Christians. Prayer and fasting was the normal Christian life. They were not only a “house of prayer,” but were eminently a “people of worship!”

A principal lesson in scripture and history teaches us that great forward movement is intimately connected with a deep revival of spiritual life, and embracing a higher standard of devotion to the Lord Jesus. The only way to waken true, deep, spiritual and lasting ministry fruitfulness is not to aim at this itself; but to put the 1^st command in 1^st place. If we will love and pursue God whole-heartedly, there will be a greater separation from the world and a greater consecration to the Lord and His service. This reality makes the great commission not for our own ministry or mission, but as an overflow of our love of the Divine Master…to all meeting of His wishes.

7. The Holy Spirit - Acts 13:2-4

While this book of the Bible is called “The Acts of the Apostles,” it is really “The Acts of the Holy Spirit” through the lives of the followers of Christ. The prominence of the Spirit here has prompted some in history to call this book “The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.” The theme of Acts is the growth of Christianity through the spread of the Gospel/Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. The most unique phrase repeated in this book is “the Holy Spirit;” which is spoken of 70 times (much more than any other book in the Bible). This profound “Spirit” emphasis is a central theme of Acts; and a defining characteristic of both the church at Antioch and fruitful churches today. HIS manifest presence, power, prophetic guidance and voice is here, and available to all who seek HIM and desire to obey HIS will (5:32, 13:4).

At Antioch, God by the Holy Spirit worked through ordinary believers to produce a spiritual breakthrough as “the Lord’s hand (Presence) was with them and many believed and turned to the Lord.” Then, they sent “a man full of the Holy Spirit” to minister and teach there, with the result being leaders who “minister to the Lord” hearing and obeying “what the Holy Spirit said to them” and joining the activity of God as people are “sent out by the Holy Spirit” into God’s purposes. God still blesses and builds lives, families and ministries “Not by might nor power, but by My Spirit says the Lord!” (Zech.4:6)

8. Missions - Acts 13:2-4

Antioch was the cradle of gentile Christianity and of Christian missionary enterprise! Paul and Barnabus used Antioch as the base for their missionary journeys into Asia Minor and Europe (Acts 13:1-3; 15:36-41; 18:22-23). Antioch is a model for a church as a “Sending Center.” Being committed to sending leaders and lay ministers out into the community, on short-term mission trips, into life callings and for church-planting is vital for being fruitful. This church begins its outreach close to home, but thinks beyond itself to reach other cities and nations too. The long term health and maturity of a church is often determined by sending capacity, not just seating capacity. Once again we see the desire for every member to be a minister. We can not rely on professional ministers alone to get the job done. You are the children of God, the priests of the Lord and the ambassadors of Christ. So, “tag, you’re it!” You are God’s chosen minister and missionary! Get involved by: praying for others that are serving or going on missions, giving support (your $, time & talents), participating in local community ministry, going on short-term cross-cultural mission trips, and/or by becoming a part of a new church-plant team.

"The Prophetic Significance of Barnabus" -Acts 11 & 13

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Acts 4, 11 and 13 all give prominent attention to a man named Barnabus. His significance is as an encourager and bridge person. He served to strengthen and connect people, places and purposes. Initially a multi-faceted secondary and servant-leader, he’s a great portrait of a businessman or wealthy person committed to ministry, missions and mentoring young leaders. Over time, he became 1 of the most influential in the early church.

“BARNABAS” was an apostle (Acts 4:36-37; 11:19-26), and Paul's companion on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-14:28). He is introduced as a Levite from the island of Cyprus whose given name was Joseph, or Joses (Acts 4:36). Land in Cyprus was similar to nice beach-front property today. When he became a Christian, he sold this land and gave the money to the Jerusalem apostles (Acts 4:36-37). Because of his good reputation, Barnabas was able to calm the fear of Saul among the Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27).

Early in the history of the church, Barnabas went to Antioch to check on the growth of this early group of Christians. Then he journeyed to Tarsus and brought Saul back to minister with him to the Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:25). He and Saul also brought money from Antioch to the Jerusalem church when it was suffering a great famine (Acts 11:27-30). Shortly thereafter, the Holy Spirit led the Antioch church to commission Barnabas and Paul, along with John Mark, Barnabas' cousin, to make a missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3) to the provinces of Asia Minor. A disagreement then developed between Barnabas and Paul over John Mark (Col. 4:10). Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on their second missionary journey, but Paul felt John Mark should stay behind because he had left the first mission at Cyprus (Acts 13:13). Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways, and Barnabas took John Mark with him on a second mission to Cyprus, while Paul and Silas traveled through Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:36-41).

I. The Role of Barnabus:

The Church owes much to Barnabus, and we should learn from his example. He was a bridge-person in God’s works. His life was used to connect and carry people into God’s plans. Barnabus was a Hellenistic Jew. This means he was bi-cultural, embracing Greek culture and Jewish faith. Now as a Christian, he bridges the Jerusalem Church with the Church in Antioch. He reassured the Jerusalem Church that the company of Gentile believers was acceptable. He remembered Saul of Tarsus and trusted him by bringing Paul into ministry in Antioch. He went out with Paul on the first cross-cultural mission journey across Asia Minor. He believed in young John Mark, and was his advocate and mentor. Barnabus consistently served as a bridge to connect people to God’s purposes.

II. The Characteristics of Barnabus:

Son of Encouragement- Acts 4:36

We should never forget the indispensable role of encouragement. Barnabus represents a smile, kind word and a pat on the back. However, encouragement is more than words, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a deliberate, caring way to give value to a person with the wealth of your thoughtfulness. It works anytime, anyplace and especially with family. We should remember Barnabus’ name also means “One who is called to stand with or stand alongside.” He was a servant and mentor that made a difference. We all need encouragement!

Another common belief attached to the apostles changing of Barnabus’ name is that the influence of his prophetic gift was great. Out of his heart to help and encourage others, it seems that God anointed him with words of prophecy that served to edify, exhort and comfort others. How wonderful is this gift in building and strengthening Christian lives and Churches; and how we need the prophetic ministry today that communicates God’s heart and eyes for our lives and endeavors. Let us believe God to speak to us and through us for the blessing and encouragement of others.

Sold-out (literally)- Acts 4:37

Barnabus was re-named which usually accompanies a radical life change. His heart for God and generosity paved the way for a life of kindness and sacrificial service. Because of this, he was able to overcome the snares of materialism and greed that dominate our selfish, comfort-driven culture. His attitudes and actions proved he was no slave to possessions or the pursuit of personal gain. He is as a positive example of serving God, rather than Mammon…and seeking 1^st the Kingdom, while trusting God to provide for you. He was trusted by people and useful to God because of an open heart and hands. This man lived whole-hearted in a half-hearted world.

Strategic Vision- Acts 9:26-28, Acts 11:23, 12:25, 15:37-39

He took Paul when everyone was scared, and led him in his first ministry opportunity and mission trip. He took John Mark when Paul had given up on him. Barnabus looked for and discerned the grace of God. He had the spiritual sensitivity to see destiny in others so he could look beyond human frailty with the eyes of faith. While ministers today look for better methods, management and technology; Barnabus joined God in looking for better men. Barnabus’ faith was not just faith in God, but faith in the work of God in other peoples lives. Because of this, he shows us the value of non-prominent Christians in the significant works of God. Other than worship, there is no greater ministry than to lovingly serve another for their benefit and God’s glory. It is in mentoring, making disciples and teaching children that we may have the most fruit and influence.

"Peter at the House of Cornelius" -Acts 10-11

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Acts 10:1-11:18 is the longest narrative in Acts. This suggests that the events and insights related to Peter’s vision and Cornelius’s conversion are important to us all. It shows we need to break through barriers caused by cultural mindsets, personal prejudices, or religious pride. These can hinder our understanding of God, as well as our attitudes and effectiveness in serving, evangelism or missions.

Q-Is evangelism uncomfortable/intimidating 2U? How & Why?

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I. The Priority of Missions-

Acts is a story of mission history and how the gospel moved across cultural, racial and geographic barriers. It encourages us to overcome fears, get out of our comfort zones and trust God to do wonderful things. This story is an inspiring example of Peter doing this not by faith or love, but with stubbornness and hesitancy. He is learning the true meaning of the Great Commandments, and just now (years later) obeying the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel with Roman Gentiles (Mt.22:36-40, 28:19).

God’s agenda for history and what He is doing to fulfill that agenda is outlined in Genesis 12:3 with the call of Abraham. “All the families of the earth will be blessed.” This is the redemptive purpose of Jesus’ life, death and victorious resurrection. Luke echoes this in his “Great Commission” (Lk.24:47, Acts1:8) with an emphasis on all peoples and all places. In these scriptures and this story, we see the mission to the world is as much a part of the message and purpose of God as is the incarnation, cross and resurrection of Christ. The Church and the Kingdom of God includes men and women of every race, language and culture (Rev.7:9-10, 22:2, 17). This is what Christian mission is all about and is the biblical revelation God is teaching Peter and the Jerusalem church.

II. The Process of Christian Expansion-

Acts is a missionary manual for Church expansion, and the whole biblical agenda is that the people of God would take the gospel message to all people.

This story of Peter and Cornelius is one of the great turning points of Church history. For the first time, a Gentile was being admitted into the fellowship of the Church. This rocked the church to its core, and threatened to divide it in two. It was the beginning of a controversy that Peter continued to struggle with, and Paul was to fight throughout his ministry. We want to look at the factors that led Peter and the Church to take the gospel across these significant cultural and racial barriers.

At the time of Peter’s vision, the Christian movement was distinctively Hebrew and still centered in Jerusalem. Christianity was in real danger of becoming just another minority sect of Judaism. Then, in a flury of Spirit led actions and adventures, the Church found itself in new territory, facing a bold new vision of Christ’s redemptive work and the nature of HIS Kingdom. Steven became the 1^st martyr, Phillip the 1^st missionary to foreigners, Paul was called as apostle to the Gentiles, and now Peter is supernaturally overcoming prejudice which will lead to the conversion of Cornelius.

The Holy Spirit, is a Spirit of mission

The Holy Spirit is “sent” to empower our participation in God’s purposes. To help us “go” and be witnesses for Jesus Christ. The gifts of the Spirit are, primarily, to equip us for mission and ministry. In Acts we see the Holy Spirit at work forming & expanding the outreach of the church. It is a magnificent record of the Spirit using the most unlikely people, overcoming formidable obstacles, employing unconventional methods and achieving remarkable results. The special activity of the Holy Spirit in Acts seems to be at points where the gospel is breaking through from one place and one culture to another, ex. Pentecost (2), the Samaritan (8:16), the Ethiopian (8:26), Cornelius (9), the mission structure (13), the call to Europe (16:9) and the voyage to Rome (27:23). Acts and mission history is full of surprises, and so is the story of Peter and Cornelius. When participating in missions, or ministering to people very different than us, we should expect God to do the unexpected!

III. The Practical Lessons for Us -

This story of Peter and Cornelius and the reaction of the church in Jerusalem gives some important lessons for Christians and churches today. One of the clearest lessons is that God is in charge! At every step the Holy Spirit was directing things.

A second lesson is that sometimes the Holy Spirit pushes us to think in a new way. Peter’s heavenly vision forced him to a totally different way of looking at people. Is the Holy Spirit working in us to see people in new ways…without personal experience, preferential bias or ethnic prejudice clouding our thinking?

There are no “common people.”

The 1^st significance of Peter’s vision is an understanding that in Christianity, there is to be no racial or religious superiority. There are no inferior people, for we are all created in the image of God, and we cannot call impure what God has cleansed. Strict Jews believed that God had no use for Gentiles. The vision of a sheet from Heaven with all kinds of animals for a picnic was offensive. It was a violation of their dietary laws and something Peter had followed all his life.

“In contrast with so many Bible personalities who seem to get it right the 1^st time, Peter’s life of faith is characterized by fits and starts, steps forward and backward, acts of faith and cowardice…Sometime’s it looks like he’s got it; then it seems he doesn’t get it at all” (Williamson). “It is not at all surprising that Peter should challenge (and see) this vision three times” (Walasky). Peter had to learn the lesson, and with the vision’s repetition, there could be no possible mistake or dodging of this lesson.

There was another word from God in prayer, a knock on the door and conversation with the men Cornelius had sent. Suddenly, it dawned on Peter that this vision was not about animals but people. The message was not about menus but salvation. Never before had God’s people thought of HIS love and promises being available to unclean Gentiles, but that was about to change!

God is no respecter of persons…

Notice that in Acts 8, 9, and 10 we have the conversion of a descendant of each of Noah’s sons. The Ethiopian eunuch was the offspring of Ham, Saul from the line of Shem, and now Cornelius a descendent of Japheth. This is yet another marvelous picture that the Gospel is for all; and Christ is not prejudiced. His salvation and abundant life are for whoever believes.

It’s also important to notice that both Peter and Cornelius are equally significant to this story and incredible breakthrough. They had diverse upbringings and personalities, and came from “different sides of the tracks.” Yet, both were overcoming what was custom and “politically correct” to step out into uncomfortable and unfamiliar waters. Both were praying men that God spoke to and gave spiritual visions. Both trusted and obeyed God, and were helped by Angels. The real hero of the story is the One who answers prayers, makes promises and finds a way to keep them even in the midst of our stubbornness and partiality. Peter came to this revelation when at Cornelius’ house. Then Peter said, “I now realize that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation…and the message God sent, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, WHO IS LORD OF ALL!!!” (Acts 10:34-36).

The Cornelius Factor -

The setting of most of this story is the house of Cornelius, a Gentile soldier. He lived about 30 miles north of Joppa and west of Jerusalem in Caesarea. Cornelius was an officer (Centurion) in the Roman military commanding 100 men. This means he was a man of proven character, loyalty and courage. His life of self-discipline, leadership and service had earned a position of prominence and the respect of colleagues and subordinates. His caring heart was seen in the big crowd he invited to hear Peter.

However, the most amazing thing about him was his piety. He was a devout, God-fearing, generous and praying man. “God-fearers” was a technical term for Gentiles who became frustrated with their ancestral beliefs (the gods and their immoralities) and turned to Jewish religion. They accepted the Jewish faith but did not accept the whole law or circumcision. They were 1 of the 3 types of people found in synagogues; and after this story (throughout NT times), they most commonly formed the nucleus of new Churches.

Cornelius is an example of a “seeker.” He was a man who lived with conviction and conscience. He was searching for God, had some faith and knew there was more…but had incomplete understanding. He was ready to “hear and be saved”-Rom.10:11-17.

“Memorials”

“Your prayers and gifts have come up as a memorial offering before God.”-Acts10:4, 31

God remembered the sincerity, faith and generosity of this man. The way he lived and worshipped got the attention of Almighty God. This marks a memorial not on earth, but in Heaven; a telling of one’s life, words and deeds not in the annals of history, but in Eternity’s Book of Remembrance! Remembering is important and memorials matter.

The prophets were always telling people to remember, and the function of remembering is encouragement. Biblically, when we “remember,” we see the faithfulness of God and our faith increases. Biblically when God “remembers,” HE moves immediately and supernaturally to bring change or blessing into your life or difficult situations (Ex.2:24+). Our remembrance is hope, and God’s remembrance is answered prayers and fulfilled promises from Heaven…now!

“I read the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God. By God Himself it is not! How God thinks of us is not only more important, but infinitely more important” (CS Lewis). Many strive to move the hands of men, but few seek to move the heart of God. May we be remembered with a heart for God and hands toward men and women.

"The Profound Example of Paul" -Acts 9

2011-08-10T18:37:00.000-04:00

This story is told 3 times in Acts (9, 22, 26). “Only an event of the greatest importance would merit such repetition by an author whose hallmark is brevity.”-Willimon

On The Damascus Road

Here, on the road to Damascus with Saul, we have the most famous conversion in history. However, if you were walking in his shoes and thinking his thoughts, you would see this was not a sudden conversion, but a sudden surrender. Something about Stephen must have stuck in Saul’s mind or even haunted him at times; and to make matters worse, now he was persecuting Christians in Jerusalem. He must have been wondering how these simple people could live, suffer and die like they were…so peaceful and fearless. Wrestling with his conscience, he went to the Sanhedrin to get letters authorizing him to arrest any Christians he found in Damascus.

Damascus was the ancient capital of Syria, located east of Mt. Hermon and northeast of Jerusalem. It was situated on the edge of the desert at the crossroads of some of the most important highways in the ancient Mid-Eastern world. Three major caravan routes passed through this city; and because of its ideal location it became a trade center for neighboring nations…making it the “heart of Syria.” It was also a place where Jewish customs and Greek culture met and often conflicted…which is significant to our story.

This was 1 of the disagreements that had marked this area since the time of Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming King (Jesus Christ) and a conflict of cultural ideals (Zech.9:9-13). Historically, this was seen in the aggression of Alexander the Great and the later victories of Judas Maccabaeus; but the deeper significance was found in the opposing ideals of Hebrews and Hellenists. Hebrews embraced Jewish religion, community and moral law. Hellenists embraced Greek cultural ideals related to freedom, nature and individuality (like today’s conflict of Religion vs Humanism, Consevatives vs Liberals).

In the time of Christ, we see this same antagonism in the Sadducees and Pharisees. The Jewish nation had become divided into 2 parties, but the majority was Sadducean. The Sadducees were liberal Hellenists, and the Pharisees were conservative Hebrews. This same battle was raging inside of Saul; who was raised in Hellenistic Tarsus, and then sent to study under the Pharisee Gamaliel. Stephen’s speech was a protest of the Hellenism of the Sadducees as he emphasized the spiritual heart and history of true religion; and charged them with turning from spiritual things and rejecting supernaturalism. This was Saul’s belief, and it must have affected him (ie. kicking against the goads-v 5)

Now, Saul has gone to the Sanhedrin (Hellenistic Sadducees) for authority to purify the Jewish religion from the Christians. This must have stirred up the inner conflict between his childhood memories and zealous religious convictions. The journey would take a week of walking. Saul traveled with some Sanhedrin officers (like police); and as a Pharisee, he could have nothing to do with them. He must have walked alone ahead of them. At some point, he probably passed by Jacob’s well, where Jesus had dispelled these types of prejudices (Jn.4, as Paul would later Eph.2:11-22, Gal.1:11-14, Acts 26:9-11).

Paul’s Example

Paul is to be an inspirational example for all who are believers (1Tim.1:16). He is a trophy of grace, revealing God’s great mercy and patience. His life and faith serve as a pattern that we can learn from and follow (2Tim.1:13-14). Although Paul’s experience in this story is unique, the principles found here are not. Here we find a model for conversion, calling, and Christian Life. Let’s take a look at these:

Conversion

Conversion, however, is not just about an instant change of someone’s life; it’s also about turning and refocusing to see things differently. It often is the culmination of a long preparation process; and may involve a series of steps that brings you steadily closer to Christ, rather than a startling vision and shocking voice. Many times it is the result of God growing you to know Him and gain a new perspective of life. Vision and conversion “doesn't usually come as a lightning bolt. Rather, it comes as a slow crystallization of life challenges that we one day recognize as a beautiful diamond with great value to ourselves & others'' (Dr. Norwood).

Paul’s conversion (and ours) was a gift from God that enabled him to look at life in a new way. A revelation of who Jesus is…the risen Lord of Heaven and earth is the key element of a true conversion. Lordship produces a changed heart and different perspective of everything in life.

Lordship

“Who are you, Lord?...I AM Jesus!”-Acts 9:5

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him.”-Col. 2:6

Paul’s surrender to the Lordship of Christ was immediate and total. Jesus is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36), so we should receive Him as such and live lives that are centered on Him. Lordship is Christ-centeredness and is about who He is and what He did for us, not who we are and what we do for Him. "In everything He must have the supremacy" (Col 2:18), not just in church matters, but in all of life - not just on Sundays, but 24/7.

“Lord” is mentioned 14 times in Acts 9:1-31. This is the Greek word kurios (Strong’s #2962), and it means, “from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, by implication, Mr. (as a respectful title); he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, owner, lord; the possessor and disposer of a thing.” Kurios is rendered in the KJV as, “God, Lord, master, Sir.” This entire setting of Paul’s CALLING and CONVERSION has to do with the Lordship of Christ and the realm of the KINGDOM (basileia = royalty, rule, a realm, kingship, dominion; the right or authority to rule over a kingdom). This is the Gospel that Jesus, Paul, and the other apostles preached (Acts 1:3; 8:12; 14:22; 19:8; 20:25, 28:23, 31, + Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 4:20; Col. 1:13; 1 Thess. 2:12; and 2 Tim. 4:18).

Because of Jesus love and Lordship (cross & crown), He is "King of kings and Lord of lords." Therefore, we believe (like Paul) that whole-hearted surrender to God's word and will is vital to the Christian life and spiritual growth (Mt. 22:37, Jn. 5:30, Mt. 6:10, 1 Sam. 15:22, 16:7, 2 Cor. 5:14-15, Rom. 1:5, 1 Pet 1:2). Paul modeled this by yielding and obedience; and acknowledged it by saying from here on “I am the prisoner of the Lord.”

Calling

“What shall I do, Lord?” “Get up, go into the city, and there you will be told what you must do…all that you have been assigned to do.”-Acts 9:5, 22:10

That is calling and discipleship. Up to that moment, Paul had been doing what he liked or thought was best. Now he would be told his assignment and taught what to do. The Christian disciple is someone who knows and follows the Lord. He obeys HIS command and commission, and has ceased doing what he wants to seek God’s will and ways. The disciple is committed to deny himself, take up his cross and follow Christ. To learn of and live for the Presence, pleasure and purposes of God.

Calling simply means that “God calls you.” He speaks to catch your ear or get your attention, to name you (bring identity and definition to who you are), and invite you into relationship and purpose. You are called by Him, to Him and for Him. Invited to know God, follow Christ, join His work and participate in His purposes. While doing this, we also discover our own part to play in His plans, and become the “called-out ones” (Gr. Ekklesia, translated Church).

You find and fulfill a calling by discovering and living a combination of things: devotion to Christ, divine design (what you are created for, gifted at and passionate about), discipleship (growing in grace and faith) and destiny (what your life-purpose is, and where you are going). Many people today are lost in a sea of meaningless ambition and overwhelming dissatisfaction. God’s grace saves us out of our hopeless striving, calling us to lay down the pride and self-absorption that fuels our defeat; and to let our lives be a living witness for Christ.

Note: The supernatural character of Paul’s calling also brings to mind the story of Moses meeting God in the unexpected light from the burning bush. There he also heard God’s calling, asked, “Who are you?!?” and God answered, “I AM who I AM!” This encounter with the Living God transformed Moses (Ex.3).

Conclusion

Notice (Acts 9:10-11): that Abraham (Gen. 22:1), Jacob (Gen. 31:11), Moses (Ex. 3:4), and Samuel (1 Sam. 3:4-10), all said, like Ananias, “Yes Lord…Here I am.” Compare that with these words, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Who shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here I am; send me” (Isa. 6:1-8). God reveals Himself, speaks to us, we respond and surrender to His will, and God sends us into His purposes. That is a picture of conversion, calling and discipleship. Let’s look for and listen to God. When HE speaks, say yes and answer the call!

“The Personal Testimony of Stephen”-Acts 6-7

2010-09-29T17:13:00.000-04:00

“They chose Stephen (to serve), a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…full of God’s grace and power…opposition arose…but could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” –Acts 6:5, 8, 10

“We need to remember and search for our roots in the luminaries, risk-takers and movements of the church through the centuries...to neglect them is to fall victim to a narrowing amnesia that leaves us floundering." -Timothy Jones

“It is observed that a man improves more by reading the Story of a person eminent for prudence and virtue, than by the finest rules and precepts of morality.” –J.Addison

I. Stephen’s Story-

The power of a testimony and inspiration from a godly example are personal invitations to engage life and experience God. Christian history and biographies cultivate the fertile soil of our hearts and minds while germinating the seeds of destiny within us. Once we read how they lived, what they believed, and see the passion, commitments and sacrificial service of their lives, it’s hard to return to a mediocre faith.

Father God delights in using history, biographies and personal testimonies to bless and benefit us. The most powerful forces for changing perspectives, motivations and expectations are personal ones. The Holy Spirit uses human lives in changing human lives, whether from a real relationship or the pages of a book.

Acts 6-7 focuses on Stephen’s life, faith, defense trial and death. It teaches us the vital role of lay ministry, understanding history & a theology of suffering in Christian witness. In other words, we are involved in spiritual warfare with eternal life & death consequences. You have a crucial role to play. Many Christians in history and around the world live with suffering and persecution that is foreign to us. And an understanding of Biblical, Christian history may free us from the spirit of the age and selfish motivations or mindsets.

As Christians, we believe that the Bible has both inspired reporting and inspired interpretation of events. Acts is the history book of the early church. Luke is the finest historian of the New Testament; and he devotes three times as much space to the speech of Stephen (the 1^st Christian martyr) than he does to any of the sermons of Peter or Paul. This seems intended to build a theological bridge from where the Jerusalem Church is to where Paul will eventually be; that God is not limited to a particular place or people…but is Living and moving in history and our personal lives. This truth confronts a Hebrew (eastern or religious) mindset with Christian perspectives. In the NT (now), there are no holy places, only holy people…who are the house of God, the temple of the Holy Spirit!

II. Speech Themes-

Stephen’s speech or “defense” begins with a simple review of OT Jewish history & the life of Abraham. It seems this intro was to show his familiarity with and love for the people of Israel. As it progresses, he focuses on Joseph and Moses, who were raised up by God, rejected by Israel and later honored as deliverers. Though Stephen doesn’t compare them directly with Christ, the analogy is unmistakably clear. Rather than seeking acquittal from false charges, Stephen gives a history lesson for a defense of Christianity as God’s way of worship. He says little about Jesus (7:37, 52) and much about Moses because he is accused of rejecting Moses’ teachings and speaking against the Temple and its customs (6:11-14).

The speech emphasized that history repeats itself. In every generation, men are the same…lacking understanding, quarreling, disobedient, backsliding, rejecting God’s messengers, preferring useless idols and humanistic endeavors to the merciful, Living God (7:25, 27, 35, 39, 41). God is also the same. HE reveals Himself to us, hears us, knows our troubles, comes to free us, sends deliverers and leads us out of bondage into new life and promised lands (7:30-36). For Stephen’s hearers, it was a warning, but also an assurance that every promise of God stands firm.

Stephen’s message also stressed that the activity of God is not confined geographically to Israel, and that worship acceptable to HIM is not confined to the Jewish temple. To the horror of his accusers, he outlines how much of God’s activity has taken place outside of their land and before there was a temple. He then highlights that the Most High is not confined to our buildings, and gives great prominence to the spiritual nature of true religion and the comparative insignificance of its externals. Here he quotes Isaiah’s word that buildings are not what really count with God, but rather the moral and spiritual condition of our lives. The God of Heaven looks for broken and contrite hearts belonging to those who tremble at HIS Word (7:48-50, Is.66:1-2). God’s word and Presence transcends all boundaries, and this is justification for the spread of the Gospel & Church.

III. Spirit-Filled Suffering-

He concludes with a “scathing” accusation of these Jewish leaders; charging them with resisting the Holy Spirit, murdering the Messiah (Jesus), and failing to keep the Law…they reacted with anger and pronounced an immediate death sentence. Stephen must have known that his life was in danger. All he had to do to save his own life was to give a compromising speech. But he would rather die than betray his sacred trust. Luke’s vivid description of the enraged crowd dragging Stephen away and stoning him to death is matched only by the shocking supernatural events that accompany the execution (7:57-60).

“Stephen’s experience of a special anointing with the Spirit’s fullness in the midst of suffering challenges many prevalent notions. We usually relate that fullness to some ministry activity or personal spiritual experience…we must not forget that the Spirit’s fullness is also given to prepare for suffering (or comfort and encourage in times of severe crises), which are important parts of the life of faithful obedience. God is powerfully at work both when the sun shines brightly and when dark clouds loom over us…I believe the Spirit’s fullness in the darkness is so important for our spiritual health that God permits us to go through dark times in order that He can fill us afresh…

There, the vision of God’s glory and Christ’s exaltation is seen…and when we realize that God is on the throne and that He is for us, we can find courage and even joy in the midst of our pain.” –Fernando

Stephen’s last words are similar to Jesus on the cross…asking God to receive his spirit and not to hold this sin against his killers (7:59-60, Lk.23:46, 34). Wow! That is supernatural. Augustine says the church owes Paul to the prayers of Stephen. This may have been his only sermon, but his closing prayers combined with the witness of his life and anointed death prepared the way for Paul’s later conversion.

IV. A Special Revelation for Us-

The ministry and martyrdom of Stephen helped remove some prevailing prejudices and mindsets that were hindering Christianity and the spread of the Gospel. He opened a historic window for the light of Christ and fresh breeze of the Spirit to pour in. He opened the door theologically for the world mission of the church. And most importantly, his testimony brought a revelation to us that because of Jesus Christ, the Heavens are open, God’s holiness and presence is available anywhere! God in Christ came to us…and will meet us still!

“…the Message of Christianity is that Jesus is in Place, at home with where we are. This is the ultimate liberation from all pretension of there being more or less sacredness to places. It is an invitation to go into all the world, into every place, and know that God is with us. This message reaffirms a different deity than that which is promoted by many in this world…our God lingers wherever we find ourselves, whether it is gazing up at trees or fretfully poring over our monthly bills.

For many, this is a wild claim. It challenges the view that churches are more sacred than schools, or that God’s wisdom is more prevalent in universities than in mental wards. It challenges the notion that there is more freedom to be found by a vacationer on a cruise ship than by a death row inmate in a cold prison. No. Jesus has been to all these places, HIS Presence makes each a place where we can encounter God. Jesus has obliterated the harsh lines of distinction between all places by coming to all of us, where we exist. God is surely with us. Wherever we are, God will meet us there! That is good news!” -Paul E. Stroble

“The Possibilities with God in Acts”

2010-09-29T16:57:00.000-04:00

“Now to HIM who is able…but with GOD all things are possible!” -Jude 24, Mt.19:26

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the LORD worked with them and confirmed His Word by the signs that accompanied it.” –Mk.16:20

In reading Acts, you become aware of the constant presence, influence and activity of the Living God in our lives and world. To read the Bible, and especially Acts and not see the constant emphasis and occurrence of the Spiritual and supernatural, is like going to the beach and seeing no ocean. God is alive and working in, among and through HIS people.

In Acts 3-7, we find many wonderful, startling and strange things. “When it comes to understanding (these) events in Acts, there is a distinction to be made between the abnormal and the normal. To begin with, some of these events occur over months and years of time, not days. Also, there are certain things that happen in Acts which were abnormal and should not be expected to happen continually. We do not expect to see wind and flames every time someone receives the Spirit” (Pawson). It’s also not normal to be blinded and hear Jesus’ audible voice at conversion, or to have the building shake or earthquakes when we pray. While some of this list is normal, some aspects or events related to topics 5-7 and possibly others are not.

*Some key questions for deciding if something is normal are:

Is the event only mentioned once or is it repeated?

Ex. Death from judgment vs. similar stories of baptisms in the Spirit

Is there confirmation or instruction elsewhere in Scripture?

Ex. Healing, eldership or speaking in tongues

“The story (of Acts) has impressed me with the glorious regularity of the irregular work of the Church by the Holy Spirit. It is a powerful argument against the stereotyped in Christian organization and method; and consequently a plea for room for the operation of the Spirit.” (GCMorgan)

1. HEALING- Acts 3-4

Soon after Pentecost, Peter and John were headed to the temple for prayer. There at the gate “Beautiful” was a man lame from birth. This chapter tells how a miraculous healing took place in Jesus name. This event brought about great preaching, persecution and then provoked prayers for more boldness and wonders. While witnessing, Peter was quick to point out that healing and miracles do not come through our power or godliness. No human ability or moral standing can do this. It’s not earned or worked for, but only by Jesus’ name…and faith in HIM! (3:12, 16).

In Mt.8, Jesus performs an insightful series of healings which can answer many people’s questions. Each healing is performed and received in an entirely different way. There’s healing: in worship, showing Jesus is willing to heal; by faith and Jesus’ word; by laying on of hand’s; in fulfillment of OT prophecy; and through demonic deliverance. This culminates in Jesus’ startling statement that healing is much easier than forgiving sin (Mt.9:5-6). Healing is possible…

2. SALVATION- Acts 4:1-12, Jn.3:16, Rom.10:9-10, Eph.2:8-9

Humanity is separated from God because of sin. The immeasurable gap between God and man is only bridged by faith in the cross and resurrection of Christ. God’s justice for the penalty of sin is taken care of by the sacrifice and substitution of Jesus. He paid the price for my crime and took my place. Jesus is the way, truth and life…no one comes to Father God, but through HIM. The greatest gift ever given was Jesus Christ on the cross; and because of this, your sins are forgiven and you are free. Repentance and faith in the person and work of Jesus changes us. Christ recues us from sin, self and Satan to live an abundant life filled with faith, hope and love. Being born-again (a changed heart and life) only comes by the Spirit and word of God. The greatest miracle of all is salvation. Salvation is found in no one else…Jesus saves!

3. BOLDNESS- Act 4:13-31

This portion of Acts is showing us the secrets of boldness, and that God has strength to help you face suffering. These Christians and leaders found courage in crises and boldness in faith through: personal convictions, real fellowship (friends), a commitment to know and obey Christ, intercessory prayer, believing God’s promises and a revelation of the Sovereignty of God (seen in their prayers).

This kind of courage never comes from pulling yourself up by the bootstraps or resolving to try harder. It is only the Resurrection Life of Christ, the Spirit of Might or a gift of faith “which turns abject terror into flaming courage and cowards into heroes and martyrs…to drive ordinary, shrinking men like ourselves to go shouting a message to derisive audiences…a message punished with whip stripes, crosses and red-jawed beasts, yet persisting-indomitable, on and on, down the echoing centuries, until a pagan world was conquered by a handful of Jewish fishermen” (WA Kirkland). Boldness is available.

GENEROSITY- Acts 4:32-37

This is not just giving a special offering, but a radical lifestyle of sharing, sacrificial giving and freedom from self-absorbed, materialism. It comes from a heart full of love and a life focused on others. It is selfless acts from true empathy, and compassion that creates thoughtfulness and motivates response and giving in crises. Radical community and fellowship” includes an emphasis on a radical commitment to relationships, and home groups (ministry and prayer meetings). Doing life together brings a sense of partnership and responsibility. And the fruit of this lifestyle is boldness, kindness and generosity. This is knowing and living Jesus’ famous saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” –Acts 20:35.

5. JUDGMENTS- Acts 5:1-11

Living in the Presence of the Holy Spirit can be dangerous. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is shocking and should be disturbing. They sold some property, gave an offering to the church and kept (embezzled) some money back for themselves. There was deception involved, and his dishonesty seemed related to winning the esteem of the church (possibly from jealousy related to Barnabus’ gift). Satan filled Ananias’ heart, he lied to the Holy Spirit, and they fell to the ground dead. This is hard to understand; but what is clear is the same word used to describe Achan’s sin (Josh.7:1), and that wrong use of possessions or money is a serious sin in God’s eyes.

Many ask if God judges people like that today? The answer is God can, but won’t usually. This shocking judgment has 3 likely reasons: 1. The law of firstfruits, where God makes a clear or typical example in the natural for whatever comes 1^stor is devoted (with Adam, Moses, Achan-Ai, tithes, etc). 2. The manifest Presence of God in revivals is a serious thing! 3. It’s a prophetic preview, an example of the full expression of the powers of the day of the Lord. In conclusion, the resulting fear provoked awesome worship, more miracles, unity, respect from unbelievers, and many salvations. Judgment is real-serious!

6. SIGNS- Acts 4:30, 5:12-16, Mk.16:17-20

The early Christians prayed for signs and wonders to accompany their ministry. And “these signs followed” them everywhere they went. These signs were supernatural signposts drawing attention to Jesus Christ, and miraculous wonders opening people’s hearts and minds to the Gospel. It is appropriate for us to pray this, and ask God to reveal Himself in unmistakable or irresistible ways also. Remember, HE will be called WONDERFUL…Mighty God! Signs & miracles happen…

7. ANGELIC VISITATIONS- Acts 5:17-25

Angels appear often in Acts, giving directions (8:26, 10:3) or delivering people from prison (5:19, 12:7-11). These ministering Spirits also bring encouragement (27:23), and can judge the wicked (12:23). Here the apostles are freed from prison and challenged to be faithful in the call to preach (5:20). Do not be afraid…we are not alone, there is another invisible realm of the Spirit, and there’s more with us than against us! Angels are real and anything is possible.

8. WISDOM- Acts 5:33-6:10, Jas.1:5, 3:13-17

The apostles on trial, Gamaliel’s advice, leadership transition decisions, choosing deacons (ministers), and Stephen’s debate at the Synagogue are 4 back to back stories of God giving supernatural wisdom. All of these went beyond human reasoning or intellectual ability, and were examples of spiritual wisdom and revelation at work. By faith we can understand, through the Spirit we may know…there is wisdom from above available!

9. PERSEVERANCE IN TRIALS- Acts 6:11-7:60

We don’t always hold up under pressure. The troubles of life and stresses they bring can cause depression, personal problems and the desire to quit. However, the answer in trials and tribulations is not to quit or run…it’s to look unto Jesus and trust God for His grace and strength.

It doesn’t seem normal to handle beatings, imprisonment or martyrdom like they do in Acts. But they were empowered to bear up under intense pressure and persecution with a special anointing or gift of faith. They were able to “fellowship in Christ’s suffering” by the “blessing of the Spirit of glory” (1Pet.4:14). Don’t go through trials alone. God is there to “lead you in triumph” so you can handle any situation or circumstance through Christ who strengthens you (2Cor.2:14, Phil.4:10-14).

“As workers for God we have to learn to make room for God—to give God ‘elbow room.’ We calculate and estimate, and say that this and that will happen, and we forget to make room for God to come in as He chooses. Would we be surprised if God came into our meeting or into our preaching in a way we had never looked for Him to come? Do not look for God to come in any particular way, but look for Him. That is the way to make room for Him. Expect Him to come, but do not expect Him only in a certain way. However much we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that at any minute He may break in. We are apt to overlook this element of surprise, yet God never works in any other way. All of a sudden God meets the life, ‘When it was the good pleasure of God…’ So keep your life so constant in its contact with God that His surprising power may break out on the right hand and on the left. Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes.” (Oswald Chambers)

“The Pattern Church in Acts”

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I. What is a church? (Read Mt.16:16-19, Acts 2:40-47, 11:26, 13:1-3, Eph. 4:11-16)

It is vitally important that each of us has a Biblical understanding of what the church is. We are told that all who accepted Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:41). What were these new believers added to? A building or religious organization? No. They were added to the church. But what is a church and what does it mean to be added to the church? Here’s a brief description of the church in the New Testament. The church is a:

Body not a Building–Eph.1:22-23

Spiritual Family not Religious Burdens –Eph.2:19, 3:15

People (as God’s Temple) not a Place –Eph.2:21-22

Join to grow in Christ & be equipped for ministry-Eph.4:11-16

Love Relationship not Ritual –Eph.5:25-32

Spiritual Army not an Audience –Eph.6:10-17

Constant Prayer not Countless Programs –Eph.6:18-19

Dynamic Celebration not Dead Ceremony

Evangelism not Entertainment

TRADITIONAL CHURCH MODEL VS. THE CELL/CELEBRATION MODEL

	*Traditional Church*	*Cell/Celebration Church*
Activities	Weekly worship services	Daily devotion, fellowship, prayer & evangelism
Focus	Programs & meetings	The Word & Spirit of God & people
Pastor’s #1 job	Preach good sermons	Model authentic Christianity
Pastor’s #2 job	Always be available for everyone	Train & equip the people to minister
Member’s #1 duty	Show up on Sunday	Glorify God in all of life (Worship)
Member’s #2 duty	Show up on Sunday	Making disciples (Ministry & Service)
Pastoral Ministry	Got a problem? Call the pastor	Body builds itself up (small groups)
Outreach Method	Invite visitors to church	God’s presence, our witness & ministry
Fruit of Outreach	Visitors on Sunday	Spiritual life & changed lives
Leadership Training	Institutional based	Local church based
Source of Leaders	Hired from outside	Faithful functioning members
Training Focus	What you know	How you live
Ministers	(Poorly) paid professionals	All members
Bottom Line	Burned-out pastors & bored members	Glorious, victorious, world-changing church!

II. Church membership Biblically is not joining an organization, but being vitally connected in relationship and purpose with Christ and other Christians. Your MEMBERSHIP in the Church (“the body of Christ”) is the fruit of 3 things: Conversion, Commitment to Jesus Christ & Connection in Christian Community!!!

Let’s take a look at these “Foundations of The Faith”:

Conversion- In Acts we read how lives were changed, people became Christians, were brought into God’s Kingdom and added to the Church. We see the normal pattern of repentance, faith, water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit. Conversion is the general term we use for the life change of those who believe and experience these 4 things. It is also the specific term often used for the 1^st foundation of “repentance.” In both cases, the word means to change your mind, turn around and go a new direction (turn from sin and selfishness to Jesus). The 2^nd foundation of “faith” is often referred to as salvation or being born again (also called redemption or justification). After turning, you now trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This faith makes you a new creation in Christ with a new spiritual heart. “Water baptism” is 3^rd, and is an act of obedient faith in Christ. The Bible uses 4 illustrations to help us understand this. Water baptism is: an act that separates us from our past life (like Israel crossing the Red Sea or the flood of Noah); it symbolizes Jesus’ death-burial-resurrection; and signifies our internal life change. Lastly, it is a spiritual circumcision of the heart (putting off the sinful nature, flesh) that marks our new covenant with God, and the start of a new life of relationship and obedience with Christ called discipleship. The 4^th foundation of “Baptism in the Spirit” is covered in depth in Lessons 3 & 6. The Holy Spirit is the new gift given to us to empower our new life mission of worship and witnessing.

Commitment to Jesus Christ- This is called “Lordship and discipleship.” This means we have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, have been converted (see above) and are committed to a life of learning and growing as HIS followers. In Acts 2 you find that these believers and this commitment also include devotion to Apostle’s teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. This means giving attention to Bible study, relationships, the Lord’s Supper and prayer as normal to Christian and Church life.

Connection in Christian Community- “According to the Bible, the entire Christian life, including spiritual growth, battling sin and Satan, and serving God, is intended to be done in community” (Fernando). To be with or follow Jesus is to be with other followers, walking together in relationship and purpose (Mt.4:20, Mk.3:14, all plural pronouns). The Church is the family and House of God (both local and global). As spiritual family, we have God as our father, ministers that serve as spiritual parents, Jesus as a husband and brothers and sisters in Christ. As God’s home, you are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Eph.2:22, 1Pet.2:5). As the Church, we are like living stones, being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood (of believers). Life and faith are relational to the core. Christianity is community living, and God intended that we do life, grow in faith, build family and become fruitful in ministry together. It’s still not good to be alone!

The Local Church

III. Two primary local church models help clarify a Biblical pattern of the Church:

A. The Church of Jerusalem

(Acts 2-8; 15)

1. Centered in Christ

· Prayer (Acts 1:24; 3:1; 4:31)

· Preaching (Acts 2:36)

· Practices (Acts 2:38-47)

2. Empowered by the Holy Spirit

· Origin of the Church (Acts 2:4)

· Power Manifestations

(Acts 2:41, 43; 3:7; 4:30; 5:12-16)

· Exuberant Praise (Acts 2:47)

3. Grounded in the Word of God

· Devotion to “the Apostles Teaching”

(Acts 2:42) = NT Bible study for us

4. Established Christian Community

· Genuine Fellowship (Acts 2:42)

· Sharing of Lives and Possessions

(Acts 2:44-45)

· Homes Were a Focus of Activity (Acts 2:46)

· Outsiders were drawn to the Life (Acts 2:47)

Jerusalem – “the Church with Identity”

B. The Church of Antioch

(Acts 11:26; 13:3)

5. Disciple Makers

· Met together

· Were taught by Jerusalem Leaders

· Disciples = Christians (Acts 11:26)

· Received Outside Prophetic Ministry

(Acts 11:27)

6. Developed Many Gifted Leaders (Acts 13:1)

· Barnabas was the Lead Brother

(Acts 13:2; 14:12)

· Leaders were servants

(Acts 4:36-37)

· Team Ministry Was a Reality (Acts 13:5)

· Diversity of Men in the Same Locality

· Transcended Race and Socio-economic status (Acts 11:20)

7. Sent Leaders Into the World (Acts 13:2-3)

· After Much Prayer and Careful Planning

(Acts 13:2)

· Into the Surrounding Regions and Nations

Antioch – “the Church with Activity”

Jerusalem Antioch

Tradition New Works

Depth Broad

Predictable Flexible

Holding Down the Fort Reaching the World

Sameness Diversity

Emphasis on Apostles Emphasis on Team Ministry

Heritage Missionaries

Modality Sodality

Growth By Momentum Growth By Advancing

Sectarian Open to All

Upreach Outreach

III. Applications for the Church

1. Centered in Christ

Jesus is Lord, the Head of the church which is HIS body (vs. traditions, denominations, democratic or authoritarian leaders).

2. Empowered by the Spirit

The church should be open and receptive to the Holy Spirit and charismatic gifts, in accordance with the teachings of the Bible, and without the errors or abuses of the past.

3. Grounded in the Word

The Scriptures should be honored above personalities, speculations, prophesies, pet-teachings or traditions of men.

4. Development of Christian Lives and Leaders

Realizing that the church cannot be strong and the world cannot be reached without leadership (Ephesians 4:11-16), the church should continue in the development of “lay” and “full-time” ministers and leaders.

5. Established Christian Community

We should strive to be a church that is a loving family which goes beyond a model where the church is merely a feed store or activity center. Home group and small group relationships and fellowship should be practiced, preached, and preserved for the development of this community.

6. Disciple Makers

The church should be committed to develop followers of Jesus Christ. Every member is in the process of becoming a disciple as well as a disciple maker. We are all growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, and helping others do the same.

7. Sent Ministers into the World

As the Holy Spirit develops and calls people in life and ministry, we should continue to participate in local-community outreach and world-wide missions opportunities. We can all pray, give and go…sending and supporting ministers and missionaries, and more specifically through planting churches as the Lord leads.

IV. Conclusions:

Aspects of these two local churches represent a scriptural pattern for a church’s corporate vision and function. Whereas Jerusalem provides a model for depth in Christ, normal church life and Christian fellowship (home groups, etc.), Antioch provides a model for team ministry, deliberate community outreach and church planting. We should receive from both examples and embrace their strengths as foundational for fruitful Christian and Church life.

Pentecost is a Picture of Revival

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“In this ambiguous world the final issue of the moral conflict is not in doubt. Christ is not struggling to the seat of power. He is already on the throne!”

“Pentecost brings the gripping assurance that Christ is not in retreat but gloriously on the advance, not melting into the distance but moving with might into our immediate circumstances. It is not enough to see Christ going away, even if you know he is going to a throne: you must also see him coming with power (by the Spirit); to see him coming with that power you will have to experience this vitalizing invasion, the rush of supernatural energy, that came to the Upper Room. Pentecost makes Christ our great Contemporary, takes him out of the mists of antiquity into the swirl of current events, and gives Him hands to grapple with the urgent issues of this present hour!” (Macpherson)

Introduction

As you read Acts 2, and commentaries about the amazing event and experiences of Pentecost; you will find that many writers choose to emphasize the similarities of Acts 2 with other Biblical outpourings and Historic revivals.

Revival is not strictly a Biblical word: the closest is revive or reviving (Hebrew: khaw-yaw) meaning to make alive, nourish up, preserve alive, quicken, restore, be whole. It is used fourteen times in the Old Testament and twice in the New. Why is it not more of a New Testament word? For the simple reason, that New Testament Christianity is revived Christianity. They were living spiritually empowered lives in light of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension as LORD and Christ.

Psalm 85:6

Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?

Habakkuk 3:2

O Lord, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.

The Hebrew word here means: to make alive, recover, repair, restore, to make something whole again once split up I pieces. The equivalent word in the New Testament is that used by Paul in:

II Timothy 1:6

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God which is in thee.

Meaning: to fan into flame, to revive. Some prefer “spiritual awakening” like what happened in Acts 2:17. It may refer to the quickening of individuals, but revival includes and exceeds them.

Revival is more than big meetings, religious excitement, quickening of the saints, being filled with the Holy Spirit, or a great harvest of souls. One may have one or all of these without revival, but revival includes them all.

It is not just missions, campaigns or crusades. Revival is a thing of special times and seasons of spiritual blessing and breakthroughs.

Revival is Divine intervention in the normal course of spiritual things. It is God revealing Himself to us in overwhelming love, awful holiness and irresistible power. It is such a manifest working of God that human personalities are overshadowed and human programs abandoned. It is man retiring into the background because God has taken the field. It is the Lord working in extraordinary power on saint and sinner alike.

Revival is essentially a manifestation of God; it has the stamp of Deity on it which even non-Christians are quick to recognize. Revival must of necessity make an impact on the community and this is one means by which we may distinguish it from the more usual operations of the Holy Spirit.

Distinction between Revival and Evangelism

Revival is what the Church experiences; evangelism is what the Church engages in. Revival is periodic; evangelism is continuous.

“Revival and evangelism are not identical, although the word ‘revival’ is frequently used to designate soul-winning efforts directed towards unbelievers. Revival will always vitalize God’s people…but revival is not always welcome. For many its price is too high. There is no “cheap grace” in revival. It entails repudiation of self-satisfied complacency, of easy preference of the good to the best, and of idols…Revival turns careless living into vital concern…exchanges self-indulgence for self-denial. Yet revival is not a miraculous visitation falling on an unprepared people like a bolt out of the blue. It comes when God’s people earnestly want revival and are willing to pay the price.” (Christianity Today April 9, 1965).

Features of Revival

Read Acts 2:1-14, 37

Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filed with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and was confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. But Peter standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”

All the historic features of Revival can be seen in these verses in Acts.

1. Divine Sovereignty:

“…when the day of Pentecost was fully come…” –v 1

Every genuine revival is clearly stamped with the hallmark of God’s sovereignty. In this passage in Acts there was a fullness of time with divine ordering of believers and nationalities. God has a time for every outpouring, a time that must be related to a thousand other plans that He alone can determine.

2. Spiritual Preparation:

“…they were all together in one place…” –v 1

“…with one accord continued steadfast in prayer…” –v 1:14

The word of God presents side by side the two foundation stones of revival – the sovereignty of God and the preparedness of man. The Word and history teach us an attitude of indifference and fatalism must be abandoned before revival can be expected. If the blessing comes then we may be sure someone has met the conditions and paid the price. Yet…we cannot have revival as if God is at our beck and call.

3. Suddenness:

“…and suddenly there came…” –v 2, 7, 12

Revival may be likened to a strategic attack; in the spirit world a surprise factor. In revival, God works suddenly and unexpectedly; often even the mass of believers are taken unawares, while wonder and astonishment grip the hearts of unbelievers.

The effect of the sudden working of the Spirit in revival is also very striking in the conviction of sinners.

4. Spontaneous Working:

“…there came from heaven…” –v 2

Revival is the result of divine, not human impulse. It cannot be worked up. Fulfilled conditions do not provide the motive force of revival. A movement bears this mark of spontaneity when men cannot account for what has taken place in terms of personalities, organizations, meetings, preaching, or any other consecrated activity; and when the work continues unabated without any human control. As soon as a movement becomes controlled or organized, it has ceased to be spontaneous – it is no longer a revival.

5. God-Consciousness:

“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that came to rest on each of them.” -v 3

“…they were cut to the heart, and said, What shall we do?!?” –v 37

The spirit of revival is the consciousness of God. The effects of such manifestations of God are threefold; men are made aware of the reality of HIS presence and love, the awesomeness of HIS power and HIS holiness. This manifestation…was intensely personal…It was God moving in power and holiness toward them; they themselves were the objects of God’s activity. This is an outstanding feature of revival and it is easy to see why it results in overwhelming conviction both among the saved and the lost whenever there is sin.

6. Anointed Vessels:

“…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” –v 4

With the stirrings of the Spirit that are the precursor of revival, there is born in many hearts a wholesome dissatisfaction with that vague and mystic view of being filled with the Spirit that leaves one in the dark as to what it is, how it comes and whether or not one has received it.

7. Supernatural Manifestation:

“…they spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance…” –v 4, 12, 43

The most ordinary conversion of a sinner is a supernatural work, but it is not manifestly so. Here is meant that which is in the eyes of men manifestly supernatural and which can be accounted for in no other way. It is that which produces in the hearts and minds of onlookers the reaction described here: “they were all amazed and perplexed saying one to another “What does this mean?”

8. Divine Magnetism:

“…and when this sound was heard, the multitude came together…” –v 6

In revival, the presence and work of God attracts people, draws attention, and often brings about an unbelievable spiritual connection or unity in meetings, prayer or relationships.

9. Apostolic Preaching:

“…Peter lifted up his voice and spoke forth to them…” –v 14

Although some souls are saved in revival apart from preaching such times are nearly always characterized by a powerful proclamation of truth. Sometimes the outpouring has come by preaching; sometimes the preaching has come by the outpouring.

10. Missions and Evangelism:

Most missions and ministry movements have been the fruit of personal renewal and spiritual revivals. This was true of Pentecost which was both a revival and a missions event. Symbolically, the whole world is represented in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Each person hears the wonderful works of God in their own language. This puts an emphasis on the mission of the Church to make disciples of all nations. It’s connected to the promise of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh. Pentecost stands as a sign to the Church on its birthday that it is called to take the gospel message to every cultural and people group in their own language.

(Adopted from Notes on Revival, by Winkie Pratney)

Prayer in Acts

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Acts is a study of the Christian prayer life. It is full of stories for inspiring and instructing our prayers. In Acts, we are provided examples of successful prayer that may increase our expectation for answers to prayers. It is also important to notice that the believers in Acts were not so much interested in reading and studying about prayer, as they were committed to a lifestyle of actually praying.

Already in chapter 1 we have seen the disciples praying on two different occasions. Their prayer in the upper room following the ascension was answered by Pentecost. Their prayer for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas was answered by the lot falling on Matthias. Here we see prayer as a priority for Christians, preparation for revival and essential for leaders. And so it is throughout the book.

Those who were converted on the day of Pentecost continued steadfastly in prayer (2:42). The succeeding verses (43-47) describe the ideal conditions present in this praying fellowship.

Following the release of Peter and John, the believers prayed for boldness (4:29). As a result, the place was shaken, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness (4:31).

The Apostles suggested that seven men be chosen for service and financial matters so that they could devote their time more fully to prayer and the ministry of the Word (6:3, 4). The Apostles then prayed and laid their hands on the seven (6:6). The next verses record thrilling new triumphs for the gospel (6:7, 8).

Stephen prayed as he was about to be martyred (7:59). Chapter 9 records an answer to that prayer—the conversion of an onlooker, Saul of Tarsus (Paul).

Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans who believed, with the result that they received the Holy Spirit (8:15–17).

Following his conversion, Saul of Tarsus prayed in the house of Judas: God answered the prayer by sending Ananias to him (9:11-17).

Peter prayed at Joppa and Dorcas was raised to life (9:40). As a result many believed on the Lord (9:42).

The gentile centurion Cornelius prayed (10:2); his prayers went up as a memorial before God (10:4). An angel appeared to him in a vision, instructing him to send for a man named Simon Peter (10:5). The next day Peter prayed (10:9). His prayer was answered by a heavenly vision that prepared him to open the doors of the kingdom to Cornelius and other Gentiles (10:10-48).

When Peter was imprisoned, the Christians prayed for him earnestly (12:5). God answered by miraculously delivering him from jail—much to the astonishment of those who were praying (12:6-17).

The prophets and teachers at Antioch fasted and prayed (13:3). This launched the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. It has been said that this was the mightiest outreach of prayer ever seen: for it touched the ends of the earth, even to us, through Paul and Barnabas, the missionaries.

On a return trip to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, Paul and Barnabas prayed for those who had believed (14:23). One of these was Timothy. Was it an answer to these prayers that Timothy joined Paul and Silas on their second missionary journey?

In prison at Philippi, the midnight prayers of Paul and Silas were answered by an earthquake and by the conversion of the jailer and his family (16:25:34).

Paul prayed with the Ephesian elders at Miletus (20:36); this brought a touching demonstration of their affection for him and of their grief that they would not see him again in this life.

The Christians at Tyre prayed with Paul on the beach (21:5), and these prayers doubtless followed him to Rome and to the executioner’s block.

Prior to his shipwreck, Paul publicly prayed, giving thanks to God for the food. This brought cheer to the forlorn crew and passengers (27:35, 36)

On the island of Malta, Paul prayed for the governor’s father who was ill. The result was that the patient was miraculously healed (28:8).

So it seems clear that prayer was the attitude and atmosphere in which the early church lived. What a wonderful, divine partnership we have in prayer as participants in God’s purposes. When the Christians prayed, God moved…and when God was working, the Christians were praying. “History belongs to the intercessors!”

The Promise of Acts

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“HE (Jesus) gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” –Acts 1:4-5, 8

These scriptures are the summary of the promise (Jn.7:37-39, Eph.1:13-14). It is a promise that Jesus will baptize Christians with the Holy Spirit, which will give them power to be witnesses and ministers wherever they go.

I. The Promise of the Father-

A. Biblical Sketch of “God enduing His people with power”

1. In the Old Testament – certain of God’s people were endued with power for certain tasks – Joshua, Samson, David, Moses, etc.

2. The 2 different OT prophecies/promises of the Holy Spirit:

· New Birth/Heart –Jer.31:33-34, Ez.36:26-27; Jn.3:3, 2Cor.3:3=“In You”

· Baptism/Outpouring –Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:16-17=”Upon You”

*Notice: the 1^st is about salvation in relation to a new covenant and forgiveness, while the 2^nd is about a Lordship witness and wonders in relation to restoration (building and blessing).

The Holy Spirit “is in you for your sake and upon you for others." -Bill Johnson

3. God’s heart was to endue all HIS people with the Spirit.

· Num. 11:27-29 – that all God’s people would be prophetic, and be endued with the power of the Spirit.

· Joel 2:28-29 – in the last days, the Spirit would be poured out on all God’s people.

B. The Prophecy of Joel-

1. Joel 2:28-32 – Joel prophesies the Spirit will be poured out on…

2. Acts 2:1-5 – The Spirit was poured out on.

3. Acts 2:16-17 – Peter explains the prophecy in Joel was fulfilled.

II. The Proof of Jesus’ Resurrection-

In the New Testament – Jesus is Lord, Messiah and Savior; however, John the Baptist did not mention any of these when introducing Jesus. He introduced Jesus as the one who would baptize His followers in the Spirit (Mt 3:12, Mk 1:8, Lk 24:49, Jn 1:33, Acts 1:5, 8). Jesus also promised to give us (send) the Holy Spirit (Jn.7:37-39, 16:7-14, Lk.24:49). Luke writes to show that Jesus is Alive, Ascended and Active (Lk 1:2/Acts 1:3, 22, 3:15, 5:31-32); and he says the baptism and outpouring of the Spirit by Jesus is proof of His resurrection life (Acts 2:31-36).

III. The Increased Potential-

*One of the best explanations of Jesus’ desire, and our need for this promised Spiritual baptism is found in “Spirit Filled” by Jack Hayford. Here is a brief summary:

3 Reasons Jesus Christ wants to baptize/anoint every child of God (Christian):

1) However sincere we may be, we cannot, on our own, worship God as freely and fully as HE deserves.

2) However zealous we may be, we cannot, on our own witness for Christ as effectively as HE desires.

3) However capable we may be, we cannot, on our own, do spiritual warfare for Christ as penetratingly as HE directs.

3 Abilities (powers) Jesus Christ wants to give us:

1) An expansion of our capacity to Worship

2) An extension of our dynamic for Witnessing

3) An expulsion of the adversary through our prayers and Spiritual Warfare

3 Offices Jesus Christ wants to enable (anoint) us to fulfill:

1) Priest – to our God

2) Prophet – to the People

3) King – to the enemy

IV. The Promised Spirit Baptism:

The opening scene here in Acts is the last vision and communication of Jesus in the flesh. Just before His Ascension to Heaven, He is speaking a correction, the promise and a commission. Let’s take a closer look at these:

The Correction:

Q-What were the disciples asking Jesus in Acts 1:6, and what does this reveal about their desires or priorities?

It seems that the disciples had an unhealthy curiosity, some misplaced priorities, or a mistaken emphasis. They were focused on now, eschatology questions, and themselves/Israel (parochialism/provincialism).

Q-What did Jesus say they do not need to know in Acts 1:7?_____________________

The Promise:

Look at the principles found in the promise of Acts 1:8:

1) The Necessity of receiving– Jesus commanded them to “Tarry until/wait for it.”

2) The Certainty of receiving– it is “the promise of the Father” who keeps HIS word! And it says 2x “ye will/shall receive.”

3) The Ability received– Gr. Dunamis “power” or spiritual strength & might from God.

4) The Confirmation of receiving– “after/when the Holy Spirit is come upon you.”

5) The Purpose of receiving– “be MY (Jesus) witnesses.”

Q-What did Jesus promise the disciples in Acts 1:8? ____________________________

The Commission:

Q-What is the purpose for the promised Spiritual power?_________________________

The Conclusion: While we may be concerned with ourselves, our times, our nation/people group, or even end time fears & hopes; God wants us to: trust the Sovereignty of God, recognize our need for spiritual power, and be a participant in His Great Commission Purpose! While we ask when, what & who? God answers how, why & where! –Acts 1:7-8

The Prologue of Acts

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A prologue is an introduction, opening speech, or preliminary event; and the prologue to Acts is full of important insights and information (Read Acts 1:1-3).

The understanding of any Bible story, book or verse begins with the Context and Intention. The interpretation is determined by considering its context, as well as the reason (intention) for which it was written. This means the author’s motive, audience and purpose are important; as is the historic and cultural context.

Let’s take a look at some insights found in Luke’s introduction:

Dr. Luke’s Former Book? (Acts 1:1 for Lk 1:1-4)- This opening background reference is to Luke’s Gospel. There, Luke reveals his subject: “the Word” and “the things most surely believed.” He gives the sources of his information: “eyewitnesses and ministers;” explains his method: “carefully investigated and accurate, orderly account” (chronological); and declared his intention: so “Theophilus may know the certainty of Christian teaching.”

2. Devoted to Theophilus- Luke wrote his Gospel and the book of Acts for one man, “Theophilus.” His name literally means “Lover of God” or “Mr. God-friendly.” As the audience to benefit from 4 years of Luke’s research and writing, some believe this is a fictional person of symbolic significance. In other words, he is writing to all who “love God.” The opening could be saying “Dear Mr. Sincere Enquirer;” or to the “God-seeking…God-friendly” meaning anyone interested in finding God or understanding the Christian faith.

If he was a real person, his title of “Most Excellent” shows he was obviously an important person, who possibly held some public office. Some believe this title makes him a lawyer or judge involved in Paul’s trial.

3. A Defense Brief- Acts is apparently the second of 2-volumes that Luke has prepared for Paul’s defense trial in Rome.

As previously mentioned, the title of “Most Excellent” given to “Theophilus” designates him as an important person, probably in some public office, who is often thought to be either Paul’s defense lawyer or the judge at his trial. This makes sense because both would need a full brief detailing the circumstances leading to the trial. It’s also worth noting that this is the same title used of Festus and Felix when they presided over Paul’s trials (Acts 23:26, 24:3, 26:25).

4. Demonstrating Jesus’ Resurrection Life- Luke writes to show that Jesus is Alive, Ascended and Active-Lk 1:2/Acts 1:3, 22, 3:15, 5:31-32. He reports that Jesus’ appearances and eyewitness accounts prove the resurrection, and the events recorded are some of the “many convincing proofs.” Also, the baptism and outpouring of the Holy Spirit by Jesus is used as proof of life (Acts 2:31-36).

5. A Declaration of the Faith- “…of those things most surely believed/that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those eyewitnesses…”-Lk. 1:1-2,

· As a Record of History and Theology-

“Acts can be called ‘theological history’-a narrative of interrelated events from a given place and time, chosen to communicate theological truths. It views God as acting in the arena of history and through that revealing His ways and His will to His people…Our task is to find those truths and see what abiding principles we can glean from them that we can apply to our thoughts, lives and ministries today.” (Fernando)

· For Christian Testimony and Inspiration-

Here we see the Apostles and early Christians living out the commands of Jesus.

· To Provide Examples and Models-

Acts is “the only Church history we have in Scripture. Presumably the Holy Spirit wanted it included so that we would know what God intends for His people…It is important that we use Acts as a model; for if we do not, we can fall into the error of believing that another period of Church history is the one we want to duplicate. The Bible provides a sufficient model and is the ultimate standard.” (Pawson)

Here we see a modeling of Christian faith, life and discipleship; and find model leadership, churches, prayer, missions, etc. We also have the examples of the early Church’s struggles with hypocrisy, prejudice, and arguments within, and persecution, false accusations and doctrinal disputes without.

“Acts is the remarkable account of the spread of Christianity. Luke sifts the evidence and selects the events that chart this expansion, providing a model for church life and a missionary manual to enable the expansion to continue. Simultaneously he achieves his overall goal of briefing Theophilus so that his friend the apostle Paul might be declared innocent at his trial. At the same time God intended that we should understand how He is at work in building His Kingdom, so that whoever we are and wherever we live we might be clear about the ideals for which we should work and pray.” (Pawson)

The Purpose of Acts

2010-09-17T13:13:00.000-04:00

“The glory of GOD is man fully alive.” –Saint Irenaeus

“Go…& tell the people the full message of this new life!”–Acts 5:20

I. An Introduction to the Book of Acts-

The book of Acts continues the narrative of Luke’s Gospel. Doctor Luke wrote it around A.D. 60-62, and it covers the first 30-35 years of Christian history. It is the historic bridge and Christian testimony that links the Gospels to the Epistles.

“The story of Jesus doesn’t end with Jesus. It continues in the lives of those who believe in HIM. The supernatural does not stop with Jesus. Luke makes it clear that these Christians he wrote about…are in on the action of God, God acting in them, God living in them… which also means… in us.” (Peterson)

“The Gospels set forth what Christ began to do. Acts shows what HE continued to do by the Holy Spirit, through HIS disciples. The Gospels tell of a crucified and risen Savior. Acts portrays HIM as the ascended and exalted Lord and leader. In the Gospels we hear Christ’s teachings. In Acts we see the effect of HIS teachings on the acts of the apostles.” (Mears)

While the book is called “The Acts of the Apostles,” it is really the acts of the Holy Spirit through the lives of the followers of Christ. It gives no extensive account of any apostles except for Peter and Paul.

Luke is clearly less interested in what two apostles accomplished, as in showing what the resurrected Lord Jesus was doing in the days immediately following HIS Ascension. The opening verse refers to the Gospel of Luke as telling “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” This infers that Acts tells all that Jesus continued to do.

Acts “gives all manner of clues about the sort of things that the Risen Christ wants to continue to do in the modern believer and through the modern church. If the Gospels were a record of Volume I of the things Christ did and Acts is Volume II, then surely we today should be part of the writing of Volume III. Herein lies one of the unique contributions that the Acts can make to life as a disciple of Jesus Christ in the contemporary era.” (D. Stuart Briscoe)

II. An Overview of the Book of Acts-

The theme of Acts is the growth of Christianity through the spread of the Gospel/Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are 3-4 commonly held theories concerning Luke’s intended outline or structure for Acts. The simplest is a 2-fold emphasis on the two main apostles. Their lives, ministry and influence are separated with the emphasis on Peter the apostle to the Jews in Chapters 1-12, and Paul the apostle to the Gentiles in the rest of the book.

Another view focuses on the 3-fold geographic expansion of Christianity as it is seen in Acts 1:8. The witness for Christ starts in Jerusalem (Chapters 1-7), goes further into Judea and Samaria (Chapters 8-12), and then spreads to Europe and throughout the Roman Empire (Chapters 13-20+). Some add a fourth part to this as the witness to the ends of the earth or before leaders (Chapters 21-28). Regardless of the breakdown you use in study, each section of the book focuses on a particular audience, a key personality, and a significant phase in the expansion of the Gospel message, Church growth and the increase of the Kingdom of God.

In “Unlocking the Bible”, David Pawson gives a unique overview of the whole Bible which includes this excerpt on, The Six Sections of Acts:

The three-stage structure (of Acts) may be compelling in some ways, but there is a better and more detailed way of understanding Luke’s approach. This understanding comes directly from noticing a literary device which Luke seems to be using to underline his theme. He includes a series of similar phrases at various points in his narrative. Note the following:

Acts 6:7. ‘So the word of God spread, the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.’

Acts 9:31. ‘Then the church throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.’

Acts 12:24. ‘But the word of God continued to increase and spread.’

Acts 16:5. ‘So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.’

Acts 19:20. ‘In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.’

These five statements in Acts about growth in either the Word of God or the Church provide a summary which marks the end of a section. Luke tells us what happened and then he summarizes that because of what happened the Church grew and spread.

In the light of these divisions, the suggestion given above that Luke organizes geographically is partly correct, and these marker verses suggest the following six sections:

1-6:7 Jews in Jerusalem

6:8-9:31 Hellenists and Samaritans

9:32-12:24 Gentiles and Antioch

12:25-16:5 Asia Minor

16:6-19:20 Europe

19:21-28-31 Rome

Luke is describing the ‘irresistible force’ of this new religion throughout the Roman Empire. It is as if the death and resurrection of Jesus are like a stone thrown into a pond. Luke shows how the ripples have spread, with each summary statement underlining that the ripples are continuing, until eventually they reach Rome itself. It is clearly a selective description – the expansion is only depicted in one direction, north-west. The only hint of expansion to the south is the conversion of the Ethiopian on his way home to Africa.

"Fair Sunshine"

2010-07-08T20:03:00.002-04:00

One of the most influential books I read in my early ministry life was: “FAIR SUNSHINE –Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters” by Jock Purves.

These biographical sketches of certain Scottish Covenanters…the story of their faith, families, and horrific persecutions; and ultimately the memory of their heroic lives, Biblical convictions and eternal perspectives were used by God in my formative (early) years as a Christian to bring about a revolution in my own heart and mind.

I wholeheartedly agree with Samuel Johnson and Joseph Addison when they said, “No species of writing seems more worthy of cultivation than biography”; and “It is observed that a man improves more by reading the Story of a person eminent for prudence and virtue, than by the finest rules and precepts of morality.”

The power of a testimony and inspiration from a godly example are personal invitations to engage life and experience God. Christian biographies cultivate the fertile soil of our hearts and minds while germinating the seeds of destiny within us. Once we read how they lived, what they believed, and see both the passion and priorities of their lives, it’s hard to return to a mediocre faith.

The most powerful forces for changing perspectives, motivations and expectations are personal ones. That’s why Jesus came, what HE sends us for (Mt 10:40), how your witness is so vital, and where the influence of biographies comes from. The Holy Spirit uses human lives in changing human lives, whether from a real relationship or the pages of a book.

When Jesus teaches on sanctification, HE tells us the power to change is in the truth of the Word, being sent as HIS representative, and a personal relational love motivation (Jn 17:17-19). It is “for their sake” or because of our loving concern for another that consecration is possible. You can’t be holy alone…there is no true sanctification from trying harder, self-discipline or works orientation. You will never become more like Jesus without relationships. The fruit of the Spirit is to be manifest in the relationships and difficult circumstances of our lives.

“Fair Sunshine” was and is a useful guide to readers who could, should learn more about a people and their Covenants with God in Christ…

The Spirit of God testifies that they had the mind of Christ. Here is a small part of their Rules of Society Meetings:

‘As it is the undoubted duty of all to pray for the coming of Christ’s kingdom, so all that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and know what it is to bow a knee in good earnest, will long and pray for the out-making of the Gospel promises to His Church in the latter days, that King Christ would go out upon the white horse of the Gospel, conquering and to conquer, and make a conquest of the travail of His soul, that it may be sounded that the kingdoms of the world are become His, and His Name called upon from the rising of the sun to its going down.

1. That the old casten of Israel would never be forgotten, especially in these meetings. That the promised day of their ingrafting might be hastened; and that dead weight of blood removed off them, that their fathers took upon them and upon their children, that have sunk them down to hell, upwards of seventeen hundred years.

2. That the Lord’s written and preached word may be sent with power to enlighten the poor pagan world, living in black perishing darkness without Christ and the knowledge of His Name…that they would love, sympathize, and pray for one another in secret, and in their families who have them, and weep when any member weeps, and rejoice with all such as are joined in this society communion which is the strictest of all communions; and before they go to their meetings everyone would be importunate with the Lord to go with them and meet with them, that it may be for the better and not for the worse, and with all such meetings.’

I loved this when I first read it in my UR dorm room during the winter of 1989…and I am inspired to live by it even today. Notice that historically, King Jesus is the 1 going forth on the “White Horse” of the Gospel, not the anti-christ.

“What shall I say in this great day of the Lord, wherein in the midst of a cloud, I have found a fair sunshine! I can wish no more for you, but that the Lord may comfort you, and shine upon you as HE does upon me, and give you that same sense of HIS love in staying in the world, as I have in going out of it.”

-Letter of Archibald Campbell, a Covenanter, to his daughter-in-law, written on the day of his execution in Edinburgh for his Christian faith.

"The Priorities in Acts"

2010-07-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

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 1^st, and then that is 2^nd, 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 you compare the beginning and ending of the book of Acts (1:1-3, 28:31), you discover the main subjects being written of, spoken about and emphasized. This is not only the clearly repeated introduction and conclusion of this book, but these words are the most used in the entire book (Jesus and God are spoken of over 380 times). Acts is the works of God and the increase of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ’s continuing life and actions. Chrysostom called this book “The Demonstration of the Resurrection” of Jesus, and that is the fruit of having Jesus as LORD and seeking 1^st the 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 Father, the name of Jesus the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It also shows their serving of one another as the Spirit works to witness of and glorify Christ, Jesus the Son focuses on Father God’s will and Kingdom, as Father God is fulfilling His promises to both.

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- These plural pronouns are used over 200 times in the book of Acts. The consistent use of these plural terms points to a number of key insights.

· 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!

"The Weight of Glory"

2010-06-18T10:39:00.000-04:00

My favorite essay ever written is “The Weight of Glory” by C.S. Lewis.

Every page pulsates with spiritual revelation and insight in an amazingly crisp, clear and convicting manner. Here he speaks of many of the truths that are so near and dear to my heart and heavenly vision. The treasure store of divine wisdom and godly perspectives is as open, abundant and readily available for our benefit here as in anything I have ever read. It is a classic Christian masterpiece, able to bear the torch-light of truth into our hearts, lives, homes and communities if we will. Lewis’ timeless words, compassionate vision of Christianity, with his ability to marry the best of the human heart and mind for the glory of God is desperately needed in our day. What joyful discoveries there are here…poetic, principled and prophetic discoveries!

Here is a brief excerpt, enjoy!:

We should take “heavenly glory quite frankly in the sense of fame or good report. But not fame conferred by our fellow creatures –fame with God, approval or “appreciation” by God…this view is scriptural; nothing can eliminate from the parable the divine accolade, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

In the end that Face which is the delight or terror of the universe must be turned upon each of us with one expression or the other; either conferring glory inexpressible or inflicting shame that can never be cured or disguised.

I read the other day that the fundamental thing is how we think of God. By God Himself, it is not! How God thinks of us is not only more important, but infinitely more important…the promise of glory is the promise, almost incredible and only possible by the work of Christ, that some of us shall actually survive God’s inspection (judgment seat), find approval and shall please God. To please God…to be a real ingredient in Divine happiness…to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a Father in a child –it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is!”

"Self-worth vs. Self-esteem"

2010-04-11T19:45:00.000-04:00

There is a huge gap between knowledge and opinion in our generation… and there is a huge difference between the worldly concept of “self-esteem” and the Biblical idea of “self-worth.” Any catch phrase that’s widely accepted and constantly championed in our day should be examined before embraced. You will discover that the definitions and usage of popular secular terms are rarely scripturally sound or spiritually true.

Now, I understand both the positive need for confidence and the power of faith. I also believe the choices people make and the habits they form are often related to how they view themselves and others. “Almost all emotional and relational problems, as well as the identity we assign to ourselves, have rejection and failure as major facets”-(McGee). That is why it’s essential that we give attention to making people know and feel valuable, loved, accepted, and honored, especially if they are family or friends. However, I fundamentally disagree with any form of humanism, works-oriented religion or shallow, self-help psychology.

Psychologist William James defined self-esteem as success divided by pretensions (Self-esteem=success/pretensions). In other words, your self-esteem is a measurement of how you are performing (your successes) compared to how you think you should perform (your pretensions)…your achievements relative to intentions or goals. If this is true, your self-esteem should constantly fluctuate based upon your actions and accomplishments in life.

With this view of self-esteem, you’re committed to soul strength and will power. This is a harsh and painful path for learning “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”-Mt.26:41. Jesus spoke this pre-Pentecost, in the context of prayer to remind us that Christians cannot live by their own willpower. Watchman Nee said of this, “To trust to the human will for spiritual ends is to encounter defeat. Spiritual power does not come from the human will, but from the new life in Christ. This life provides another, deeper power beyond our volition.” Or as Zechariah wrote, “Not by might nor power, but by My Spirit says the Lord.”

Another common formula for finding identity and measuring self-esteem is to evaluate ourselves according to what we do and what others say about us (Identity/esteem=performance + others opinions). This will never work well. The unwise practice of “measuring against ourselves and by ourselves” will lead only to the prison of self-introspection. Here, if the grades are good you are shackled with pride and presumption…and if the scores are low, you are punished with isolation and starved for positive affirmation.

This lie paralyzes with the fear of rejection and poisons with shame while enslaving the soul in a relentless pursuit of approval. And more importantly, basing self-esteem upon either personal performance or peoples opinions may cause you to seek the approval of men over God’s will for your life.

“Self-worth, on the other hand, is an entirely different matter. Our value as human beings is not based upon any of our personal abilities. It is predicated upon one simple fact: The infinite Creator of the universe created us in His personal image. Because of that, man’s basic worth never fluctuates because it is secure in the identity of The Image Maker—not the image bearer. So, while your self-esteem goes up and down, your essential worth and value are forever stable. Even though you may feel worthless at times and extremely worthwhile at other times, those feelings don’t change the fact that The Image Maker considers you “fearfully and wonderfully” made” (from my friend Terry Crist).

Self-esteem is based upon what you feel; self-worth is based upon who you are.
Self-esteem is produced by your personal performance; self-worth is the by-product of God’s grace, love and goodness…who HE is and what HE has done!
Self-esteem is attained by efforts and accomplishments; self-worth is accessed through understanding your identity in Christ.
Self-esteem is determined by opinion polls; self-worth is discovered in personal relationship with God and reading HIS word (Bible).
Self-esteem is an existential mood and psychological ruse resulting from humanistic philosophy; self-worth is a spiritual revelation connected to theological truth and relational reality.

The central verse of the Bible says, “It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man”-Ps.118:8. Our faith in God works by love, not by “believing in yourself” or from the “approval and acceptance” of others.

Christian…your “Self-worth” is secure, because GOD Almighty created you, cares about you as His child, and calls you as a special agent on Kingdom mission. Man-made and man-measured performances pale in comparison to HIS finished work, and rhema-words of life and faith.

In Christ Jesus, the performance trap is removed, the plague of competition is found unnecessary, the approval addiction is healed, the condemnation of insecurity is halted, and the damnable days of grading each other is finally over. You have nothing to prove and even less to earn…“Let no one take your crown…” –Rev. 3:11.

Take “heavenly glory quite frankly in the sense of fame or good report. But not fame conferred by our fellow creatures –fame with God, approval or appreciation by God…this view is scriptural; nothing can eliminate from the divine accolade…“You are my beloved child in whom I’m well-pleased!” –C.S. Lewis

"Simple Steps Forward"

2010-03-01T19:47:00.000-05:00

“Some people treat life like a slot machine, trying to put in as little as possible, and always hoping to hit the jackpot. But I believe that people are wiser, happier, and have more inner peace when they think of life as a solid, intelligent investment from which they receive in terms of what they put in.” -Raymond Hull

Whether it’s giving our worst and expecting the best, doing the same thing and looking for different results, or investing little and wanting much in return…Westerners seem ignorant of “the law of sowing and reaping” (Gal.6:7-10, Gen.8:22, Ps.126:5, Is.32:20, Hos.8:7, Mt.13). What a wonderful world it would truly be…if as Christians, we were serious about intimately knowing God and more intentional about Kingdom living. As I’ve often said, “It’s hard to live a whole-hearted life in a half-a…acting/hearted world…it’s difficult to secure undistracted devotion in a generation addicted to undevoted distractions!”

Booker T. Washington once said, “Those who think there is no opportunity for them to live grandly, yea, heroically, no matter how lowly their calling, no matter how humble their surroundings, make a common but very serious error...The need of the hour is for heroes of the common, for young leaders to model what others consider beneath them to a people for whom such simple truths can mean hope and progress.” Heroes in the “common life” and champions of the “normal Christian life”…that’s what we need.

Over a year ago, my pastor (Tom Tanner) gave a sermon on “8 Suggestions for a Better Year.” It is often said that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” For the times we live in, good intentions and hoping are not enough. We must be more than intentional…and take action! Wyatt Earp once told his brother, “You’re not a deliberate man Ed; I sense that about you…you’re too affable.” His point was that there’s a time to do something, and not just talk about it…or people get hurt (in Tombstone they get killed). It’s time to be deliberate, take steps in “the obedience of faith,” and sow the seeds of life that will bring a “harvest of righteousness peace and joy in the Spirit.”

Today, would you take definite aim at some at these possible action steps for a better tomorrow? Whether young or old, mature or a novice in the Christian faith, these suggestions…when followed can be life changing and world influencing. As Dave Mathews sang, “To change the world, start with 1 step; and however small, first step is hardest of all. For once you get your gait, you’ll be walkin’ tall…”

The bolded phrases are from my pastor. I added the principles, Scriptures and comments:

1. Devotions—“Read the Bible”-Mt.4:4, 1Tim.1:5, 4:13, 2Tim.3:14-17.
“…I am…” Read the Gospels slowly and thoughtfully, become a person of the Word!

2. Fellowship—“Join a Small Group”-Acts 2:46, Heb.10:24-25.
“…I did…have joined and started…”

3. Witness—“Share Your Christian Faith with a Friend”-Acts 1:8, 1Thes.2:8, Mt.5:16. “…I shall…”

4. Prayer—“Learn/Practice Prayer”-Lk.11:1-13, Eph.6:18. “…I will…”

5. Generosity—“Increase Your Giving”-Acts 20:35, Lk.6:38, 2Cor.8:5-12.
“…I did…”

6. Missions—“Go on a Mission Trip”-Mt.28:19, Mk.16:15, Rom.16:26, Rev.7:9, 15:3-4. “…I want to…with my children…”

7. Serving—“Find a Place to Serve”-Mt.20:28, 25:21, Rom.12:4-11, Gal.5:13.
“…I have…and will continue to,” in the church and in the community.

8. Growing—“Make Sure You’re Intentional About Growth” -2Pet.3:18, 1:2-13, Jn.3:30. “…I must!...” If you’re not intentional about knowing and growing with the Lord, then you’ll inevitably, unintentionally lose ground…

May our Heavenly Father grace you with the strength to deliberately, intentionally take definite aim and action with these simple, yet eternally significant steps.

“I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful; that the doors of hell are locked on the inside. I do not mean that the ghosts may not wish to come out of hell, in the vague fashion wherein an envious man ‘wishes’ to be happy; but they certainly do not will even the first preliminary stages of that self-abandonment through which alone the soul can reach any good.” –C.S. Lewis