ACT ONE
"The Church from Birth to Abroad"
By Dr. Edgar Pierce
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ACT ONE "The Church from Birth to Abroad" By Dr. Edgar Pierce
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The following is the beginning of my commentary on the book of Acts. I have entitled the entire work "ACT ONE...The Church from Birth to Abroad." This is an ongoing work that has been stopped for the immediate time. I wish to return to it in the next months or years to complete.
A few thing that will help you navigate this work are that all internal links on the page or in Orange. For instance the link for (1) Setting the Stage of ACT ONE looks just like this. You will find embedded in the page also links that will return you to the Outline.
(1) Setting the Stage of ACT ONE Acts 1:1-7
It has been stated that the whole world is a stage on which we are only actors. If this is true, and it most assuredly is, then the study that lies before us is part of the drama. Howbeit with the death of Jesus the church age began and a new play was begun on the stage of human life. I have entitled our study of the book we know as Acts, "ACT ONE." The implication of this is that the events of Acts were only the beginning of the drama of the church, which continues to unfold even unto this day.
Acts 1:1 states, "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach." So the Word of God itself bears witness that the book of Acts is only the beginning. I wish to imply that we are part of the drama that only began as ACT ONE in Acts. We are not part of a new play only the continuation of what had it’s beginning in Acts.
We could probably argue from church history, of which I claim no expertise and little knowledge, that the dark ages were ACT TWO, the reformation ACT THREE and we today are living in ACT FOUR. I leave this for greater minds and other times wishing only to secure our connection to the early church in order that we might see we too have a place on the stage of the church.
I- Introduction:
The book of Acts is one of the most important books in the Bible. It has been oft called the Acts of the Apostles. However this seems to not adequately describe it because only a few of the apostles are even mentioned. Primarily two apostles namely Peter (of the original 12) and Paul (not of the original twelve) are given any notice. For the others we must go to other books of the Bible or even to extra biblical sources to know anything about their ministry. You may have heard it referred to as the, "Acts of the Holy Spirit." Certainly this is a fitting title because the Holy Spirit working through the early church is the overall theme of the book. Most often we simply refer to the book as "The Acts" leaving it for the application of any other attachment the hearer wants to add.
II- Purpose of the Writing:
In order to understand the purpose of the writing we need to see to whom it is addressed. It is to a man named Theophilus as we see from Acts 1:1 "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach." The writer of Acts that was most assuredly none other that the writer of the gospel of Luke. Luke the Physician is the human writer used by God. Notice Luke 1:1-3 "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus."
It appears that the relationship of Theophilus has changed from the writing of Luke to Acts. Luke addressed him as most excellent in Luke and simply Theophilus in Acts. This has lead many scholars to speculate that the relationship that changed was that he had become a believer. H.A. Ironside in his work on Acts said the following:
"He is called in the introduction to Luke, "most excellent Theophilus." The words translated "most excellent" were used only in addressing a Roman official, generally on set over a country. So that this man Theophilus was evidently an official of the Roman empire, probably a governor of a province, who had an interest in the story of the our Lord Jesus Christ." (Lectures on the Book of Acts by H.A. Ironside. Lizeaux Brothers, New Jersey, 20th printing, March 1988, p 13)
Pointing out the fact that the most excellent is omitted in Acts Ironside goes on to say:
"That may be more significant than we think. I like to think it means that this Roman official, as a result of reading the Gospel of Luke, had come to such definite knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ that he had openly proclaimed himself a Christian." (Ibid., p 14)
It seems certain that the Book of Acts was written to inform Theophilus. However, another purpose of the Book of Acts is to act, as the agent to introduce us to many things that without this book would leave us wondering. For instance we are introduced to a man by the name of Saul, later to be the Apostle Paul. Without Acts the epistles would make less sense. The Acts also at times seems to be a defense of Christianity and especially the apostle Paul. The Christians had been portrayed as troublemakers but the fact that Paul was allowed to preach the gospel while under Roman guard shows that the Romans did not find the Christians so.
Acts has been referred to as the book between; between Law and Grace, between the Gospels and Romans. It could be said it is the hinges on the door of church history. In the Gospels the church was only a future prophecy and then in the epistles we see the church has spread to many localities around the Mediterranean Sea. The book of Acts tells us how this was accomplished.
III- Division of the Acts:
The books of Acts has been divided many ways by many teachers. We have stated that it follows the story of basically two of the Apostles, Peter and Paul. If divided along these lines we find the first twelve chapters given to the activity of Peter. Chapters thirteen through twenty-eight are then give to the Apostle Paul.
Another natural outline of Acts is found in Acts 1:8 that states the gospel should be preached first in Jerusalem (chapters one through seven). Next in Judea and Samaria (chapters eight through twelve) and next to the uttermost parts of the earth (chapters thirteen through twenty-eight).
IV- Threads in Acts:
We can identify several themes that run throughout the book of Acts. First is the resurrection of our Lord. In Acts 1: 3 we read "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (My underline for emphasis)
The reference here is to the post-resurrection appearances of Christ. There are a total of twelve of these. Allow me to list them.
1- To Mary Magalene in Mark 16:9 and John 20:15-16.
2- To the woman at the tomb in Matt 28:9.
3- To the two disciples on the Emmaus Road in Luke 24:13-31.
4- To Peter in Luke 24:34 and 1 Cor 15:5.
5- To the ten (Thomas not present) recorded in John 20:19.
6- The eleven (Thomas present) found in John 20:26.
7- The seven in John 21:1-22.
8- The eleven on Galilee mountain recorded in Matt 28:16.
9- The twelve (included Matthias) found in Acts 1:26 and 1 Cor 15:5.
10- The 500 brethren at once in 1 Cor 15:6.
11- James the brother of Jesus in 1 Cor 15:7 and Gal 1:19.
12- All the apostles evidenced in 1 Cor 15:7; Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:3-12, 26.
The resurrection became the cornerstone doctrine of the preaching in the early church. Notice the purpose of choosing the replacement for Judas was "… must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection" Acts 1:22. This thread of the resurrection runs throughout the book of Acts.
Another theme that runs through the book is the need for evangelism and thusly the need of men to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. We find the great missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul here as evidence of this.
And last but not lease another part of the fabric of the book is certainly the working of the Holy Spirit as He directs and empowers the work of the early church.
Acts 1:4 "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me." This verse looks back at the promise that would be fulfilled at Pentecost.
V- Conclusion:
As we prepare to exit off the stage of the written page and take our place on the stage of life to continue what was started in the book of Acts lets look at one more thing that is important.
Acts 1:6-7 says, "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."
The character in the book of Acts lived their life with the expectation that the Lord could return at any moment for His own. We who are part of the drama some 2000 years later should live with an even greater urgency to be about the Father’s business. The question is not if God wants to teach us but are we willing to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to our hearts.
(2) The Final Commission Acts 1:8
The stage is set. The drama of ACT ONE begins to unfold. What is the driving force behind what has happened over the centuries of the church? What is the authority from which the characters operate? Who gave them and us our commission to do?
Please see that the Lord Himself is the one who gives us our commission to go forth with the Gospel. In Acts 1:8 we have what I have called the Final Commission. James Strachan said, "Saving knowledge is diffused over the earth, not like sunlight but like torchlight, which is passed from hand to hand." (Leadership, Vol. 7, no. 2.) God has and continues to use the redeemed to tell those who are lost the good news of the gospel.
I have entitled this message, "The Final Commission." Jesus told us simply in Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
I- Prior Commissions:
We have before us as a text one of the great verses in the Bible in Acts 1:8. I submit to you for your consideration that this, while being the last commission, was not the only commission to the disciples; both then and now; given by Jesus. Let us take a look at the other commissions recorded in the Word of God for a moment to help us understand this last commission.
On the day of His resurrection Jesus gave the disciples who were hiding behind closed doors in the upper room a commission. John 20:21-22 says, "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
Then we have what is oft called the great commission given by Jesus to His disciple in Galilee. This is found in Matthew 28:16-20 "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." This is seen as the marching orders of the church to go into the world with the Gospel.
Then we finally see that on the day of His ascension He gave the Final Commission to His followers living in ACT ONE and all succeeding generations.
II- Components of the Final Commission:
We see a hint of the promises found in the Act 1:8 commissioning in the others but Acts 1:8 brings some key ingredients together for us. First in John 20 Jesus breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit. This was a special indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon only a few believers because this took place prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
He also mentioned all power was given to Him in Matthew 28 but does not tell us with what power we were to accomplish this gigantic task of world evangelism. He said He would be with them but the question could be asked how. When we read the text of Matthew 28 we bring into it our knowledge of the indwelling Holy Spirit and do not ask how it is to be accomplished. However if we look at it there is no promise of the Holy Spirit’s help in carrying out the task given.
Now notice Acts 1:8 fills in the blanks so to speak for us. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…" The promise was that the Holy Spirit would come upon them to given them power to be witnesses.
We need to look at three things in relationship to this verse. We need to look at the power promised, the task of witnessing and the scope.
A- Power Promised:
Power is a wonderful thing, unless it is abuses. There are two basic words used in the New Testament for power. In Act 1:7 the word power is exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah) and is also translated in the KJV as authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, and strength. This is like the king or president having power to do certain things. The word in Acts 1:8 is another word entirely. It is the Greek word dunamis (doo'-nam-is) and is translated ability, abundance, miracle strength among others.
If you could hold power to do anything your heart desires what would you use this stewardship to accomplish? Men use power for many things. Some use it to get rich or gain fame. Some us it to control others and make them do as they please. You will notice however the power mentioned here was and is not human power but supernatural power from God Himself. We see this evidenced in Acts 4:33 " And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."
God did not promise us power to gain great wealth or to become famous. He did not promise we would be without neither problems nor heartaches. May I say the power promised here was for very narrow and specific purposes? It was power to become witnesses and servants of God.
B- The Task of Witnessing:
Let us now look at the task of witnessing for which we are promised power. Of special interest is the word that is translated witnesses here. It is the Greek word martus (mar’-toos). It is translated in Acts 22:20 when Paul talks about his confession to God concerning Stephen as martyr. "And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by…" It is also translated the same way in Rev 17:6 "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus."
In all but one other of the 34 places in appears in the New Testament it is translated witness(es).
So we can say that God has called us to be His witnesses and intends for us to do so. This is not just a New Testament concept with God. He has always called me to witness of him. Notice but one place in the New Testament. Isa 44:6-8 "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. 7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? And the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. 8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any."
Let us now look at things that pertain to being a witness and particularly a Christian witness. If we enter a court of law a man cannot give testimony unless it is first hand material. Hearsay evidence is disallowed. So a witness must know what he is saying is true. A witness for Christ must be one who has settled the matters of his faith in his own heart. We do not have a think so religion we have a know so.
In a Christian witness there must also be a consistent walk to match the talk. Remember Jesus said to do as the Pharisees said not as they did. They were not consistent in their life and thusly their witness was weak. The character of witnesses is constantly put on trial in our courtrooms to see if they are truthful people.
Another thing to refer back to the word martyr again is that if we truly believe something we should be willing to die for it. If faced with denouncing our faith or death would be chose to die. I remind us we must die to live again.
By the way God can put the words in our mouth any time He wants. Let me illustrate.
"Before the lunch hour rush at the restaurant where I waitress, I recited a memory verse to myself--Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." To my surprise, the words that came out as I greeted my first table weren't the usual "Hello, are you ready to order?" but instead, "Hello, are you ready to live?" The couple had a sense of humor and I even had the opportunity to share the verse with them." -- Valerie Catura, Diamond Bar, CA. "Heart to Heart," Today's Christian Woman.
C- The Scope of the Task:
Most of the time preachers spend on this verse are on the emphasis of what I call the scope of the task. William Barclay said, "The power of the Spirit was going to make them Christ’s witnesses. That witness was to operate in an ever-extending series of concentric circles, first in Jerusalem, then through-out Judaea; then Samaria, the semi-Jewish state, woulc be a kind of bridge leading out into the heathen world; and finally this witness was to go out to the ends of the earth." (Barclay, William, The Acts of the Apostles, The Westminster Press, Phil, p 4)
The scope of the witness that the Holy Spirit was to empower the church, and us, for was the entire earth.
III- Will We Answer the Call?
The commission has been given. We are empowered to become witnesses for Christ in all the world but who will answer. The call is for all but I think sometimes many of us are summed up by what Jan Johnson said.
"Many believers are "rabbit hole" Christians. In the morning they pop out of their safe Christian homes, hold their breath at work, scurry home to their families and then off to their Bible studies, and finally end the day praying for the unbelievers they safely avoided all day." -- Jan Johnson in Moody Monthly (Nov. 1987). Christianity Today, Vol. 32, no. 8
Does this mean preacher that I have to give up my job, sell my house, leave my family and go to the jungles of the Amazon? If I said yes would it sadden your heart? The answer is simply I do not know. God calls different ones of us to different things. The call on my life is different than yours. I can say one thing with certainty however the thing that He wants us to all be is willing to go and busy where we are. The drama continues today what was began in ACT ONE.
(3) The Same Jesus Soon Will Come Again Acts 1:9-11
The final words spoken by Christ while He was on earth, the final commission, have been spoken. The next event that took place was the ascension of Jesus, God in the flesh, back to heaven. Consequently there are great deals of things we need to see in the three verses that are our text.
Acts 1:9-11 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
I have entitled this "The Same Jesus Soon Will Come Again." I must confess that this title leaves our many critically important things. We could also have entitled it "The anticipated return " or perhaps, "What if it were today." I chose this one feeling it was an inadequate attempt to capture the meaning of these verses that the Holy Spirit desires to apply to our lives today from these few verses.
I- The Ascension: 1:9
The disciples were on the Mount of Olives with Jesus, probably basking in His teaching and certainly enjoying being in His presence. Immediately after He spoke the words of the final commission gravity ceased to hold Him and He rose from this earth toward the sky. Can you imagine the awesomeness of this scene? I see Jesus, in my imagination, begin to slowly lift up and to rise like a balloon filled with hot air that the earth’s fingers no longer holds in its grip. How do you think the disciples felt? Men have employed some wonderful words to attempt to describe their wonder. One said, "They stood with necks intently stretched…" (Carver, William Owen, The Acts of the Apostles, Broadman Press, Nashville, 1916, p.16.) Another said they were, "gazing in rapt amazement." (Greene, Oliver The Acts of the Apostles, The Gospel Hour, Inc. 1968, p 33) My favorite description however was by Hershel Ford when he said the disciples were, "Looking their eyes out." (Ford, Hershel Simple sermons from the Book of Acts, vol. 1, Zondervan Publishing House, 1950, p 18)
Regardless of how you describe it this certainly was one of those "WOW!" moments in history. The one whom they had walked with and then seen crucified only to rise again now was rising into heaven.
Luke is the only writer in the Bible that God chose to relay this information to us. In Luke’s first writing in the gospel he wrote in Luke 24:50-53 "And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."
Now in the book of Acts he sums it up in three verses. We see from the gospel the ascension took place in Bethany, which is simply the backside of the hill on the Mount of Olives. Notice they worshipped Him and then returned to Jerusalem rejoicing.
Please notice something else in verse nine. It says as He was taken up and a cloud received Him. May I suggest this cloud was not an ordinary variety? In fact I feel it is certain that this was the glory cloud of God receiving its own back.
The cloud of God’s glory led the children of Israel as they left Egypt. Ex 13:17ff says, "And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines…18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea…21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."
This cloud of glory also filled the temple when Solomon dedicated it. 1 Kings 8:10-11 "And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD."
This cloud of glory was also seen in the life of Jesus at various times. On the mount of transfiguration we see it. Matthew 17:1-5 records this for us. "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
The ascension is describe in the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
The cloud of glory is promised at His return as well. Matthew 24:30 shouts, "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
I mean to suggest that Jesus was received back into the fold from which He had been absent from the time of His conception in the womb of Mary until now. Remember the words of Jesus in John 17:5 were, "…O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."
II- The Message: 1:10-11
While they stood, "looking their eyes out" two men, most certainly angels, stood by them and spoke, "…Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
This same Jesus was going to come again was the message. This was not the end only a promise that He would return. Jesus had made this promise before. John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
This promise of His return was the hope of the early church and in no less real today than it was then. It is often called the "blessed hope."
III- Reasons For His Ascension:
If I may, I feel we need to take time to explore the reasons for the ascension. There are many reasons that God chose to have this event not only happen but be seen and recorded in His precious Word. May I suggest the following, which certainly is not an exhaustive list of reasons.
A- He ascended so the Holy Spirit could come. In John 16:7 Jesus said, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." It was critical that He ascended so the Holy Spirit could descend. Jesus while He was here could only be in one place at a time physically but He can be in all places by the Holy Spirit.
B- To bring the Second Coming into focus. The focus no longer was on His presence here but the promise of His return. This moved believers from walking by sight to walking by faith.
C- To give a definite end to His bodily presence here. He had appeared over the last forty days to the disciples off and on. The ascension signaled and gave a definitive end to these appearances. If He had not ascended this way we would have been left to wonder where He went or where He is. There is no doubt because of the record of the ascension that He is in heaven.
D- Because He had work to do interceding. Notice with me a few verses to bear this out.
Hebrews 4:14-16 "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
1 John 2:1-2 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
E- To confirm Heaven is a real place. The stories were true. The ascension showed that there was indeed a place that lies beyond the clouds. Heaven is not a myth but a place.
F- To reunite with the Father. Luke 24:26 "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?"
Can you imagine the scene in heaven? The excitement must have filled the air thick with anticipation. The one who had been missing was coming back. Listen to the words of Hershel Ford as he pictures the scene.
"What a reception He must have received! What great rejoicing there must have been in heaven! How the angels must have crowded around Him! How warm must have been the embrace that He received from His heavenly father! The best part of any trip is getting home—now Jesus is home at last. No more cruelties—no more injustices—no more misunderstanding—no more beatings—no more sweat, blood and tears. Gethsemane is over—Calvary is past—the tomb is empty and the Son is at home. He has gone from the agony of earth to the adoration of heaven. He has gone from the bruises of earth to the blessedness of heaven—He has gone from the hell of earth to the heaven of the Father’s house." (Ford, P 17)
IV- Discerning His Returning:
"This same Jesus…" tells us that it will not be another being or another god that comes but the same one that went will come again. This also reminds us that Jesus is unchangeable (immutable) Heb 13:8 puts this great truth this way, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." He will not come the same way concerning the contrast of a suffering Savior the first time verses the Judge and King the second time but it will be the same Jesus.
Notice the men said also that He, "shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." As we discern His return we can glean a great deal from these words.
First His ascension was visible, as will be His return. Some teach that Jesus has already come secretly in 1919. He did not ascend in secret and will not return that way.
He also ascended and will return bodily. His will not be a spiritual coming that only can be seen or felt spiritually but He will return bodily. He ascended beloved in a body of flesh and bone, not flesh and blood, into heaven and I suggest that He will return in the same glorified body.
He also left in a cloud as we have discussed. He will return the same way. Notice Revelation 1:7 "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."
Another thing that we can discern here is that His ascension was sudden and unexpected. Remember the gospel of Luke says in Luke 24:50-51 "And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven." They most certainly were not expecting what transpired that day. The Word of God makes it plain we should be watching for we know not the time that He will come again. However, His return is certain. Many today will scoff at this teaching and say that we have been saying this for 2000 years but this does not diminish the fact that it is certain. What seems like a delay to man is only the long suffering of God as the sin of man runs it full course.
V- The Application:
&#The applications into our lives of these powerful truths are many. The soon coming of Jesus should move us to serve Him and strive to live a life pleasing to Him. We have but a short time to be busy continuing in the work started in ACT ONE.
Is the fact that someday soon He will come again a reality in your life? Are you busy in the work of the Kingdom?
The aged Apostle John wrote some words that I leave us with found in 1 John 3:2-3. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
(4) Principles for Seeking God’s Will Acts 1:12-26
After Christ ascended back to heaven quickly we see the hand of God beginning to lead the men would become the charter members of the early church. I referred to this as the 1st church business meeting in a message I preached about 18 years ago. I wish to disagree with myself now. This cannot be a church business meeting because the church had not been birthed yet. This is still prior to Pentecost. However, having said this I submit to you that we see the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God in these verses.
In the remainder of chapter one of Acts we find the process of replacing Judas. We will spend two sermons on this. Now I want us to focus on some principles we find in these verses for seeking God’s will.
I- Return to Jerusalem: Acts 1:12-14
Jesus had told them to wait on the power of the Holy Spirit to come. They return the short distance from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem to wait. This was only what is given here a "sabbath days’ journey." This was one of the rules the Jewish rabbis had placed upon the people. This was a journey of some 2000 cubits. (between 1000 and 1200 yards) The place they found this was in Josh 3:4 "Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore." This had nothing to do with traveling a distance. They had attached not working on the Sabbath as not traveling. This moves us to thank God Jesus has set us free from this kind of legalism.
The Holy Spirit would not come for some ten day afterward. This was 50 days from the resurrection. Remember Christ had been seen of them for 40 days. They went back to a very familiar place, a place of comfort. They went back to the upper room. Acts 1:13 "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James." All were there of the original twelve except Judas.
This upper room had been the place that they celebrated the Passover with Christ just prior to His death. In Mark 14:15-16 Jesus told them to go into the city and there they would find a man " And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. 16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover."
I believe that there is little if any doubt that this was the place that Jesus appeared to the disciples on the evening after the resurrection. John 20:19 "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
A week later we find them again assembled and Jesus appeared to them again here. Remember Thomas was missing the first time. John 20:26 "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you."
This room was a place they had hide from soldiers and had been blessed by appearances of the Master. Now they return to this most familiar place to wait on the coming of the Holy Spirit that had been promised. They probably expected it to happen instantly but as we have stated it would be 10 days.
II- Peter Speaks: Acts 1:15-22
Christ had told Peter in Luke 22:31-32 "…Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Peter spoke many times for the whole group prior to the death of Christ and now we see this continuing.
Peter sometimes in the interim time stands and provides leadership. His words here show a spiritual maturing on his part. He recounts the story they knew so well about one of their own that had been a traitor and had ultimately killed himself. Peter tells them that they need to look at replacing him.
We might ask why they could not continue to function with eleven instead of twelve. They may not have even been aware of the reason but we see it has prophetic implications. Rev 21:14 even tells us that the New Jerusalem. "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." This may I say was an act of the Holy Spirit of God moving Peter and the others to do what they may not have understood the implication of.
We also see within these words of Peter that to be an apostle one must meet certain criteria. Acts 1:21-22 "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection." They had to be one who had seen Jesus in the flesh and one who was an eyewitness of the resurrection.
III- Principles for Seeking God’s Will:
Did you notice they continued to do as they waited? They were waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit but in the mean time they were not idle. Many times we sit down and say when God speaks with a great booming voice and I know every detail of His will I will proceed. Beloved may I say there are many things about the will of God that are already revealed and clear? We need to continue to do where we are and what we already know to be doing as we wait for additional instructions. When I entitled this message "Principles for seeking God’s will" I felt some would naturally assume what was meant was the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was not. The context in which this is set precludes this because they were seeking the will of God prior to the coming on the Spirit as they waited.
Let me make a couple of general statements concerning the will of God before proceeding. First God wants us to know what His will is for us. Most of the time it is our attitudes our actions or something else that impedes God being able to reveal His will. Secondly God does not want to reveal His will to us so that we can simply know the will of God but so that we can do the will of God.
I think there are some excellent principles for discerning the will of God that we can find in these events.
A- Pray: Acts 1:14, 24-25
Many times we try to discern the will of God without asking God what His will is. If I want to know what my wife feels about something I would not ask a stranger or not ask at all. I would ask her. Notice two times in these verses that it says that as they attempted to discern His will it says that they prayed. Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…"
Acts 1:24-25 "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place."
We have another example of this that leaps off the pages of the Word of God and will link us into the next point. Let’s go to the time of Daniel the prophet. Daniel had been taken into Babylon at a very early age. Many think he was the one who was given charge of preserving the scriptures during the time of captivity. Daniel as we enter this story is an old man. Almost seventy years have passed in captivity. Daniel is going to seek the will of God for the future. We will look in a moment and see what triggered this but for now notice the used of prayer Daniel employs. Daniel 9:3-4 "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession…." God gave Daniel in this context what is the single most important prophecy concerning Israel and the end times, the seventy weeks of Daniel. Now what motivated Daniel? Look at our next point.
B- Bring Scriptures to Bear: Acts 1:16, 20
Daniel had been studying the Word of God given to Jeremiah the prophet. Daniel 9:2
"In the first year of his [Darius the Mede] reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem."
Daniel allowed the Word of God to motivate him to seek God’s will at that time and for that time. He allowed the Word of God to be used in understanding God will.
Now notice what Peter and the early apostles did in the upper room. Acts 1:16 "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus." And then in Acts 1:20 "For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take."
They brought to bear the scriptures on their situation and sought its guidance in what they should do. This linked several applicable Old Testament Psalms. The key point here is that we first be familiar with the Word of God so the Holy Spirit can bring it to bear and that we look for the answers to what God would have us do in His Word. God will I submit will never conflict with His Word.
C- Look at Choices: Acts 1:21-23
One thing that many of us do not do is to use the brains God gave us as we attempt to understand the will of God. Many times God’s will can be understood as we take time to evaluate the choices before us. These men looked around, set the criteria, saw who met the criteria and proceeded. The great British philosopher Bertrand Russell once said "Most people would rather die than think. Many do."
I tell people often I have a standing prayer in heaven. God I want you to unfold my path as I travel not if I travel. I am constantly making choices within the parameters of God’s will.
D- Look for Clear Answer: Acts 1:26a
Acts 1:26a "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias" They did not look for the answer to be beyond the obvious. They had discerned that it would be one of the two now they look to see which. The story of Gideon comes to mind here. Judg 6:37-40 "Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. 38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. 40 And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground." Gideon didn’t put a new interpretation on the obvious. He understood the clear answer. We many times will try to weasel God’s clear answer into something else by spiritualizing or saying we did not understand it clearly.
E- React to Revealed Will: Acts 1:26b
Notice what they did when the will of God was plain. Acts 1:26b "…and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." Are you committed to seeking, understand and doing the will of the Father? Are you earnestly contenting for the will of God in your life? Has He revealed it and you pretended to not understand it? Remember God wants us to know His will not just for the sake of knowing it but so we will do the will of the Father.
(5) Collecting Dust On A Shelf Acts 1:26
What could possibly be the worst thing that could happen to a Christian? It cannot be death because if and when we die we enter the presence of God. This cannot be the worst fate. Perhaps it is persecution. I submit this cannot be the worst thing because if we suffer we shall be rewarded. Perhaps it is to suffer some physical illness. Again this may not be the worst because many times these cause us to grow closer to God. I submit that the worst thing that could possible happen to a Christian is to be placed on a shelf to collect dust. To be set aside to not be used again by God or set aside to not fulfill our fullest potential.
I- The Historic and Prophetic Setting:
In the circumstances of Acts chapter one we have an occurrence of someone being places on a shelf. Judas not only was placed on a shelf but committed suicide as a result of his sin that I submit weighted heavy upon him.
Notice Acts 1:18-19 "Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood."
Matthew in his gospel says in Matt 27:3-10 "Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."
We know that these events in the foreknowledge of Almighty God were not a surprise. We see that the Prophet Jeremiah has prophesied concerning this. This brings to our lives the fact that God in His foreknowledge knows things about us that have yet to occur.
II- Paul’s Concern:
We also see in the whole canon of scripture that the apostle Paul was aware of the danger of being placed on a shelf. Notice 1 Cor 9:27 "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." The word castaway is in the Greek adokimos (ad-ok'-ee-mos); and means "unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)" (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
In the KJV this word is translated "castaway, rejected, reprobate." Notice Rom 1:28 it says "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient."
2 Cor 13:5-7 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates."
Robertson's Word Pictures provides us some insight into the uses of this word. He says it "is an old adjective used of metals, coin, soil [Hebrews 6:8 "But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned."] and in a moral sense only by Paul in the New Testament. It means not standing the test…. Paul means rejected for the prize, not for the entrance to the race. He will fail to win if he breaks the rules of the game. (from Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft & Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament. Copyright (c) 1985 by Broadman Press)
So it is apparent that even the great apostle Paul was well aware that by his own actions he could in effect place himself on a shelf for service. I submit that he was not concerned here of losing his salvation. After all many place the scriptures make it plain that he was well aware of his struggle with sin and his shortcoming.
II- What Would Cause God to Place Us On A Shelf?
I think God gave me three words that are the reasons for shelving, pretender, surrender and blender.
A- Pretenders: Judas is in this first group. Notice the scriptures says in Acts 1:17 "For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry." Judas was pretending to be a followers of Jesus.
Listen to Matt 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." How sad and how unnecessary for anyone to stand on the day of judgment and hear the words depart, I never knew you. Beloved there are many pretenders today who are fooling the people, churches, the world and in some cases maybe even themselves. But it is very apparent that we cannot fool God. Those who are only pretenders for the faith here may seem that they are not shelved but the accounts of men will not be settled until death.
Have you done as the Apostle Paul said, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." 2 Cor 13:5
B- Surrender: Another reason that God can put us on a shelf is if we surrender to sin. Many men to day in the ministry are falling from failing. There are multitudes of men who are surrendering to the lust of the flesh and compromising their ministry and integrity.
The word we talked about a moment ago castaway has a moral sense to it as we saw. The picture is according to Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary "Borrowed from the athletic games, the word describes a contestant who, because of some infraction of the rules, is disqualified from winning the prize." (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)Remember Paul said "…I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…" 1 Cor 9:27
When we think of surrender the greatest example that comes to the surface is the story of Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brother he rises to a place of prominence in the house of Potiphar in Egypt. The problem was Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to lie with her in sin. Joseph says to her, "Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Gen 39:8-9
Joseph found himself in a potential compromising position one day. He was seemingly trapped and would have to surrender. Notice his reaction. Gen 39:12-13 "And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. 13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth." Joseph ends up in prison for a crime he did not commit but beloved he remained pure toward his God. He did not surrender and we know the end of the story is that God had a grand purpose for Joseph. How many men that God had a grand purpose for has ended up on a shelf collecting dust because of sin?
Let us hear well 1 Cor 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
C- Blender: It is not necessary to be in great sin but just weak in our witness and compromised with the world in order to be ineffective for God. 2 Cor 6:14-18 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
This is also spoken again in the letters of our Lord to the seven churches in the Revelation. Rev 3:14-17 "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
In Titus 1:16 we read, "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
IV- Dusting Off the Idle:
What should be our reaction to God when we find ourselves in this situation? First and foremost it should be repentance. If we are lost we need to repent of our sin and come to Christ. If we are saved we need to repent of the sin and again make ourselves available for service. Many times we want to wait for restoration to the place we were when many times God wants to take the things we have experienced and teach others to not fall into the trap of sin and idleness.
One of the lessons we also need to learn is one that is not stated but I submit is implied in the text. Notice we do not hear any negative from Barsabas Joseph. It is assumed that he continued to serve and be used. We can all learn a lesson here that will help us guard our heart if God chooses to seemingly pass over us to another for what we perceive as a greater honor or place of service. God in the day to come will reward faithfulness not necessarily grandeur.
May I ask are you just a pretender of the faith, have you surrendered to sin, or are you guilty of becoming a blender with the world. May I suggest that you become a contender instead of one of these? Jude said some fitting words to part with, Jude 3 "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
(6) The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church Acts 2:1-13
In the month of March each year in America there is a sports aurora called lights up the landscape called, "March Madness." It is the culmination of the college basketball season when what seems like thousands of games are played in just a few days in conference tournament and then finally the national NCAA tournament known as the "Big Dance." In countless locker rooms coaches give their best pre-game and halftime speeches in an attempt to motivate the teams to win. These coaches can only talk but are powerless to actually empower the teams with their presence.
The work of God is not so. The one who is the coach is also capable of indwelling and empowering and yea, if I may say it, play the game through us.
I- The Promise:
The disciples were busy worshipping and waiting for the power that had been promised. Acts 1:8 remember is a promise that Jesus gave them, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…"
Jesus was not the first to mention this promise. Notice what John the Baptist said at the baptism of Jesus found in Matthew 3:11, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."
Jesus had told His followers many things about what would take place after His return to heaven. Mark 13:11 "But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost."
He had told them that that after He left the Comforter would come. Notice some additional Scripture related to the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit and His function toward the church and the world after He came.
John 14:16-17 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
John 15:26-27 "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."
John 16:7-8 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."
II- Pentecost:
So the promises were many and the anticipation must have been great. Acts 1:13 tells us that there were some 120 people gathered in this upper room. On the day of Pentecost the first thing that we notice is that no such assertion is given as to the location. Acts 2:1 simply says, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." Most simply attach the location of the upper room but this may not have been the case. The place is not specified, nor need it be because the place was secondary to the event that took place, the Holy Spirit Empowering the Church. The timing of the event is recorded as being on the day of Pentecost. Pentecost may be thought of by some in the church as being a church only event but this is not true. While I believe that the church was birthed on this day the celebration was a celebration of one of the feast of Israel that had been going on for generation and even continued to be afterward. We find two places in the rest of the New Testament where Pentecost is used as a mark for timing events. Acts 20:16 "For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost."
1 Corinthians 16:8 "But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost."
Lets look briefly at the Old Testament foundation of this feast. Leviticus 23:15-16 "And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: 16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD." Pentecost simply means "fifty." Fifty days after Passover it was celebrated. This places the events that are recorded in Acts 2 as being some 10 days after the ascension. Acts 1:3 remember says Jesus, "…being seen of them forty days…"
Oliver Greene said, "In the Old Testament era the feast of Pentecost commemorated the wheat harvest, and after the exile it became the traditional festival where Israel remembered the giving of the law of Moses." (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 75)
The Bible says that this group was in one accord.
III- The Event:
The event that took place here is recorded for us in Acts 2:2-4 "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Three things demand our attention in this portion of God’s Word, wind, fire and tongues. These have come to symbolize the Holy Spirit.
First this event is described as a sound like a rushing mighty wind. It was not a slight breeze but a wind of divine origin that swept into the room. Remember Jesus in John 3:8 said speaking of the Holy Spirit, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." This portrays for me the divine part of this, unseen but still the hand of God.
The second element used to attempt to describe this event was fire.
Fire is symbolic with the presence of God. Remember Moses and the burning bush in Ex 3:2 "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."
At Mount Sinai where Moses was given the Ten Commandments notice, Ex 19:18 "And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly." Fire came into the room and sat upon them. The fire is said to be like cloven tongues. This means it was not just one big fire but was broken up into individual little fires. Barnes’ Notes says, ""The idea is that they were separated or divided one from another; it was not one great flame, but was broken up, or cloven into many parts, and probably these parts were moving without order in the room."(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)
We need to also remember that fire is a great refiner and purifier. Fire is also a judge of things. Heb 12:29 in fact says, "For our God is a consuming fire."
1 Cor 3:13 says, "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."
As a matter of fact we are told that eternity without God is hell fire, flames and a lake of fire among other things.
The third thing is tongues. These tongues were not just any random babbling but coherent and understandable languages. Notice the specific languages mentioned in Acts 2:9-11 "Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."
What is the significance of this? Please notice that Acts 2:5 says, "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." I think the significance of the different nations hearing the gospel was that the gospel is for the entire world. The dispersion from this event alone allowed the gospel to go to the known world.
IV- The Miracle:
The emphasis of Pentecost is sometimes in my opinion misunderstood. It was the indwelling and empowering of the Church as the Holy Spirit descended to take up His abode in the hearts of these believers and all others in the succeeding ACTS to follow. Many times the emphasis is place on the tongues that these men spoke with that we have just discussed. I want us to notice what I think was the greatest miracle concerning Pentecost. Acts 2:6-8,11 "Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?….11B we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."
The great miracle of Pentecost was not in speaking with tongues but hearing of tongues. Three times this key and critically important fact is stated in these verses. This points out the observable fact that God meets all of humanity within their culture, nationality, language with the gospel message. The Gospel is in fact a message for the entire planet not just for English or some other language speakers.
The reaction of the people was one of amazement by some and doubt by others. Men still react to the gospel in this same way today. What has been your reaction to the gospel? Has it been one of receiving it as the truth or as a doubter?
(7) What Meaneth This Acts 2:12b, 14-36
As we looked at the first part of Acts 2 we saw that the Holy Spirit came as promised and empowered the church. There is a question that gives rise to a sermon by Peter in
Acts 2:12 "What meaneth this?" was asked by those that heard the miracle of hearing when they heard the Galilaeans speak in their native tongue. Peter explains to the crowd on this day "What meaneth this?"
We see that this was not just some haphazard event that took place but was promised and anticipated and again confirmed that the things that were taking place were of God. One of the Pharisees would later council them concerning the movement that was taking place "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." Acts 5:39 We are going to see that the meaning was that it was of God.
I- It is Not Due to Intoxication: Acts 2:14-15
Acts 2:14-15 "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day."
The world is always looking to find another cause for the things of God and will make all kinds of accusations when they do not understand. Remember Paul said in 1 Cor 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Peter tells them that the events that just took place were not because of drunkenness. Eph 5:18-19 tells us "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord"
II- It Was Prophesied by Joel: Acts 2:16-21
Peter first reminds them that this very thing had been prophesied by the Prophet Joel. Acts 2:16 "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel"
Joel 2:28-29 says, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." This was what Peter quoted in Acts 2:17-18 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy."
The rest of the prophecy of Joel is still future. It is yet to be fulfilled but will be when Jesus comes again. Peter mentioned this in Acts 2:19-20 "And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come."
Joel says in Joel 2:32 "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." These words of Joel are brought directly to application of the Lord Jesus in Acts 2:21 "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Peter explains that the events they have witnessed have been to the salvation of men.
III- You Saw the Miracles: Acts 2:22
Peter next appeals to their own personal knowledge based on what they had witnesses. Acts 2:22"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know."
Peter is saying that they should be able to discern that Jesus was not a criminal but that He was sent from God. Jesus said in John 14:11 "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." The walking on the water, the healing of the blind, the raising of the dead, the feeding of the multitude among many other things testified of Jesus. John ends his gospel with these words, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25
IV- Testimony of David: Acts 2:25-31
He next appeals from the greatest King that had ever ruled Israel, King David, and informs them that David had look for this to happen. Acts 2:25-28 "For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance." He uses Psalms 16:8 in this appeal.
He reminded them of the obvious that David was dead and buried but he spoke of the resurrection of Jesus. Acts 2:29-31 "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption."
Peter makes it plain that these verses could not be about David because he was dead and buried and they could go to the tomb if they wanted to do so and verify it. David had spoken about one that would come and that "…he (God) would raise up Christ to sit on his throne."
V- Testimony of Resurrection: Acts 2:24, 32
Peter reminded them that only a few short weeks ago another event had taken place in the city of Jerusalem. Most of these men would certainly have at least been aware of the crucifixion and probably the stir about the resurrection. He tells them that the resurrection was proof of Jesus being Messiah as had been promised.
Acts 2:24 "Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." Dead could not hold Him, it was not even a possibility.
Acts 2:32 "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses." This again points to the testimony of the resurrection that many could bear witness too. During the forty days after the resurrection Jesus was seen by a great number of which certainly many were in the hearing of Peters sermon at this time. 1 Cor 15:6 says, "After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep."
VI- This Was God’s Plan: 23, 33-36
Lest they or we think that the events that took place some almost two thousand years ago were chance Peter reminds them and us that this was God’s foreordained plan for the salvation of men. Acts 2:23 "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."
This being God’s plan does not in any way excuse the wickedness of these men.
Acst 2:33 "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." He reminds them that the events that had just taken place was the fulfillment of the promise because Jesus was now back in heaven at the Father’s right hand.
Notice with me some very comforting and wonderful verses concerning the fact that Christ is at the right hand of the Father. Heb 1:3 "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Heb 8:1 "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens."
Heb 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
He again reminds them that David is not the one who ascended back to God but it was Jesus. Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool." Please notice yet another future prophetic word spoken by Peter here. He again quotes from David, "Until I make thy foes thy footstool."
Heb 10:12-13 "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God…"Heb 10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
The writer to Hebrews is making the argument that Jesus is greater than the angels.
So what "What meaneth this?" The last verse of our text today gives us a great summary of the meaning of Pentecost. Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." It’s all about Jesus.
(8) The Supernatural Reaction to the Gospel Acts 2:37-41
It is possible to have faith and not be saved? (Please allow me the courteous of explaining this before you jump to a unwarranted conclusion.) Is it possible to react simply only out of emotion to the gospel message or in fact to a story of a fuzzy warm puppy and not accept Jesus. I would say that it is because salvation is a supernatural event not something that is of the natural to accomplish.
Peter delivers the message of the gospel to the crowd on the day of Pentecost. What would be their reaction? First may I suggest that they did not have reaction such as they would have to an other event but they had a supernatural reaction. Let us see the reaction of a lost man to the gospel as convinced, convicted and then converted in this section.
I- Convinced: Acts 2:37
That the message of Peter was the truth and that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. There are some things that we must believe to be saved. We are not saved by faith in anything but we are saved by faith in Christ. Heb 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
One of the great frustration of many who attempt to witness is that they cannot get people to believe what they are saying. Remember Jesus said in Matt 13:15-16 "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."
May I say to us all that it is the Holy Spirit that must open the eyes and ears? Remember when Jesus walked on the Road to Emmas with the two and entered their home. Notice it says in Luke 24:45 "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures."
1 Cor 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
There is a song that is sang by many today that says, "Open the eyes of my heart Lord, Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You…" These in Acts 2 were supernaturally convinced of who Jesus was by the Holy Spirit. This was one of the jobs that the Holy Spirit was sent into the world to do. We cannot convince men that the gospel message is true, God must do this. We are only responsible for the deliverance of the Gospel not the convincing of its truth.
II- Convicted: Acts 2:37
Many times we pray for our family or friends to be saved. This is well and good but the thing that must precede salvation is conviction of the Holy Spirit of their lost state and their need of Jesus as Savior.
It says here that many of those that heard the message of Peter were, "pricked" in their heart. Notice what Barnes’ Notes says about this word:
"The word translated were "pricked," …is not used elsewhere in the New Testament. It properly denotes "to pierce or penetrate with a needle, lancet, or sharp instrument"; and then "to pierce with grief, or acute pain of any kind." It corresponds precisely to our word "compunction." It implies also the idea of sudden as well as acute grief. In this case it means that they were suddenly and deeply affected with anguish and alarm at what Peter had said." (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)
A sinners response to the gospel upon conviction of their sin is to know what they have done can not be undone. The conviction convinced them that God wanted to and could save them.
The greatest question men can ask, What can we do for forgiveness. Paul ask in Acts 9:6 "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." Also notice that the Philippian jailer asked in Acts 16:30 "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
Again Barnes’ Notes gives us a great list of the state of mind of a convicted sinner. Notice the following:
(1) A deep sense of the evil of the past life; remembrance of a thousand crimes perhaps before forgotten; a pervading and deepening conviction that the heart, and conversation, and life have been evil, and deserve condemnation.
(2) Apprehension about the justice of God; alarm when the mind looks upward to him, or onward to the day of death and judgment.
(3) An earnest wish, amounting sometimes to agony, to be delivered from this sense of condemnation and this apprehension of the future.
(4) A readiness to sacrifice all to the will of God; to surrender the governing purpose of the mind, and to do what he requires. In this state the soul is prepared to receive the offers of eternal life; and when the sinner comes to this, the offers of mercy meet his case, and he yields himself to the Lord Jesus, and finds peace. (ibid.)
I think the scripture teaches us that conviction is not a natural things that occurs with in men but a supernatural thing. The Holy Spirit must work this work in the heart of sinners. Remember the words of Jesus concerning the Holy Spirit in John 16:8-11 "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."
These people that heard Peter preach were supernaturally convicted by the Holy Spirit of their sin and need of Jesus.
III- Converted: Acts 2:33-41
Peter tells them that the one who they crucified was the one who could give them forgiveness. He tells them to repent. Repentance is a critical part of conversion. Repentance is simply agreeing with God that we are a sinner and turning from that sin to Christ. Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Cor 7:9-10 "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
Godly repentance is more than just feeling sorry for something for a short time until the feeling passes or we get over it. Many men feel sorry that they go caught with have repentance toward God. Repentance alone without turning to Christ is nothing more that a sham that will lead to a false sense of security. After all men have so called religious experiences all the time without ever being converted to Christ. Repentance should be seen through the eyes of grace in which a lost man realizes the goodness of God and that God wants him to be saved by turning to Christ.
Peter also said, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." He was simply telling them to not be unduly persuaded by the men around them because they were corrupt in their teaching and beliefs. Jesus had described this generation in Matt 11:16-19 "But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children."
Please notice the great number that turned to Jesus in faith and experience conversion. Acts 2:41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Also please notice that here we have the second time that believers received the Holy Spirit and it was not anything like the events just a few minutes prior. It was in the same mode that believers today receive Him, by faith in Christ. Based upon these events receipt of the Holy Spirit is promised upon belief. 2:38c "…and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." There is no indication that the apostles laid hands upon these new believers before they received the Holy Spirit.
Let me endeavor to clear up as much as possible in the scope of this message the in problem in Acts 2:38 that has caused so much confusion. There is a little word that is translated "for" in this verse that has lead to false doctrine. Some teach that this verse teaching that we must be baptized to be saved. This is often referred to as "baptismal regeneration." Acts 2:38 says, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
We must allow the whole canon of Scripture to speak and not build doctrine on one verse let alone one word in a verse. This word translated "for" is the Greek word eis (ice). This little word is a preposition. Please notice how many different ways it is translated in the KJV.
"[abundantly-], against, among, as, at, [back-] ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for [intent, purposefore],, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-) on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore (-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-) until (-to), ... ward, [wherefore-], with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively)." (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
It is found 1793 times in the New Testament but is only translated for 144 of these times. It could have been translated "into" which it is most often. Acts 2:38 would "…be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ into the remission of sins"
One of the strongest argument against baptismal regeneration is found in the writings of Paul. Notice the plain language in 1 Cor 1:14-17 "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."
So we can clearly see that conversion is brought about before baptism and that the Holy Spirit comes into believers at the moment of conversion not as some special act of second grace.
So what should be your reaction to the gospel. May I say it should be a supernatural reaction? You should be convinced of who Jesus is, convicted of your sin and need of Christ and be converted to Him by faith and them you should be baptized as an act of obedience.
9) Reasons for Assembling Together Acts 2:42-47
Many organizations today have benefits for belonging to them. They used these benefits to entice people to pay the dues or fees in order to be a member of their group. What if it cost to be a member of the church or to attend church how much would you be willing to pay?
If someone asked you, "What is the benefit of going to church once you are saved?" What would you tell them? Could you tell them the benefits of assembling together?
Many people are under the impression that they can live as close to God as they need to and never darken the doors of a church. While it is possible to be saved and not attend church it is not possible to be saved and live as close to God as you and I need to without meeting on a consistent basis with our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
The writer of Hebrews would not have been in the group that believed we could live without each other. He stated in Heb 10:23-25 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering…24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
The early church was very young in this state of Acts. Literally thousands were coming to the Lord by the preaching of the gospel by the Apostles and others. The benefits of assembling together are clearly evident in the church from this early stage of ACT ONE. Are they any less important today? I submit to you they are not.
So what are the benefits of assembling together? Is it so we can see what the others are wearing on Sunday? Or perhaps to catch up on all the news we have missed during the week? Many times politicians come to churches at election time to be seen and derive what they hope will be benefit. Many times Doctors and Lawyers and professional people will join "the church" in town in order to rub elbows with the right people to enhance their profession. These reason may I say are foreign to the Scriptures. So what are the benefits? Let us notice together some we find here in the last few verse of Acts chapter two.
I remind us again that we are looking in the Scriptures at the very early church. It is only a few says old. Still there are some things that we can see that developed that we can take with us from Acts 2:42-47 about the purpose of attending church.
I- Instruction:
Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine…" One of the greatest needs we have as believers is to be reminded of what we knew and forgot and what we know and do not put into practice. They continued in the teachings of the apostles. I am reminded that Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim 4:2-4 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."
We live in a world today when the masses do not want to be taught the word of God undiluted. They want a watered down version with sugar water in it so it is sweeter. I recently got a letter that wanted me to come to such and such a church that, "Accepts me just the way I am." The only thing wrong with that is God does not accept us just any old way. We need teaching of doctrine to find out what God wants. While you may get a little from TV or radio there is nothing like the real live thing where you can interact and participate. No teaching can replace the teaching of the church.
II- Fellowship:
Acts 2:42 "…and fellowship…" They not only were benefited by teaching but also with fellowship. Lets face it we all are social creatures. We all need to have interaction with other humans. Most people who don’t begin to develop problems.
The Bible talks about us being part of the body. You know what happens if you cut you hand off and lay it on a shelf. You can figure it out.
One of the functions of a church is fellowship. I think it is important that we have fellowship within our walls as well as with other brothers and sisters of other churches. I am glad we have ties with other Baptist churches. In 1993 on survey said there were 405,000 place of Christian worship but 100,000 had no ties with any others. I think the early Christians who for the most part met in house would not have thought this possible.
Why is our fellowship not what it could be, maybe should be, and certainly will be in heaven. Tommy Holtzclaw gave the best illustration of why mission trips are so special. When you are on the mission field for a short term mission everyone sleeps at the same place, eats the same food, have the same project they are working together to complete and as a result they have great fellowship. Our lives day to day in most churches are not lives in this closeness so our fellowship is not what it could, should or will be. Still we need to take time and effort to develop sweet fellowship in our churches. This is one of the great benefits of attending church, having a place to belong. We need to foster a place where people can become part.
I read a great little story that I think sums up the need for a personal touch. I must ask the question, are we like "Joy Inc." in this story. I hope not God have called us to fellowship.
I had a delightful, fifteen-minute telephone conversation last Tuesday. Actually I shouldn't call it a conversation. It was more ... well, I'll just tell you about it.
I called a company I do business with. A pleasant female voice said, "Hello, thank you for calling Joy, Inc. If you're on a touch-tone phone, select your choice at any time. If you're calling to check on your credit account, press 1 now. If you have questions about ordering procedures, press 2. If you would like a review of new products, press 3. If you would like to speak to a particular person and you know the extension, key that in now. If you ..."
Well, I was in luck because I knew Joe's number, so I keyed 357 knowing I would soon be chatting away with my rep.
Sure enough, after three or four rings, there was Joe's familiar voice. "Hi, this is Joe. I'm away from my desk right now. But if you'd like to leave a message, you can do so at the tone. If you prefer to wait, my secretary will assist you as soon as possible."
I wasn't particularly pressed for time, so I decided to wait. The tone beeped pleasantly, and since I didn't say anything (I guess) I heard the voice of a pleasant woman: "I'm sorry we can't get to your call immediately, but if you'll hold, your call will be serviced by the first available person. In the meantime, Joy Inc. would like for you to sit back, turn on your speaker phone, and relax to music of your choice. If you prefer classical orchestral music featuring the London philharmonic playing Dvorak, press 1. If you're in the mood for Christian vocalists, enjoy Dawn Rike's new album by pressing 2. If you'd ..."
After several minutes of soothing sounds, Joe's voice surprised me. "This is Joe. Apparently your call hasn't been processed yet. If you'd like to leave a message, you can do so now."
"Joe, this is Louis. I wanted to know about the payment date we discussed a few weeks ago. Please give me a call at home."
Before I could hang up, Joe's voice returned. You can imagine my delight.
"This is Joe. Thanks for calling ... Louis ... I value your business, and you can be assured I'll get back to you soon. It has been a pleasure to bring you Joy." Louis McBurney, Marble Retreat, Marble, Colorado. Leadership, Vol. 14, no. 2.
III- Observation of the Ordinances:
Acts 2:42 "…and in breaking of bread" This was most certainly observation of the Lord Supper that Jesus had instituted. What is the benefit here? It is I think found in the fact that church is a place to be reminded that Jesus is coming. Listen as we hear Jesus in Luke 22:19 as He tells us about "breaking of bread" or the Lord’s Supper. "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." Now to 1 Cor 11:26 "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
The observation of the Lord’s Supper reminds us that Jesus dies for us but also points to His coming and reminds us of that. We all need to be reminded of this and a benefit of the church is it does this.
This will help us to walk the way we need to walk. 1 John 3:2-3 says, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
IV- Corporate prayer:
Acts 2:42 "…and in prayers" The early church continued in prayer. One of the great benefits of church attending is that others can know when you need prayer and pray for you. There are times we cannot pray, such as when we are incapacitated or deathly sick then isn’t it wonderful to know others who you have taken time to study the Word of God with, fellowship with and celebrate the Lord’s Supper with can pray. DL Moody said, "I'd rather be able to pray than to be a great preacher; Jesus Christ never taught his disciples how to preach, but only how to pray.".
One of the things we also need to notice is that prayer was not just an after thought nor a reminder to be about in the announcements. It was something they did together. I remind us all that Jesus said in Matt 18:19-20 "That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
V- Outreach to Lost friends and family:
Acts 2:43 "And fear came upon every soul…47 And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
I tie these two verses together to simply say that if you are concerned with a loved one getting saved what better place to bring that concern to light than at church. Not that the church can save them but beloved it is here that we can pray for convection of the loved one by the Holy Spirit.
It is also here that we can attempt to reach the loved one with the gospel message by presenting the gospel to them.
VI- Help in Trouble:
Acts 2:44-45 "And all that believed were together, and had all things common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need."
We are told in Gal 6:2 to, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of