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Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction Last week, we studied from Acts 4:1-22. We saw the first persecution of the Church as a result of the healing of a certain man lame from his mother's womb in Chapter 3. Peter preached a message which led to the salvation of about five thousand souls in one day. This led to their overnight detention. We saw the boldness of Peter in the face of opposition from the council of religious leaders. 1. Their response to Persecution. Acts 4:23, 24 (And being let go, they went to their own company, vs. 23) The Church must have been concerned about the fate of Peter and John in the hand of the highest religious court in the land, the same court that condemned Jesus to death. The moment they came out of detention, they met with the rest of the Church. Persecution or adverse situation should unit us with our brethren rather than isolate us. * The reaction of the Church: When they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind . Vs 24 The Church did not react to the report of persecution with fear and perplexity but resorted to prayer. A major challenge of the Church of today is the Prayer life of the Church. Persecution and every other problem within and without the Church will melt away as the temperature of prayer rises in the Church. (The incident of praying Christian in Westford in 1793) 2. The Prayer Focus of the Church: Acts 4:24-30 A. They declared the sovereignty of God over all .Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth...vs. 24 The praise offered up by the church is grounded in Scripture. They cite from two of the Psalms. The church first praises God as the Creator in Psalm 146:6. The primary biblical truth that sustains them is a realization that God is sovereign, even in their suffering. B. They quoted the scripture in prayer ..Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage... Vs. 25-28 They quoted from Ps.2: 1-4. The saints spoke of Jesus as God's "servant" (Acts 4:27). Surely this is a reference to Him as the "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah. Once again the opposition of wicked men to Jesus is seen as part of God's sovereign plan, accomplishing what He had foreordained long beforehand (Acts4:27,28). C. They expressed overwhelming desire to preach the word of God despite the threatening. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.vs 29 The saints did not ask for God's vengeance upon their opponents. Neither did they ask to be delivered from all suffering and adversity. Instead, they prayed for boldness to proclaim the gospel. We must never be vengeful in our reaction to opposition, but rather pray for our enemies. Matt. 5:43-48 d. They asked for the manifestation of signs, wonders and healing in the name of Jesus. .By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Vs 30 Signs and wonders are normal in the preaching of the gospel. Mark 16:17, 18. We must place a demand on heaven like the apostles for the manifestation of sign and wonders. 3. The Result of prayer.. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.Vs 31 a. The Holy Ghost manifested among them; they were all filled with the Holy Ghost vs 31 b. They spoke the word of God with boldness vs 31 c. There was uncommon unity, sacrifice and love among them vs 32 d. They gave witness of the Lord Jesus' resurrection with great power vs 33 e. Great grace was released upon all of them. Vs 33 f. Every need among them was met by uncommon giving. Vs 34 g. Submission to the Apostles' leadership vs 35 In conclusion, there was the story of a Church in America that was on the decline when the leaders no longer see the importance of prayer meeting and giving the word their priority. Suddenly, thing began to change for the better, the pastor was asked about his secret for such turn around. He said; "BENT KNEES" "WET EYES" and "BROKEN HEARTS" "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chron. 7:14 If we come together to pray as a Church, the Enemies will never be able to stop the advancement of the Church.
Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction In the past few weeks of our studies of the book of Acts, we have seen a catalogue of fulfilled prophesies. Pentecost came, and the Spirit came in great power. Peter's preaching in Acts 3, produced 3,000 converts. As a result of the healing of the man who was lame from his mother's womb, Peter took the opportunity to preach the gospel to those who gathered. Content of Peter's message: (a) Evidence of the miracle (b)Preparation of their hearts (addressing their ignorance) (c) The suffering of Christ (d) Their roles (e) The need for repentance and conversion (f) The impact of the blood (g) The hope of resurrection and the lifting of the risen Lord. Acts 4: 1-4 (As they spake unto the people ...) Peter filled with the Spirit. His message as usual, was always characterised with facts from the scripture with simplicity and boldness, not of fables and endless genealogies. He did not preach a message of condemnation. He recognised the fact that, what Christ suffered was as a result of ignorance of the people and as well as their leaders, Acts 3: 17-19. He pointed it out painstakingly that God Has revealed it through the mouth of the prophets that Christ should suffer; However, he didn't indulge them with subtlety, that ignorance was an excuse. His message was "Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out". Similarly, he reminded them of their heritage in Abraham , Acts 3: 25. This is hope, and God's prerogative of mercy placing them first in blessing that will come through the risen Saviour. Therefore, it was very important for them to turn from their iniquities if they have thoroughly repented. The results of the message - (Audacity of faith and hope of resurrection): Generated greater conversion of 5,000 souls in spite of opposition against 3,0000 souls without. Unruffled by the animosity of the religious leaders (the Sadducees came upon them) Acts 4 begins with a strong and sudden reaction, especially from those who were Sadducees. This is the first instance of opposition and persecution in the book of Acts. It should not, however, come as a surprise, to us or to the apostles. Jesus had forewarned the disciples that persecution was coming. Men would react to the apostles and their teaching because they had rejected Jesus and His teaching in; John 15: 18-21; Luke 12: 11-12;21: 12-15 The Priests, the commander of the temple guard and the Sadducees all ?'came up to them'' ?'greatly annoyed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead''. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Two things ?'greatly annoyed'' these Sadducees: (i) Unauthorised men were teaching the people in the temple precincts. (ii) They were distressed because the resurrection of the dead was being taught. The implication of this was staggering to those Sadducees who had rejected Jesus and taken part in His death. Consequently, Peter and John were jailed. A challenge and a Bold Response in the face of Opposition. Acts 4: 5-12 In Acts 2 and 3, the gospel was proclaimed in the open. In chapter 4 it was a closed door confrontation (Acts 4: 15-17). Here Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin to give account for their preaching. Peter spoke boldly regardless of the calibre of people present. These are the very same men who, just a couple of months earlier had Jesus, tried and demanded that He be executed. (Mat 26: 57-59; Mark 15: 1; Luke 22: 66-23:1; John 18: 12-28 Peter's preaching was so powerful and so skilful that they would not have known he was not trained in a religious school. They seemed shocked to learn who Peter and John were. Power of Religion; Approach and Antics (i)The religious leaders had greater authority. Therefore, to maintain their statuses, they tried to intimidate and threaten Peter and John so as to silence them permanently. As they did in John 7: 11-13; John 9:20-23; John 12: 42; John 19:38. (ii)Carefully crafted Questions- ?'(By what power or by what name did you do this?'' (Vs 7). They carefully avoided naming the miracle or the mention of Jesus (vs. 14-16) with the hope that Peter and John will get the message of keeping silent, thereby killing their mission. (iii)Why the fear? The link between the power of the Apostle, healing of the lame man in the name of Jesus and that Jesus had been raised from dead. Boldness and Wisdom of God Exemplified. Acts 4: 10- 22 Fear was dismantled. Courage turned the table in favour of the Apostles. Peter identified the incongruity between their actions and the religious leaders' reaction. "When did it become a crime to do something kind for one in need?" "Why the need to be brought for trial before an esteemed group?" In vs. 8 Peter acknowledged they were leaders, to make their guilt greater. They rejected Jesus as the Messiah and saw to His death. Vs 10-11. Peter draws upon the prophecy of Psalm 118:22. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, that has become the cornerstone. Mission Accomplished; Vs. 12 ?'And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved''. Truth or Consequences? Vs. 13-22; Peter and John had no intention of being silent. CONCLUSION: ?'Men don't fail to believe for lack of evidence; they refuse to believe in spite of the evidence''. Rom 1: 18-23. ?'But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God should shine unto them''.2 Corinthians 4: 3-4.
Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction: Last week's study titled: "Let the Acts Begin" taught us lessons in the lives of Peter, John and the crippled man. We learnt that we should develop the lifestyle of seeking His face in prayers and fellowship, consider it an opportunity for great joy when we go through troubles, and we should act in faith. Today, we shall be looking at Peter's second sermon (quite like deja vu), the circumstances surrounding his message and the make-up of the message. A popular proverb says: "Four things come not back: the spoken word, the shot arrow, the past life and the neglected opportunity." Things to learn from these verses
The first thing Peter did was disabuse the people's mind; if you notice in verse 11b, ". . . All the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed." They were amazed, what usually follows next is some sort of reverent awe for the "miracle worker" but Peter checked that immediately before it goes to his head, he gave the glory to God. That's a check for every one of us. How do we respond when people walk up to you and say "that message was powerful", "praise and worship" was awesome, etc.? See "When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" Verse 12 (NIV) "It is Jesus' name (not his) and the faith that comes through him (not his own power or ability) that has completely healed him, as you can all see. "Verse 16b (NIV) (Emphasis mine)
"Our man Peter" seems to have the knack for seizing opportunities. Let's cast our minds back to Acts 2:14-41; there was an opportunity to preach and Peter seized it! Here again in verse 12a, we read "Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd." (NLT). Read Matt. 26:41 He first made sure the people were not going to idolize them and then straight into the message. He wasn't going to miss it. Peter must have been born ready!
"What is good for the goose is good for the gander". Matt 5:37, Proverbs 11:1 A close look at Peter's message (though short this time) will reveal absolute consistency. 1. He preached the Word of God; not fables or stories He referred to the prophets: "But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled." Verse 18 2. He preached Jesus! The Crucifixion, Resurrection and the Power of the Risen Lord Verses 14-15 He referred to Jesus with names the people would identify; (a) As "His (God's) servant Jesus" (vs. 13) see Isaiah 42:1-3. (b) He is "The Righteous One" (vs.14) see Isaiah 9:7 and Jeremiah 23:5 (c) "The Prince of Life" (vs. 15) see Isaiah 9:6; Daniel 9:25 3. He offered direction (solution); "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." Verse 16 4. He was not diplomatic or apologetic; Peter was not afraid, he accused the people of doing worse than Pilate. They handed Jesus over to Pilate, and then when Pilate wanted to release Him they had demanded His death (vs. 13). 5. He supported his message with the scriptures: He quoted the scriptures: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear," (Verse 23). See Deuteronomy 18:15 "And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Verse 25b) see Genesis 22:18; 26:4; 28:14
Conclusion Peter was alert! He would be someone who prays but also watches out for opportunities. He showed consistence in his message which was relevant, delivered without fear or favor. He was careful not to take or share God's glory and once again, his message offered solution to the hearers.
Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction: Last week, we all saw and gained insight into the power of the fellowship of like-minded believers, having all things in common. Steadfastness and continuity became their watchword and constant practises. They just couldn't imagine a life without each other anymore. Though with different backgrounds (since some have just been added to the 120 that tarried in Jerusalem in Acts 2:1), they have become inseparably united in purpose, vision and zeal. Today, the journey takes an interesting turn as we examine the very first physical manifestation of God's healing power in this book of study (".....Signs on the earth beneath" - Acts 2:19) that He has pre-ordained for this particular time in the life of the Apostles, at the particular place and the particular time in the life of the receiver! Practical Application: The book of Acts is a record of practising Christianity under the power of the Holy Spirit. It teaches believers how to live together in meaningful Christian fellowship, sharing freely with one another. Conversely, Acts also shows that Christians inevitably will have disagreements (As we will see in subsequent chapters), but that God gives wisdom and grace to settle differences in order to remove any impediment to the flow of His power through unity. Even though the early church had its share of strong personalities (Peter and John for example), there was still a willingness to listen and to submit to one another. Probably the most prominent characteristic of the early Christians was their spiritual power. They fasted and prayed fervently and their faith released miracle-working power of God. In today's reading, we trust God by His grace for boldness to be able to do what Peter and John did at the Beautiful Gate. Remember, Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is (always) the same, yesterday, today, (yes) and forever (to the ages). Heb 13:8 Lessons and Wisdoms from the Lifestyle of the Apostles (Acts 3:1-10) & The Man at The Centre of This Verse Enters Peter and John (Acts 3:1) Last week, we read in Acts 2: 46 that the believers have developed a very strong habit of regularly assembling in the temple with united purpose. So, Peter and John were observing this culture and lifestyle of seeking His face in prayers and fellowship. Another lesson in this verse is that they were going at the hour of prayer. Little did Peter and John know that God has specially prepared the day for them. This prayer meeting was not going to be as usual. God is set to bring his word in Mark 16:17 to pass in their lives. Let's prologue John (1 John 1: 1-4) and Peter (Matt. 16:18, John 21: 3, 7, 15-17) And The Man That God Created To Show Forth His Glory (Acts 3:2) Great timing! This man, who has been crippled from birth was being carried along, who was laid each day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful. The man in question had not walked for over 40 years (Acts 4:22) of his life! Knowing this informs us that he was a young lad when Jesus was born. It's amazing though that he never got his healing when the Lord walked through the face of the earth. God must have reserved him for this day for His works to be revealed in him (John 9:3). You know, that situation and mountain that has lingered thus far may be for His works to be revealed in you so that His Glory may be manifested through you! This man's state of health is the direct opposite of his location. This doesn't matter to God; after all, his state was going to finally agree with his location. Patience is key (James 1: 2-4) And their Paths finally crossed........ (Acts 3:3) So when he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple...... This man has been diligent in going to the Beautiful Gate. I can imagine the people who have been carrying this man to this gate. They must have been his friends, maybe family members. May have been a combination of both doing shifts between themselves. Same with Peter and John. If they have been lazy (Rom 12:11 NLT), they would have missed the opportunity to make history! (2 Tim 2:15). His Experience Has Taught Him (Acts 3: 4-5) Years of begging has taught the man to expect to get something! This man must have been tired of his pitiful situation and life at some point in time. He never knew that he has become a master in expecting to get something! This is key to his receiving his miracle. That is why James encourages us to consider it an opportunity for great joy when we go through troubles! (James 1:2b NLT) They must have remembered (Acts 3:6) Peter and John must have remembered the very words of Jesus in Mark 16:17 as soon as they saw the man. Remember, this is the very first miracle of its kind recorded in the book of Acts. Can you imagine us doing same in Clanbrassil? Peter (as usual) must have spoken with boldness. Gen 1: 1-3 comes to mind. He spoke light into the dark world of the man! They Dared to Go Further (Acts 3:7) Let me mention that the Book of Acts is otherwise called the Book of The Acts of The Holy Spirit. Everything was made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. These believers have been filled and they continued to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Believing in the power and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Peter took hold of the man's right hand with a firm grip and raised him up! By this Act of Faith in both the giver and receiver, immediately his feet and ankle became strong and steady! Mission Accomplished (Acts 3:8-10) He had never walked for over 40 years and can now do for the first time in his life. Can you imagine how happy this man would have been? He was not learning to walk, he was leaping!(Isaiah 35:3-6). He must have been doing his leaping in a very profound way so much that all the people saw him leaping and praising God!!!. This is exactly why this man has been healed (through the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Peter and John) at this time by the sovereign God. All the people recognised him. Can you imagine the multitude of people that witnessed this first hand? No one could doubt the miracle. It happened right there while people were by the Beautiful Gate! There must have been commotions everywhere. He has stayed begging at that spot too long for him not have been noticed! Our God is awesome. Through this single miracle, all the people gathered to hear Peter's preaching in the subsequent verses. End of the beginning Many opportunities like the one described above still abounds all around us. Little did Peter and John know that this was not going to be the "usual" prayer meeting. They have been diligent and consistent in what they were doing and God decided to honour their commitments. That service that you have been rendering selflessly that seems not to be noticed is someday going to be rewarded with the Mighty Acts of the Holy Spirit that nobody can deny. However, for this Acts to be experienced in our time, we need to move into the neighbourhood just like Peter and John (And the rest of the believers) did. They were merely doing what their Master did; "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood...."John 1:14a (The Message) The neighbourhood is where the opportunities abound. There are many lame men out there waiting for the earnest manifestation of the sons of God. Can God count on you?
Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction Last week, we saw the potency of the endowment of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. An ashamed, confused and fearful Peter before Pentecost delivered an authoritative sermon engrafted in the Word of God unprepared. Though being an uneducated fisherman, he expounded the scriptures in a relevant and unapologetic manner. His message, eloquently supported with scriptures, has nothing to do with his personality but the unseen Power (the Holy Spirit) who took charge and brought conviction to the hearts of the hearers (John 16:8). From the lesson, as believers we must ensure that our message (preaching, etc) must be relevant, delivered without fear or favour, offering solutions to life's questions and most importantly this message must be preached by our own very lives. Today, we will look at the beautiful beginning of the Christian church and her effect on both the church and participating members.
From the Church (group of believers) point of view - Vs 40 - 41
Definition of Growth: An increase in some quantity over time
There were about 120 believers gathered in the room before Peter's sermon but after the discourse, the hearts of many hearers had been so pierced that they gladly received the message and about 3000 souls were added to them.
We must note from the passage that it is God's desire for His church to increase in number (Numeric growth). Just after empowerment of the disciples, the next notable ?miracle' of the Holy Spirit was to convict the heart of men, not leaving them to themselves but adding them to the church. A vital church grows!!!
It is the responsibility of EVERY believer to work out this God's desire. Adams Clarke's Commentary puts it this way: ?These 3000 were not converted under one discourse, nor in one place, nor by one person. All the apostles preached, some in one language, and some in another; and not in one house-for where was there one at that time that could hold such a multitude of people? For, out of the multitudes that heard, 3000 were converted; and if one in five was converted it must have been a very large proportion. The truth seems to by this: All the apostles preached in different parts of the city, during the course of that day; and in that day, 3000 converts were the fruits of the conjoint exertions of these holy men"
From the believer (each person) point of view Vs 42-47
Definition of fellowship: Friendly association with others: companionship It was just after their conversion that they were said to be added to the church. We may have heard it that we are all God's children but the truth is that we are not considered added by God's standard until we are genuinely repented and converted, through faith in Christ. Vs 42 - Steadfast (fixed in intensity or direction, unwavering or determined in purpose) continuity (an uninterrupted flow) in the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers.
The quality of this fellowship is determined by the quality of the supply of individual component (Eph 4:16). Let us all ensure that we contribute our continued ?supply' (spiritual in this sense - place of prayers, study of the Word, etc on individual basis) for growth of the whole fellowship.
Vs 43 - The power of the Holy Spirit move freely via the Apostle to do many wonders, signs and awesome things because of the dedication of everyone in the ?fold'. (Note the word ?then' at the beginning of the verse)
Vs 44 - Like-mindedness: Being in company of people who think like you do is very critical to your growth and survival as a Christian. "When the devil wants to deal with a Christian, he will try to isolate him from brethren, from church, from the bible then from fellowshipping with God. As long as he is in broken fellowship, there will not be counselors to guide him in the right path" Pastor EA unpublished. Heb 10:24 (Amp)
Vs 45 - No one should be in need (not want) amongst a community of believers. Question: Is this reproducible in the present day church? Hint: Connect with what happened later and suggest possible cautions to your answers.
Vs 46 - Continuity in the temple (house of God) with one accord is a pillar for successful Christian experience here on earth Heb 10:25 (Amp). There is joy in doing things together whether holy communion, eating together from house to house, visiting, etc. They all have significant impact on the growth of the involving individual.
Vs 47 - The ?force' of love existing amongst them made it possible for them to receive favour from all the people. It inspired and convicted many to salvation and eventually led to numerical increase in the church.
Conclusion The importance of Christian fellowship can not be over emphasized especially in the present day church. It is natural for anyone to want to be around people like him/her. In fact, one of the early signals of being in a backsliding state is the absence of desiring the companionship of fellow believers under any disguise. It is a good litmus test that every believer must note. Each believer must ensure his/her part in the fellowship is not lagging. We must all contribute our quota to the spiritual, numerical and financial growth of the local church (Miracle Land Dundalk) with steadfastness and unwavering loyalty.
Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction The stage was set; the Disciples had been endued with power, a substantial crowd had gathered. There was not a better time for the Pentecostal Sermon orchestrated by the Master Himself. The timing was perfect, the preacher was Peter! The Holy Spirit had come in a new way, not upon men as in the days of old but into men. Peter was a real man, a saved man, a changed man, filled with the Holy Spirit; his message was authoritative because it was scripturally correct. Tag along; let's delve into the next few verses.
The Preacher; before and after the empowerment Peter was afraid and ashamed before Pentecost (Matthew 26: 69-75), but after the empowerment he was no longer afraid but became bold! Just hear him out. "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you, who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say" Acts 2: 14
What he said and how he said it
Acts 2: 14c ". . . listen carefully to what I say" Acts 2: 22 "Fellow Israelites, listen to this:" Only a confident person with authority can speak like this; that is what the Holy Spirit can do to a man. He expounded the scriptures; Read Acts 2: 16-21 this scripture refers to Joel 2:28-32 If it was Jesus Christ, after the verses, He would have said (and may I add?) "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." [See other scriptures he quoted; Psalms 16, 110, and 132] 3. He preached the Word of God; not fables or stories (II Timothy 4:2). A standard of how messages should be - an inspiration from God's word. Obviously, this was not the Peter the Jews knew; the skill, wisdom and bravery he displayed was a sure sign that a change had taken place in his life. Peter was not eloquent; remember he and a few other disciples were unlearned fishermen but he was able to interpret the scriptures in relation to what had just happened. 4. His Message was relevant; it was an answer to the heart cry of the people. They wanted to know what the meaning of the noise and speaking in tongues was. 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 5. He was not diplomatic or apologetic; he did not care if what he said was politically correct or not. He did not preach to please: Acts 2: 22-23. He corrected the falsehood of the Jewish leaders who claimed that Christ's body had been stolen by His disciples Acts 2: 24, 32-33 6. He supported his message with the scriptures: He quoted David from the Psalms. David said, 27 "Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption"
The Results There were results; but note that the results of Peter's sermon was not as a result of his personality or eloquence but the unseen Power who took charge - the Holy Spirit! 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
When the Holy Spirit is allowed, He convicts people of sin. When our Lord promised the Holy Spirit, He said, "When He is come, He will reprove (convict) the world of sin" (John 16:8). The preacher cannot convict of sin apart from the Holy Spirit, nor, will the Holy Spirit do it without us, the Spirit convicts sinners through Spirit-filled and Spirit-used lives. Unfortunately, these days, the sinner does not feel that he is a sinner because he sees us, (who profess to be Christians), living no differently from himself.
There was Solution 38Then 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. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Conclusion We see the transformation that can happen to an ordinary person filled with the Holy Spirit. It therefore follows that every one of us can change for the better by the help of the Holy Spirit. We also have seen how we should deliver the message of hope to the world (everyone of us have been called to reach out to the world one way or the other - Matt.28:19); by preaching the Word, not telling tales, a message that is relevant, delivered without fear or favor. A message that offers solution to life's questions; preached by our very lives!
Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction: The study of the next twelve verses will not make much meaning without a brief reference to the preceding verses. Verse 15 says: "Now on one of those days Peter arose among the brethren, the whole number of whom gathered together was about a hundred and twenty." AMP
What days is this verse referring to? You see the days referred to in Acts 1:12-14 What were they doing?Verse 14 says: "They all joined together constantly in prayer" · The first and very important observation was "Unity"; the Bible says they all joined together. Gen. 11: 1-6 teaches the power of unity · The second was that they were obedient; they were obeying the divine command, instructions given by Jesus Christ (Acts1:4). · The third was they prepared their hearts for ten days "They all joined together constantly in prayer" (1:4). (Luke 11:13), (John 14:26), (John 16:7). Now with all these in place, Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about 120 people) and spoke. What can we learn? Peter drew strength from the unity of the believers - There's strength in unity Eccl. 4:12 Remember the disciples at the crucifixion? They were scared and ran, Peter denied Christ three times. After the crucifixion, "the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews" (John 20:19). But they were in obedience, in unity and in prayer in the upper room. It was in this process Peter drew strength to address 120 people Secondly, Peter called the disciples to do what they needed to do. Stop licking your wounds, pointing accusing fingers or playing the blame game. It was time to put their house in order for what they were expecting. Everything had to be done right. Remember Elijah on Mount Carmel in 1Kings 18: 30 "Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come here to me." They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which had been torn down." Verses 16 - 20: Peter called for the fulfilment of scripture - Judas had to be replaced according to the scriptures, Psalm 69:25,109:8 This would serve to clear the air of any possible misgivings, tussle for power or position. He created a criterion (21-22). They were to: Choose one of the men who have been with them the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among them, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up So, they nominated two people (Barsabbas & Matthias), they prayed, they cast lots & Matthias won. Following from last week's teaching, one of the lessons was that we should learn "what not to do from the apostles" - paraphrased As an aside, is the issue of casting lots: Casting lots is quite Biblical. The word "lots" appears a number of times in both the Old and New Testaments. A few are: Lev 16:8, Num 26:55, 1 Chronicles 24:5, Jonah 1:7, and Acts 1:26. However, take notice that none of the Biblical illustrations of casting lots had to do with games of chance. Every time it was used, the Israelites depended on the Lord 100% to reveal to them His will. It was an impartial way to find God's will when choices had to occur. Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." Also notice that despite the fact that lots were cast in the New Testament, it was before the advent of the Holy Spirit. Compare the selection of Matthias (Acts 1:23-26) and the election of Deacons (Acts 6:1-6). The difference was the presence of the Holy Spirit in the latter scenario.
Conclusion We can experience Pentecost and the workings of the Holy Spirit as it was in the days of the early church. But we have to be prepared for it; not just in words of mouth but in the things we do. We have to put our house in order - let's do what is right whatever it takes! Psalm 15, 1 Sam 4:9, 1Cor 16:13 We have to, work in unity (agreeing to the fundamentals) Amos 3:3, live in obedience (absolute obedience to the word of God; not tradition and religion), pray in righteousness (effectual and fervent).
Thursday, December 29 2011
Introduction The word "Act" by definition means the process of doing something or the performance of a deed or action. The Acts of the Apostles or the Book of Acts therefore means the acts or actions or deeds carried out or performed by the Disciples of Christ. As we attempt a telescopic analysis of this very important book; we are confronted with certain realities; realities that magnify themselves as the Holy Spirit takes us on a spiritual journey into what lies beneath and within the compilation of this historical phenomenon. The "Logos" of the ?Book of Acts' makes it a compelling read, a block-buster that holds you enchanted from the very start to the finish. But when confronted with the "Rhema" of the ?Book of Acts' we are then confronted with certain undeniable examinations of ourselves in light of the characters within this odyssey. Facts to address as we study this book1. Who were these men and women?Importance of who they were: that we might look at their background, pedigree, beginnings and be assured that our lives can also be significant. Acts: 4: 13, 1 Sam22: 1-5, 1Cor1: 22-252. What were their accomplishments?Importance of their accomplishments; given their peculiar circumstances and situations they succeeded. We also can excel regardless of our circumstances.3. What were their failures?Importance of knowing their failures; that we might avoid their pitfalls and also realise their humanity.4. How did they end?Importance of knowing how they ended; one can only be successful at the end of one's journey. Were they successful despite all the odds and contentions?5. What are we to do?Importance of our actions: to appreciate their efforts, empathise with their pains, recognise their frailties, aspire to their accomplishments, and yearn to leave our footprints in the annals of history. Acts: 2The challenge that this book presentsWould our lives be worthy of being chronicled as theirs was? What would we leave posterity and the writers of history to judge us by when our time effluxes?(Verse: 1) A reference to Theophilus; (Loved by God), of former treatise (book of Luke) to which Jesus' life bore testament to His preaching. Romans: 2:13, James: 1: 22-25(Verse: 2) still a reference to Jesus up until His ascension Matthew: 28: 18-20, Luke: 24: 50. Mark: 16: 15-20, by the commandment of the Spirit, to His apostles; a command which He extends still to His chosen. John: 15: 16(Verse: 3) Acts: 9: 3-7, John 21: 6-10, 15-17, Luke: 24: 13, 31.(Verse: 4) John 16: 7, 13-15. No wise master sends his servant anything of importance without the necessary tool for accomplishment. The Holy Spirit is the tool of the believer; because He's too important for the assignment the apostles were to undertake. If Jesus could not evangelise without the Holy Spirit neither can you. Matthew: 3: 14-16. The Holy Spirit is the power house of the believer you cannot afford to be without Him. Luke: 24: 47-49.(Verse 5) Joel: 2: 28-30, Jesus clearly indicates and differentiates the baptism of John with that of Christ. John baptises with water Jesus baptises with the Holy Ghost and fire. Acts 19: 4-7(Verse: 6) the apostles talked about a physical kingdom; they didn't understand that they were about to embark on a spiritual journey that will birth in them the greatest kingdom that ever will be. Luke: 12: 32. Little did they know that the kingdom of Israel will be destroyed completely 70 years AD. God will ensure our restoration for we are His kingdom.(Verse: 7) God has time and season for everyone and every nation. Israel was restored in 1948 as a nation. Eccle3: 11 Psalm: 31: 15.(Verse: 8) the purpose of tarrying at Jerusalem and establishing God's kingdom can only be done through the arrival of the Holy Spirit. When the power of God comes it will enable us to witness to families, our societies, communities and the world. The Holy Ghost is to help us to witness Christ with power and authority. Luke: 10: 1, Matthew: 10: 1(Verse 9) this clearly gives further assertion to the ascension of Christ before so many witnesses illustrating the reality of Jesus' ever abiding presence with us.(Verse 10) there are many heavenly beings with us; assuring us of the reality of angelic beings. Luke: 24: 4, Psalm: 91: 11-12, Hebs1:14(Verse: 11) Jesus is coming back just has he departed; 1Thessa4: 15-19, Matthew: 24: 26-28.(Verse: 12) they began a journey to the place of encounter, in obedience to Christ.(Verse: 13) Role calls of those original apostles that Christ chose still waxing strong awaiting the promise of the father. One name was however missing; Judas, at the verge of a new day for the apostle the same Judas who had laboured with them was nowhere to be found. The devil used him and discarded him.(Verse: 14) they didn't go to sleep waiting for the promise of the Father; they prepared themselves in unity, prayer and worship; awaiting the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Their minds were focused on one singular purpose the advent of the Holy Spirit.These seemly insignificant men and women were to begin a revolution, the kind the world would never recover from. From that gathering in that obscure place their story has travelled across the world proclaiming the everlasting truth of the King whose throne and Kingdom rules over all; and to whom all must bow. |
