Fritha Dinwiddie 10/18/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 10/18/25

FELLOWSHIP SET AFLAME

#762 FELLOWSHIP SET AFLAME

Scripture Acts 2:40-47 Orig. 11/11/1979

Rewr. 2/9/1982

Passage: 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Purpose: In a series from The Book of Acts, to declare the great message of the early church as it discovers its potential to become the people of God.

Keywords: Bible Study Faith Fellowship Outreach Revival

Timeline/Series: Acts

Introduction

Acts describes “fellowship” form the New Testament perspective. We are able to see for ourselves what it is like in the 20th Century. Perhaps a view of the fields of the 17th century will help us to determine if we have lost something of a great significance. From The Memorable Works of a Son of Thunder by Francis Howgill. (Editor correction: Edward Burrough, 1634-1663)

The Kingdom of Heaven did gather us and catch us all as in a net, and His heavenly power at one time drew many hundreds to land. We came to know a place to stand in and what to wait in; and the Lord appeared daily to us, to our astonishment, amazement, and great admiration, insomuch that we often said one unto another with great joy of heart: “What, is the Kingdom of God come to be with men? And will He take up His tabernacle among the sons of men, as He did of old? Shall we, that were reckoned as the outcasts of Israel, have this honor of glory communicated amongst us, which were but men of small parts, and of little abilities, in respect to many others, amongst men? And from that day forward, our hearts were knit unto the Lord and one unto another in true and fervent love, in the covenant of life with God; and that was a strong obligation or bond upon our spirits, which united us one unto another. We met together in the unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace, treading down under our feet all reasoning about religion. And holy resolutions were kindled in our hearts as a fire which the Life kindleth in us to serve the Lord while we had a being, and mightily did the Word of God grow amongst us, and the desires of many were after the name of the Lord. O happy day! O blessed day! The memorial can never pass out of my mind. And thus, the Lord, in short, did form us to be a people for his praise in our generation.”

I. Such Fellowship Meant a Gospel Proclaimed. V40, “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’”

The middle verses of chapter 2 establish gospel. Announcement of “day of the Lord.” V17, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God.” It is affirmation of basic aspects of Jesus’ life. V22, “. . . Hear what I have to say. Jesus lived among you, He died because of you, and for you, but He lives because God came to you in Jesus” (the Skinner short version of 22-25.)

What a joy to view the perspective of the land of Jesus. There is such a wealth of material available in book, on tape, in video. Too much time is spent watching unseemly TV soap operas.

The gospel authenticated the superiority of grace over law. David was dead. A great leader, but dead. His tomb was nearby. But Jesus was alive. Oh, how Satan sought to create a delusion of His death. It is still the first defense for the skeptic.

The gospel must make every attempt to call people to decision. See v21, “Whosoever shall call”; see v36, “Let all the house of Israel know”; see v38, “Repent and be baptized, every one;” see v40, “He did exhort saying, ‘Save yourself.’”

This gospel proclamation is central to our faith and must never change. There is such worth and encouragement in the evangelist who lives the life and exhorts decision. There may be variant program interests. The contemporary may show persistent differences. God help us to be faithful to proclaim the gospel and to call people to decide.

Ultimately, it is the gospel that relates sin to the cross. The human condition has not changed. The unbelieving contingent is in greater jeopardy for all the so-called Christians who do not take sin seriously. See v23—sin put Jesus on the cross.

It is the gospel that demands adjustment in the life of the believer.

It is the gospel that portrays God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness means that estrangement is gone. It means we are at peace. It means that the offending iniquity has been resolved. It does not mean that sin is gone from the extensions of our lives.

It is the gospel that forecasts the Holy Spirit’s resolve in the believer’s life.

II. Such Fellowship Meant United Purpose. V41, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about 3,000 souls.”

There are three interrelated action words.

“Received”-- apodexomai—not the normative word for belief (pisteuó) or “to trust.” This word is mental credence and more. It is unreserved submission to a new life orientation.

“Baptized”—since you are Baptists, you know what it means. You know that only “immersion” translates the Greek. The people here being “baptized” were doing what was repugnant to them. They were Jews, God’s people. This ritualistic form meant them to be separated from their covenant God by their own sin. No person truly comes to Christ who does not deal with their own sin. Why age of accountability is so important. Also why “koinonia” Bible study, etc., are, and this brings us to the third “action” word.

“Added”—prostithémi—“to place beside.” Those who believe come to a place of equality. They take their place in the fellowship of believers. They perceive of themselves as “babes” in the faith who need to be nourished to grow.

It is interesting that medical science has taken this word, literally, to name a rapidly changing sphere of developmental medicine. “Prosthetics” is the science of artificial body parts, that which is “added.” Ask anyone who has lost a hand, arm, leg, breast, what this has “added” to their lives.

III. Finally, Fellowship Means, for All of Us, Growing, Changing in Our Faith. V42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Of what did the early church consist? Firstly, it was a learning church. The word means they persisted in hearing what the apostles had to say. The apostles were not motivators, or promoters, they were proclaimers. We are waiting for some self-styled motivator to come along to get us to do what we don’t want to do. Too many are steadfastly looking for some reason to excuse ourselves from the koinonia.

It was a church of fellowship. “Steadfastly . . . in the fellowship” says text. It is a noun. We tend to view “fellowship” as a verb. It is not what we do, it is what we are. It is the fellowship that produces harmony, that produces success. It will be interesting, after the “strike” is over, if split teams can “win.”

It was a praying church. Jesus has taught them this. They were learning more in practical experience. We are dealing with this very thing in prayer meeting. “Caring” people will want to share.

It was a reverent church. V43, “And fear came upon every soul.” The idea of reverential awe. And fear came before the “wonders and signs.” I remind you this morning the contemporary mission consequence was birthed on the concept of “expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

And it goes without saying further that it was a giving (sharing) church.

Conclusion

Using Dr. Helen Falls’ (NOBTS) story of Miss Alice Barnes of Maryland WMU. Miss Falls worked for her. Saving reusable material with a flourish “All right, Miss Annie.” Alice had worked for Annie Armstrong as Helen was working for Miss Alice. Limed funds. One year 127,000 pieces of material to Maryland WMU. They walked the streets of Baltimore to save the 2 cents it then cost to mail a letter. Alice Barnes could not break the covenant, though Annie Armstrong was long dead.

Links/References

Howgill https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/quakers/biographies/howgill_biog.html

Burrough https://www.friendslibrary.com/edward-burrough/life

Memorable Works: https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A30510.0001.001/1:102?rgn=div1;view=fulltext

Burrough, E. (1671). The Memorable Works of a Son of Thunder, E. Hookes.

Falls: https://sbhla.org/wp-content/uploads/680.pdf

Fritha Dinwiddie 10/18/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 10/18/25

A WITNESSING CHURCH

#059/762a A WITNESSING CHURCH

Scripture Acts 2:38-47, NIV Orig. 8/12/1962

Rewr. 2/8/1982

Passage: 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

Purpose: To share with my people an intense statement from the church as presented in Acts, a measure of these characteristics that define the church today.

Keywords: Church Education Worship Fellowship Ordinances

Introduction

Dr. Earl Guinn, former President of Louisiana College, speaking at the Louisiana Evangelism Conference (1982), raised a question relative to our authority for preaching the gospel to a lost world. It is obvious from many quarters that the lost world itself is not interested, and to a large degree does not want to be bothered. Can it then be a measure of our responsibility to force something down the throats of other people that they really don’t want? Is our authority within ourselves? Is it simply that we have something that we want to give away? Can it be that only in this way can we improve life upon the earth?

Dr. Guinn answered the question he asked by reminding us of some of the other authority for doing some of the things we do. As never before in world history, there is a major emphasis upon feeding the hungry people of the world. Thousands upon thousands of people are involved. Huge sums of money are being spent. Our authority for feeding hungry people is their HUNGER. Many, many people in the 20th Century are included in the task of educating people in 3rd world nations and other places as well. Our authority for educating the unlearned people of Mother Earth is IGNORANCE. We need no further guideline. Many of our own missionaries are involved in medical missions. Our own government has agencies that spend millions of dollars every year in an effort to assist other nations with medical emergencies. Other denominations, and other governments, are just as concerned as we. Our authority for involving ourselves in the intimate medical needs of people whom we do not know is LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS.

Our speaker that day at the Evangelism Conference wasted no more time making his point. If anyone ever raises a question about our authority for evangelism, for witnessing, then just remind him of the LOSTNESS of people without Christ.

It is easy to perceive of the church’s role to witness as one that is gravely over-stated in the Scripture. Yet, there is such a tendency on our parts not to do, and not to be, what we must. The circumstance of the church in Ephesus is a case in point. In this book of symbolism, the church was represented by a candlestick. In the letter to Ephesus, the ultimate in God’s displeasure was stated in terms of removing the candlestick “out of its place.” It was not the idea of God turning “off” the light. It was the idea of a light that is not burning is serving no purpose. A lampstand that does not give off light is just something else to stumble over in the dark.

I. The Church is to Witness by Her Unity. V44, And all that believed were together.

The first goal of the Church is Community. Over the past ten or so years, 40 or 50 families of Mennonites have come into East Carroll Parish. They came from a state, Kansas, where it is against the law, outside of direct family units, to engage in family farming. Unity is the ultimate character of their church, socially as well as religiously.

The next, and perhaps the only other goal of a church is self-determination. (Now that we are together in unity, what are we doing to do with all this energy?) Baptists move on the cutting edge of effectiveness because of self-determination.

I continue to be dismayed and somewhat overwhelmed by how quickly news travels about churches in squabbles. I am convinced that nothing pleases Satan more than a disrupted congregation of believers.

II. The Church is to Witness by Her Fellowship. V46, And they, continuing daily . . . , did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

We must be careful to understand that of which our fellowship consists. People who are active in leadership and financial support. Others who have little to give and feel themselves unworthy of leadership. Perhaps even, some who do not even attend.

The link of fellowship is an experience in which Christ is made unquestioned Lord of our lives.

The last and least link in fellowship is the gathering of a small group of church members called “Fellowship.” We fellowship in groups, large and small, where the substance of our togetherness is our declared relationship to Christ who died for our sin.

III. The Church is to Witness by Her Organization. V47, And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

A reference was made under unity to the matter of self-determination. How do we minister to our constituency? Offering a program based on Bible education that will enable us to make Christ-honoring decisions.

How do we minister to other people? The basis has always been first through the Sunday School. The main emphasis is often on enrolment. We have based our organization on five great principles that remain unchanged: (1)Know your possibilities; (2)Enlarge your organization; (3)Provide needed space; (4)Enlist and train workers; (5)Go after the people.

IV. The Church is to Witness by Her Training. V42, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.

Every opportunity must be taken to train people for the tasks they are called to do. No time or inclination to talk about spiritual gifts, but keep people in areas of interest. Organized training studies: Jeremiah, census. Church training.

Every believer should desire to improve his knowledge. II Timothy 2:15, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

V. The Church Must Witness by Her Place of Worship. V46, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the Temple. . . .

Much could be said about the place of worship. We must certainly do no worse by our Lord’s house than we do by our own homes. We should treat that building with the respect due. What is to be thought of a community of well-tended homes where the church building is in disrepair and is untidy?

VI. The Church Must Witness by Her Worship. V46f, And they continued daily with one accord in the Temple, . . . praising God, . . . . Acts 5:42, And daily in the Temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus the Christ.

It must be attended with dignity. It is to be winsome and compelling. Above all, it is to honor God.

VII. The Church is to Witness by Her Ordinances. V41, Then they that gladly received the word were baptized; . . . and they continued . . . in breaking of bread . . . .

We honor our Lord by every visit to the baptismal pool. It means that we are sharing our faith. Too often, however, we are only baptizing our own. It is greater honor to our Lord when we have reached out to the unbelieving and unsuspecting community about us. Baptism pictures our death to self and resurrection to life in Him.

We honor Him further by occasional forays at the table. We hold up the broken fragments of His life. We examine the nature of His blood, poured out at the cross. We glory in the reality that He is alive, and that we live through Him.

VIII. The Church is to Witness by Her Membership. V38, Then Peter said, 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 Spirit.

Water baptism is a living symbol of a larger experience of submergence in grace.

Membership in the community of faith, then, consists of three things: (1)Repentance—the initial act of faith; (2)Baptism—link of obedience and community; (3)Holy Spirit—the empowering agent for the Christ-honoring life in the world. Remember, we don’t have the Holy Spirit, as if He were a potion of some kind to help us get what we want. The Holy Spirit has us to use to magnify Christ in the world to the glory of God.

IX. The Church is to Witness by Her Name. This is really a part of the one above.

X. The Church is to Witness by Her Contributions. V45, And sold their goods, and parted them to all as each had needs.

Don’t let disdain for communism blind you to truth. These folks were not interested in ideology, they were interested in honoring Christ.

We too must give of our substance. (1)Money. (2)Goods. (3)Service. (SELF). Within the context of that cultural, social, political ideology that applies to us, we are to seek to honor Christ with what we are, and what we do, and what we have. This is not largely different from what happened in Jerusalem.

Link/References

Guinn: https://lcuniversity.edu/homage-to-dr-g-earl-guinn/

Fritha Dinwiddie 10/11/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 10/11/25

THE QUALITIES OF A CHRISTIAN

#773 THE QUALITIES OF A CHRISTIAN

Scripture Acts 4:36-37

Orig. 2/3/1980; Rewr. 10/26/1987

Passage:

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Purpose: Using a biographical study of Barnabas to direct the attention of my people to the consideration of the qualities of the Christian life.

Keywords: Bible Study Good Works Biography, Barnabas Obedience

Timeline/Series: Acts

Introduction

In a desperate age, desperate measures are called for. The world aches to see qualities in Christian people that mark them as different. Mark it well, no matter that many show signs of worldliness, a life lived in expression of Christlikeness will win an audience anytime.

A Christian teacher was concerned about spiritual apathy on the part of his students. One day he came prepared for a lesson. He reached in his desk and pulled out a ball point pen. “What is this for?” he asked. A couple of students quickly responded, “It’s used to write.” Then he said, “And if it does not write, what is it good for?” One student blurted out, “Nothing.”

That was the right answer. He then pulled a knife out of his pocket. “What is this used for?” he asked. “It’s used to cut,” ventured several of the students. “And if it does not cut?” he continued. “It is good for nothing,” every student fairly yelled.

Then, unexpectedly, he asked what man was made for. One student remembered a line from a philosopher that they had studied a few days before. “For fellowship with God and to enjoy Him forever,” answered the student.

This was the line that the teacher was waiting for. “If we are not in fellowship with God, what are we good for?” Every student knew exactly the answer expected, but none responded. Like the pen that cannot write, and the knife that cannot cut, the person who does not fellowship with God “is good for nothing.”

Our message this evening features a man in fellowship with God. His name was Barnabas.

Consideration . . . is that this is a man who is “good for something.” He is one who lives his life in fellowship with God, and the way he lives toward other people is clearly affected by his life in relationship with God. Two things come through very clearly to us:

· A proper relation to God.

· A proven relation to people.

I. Barnabas First Teaches Us a Proper Relation to God. Acts 11:22f, “. . . and they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch . . . . For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.”

Man in relation to God must reflect goodness. It was a word that had to do with consummate goodness. Matthew 19:16f, “The rich young ruler asked what good thing he could do to inherit eternal life. “Why do you come to me . . . about goodness? Only One is good.”

But it was a concept that would increase among the followers of Jesus. They had observed Jesus. They shared intimately among His followers. II Chronicles 6:41, “Let the saints rejoice in goodness.” Joshua 6:16, “Stand . . . and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and . . . find rest for your souls.” Galatians 5:22, “The fruit of the Spirit is goodness.” Romans 12:9, “Cleave to that which is good.” Matthew 25:21, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Man in relation to God must reflect God’s Spirit. Man can only encounter God at this level. The Holy Spirit is the force for our understanding of God. He is beyond comprehension without Holy Spirit.

Without the Holy Spirit there would have been no church, no relation to God at all. Pentecost—“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:4. Gentile reenactment of Peter in Caesarea—“the Holy Ghost fell on all them that had heard the word,” Acts 10:44.

The things of consequence among the believers were Holy Spirit initiated. Acts 4:8, in custody, lives in jeopardy; Peter, “filled with the Holy Ghost said . . . .” Acts 4:31, back with believers “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spoke . . . with boldness.”

The rest that we know of this man was of his faith. II Corinthians 5:7, “We walk by faith.” Romans 1:17, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 5:1, “justified by faith.” Galatians 3:26, “Ye are the children of God by faith.” I Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith.” I John 5:4, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The difference in faith is the difference in those who wear sunglasses or galoshes to a prayer meeting called to pray for rain.

II. Barnabas Next Teaches Us a Proven Relation to People. Acts 4:36, “And . . . Barnabas, . . . the son of consolation, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Note that he was called son of encouragement. Ask the poor people of the church in Jerusalem, Acts 4:36. Ask Saul of his journey to Jerusalem (9:27) after his conversion. Ask John Mark (15:37) when Paul determined to disassociate himself at Perga.

It is a special word to all believers. John 14:16. Jesus promised the parakletos—comforter. Barnabas is called by that same name. Paul uses it Philippians 2:1, “any consolation in Christ.”

Note that he is indiscriminate in his willingness to share with less fortunates. Not wealthy, but of some means. Barnabas was sent by the church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:22) to assist the fledgling church in Antioch. A year later he went back to Jerusalem (Acts 11:29) with help to them from Antioch.

In this context, they began to search for a means of kingdom support. The return of Jesus is inordinately delayed. The believers began to admit to themselves that leaving financing the kingdom to the wealthy was a dead end street. Now they see God’s plan: the tithe.

Note that he believed in people. He came to Paul’s assistance with the apostles. He befriended John Mark before Paul; Colossians 4:10 refers to them as cousins; A.V. represents “nephew” but from a later time frame (E40p250). His effort in behalf of the church at Antioch was not to be remembered, not to be memorialized, but to reach out in Christ’s name to people.

Note then that he was a man worthy of trust. They bestowed on him apostleship. Acts 14:14, “. . . When the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard, they rent their clothes and ran in among the people.” Into his hands were placed the funds of assistance for other churches.

Note that he was a man of selflessness. Arriving at Antioch, the first order of business was to “encourage” them. Acts 11:23; same word as in 4:36; same as 9:31, “comfort of the Holy Spirit.”

While there he went to Tarsus for Paul. Acts 11:25; missionary relationship with Paul begins; interesting that Barnabas is here mentioned first. Also 13:7. But from 13:9 on, Saul becomes Paul and is the acknowledged leader. And Barnabas continues his service.

Finally, note that he is a courageous man. With John Mark, he went right to the work at Cyprus, in spite of the “sharp” words (paroxusmos)with Paul. God uses this disturbance and two mission teams are at work. Not a proof text for churches that spark and split. Barnabas and Paul remained good friends. Mentioned in I Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians.

Conclusion

If, and when, the times come that I must be a disagreeable Christian, may the dear Lord help me to disagree over worthy causes, and in a manner that calls attention to the causes and not to my disagreement.

Fritha Dinwiddie 10/4/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 10/4/25

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT PENTECOST

#758 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT PENTECOST

Scripture Acts 2:1-13, NIV Orig. 10/4/1979

Rewr. 5/25/1990

Passage: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Purpose: On the Sunday before a major anniversary, to remind my people of the true source of tenure for the local church.

Keywords: Bible Study Holy Spirit Church, Mission

Special Day, Anniversary

Timeline/Series: Acts

Introduction

You may remember the rather heated discussion between Huck Finn and Jim about why people talk the way they do. Huck asked what Jim would if someone said “Parley voo franzy?” Jim declared that he would bust him over the head. Huck then tried to use the logic that cats and cows don’t talk like men, neither do they sound like each other, therefore Frenchmen and Americans sound different.

Jim accepted the logic relative to cows and cats but no more. Jim said, “Is a cat a man? Or a man a cat?” Huck agreed with this. Then he asked, “Is a Frenchman a man?” Huck responded affirmatively. “Well, den, dad blame it, why don’t he talk like a man? You answer me dat!”

Does everyone you talk to understand everything you say? Do you have a problem communicating certain things to certain people? In this last decade of the 20th Century there is still a communications gap. We have all kinds of sophisticated equipment, but the problem persists. We have electronic typewriters with memory. We have access to fax machines that will speed the lengthiest of messages anywhere in the world in the briefest of time spans. We can listen to a thirty minute news program and learn every important thing that has happened in the world even as recently as two hours prior. We can read one page in the tabloid, U.S.A. Today, and learn selected news features from every one of our fifty states.

Yet, the world knows no peace, and families are still in trouble because they fail to communicate one with the other at an acceptable level. And we Christians are not able to make our beliefs known to others. Surely, with such a message, there is a means also.

I. The Question from Pentecost are All about the Holy Spirit. (Terminology). V4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

What means the expression “filled with the Holy Spirit” or “full of the Spirit”? Luke, who wrote Acts, found this to be a favored way to describe believers. Chapter 2:1-13 describes Pentecost; 2:14-39, Peter’s sermon to throng, v38 “name of Jesus”; 2:40-47, v47 “the Lord added daily.”

But it was not the Holy Spirit, but Jesus who is at the heart of this movement. Acts 7:55, Stephen faced martyrdom. “Being full of the Holy Ghost, . . . saw . . . Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”

John 16:14, “He shall glorify me.”

The meaning of the term addresses a yieldedness on the part of believers. 1:8, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you . . . witnesses.”

The main association of this filling is not ecstatic speech but proclamation. 4:8, “Peter, filled . . . , spoke . . . rulers.” 4:31, “all filled . . . spoke with boldness.” 13:9, “Paul, filled . . . set his eyes on (Elymas).”

The Holy Spirit is the [energizing] means for us to share the gospel effectively. That’s what “being filled” means.

What about the term, “the baptism of the Holy Spirit”? If we are looking for a generic source we must go back to John the Baptist. Matthew 3:11/Luke 3:16, “I baptize with water, . . . but one is coming who will baptize with/in the Holy Spirit.” Note Jesus’ reference to this, 1:5. Peter 11:16 calls it to mind explaining gentile Pentecost, 10:44f.

It is a reference, not to what the Holy Spirit is doing, but what Christ has done. I Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body (Jews, gentiles, bond, free) . . . ye are the body of Christ” (27).

Then take note of “Gift” and “gifts” of the Holy Spirit. The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit Himself. This is the anointing at Pentecost. It happens twice more: Samaria (Acts 8:14f) and Caesarea (10:44f) gentiles. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are the manifestations for service given believers. All believers. Some, many disallow every manifestation.

If you are wondering about “second blessing” it is not a Biblical term.

II. What Does Pentecost Teach Us Then, About the Holy Spirit? V1, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.”

From whence comes concept of Pentecost? Judaic root from Leviticus 23:15f: Called Feast of Weeks, counted passing of 7 sabbaths.

Took place 50 days after Passover. By implication, a spiritual harvest, a harvest so vast that special harvest equipment was called for. River rising: 25 combines in field. Every male Jew within twenty miles of Jerusalem was required to participate. Many from far away would make this vigil back home.

We must also consider their unity. They waited for they knew not what. They knew a galvanizing joy when they were together. Their common and uncommon bond was Christ. Luke 22:12, Passover/Acts 1:13, Pentecost. Both involve “upper room.” The same??? Upper room 1:15 uses number 120 waiting. Streets. 2:14 uses 11, but 2:41, 3000.

The contemporary church must rediscover this awesome sense of togetherness. Begins with unbridled love for Jesus. Awaits the integrating leadership of Holy Spirit. Recognizes the power comes not to a person, but to the redemptive agency. John 17:11, that they may be one, as we are one.

Now, the question is “What happened at Pentecost?” V2, “Sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.” Word for “wind” may be “spirit” also. Derivative here is “breathe” (gentle). The wind is never seen, only results. RL Maddox1: “God in the form of the Holy Spirit came upon the people. Did the curtains sigh under the weight of the first breath of wind? Did the lamps flicker? Did strands of their hair rustle like angel wings? Who knows, but they would talk about that day for the rest of their lives.”

Next came “cloven tongues of fire.” AS it appeared to them. In actual fact, we do not know. Exodus 13:21, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud; . . . and by night in a pillar of fire.” A cloud, pushed on by a wisp of wind to lead them by day. Fire to lead them by night.

When God does a thing so unique that there is no human valuation, he does not leave its course to chance. Thus come “filling” and “speaking.” V4, “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues.” The Lord’s presence is magnified. The need of believers to yield to God's will is amplified. The first function clearly is to free the church to proclaim the gospel. In response to the “pouring out,” ekcheo. Same word repeatedly in Revelation 16 “bowls of wrath.” Instead, it is the proclamation of “good news.”

A question must remain about this so-called “tongues” manifestation. The Holy Spirit does not have its inception at Pentecost. Nor does “glossolalia.” For some, ecstatic speech served and serves a useful purpose. But in no sense is it normative or Biblical.

Last Sunday was not my first at Charenton, Louisiana. Twenty years ago I went with the Baldwin pastor. He turned tongues, the church died, resurrected by the mission years later.

Conclusion

Pentecost happened because God would not leave His people ill-equipped for the most important task in the world. The Holy Spirit is the loud-speaker that takes every sincere believer’s witness and amplifies it before a lost world.

Links

Maddox https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Luke-Acts-Robert-Maddox/dp/0567292703

1 Maddox, R. (1985). The Purpose of Luke-Acts, T&T Clark.

Fritha Dinwiddie 10/2/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 10/2/25

PETER’S PENTECOSTAL APOLOGY

#838 PETER’S PENTECOSTAL APOLOGY

Scripture Acts 2:14-40, NIV Orig. Date 11/20/1985

Passage: 14 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. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood
    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
    on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[a]

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[b] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[c]

29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”’[d]

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

Purpose: Continuing a study in Acts, to help my people to get a deeper feel for the early church and her commitment to Christ

Keywords: Lordship of Christ Prophecy Resurrection Decision

Timeline/Series: Acts

Introduction

Although this is the first occasion of a sermon in which Christ is proclaimed, we cannot in any sense perceive of Peter as the one who began the tradition. We know that Jesus preached both to His disciples and to the assembled multitudes, and that He commanded His followers to do so. Unquestionably, preaching as a vehicle for the conveyance of ideas, probably dates to man in pre-history.

Peter was, however, the first Christian apologist. As far as records indicate, he was the first to use preaching as a means to defend what he had learned from another: of course, Jesus. The term, apologist, as used here, is not the idea of making excuses for, but rather, defending. His interest is not in the formulation of his own ideas, but to set down in exacting terms what has been taught by another, and why it is right,

In light of this, preaching has not changed much in these 1900-plus years. If it is true preaching, it is not the formulation of one’s own ideas, but the setting forth of Christological truth. As in Peter’s day, its influence and its power rests on the empathy of the hearer. The one who listens, or hears, must be tuned in.

Rollo May, Christian psychologist, in The Art of Counseling, suggests: “It is in this profound and somewhat mysterious process of empathy that understanding1, influence, and the other significant relations between persons takes place.”

The example of the Old Testament prophets (Numbers 27:18) is clear. When they preached, it was as if God, Himself, were on the podium. Visualize Isaiah, as he proclaimed, “Come now and let us reason together . . . . Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall become as wool.”

We feel some of this same sympathy here in Jerusalem as Peter begins to preach, not from believers only, but from all who are tuned in to this new spiritual dynamism.

I. First Are Incidentals Relative to the Spoken Word. V14, “But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them.”

“Said,” v14, (spoke out) is the same word as “utterance” in v4: It is the Spirit’s work:

· 24 speeches in Acts

· Luke depended on others for texts

· Peter is spokesman for the eleven

· This proclamation as much as “tongues” is the work of the Holy Spirit

· To a totally Jewish audience.

II. Then, There is the Announcement of the “Day of the Lord.” V16f, “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy . . . .’”

There is a defense of Pentecostal integrity. Believers are wrongly accused. “They are full of new wine.” The Spirit gives “utterance” to Peter.

Take a moment to imagine the scene at Jerusalem. Hardly 9:00 in the a.m., people were just beginning to stir, then the Word begins to spread in excitement at the Temple. People were hungry then as now for excitement. Some were late arriving. Others were not empathetic. Thus, the charge of “drunkenness.”

Peter cites the Joel prophecy to impact this event with scripture. Joel 2:28-32. It expresses a time when God will pour out His Spirit on His people. Not on a few exceptional individuals. See Numbers 14:25. Gideon—Judges 6:34. Saul—I Samuel 10:10. But on all His people. Pentecost was for all. Verses 19-21 speak of cosmic disturbances and seem to have no direct link to Pentecost. But Joel affirms this as an end-time event. Peter substituted “in the last days” for Joel’s “afterward.”

The early church would live out its mission in the arena of expectation of Christ’s return. Circumstance of end time are apparent. The Kingdom of God already exists. The victorious Christ rules. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Victorious faith in this 20th Century, as well, must exploit this expectation of return.

III. Next, Peter’s Sermon Contains Affirmations of the Basic Facts of Jesus Life. V22f, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know.”

His Hebrew connection is clearly established. A worker of miracles. By His birth linked to miraculous. Jesus’ ministry not only declared the work of God, but became the newsworthy event in the land. In the “determined counsel” of God, He was born, lived, died.

Now to deal with the “scandal” of the cross. V23, “by lawless hands have crucified.” His death was clearly the will of God. It was death by crucifixion (a disgrace). Plate with 3-year old in corner with forlorn puppy looking back. Disgraced. (Rockwell?)

The agent for that death was the stubborn resistance of God’s own people. They who had suffered for their sins under the hands of others, looked for a Messiah to deliver from suffering. A suffering Messiah was unacceptable. Recount the disciples when Jesus foretold of His death. Matthew 16:21-23.

The crucifixion demoralized them. Psalm 2 was their text. V6, “I have set my king on my holy hill of Zion.” But Isaiah 52/53 (53:3) and Zechariah 9: “He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, And we hid, as it were, our faces from him.”

Peter goes on to make it very clear that this Jesus, whom they have killed, is not dead, but alive. Alive at the direct intervention of God. Alive because death could not control His destiny. Alive because it was not possible for Jesus to be other than as God’s sovereignty had planned.

Let no doubt persist, the early church looked upon the crucifixion, not as the cruel, unjust judicious matter that it was, but as a part of the plan of God. They had heard Jesus on this very subject: “You are so foolish, so slow of heart to believe. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to have entered his glory?” Luke 24:25-27.

IV. Again, the Sermon Authenticates the Superiority of Christ Over the Law. V29, “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.” Review his declaration to them. V14, “Men of Judea,” of the nation. V22, “Men of Israel,” of the chosen people.

With the link to prophets (Joel), now is a link to their illustrious King David. V25/28. There is the superiority of living hope over dead tradition. Christ lives. David does not. Psalm 16 is a breakthrough of faith, but David is not its fulfillment.

V10, “Nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption.” Till David’s time, the people believed in a shadowy, half-life in a place known as “Sheol.” “Hades” is the Greek form (2:27), this is not Hell. David was convinced that he would not be “abandoned.”

Jesus is the One through whom such deliverance to life is made possible.

The resurrection, then, is that which proves Jesus to be the Messiah. Up to now, He was “Jesus,” and “Jesus of Nazareth.” He now begins to be called, “The Christ.” Not a title. Greek or Hebrew for Messiah. Peter used in Mark 8:29 without understanding.

Up to now, Jesus had forbade the use of the term. In Mark 8, Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida, “Instructs him not to tell” (v26). V29 Peter “’Thou art the Christ.’ He charged them to tell no one.” (Mark 9:9) Transfiguration. “Tell no man till the son of man were risen.” All Rome had to do to stay the hand of believers in Christ, all the Sanhedrin had to do to silence the voice of Christian witness, was to produce the body of Jesus. A day, a week, a month, a year later they could not. Jesus is alive.

V. One Thing More Remained for this Keynote Message of the Christian Era: To Call People to Decision. V21, “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” V35, “Let all the house Israel know . . . [he is] both Lord and Christ.” V38, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Let all people know the vitality and the integrity of the preached word, standing unchanged but not unchallenged. The initial burden is on the preacher. But the hearer had best not toy around with a faithful spokesman of the Word.

To jeopardize the ministry of one who preaches the wholeness of the word is to be guilty.

When one usurps his place with words of rebuke or offense, be prepared to assume his burden. Your concerned counsel he covets. Your love and prayer he requires. Your support he treasures.

Every born again Christian has a responsibility to work with their pastor to encourage responses to the invitation to faith.

Closing

Many remember news reports out of Germany during World War II. There were thronged multitudes. We heard fanatical “Sieg Heil!” And the response came in menacing unison, “Sieg Heil!”

But let us remember that there is a louder chorus to be heard; and no words from time immemorial are more menacing to the powers of darkness in the world. It is the call to faith, the mandate of the church, “Christ is Risen!” And the response “He is risen, indeed, Hallelujah!”

Links and references

1May, R. (1967). The Art of Counseling. Abingdon Press.

https://www.rollomay.net/

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Counseling-Rollo-May/dp/0898761565

Illustration filed with sermon #838, source unknown.

(1) The Spirit indwelled some of God’s people, but not all of them. This was a selective indwelling. The Spirit especially indwelled those who were religious leaders. For instance, the Spirit came upon Gideon (Judges 6:34) and David (I Samuel 16:13).

(2) The Spirit came to give special powers to these selected leaders. These powers were seen in the natural realm, but they were supernatural in the sense that they were gifts of God. The Spirit came upon Gideon (Judges 6:34), and he led a protest against idolatry. Following that, he led the Israelites to a great victory over the Midianites (Judges 11:29-33). Samson received extraordinary human strength because of the coming of the Spirit of God. Bezaleel, Aholiab, and others were given wisdom by the Spirit to design and work on the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-6). Some have seen significance in the fact that different words are used in the Old Testament to describe the relationship of the Holy Spirit to individuals. For instance, in some places it is said that the Holy Spirit came upon individuals such as Gideon (Judges 6:34). In other places it is said that the Spirit dwelt in some persons such as Joshua (Numbers 27:18) and Daniel (Daniel 5:11-14). In Exodus 31:3 Bezaleel is described as one who is filled with the Spirit. A comparison of these passages and the powers given to the individuals makes it seem unlikely that any sharp distinction is to be drawn between the use of these terms.

(3) The Spirit often was given to persons for limited periods of time. He could be withdrawn if persons acted in a way unworthy of the Spirit of God. Saul sinned against God, and the Spirit of the Lord departed from him (I Samuel 16:14). David sinned against God and then pleaded with God not to take the Holy Spirit from him (Psalm 51:11).

Fritha Dinwiddie 9/14/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 9/14/25

A NEW APOSTLE SELECTED

#756/835 A NEW APOSTLE SELECTED

Scripture Acts 1:12-26, NIV Orig. 9/27/1979

Rewr. 10/15/1986

Passage: Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk[a] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[b] the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’[c]

and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’[d]

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Purpose: To use the Book of Acts in sermon series to direct the minds and hearts of my people in the consideration of what the early church had, and was.

Keywords: Bible Study Holy Spirit Dedication

Timeline/Series: Acts

Introduction

An old spiritual raises a somber and searching question.

“Were you there when they crucified my Lord? . . . Repeat

O, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord.”

Well, the fact is, we were not there. At least not in the sense in which the question is asked. But in another way we were there. In the sense that in this secular world we always live in the environment of crucifixion. Change the elements. See it unfolding today, in our time and place, the result would have been the same, and, yes, we were there. Had His coming been contemporary to us, the result have been the same, whether He had come to Palestinian, or Norwegian, or American. He would have been a threat to any, and therefore His removal necessary.

The two men, Judas and Pilate, who were most responsible for Jesus’ death, were not inordinately bad men; they were simple men sold out to a secular age. Rome demanded two things: peace and revenue. Judas could not have cared less about Rome. Pilate could not have cared more. Jesus was perceived by both to be central to their agendas for success. Neither understood, nor cared to understand, the will of God.

I Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that, though we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.”

Judas thought the threat of death would force Jesus to assert His messianic power, useful to him (Judas). Pilate saw Him (Jesus) as a cause of political dissention. His death would satisfy Rome. Judas chose betrayal; Pilate, appeasement. Jesus was to be their scapegoat.

I. Look with Me for a Moment at these Early Followers in the Environs of Jerusalem. V12, “Then they returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet.”

Use a couple of slides to project. Sabbath (day of rest)—journey restricted to 2000 cubits (3,000 feet)—re ½ mile. Olivet’s importance centered in Christ:

· Nehemiah (8) sent for booth fronds.

· David’s route (2 Samuel 15) fleeing Absalom.

· Dean Stanley called it “park” of Jerusalem.

· May have been a regular place of prayer.

· Route of travel from Galilee to Bethany.

Considerations relative to how few there were. We are given the number (120, v15). There were about 4 million Jews in Palestine. So one in 3,000 were Christian. Their mission is to the ends of the earth. Have you ever had the sensation of being the only believer around? In office, or business, or neighborhood? Like being the only one in Union, 1/50 in New Orleans, 1/100 in Louisiana.

We are told that Jesus’ brothers are not among His followers. See Mark 3:31 “without.” Also, John 7:5 “For neither did his brethren believe in him.” Same word adelphoi all three listings. Thus, this magnificent, epochal event that would change the world began with 120 people. Don’t be discouraged with small beginnings. Work against small faith and token dedication.

What made the difference here is that they knew Jesus to be alive. He was dead, but he is back. He is alive, as real as ever. A power asserting His presence was felt by all.

There must be those who are chosen as leaders. The basis for their being chosen. With Jesus from His baptism, v21. Witness of the resurrection, v22. Had the appointment from the Lord, v24. This helps us to understand the difficulties faced by Paul in being recognized as one. Hebrew equivalent—shaliach/from shalach—“to send,” emphasis upon the sender/the sent. Had no power to delegate.

The prominence of Peter: V15, “Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren.” It declared prominence, not preeminence. Peter had no Jerusalem apostle/see Galatians 2:11f. But held in deep respect/see Galatians 1:18.

II. Now Look at a Major Decision that had to be Made. V16, “. . . concerning Judas, which was . . . numbered with us, . . . his bishopric (office) let another take.

His office—Biblical concept from Greek “overseer.” Episcopate—interchangeable with presbyters/elders. Denotes duties. Elder—suggests dignity of office. It is not Judas’ death that brings this appointment, but his apostasy.

We will try to reconcile accounts of his death. Is there an answer to “Why he did it”? Iscariot—man of Kerioth/Galilean, v11. Betrayed to save himself; because of secular, greedy (v18); to force Jesus to act—wrong Messianic ideal.

Do Acts 1:18-19 and Matthew 27:3-10 agree?

Matthew 27:3-10. Judas . . . cast down the silver . . . and departed and went and hanged himself. The priests . . . bought a potter’s field, . . . called the field of blood. Thus was fulfilled that spoken by Jeremiah, the prophet, saying, they took the 30 pieces of silver . . . and gave them for the potter’s field.

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. . . . That field is called, Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.

Three problems are raised. Who bought the field? How did Judas die? What prophecy was fulfilled?

The problem of the purchase. Acts—Judas purchased a field. Matthew—the priests took counsel and bought.

Comment by scholar Daniel Hutto, 9/13/2025:

This seems to be two complementary accounts on the same event focused on different details. Judas betrays Jesus, receives 30 pieces of silver from the chief priests, then Judas had remorse, returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests, then killed himself by hanging. The chief priests then purchased the field with Judas's money as if Judas himself purchased the field. Judas indirectly purchased the field as it was his money even though he did not live to actually do the purchase. Judas is then buried there after a gruesome hanging, then his body falling.

They were independent purchases. Acts—chōrion/farm + ktaomai/acquire for self. Matthew—agros/field + ēgorasan/buy on open market.

Judas made his purchase before he received silver and independent of it. 30 pieces returned. No time for Judas to shop for a farm. Judas was a known thief. He had the funds. John 12:6, “This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief.”

The problem relative to his suicide. Acts—“Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; falling headlong.” Matthew—“He went and hanged himself.” Judas bought his farm with money taken from the bag. There he killed himself. It was a farm of blood, purchased with ill-gotten gain. Later, the priests took the silver, the blood money, and sometime later bought a potter’s filed, called Field of Blood because of this money.

The problem relative to prophecy. Easy to pinpoint. Jeremiah doesn’t mention such a thing. Some English Bibles direct us to Jeremiah 18:1-4, The Potter’s house. Others to chapter 32 where Jeremiah buys a field.

A statement in Zechariah comes close, but that really doesn’t solve our problem, it compounds it. Zechariah 11:13, “And I took the 30 pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.” Later and better translations see this as “treasury” rather than “potter.” Words are close. Several good commentaries accuse Matthew of error. The answer is obviously that there was at least one other writing of Jeremiah, of which we know little, but in Jesus’ day it was well known. Matthew 28:9 doesn’t say “Jeremiah wrote,” but rather, “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet.” The reference was simply to one of the oral traditions which was well known.

III. Now, One Further Word Relative to Replacement. V23f, “And they appointed two, . . . and they prayed . . . and they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias.”

The means of selection. The ordinary custom was the use of stone upon which the choices were written. These were placed in a small urn and shaken vigorously until one fell out. People who are chosen to serve must do so because they love Jesus. If we don’t serve for Him, we will certainly teach, deacon, minister for lesser reason.

Now, the Holy Spirit has principal counsel . Lots cease. But most have not removed “chance.” We should view our deliberations as these followers viewed theirs. “Lots” will be used twice more. Acts 8:21/13:19, neither involving believers. Clearly, the Holy Spirit has become the repository of wisdom and counsel openly available to the family of faith.

Fritha Dinwiddie 9/6/25 Fritha Dinwiddie 9/6/25

KINDS OF CHURCHMEN

#611 KINDS OF CHURCHMEN

Scripture Acts 2:5-21 Orig. Date 1/8/1975

Passage: 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[a] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 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. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

Keywords: Holy Spirit Church Revival

Introduction

I wonder what they are saying about my fellow-preacher down in Florida. I suspect that it is not all good. In a sermon, preached to his people, and then printed in a book for all the world to see, he took precarious liberties. He compared the church to a bar. A BAR! of all things.

He said something about bars being crowded because people wanted to go to them. Now according to Mr. Moody, the church should be crowded for the same reason. Then he went on to suggest the four basic attitudes which resulted in people visiting bars.

1. Enjoyment—people go because it brings them pleasure.

2. Fellowship—others go because there are people there whom they enjoy being with.

3. Anonymity—some folks go because they can find isolation in being left alone.

4. Intoxication—finally, there are those who go because they are sure of getting the intoxication that is advertised.

Now, I intend to be the last one who will give positive promotion to a bar. I will do everything I can to move you away from such a place. But Mr. Moody is right. Here are four good reasons why people should attend a church. In fact, this is somewhat of the subject of this text. Acts 2:16-17 deals quite frankly with the intoxication business. It says, “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, it shall come to pass in the last days, I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.” Why in the world would anyone choose booze, when in the place of it they could have the intoxication of the Spirit of God?

Considering then, that a form of intoxication seems somehow necessary, let’s take a look and see what kind of churchmen we have around.

I. I Introduce to You First, the Sprits-Filled Churchman.

Somewhere back there across the years the steps were taken that identified our friend with the king. Some would take the easy way out—if there is a problem with alcohol then he isn’t a Christian. This may be the case with some but not all. Our friend is involved. He is involved in spite of an acknowledged problem.

Now let me quickly point out, lest I seem unfair. There are lots of others who may have a similar problem. It just isn’t spelled a-l-c-o-h-o-l.

· The mind-benders

· The ego-inflaters

· The depressants

· The anti-depressants

· The stimulants

· The guilt-ridders

· The inhibition-fighters

· And on and on.

Now, we’re going to deal with the other side of this problem in point two, but let that wait for a moment.

One thing that is acknowledged here is man’s innate insufficiency. We start very early looking for ways that will make us more acceptable to ourselves and others. Paul carefully instructed his readers even tho’ they were Christians “be not conformed to this world.” He had already informed them (7:19) of the personal problem that he had had in being done with the world. “The evil which I would not, that I do. The good that I would, that I do not.”

The person who chooses to walk this trail can find easy justification. Therapeutic—even Paul suggested that Timothy “take a little wine for his stomach.” “Everybody’s doing it” as an excuse is undebatable. “Most people can handle it”; but those who can’t find out too late.

Dear Lord, do not let me compromise my faith. Don’t let me, with the things I do, drive spikes of doubt and indecision into others searching hearts.

II. Secondly, I Would Introduce You to the Unspirits-filled Churchman.

This, too, is our friend, and he too is involved as he understands involvement with the kingdom. But you will not soon see his ruby red lips [stained] with wine. You will not find him in alcoholic stupor or with mind blown half out of his skull by drugs.

You may find him championing a cause in the name of Jesus without asking the permission of Jesus. There are some things which we feel so strongly about that we wrongly conclude that [they] are right. It has been said before and I remind you, “We do not use the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to use us.”

This kind of exclusiveness on the part of a Christian, leaves him subject to two mistakes: (1) The mistake of scriptural misinterpretation—There are people who refuse to believe that the wine at Cana was fermented; some would conclude that Jesus Himself drank from a bottle with a Welch’s label; (2) The mistake of a personal attitude which must be a mockery to Jesus. If the Christian would radiate the spirit of Jesus to the world, then we would of necessity begin with love.

[June] 11th was the 13th anniversary of remarks made by J.F. Kennedy in commencement address to the graduating class at Yale University. “Let us not engage in the wrong argument at the wrong time between the wrong people in the wrong country—while the real problems of our own time grow and multiply, fertilized by our neglect.”

Dear Lord, keep us in every expression of our lives totally Christian. When we must defend negative causes in a world which has lost its way, let us do so with the positive thrust of love.

III. This Now Allows Me to Present to You Our Third Example of Churchmen—the Un-Spirit Filled One.

I would remind you that this is not just a recent problem. Paul came to Ephesus and found certain disciples (Acts 19). Something incited him to ask “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” The only thing which can in reality commend the Christian believer is his identification with the Holy Spirit.

It was likewise a problem through the Middle Ages. The church insisted that the believer was not to do his own thinking: Holy Spirit or not, let a hierarchist or a committee do your thinking for you.

One of the great burdens of this present day is that we assume the innate responsibility of Christ-likeness in an unchristian world. Satan’s goal has always been to get us off the train before it reaches its destination. . . and yet more disembark just short of their destination at the siding of doubt and frustration.

With circumspection, the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard wrote, “Nothing is more dangerous to true Christianity than to get men to assume lightmindedly the name of Christian, as if it were something that one is as a matter of course.”

Dear Lord, prod us that we may stay aboard the gospel caravan until we reach that final destination that you intend for us.

IV. I Introduce You Finally, the Spirit-Filled Churchman.

This is the aim of God, the goal of the gospel, the certitude to every believer who will stake his claim. The truest example of this is Simon Peter. Before Pentecost, we see him standing timorously before the pointing finger of a wisp of a girl. “This man is one of them.” But after Pentecost, after the filling, we see him standing unflinchingly before the Sanhedrin saying, “We must obey God rather than men.”

The scriptural admonitions leave no room for doubt. Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 6:8, “He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Romans 8:16, “The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.”

The Holy Spirit’s function is not to ward off troubles and burdens but to give them spiritual purpose in our lives. It is the ultimate anomaly of our time to see the believer smiling through the tears that from time to time beset us. We know that nothing can happen that God cannot use for His “glory” and for my “good.”

Think what the consummate meaning is when believers of every kith and kin share this ultimacy together. Many of us are old enough to remember the news reports of the early 40’s out of Hitler’s Germany. We saw the thronged multitudes. We heard a fanatical “Sieg Heil!” And in response and in menacing unison, “Sieg Heil!”

Closing

You remember my churchman friend, there is a louder chorus to be heard. And no words are a more menacing threat to the powers of darkness in the world. Hear the call to faith, “Christ is risen!” Then breaking the silence which follows one hears the response become a deafening roar. To the white man’s voice has already been added that of [others], and the Holy Spirit multiplies the sound which we hear in response. “Yes, He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!” And if there comes to stand with me one whose consummate passion is to tell the world that Christ lives, though the color of his skin be green, he is brother to me and I am brother to him.

Dear Lord, help us to begin on the common ground of faith and walk with thee in selfless love.

Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6651309-a-drink-at-joel-s-place

https://bible.org/illustration/when-i-say-i-am-christian

1Moody, J. (1967). A Drink at Joel's Place. Word Books.

I don’t know if [Jess] Moody, a Florida pastor, is still living or not. I knew about him years ago. I have a book he wrote. I remember a sermon title, A Drink at Joel’s Place1. It’s from this scriptural admonition. He talked about bars, and the reasons people go to them. He suggested that they were similar reasons why people frequent their churches.

1. Enjoyment—people go because it brings them pleasure.

2. Fellowship—because there are people present who are enjoyable.

3. Anonymity—some go to find isolation and contentment in being left alone.

4. Intoxication—others go because they are sure of getting the intoxication advertised.

Joel foresaw this as an eventuality. Peter discovered that it was happening all around him. He saw that personal religion to some was becoming an intoxicating environment, and life as a result was taking on a new, more profound, meaning.

They, Joel and Peter, and [Jess] Moody, push the envelope closer to us. Why are you here? Is it for enjoyment, fellowship, anonymity, hey, that’s okay? But do you also get the intoxication that has been advertised?

‘When I Say, “I Am a Christian”’