HAPPENSTANCE AND HOWBEIT
#843 HAPPENSTANCE AND HOWBEIT
Scripture Acts 4:1-22 Orig. 1/6/79
Rewr. 1/17/87
Passage: The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’[a] 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.
Purpose: Continuing with the Acts study for Adult Church Training, here showing the emergence of a full-blown persecution of the early church leaders.
Keywords: Opportunity Proclamation Opposition Persecution
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
Most of us know very little about persecution in any form, much less about religious persecution. There are many places, however, that it is being experienced today.
The struggle between Jew and Arab is, at its heart, a religious confrontation. The full-scale hostility in Lebanon is drawn with Muslim, Christian, and Jew; and divergent sects within these major religions are opposing their own people. The struggle in Ireland is a struggle between Protestant and Catholic. Many people are being persecuted because they are of one religious leaning rather than some other.
In the early days of our own history, there was serious restriction placed on some religious groups by other religions. You may remember that the Maryland charter had to do with settling Catholic people where they would not be an infringement on non-Catholics. Baptists had great difficulty settling into many of the early land grants. The holders of the grants were wealthy Englishmen. They were of the Church of England. Therefore, preachers of a more fundamentalist persuasion were simply not welcomed.
Even in Virginia this was so. The state is strongly Baptist, home, by the way, of our Foreign Mission Board. But some early Baptist preachers--including Jeremiah Moore, Aaron Bledsoe, and Lewis and Joseph Craig--began to preach Christ. Because they had no Episcopal license, they were arrested. Patrick Henry came to the Court House to defend these men. He stood before the gathered crowd, held up the indictment, and said, “What is the indictment against these men? Preaching the glorious gospel of God! Great God! That is the indictment. Are there no thieves going around unarrested and unconvicted? Are there no murderers upon whom to visit the vengeance of the law, that you must indict and try these men for preaching the gospel?” (S25p49-Fcrd).
Opposition. V3 “And they laid hands on them and put them in hold.” Take a moment to re-examine what was happening among the disciples. Notice the strong link with the temple. A woman in New Orleans spoke of the new-found charismatic faith of her son, studying for the ministry. “Well,” she said, “I’m not much into church.” They take opportunities where they find them, not attracting wealthy, learned, influential people. Every one is a ticket to others. The onlookers are the ones to whom Simon Peter spoke after the healing, and their friends and family who were not present.
Those opportunities were to be occasions where they magnify the Lord. The crucifixion marked their sin. They could not sweep it under the rug. Jesus has given them proof of resurrection. They can no longer evade the question. Acts 3:13 “The God of our fathers hath glorified His Son, Jesus. 3:16 “And His name, faith in His name, hath made this man strong.”
We are no more than a matter of weeks since the crucifixion. The one essential difference now is that Jesus is known to be alive. They were instructed in Acts 1:4 to “wait for the promise of the Father.” They started with 120 (Acts 1:15). They added 3,000 after Pentecost (2:41) and another 5,000 after this healing (4:4).
Notice “howbeit” in 4:4 KJV. Things are beginning to tighten up, but the Holy Spirit more than compensated for their disadvantage. From here on, the pressure mounts, but they will suffer no lack of God’s promise. The officials who gather quickly here, are the same ones who brought sentence on Jesus. They thought that what was done to Jesus would bring His followers to their knees. It did, but not in submission: rather, in prayer.
Suddenly, the fear of dealing with Jesus again is causing them anguish. In 2:22, 3:6, and 4:10, Jesus Christ is referred to as “the Nazarene” or “of Nazareth.” Priests were the religious power structure. They were men of wealth and learning. Many of the Sadducees were priests, wealthy landowners with the most to lose if Rome was forced to intercede. The high priests rejected resurrection to keep order in the temple.
Then Comes the Oration. V8 “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them.” Those already mentioned were joined by others. It is the court called the “Sanhedrin.” Most of you have been to Eureka Springs to see the Passion Play, or Calhoun. The Sanhedrin were the officials. 71 high priests were ex officio members of the Sanhedrin. The rulers were high priests’ families. At first the position was hereditary. Between 37BC and 67AD there were twenty-eight high priests, all but six came from four families. (A50p36)
The elders were respected leaders. Of this oration, understand that when the Word is faithfully proclaimed, God blesses it. Acts 6:4 “We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word.” 2 Corinthians “God . . . hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word, be instant in season.” 5,000 men became believers. Women may or may not have been present. These went home to families who likewise would believe.
We must not overlook the jailing. Peter, with the gift of speaking out of turn and regretting it, and John, who had the great gift of loving people: These two are suddenly locked away, remembering their Lord’s night of trial and passion; remembering, also, that Jesus prepared them for this. Luke 21:12 “they shall lay their hands on you, and bring you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. . . . I will give you a mouth, and wisdom.” Luke 12:12 “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what to say.”
Simon will be the spokesman, and his message will not change. He concentrates on ”the Sent One.” Fifteen times in John, Jesus so uses “pempantos.” Again, meaning that the Jewish fathers crucified Jesus, and that He arose for the dead, that faith in the Jesus of this victory—crucifixion and resurrection—resolves the sin problem.
The actuality of the oration is that Christ is seen in the life of the proclaimer. V13 “They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” William Barclay (A50p38) gives us the three salient points of Christian defense: (1) Defense of unanswerable fact—the healed man; (2) defense of utter loyalty to God (obedience); and defense of a personal experience.” H.G. Wells said “The trouble with so many people is that the voice of their neighbors sounds louder in their ears than the voice of God.”
Thus, Opposition Becomes Oppression. V18 “and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Here is the first instance of the satanic determination to silence the message of salvation in Christ. We see it in the commercial world’s interest in Santa Claus rather than Jesus.
The political world silences the gospel because it is controversial. Remember the news item from Jackson about the lighted windows in a state office building in the shape of a cross. Some universalist could see it from her home and was offended. A Christian businessman turned on his lights.
The ACLU says “It’s okay to smoke pot, or to jeopardize industry, but don’t talk about Jesus anywhere but at home and church.”
Madeleine Murray O’Hare says, “I want to be free to teach people atheism, but teaching about God should be restricted.”
And for all these years, the song goes on. Peter and John couldn’t be squelched. V20 “We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard.” History’s clearest mandate is in the resiliency of the word.
Ken Chafin wrote The Reluctant Witness, about learning to apply the word (R33p14): the need for simple basic (related) Bible study; the need for spiritual growth; the need for some basic skills; and the need for practical experience, under supervision.
***THE CONCLUSION TO THIS SERMON HAS BEEN LOST***
A WORD FITLY SPOKEN
#842 A WORD FITLY SPOKEN
Scripture Acts 3:12-26 NIV Orig. 11/29/79
Rewr. 1/2/87
Passage: 12 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? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’[a] 24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’[b] 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Purpose: Continuing study from the Book of Acts for Church Training, calling attention to the opportunity of the early church to speak the gospel creatively.
Keywords: Christ Lordship Crucifixion Resurrection
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
Given a title, this study would have to be “A Word Fitly Spoken.” You probably recognize it, however, as taken from the Book of Proverbs (25:11). It is a beautiful statement from one of the most used, and least abused portions of scripture. The lines of holy scripture roll off the tongue as beautifully as a highland brook rolls out of the hills. It captivates us with its meter as well as its message.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in vessels of silver.”
The ability to speak a needed and necessary word at the appropriate time is a rare and unique gift. It is like a table vessel of great beauty and filigree, containing fruit that is at its highest degree of loveliness as well as taste. One can almost find it unnecessary to bite into such fruit to be able to taste this delectable flavor. In times of great duress or decision, words can be like that. When the right word is spoken, all parties involved feel the constraint of propriety.
It was particularly important to the early church, not only that they had the right word for the times in which they lived, but that they might also deliver it in a timely manner.
“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.” 2 Timothy 4:17.
So, a man was healed, miraculously, spontaneously. A crowd gathered, opportunistically. Simon seizes the occasion to share. They are at the Temple, just inside the gate called “Beautiful,” upon a colonnade known as Solomon’s Porch. Simon spoke to the people about Jesus. Remember, Jesus had spoken from this very place, perhaps to some of these very people. He responded to their questions about His being the Messiah.
“The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe…”John 10:23.
Another stone is about to be added to the wall of disbelief that the Jews are building around themselves. They rejected Jesus, Himself. They are about to reject this opportunistic message about Jesus. The persecution and dispersion of the believers grows daily more intense. Now is the time for “a word fitly spoken,” for before many weeks have passed, opportunity will have come and gone. For now, let’s look at Simon’s message and examine it.
I. First of All, Let Him Define What has Happened. V12f “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look you so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob . . . glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up . . . the faith through Him . . . has given this perfect soundness.”
The men of Israel are made to face the stark reality of the crucifixion. They were the ones responsible for Jesus’ death. We must be careful not to hate the Jew for this (anti-Semitism). But it is historically inaccurate not to say so. The Jews are the ones who forced Pilate to withdraw his release order.
Read Luke 23:4: “I find no fault in this man.” Hearing that he was from Galilee, Pilate sent Him to Herod, v7. Herod sent Him back, v11. “Pilate, . . . wishing to release Jesus, . . . called out to them. But they shouted, saying ‘Crucify Him.’” V 20-21. “Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested.” V24.
They were the ones who disowned their own religion and demanded that a criminal be set free. Peter’s message does not remind them of the remote past. It shares what is intensely recent and similar to the Pentecost message. Acts 2:23 “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death.”
The early church would not lose sight that crucifixion was history’s most heinous crime. Pilate and Herod both tried to avoid it, they had seen the injustice. People like us, you and me, overcome by emotions--anger, resentment, and misplaced zeal--voted for a criminal and crucified love.
How often in history it has happened: Hitler. Khomeini. Qaddafi. Returning some disbarred to the legislature.
The men of Israel are given cause to face up to the resurrection. Without the resurrection there would have been no church. All they had to do was show evidence of the body of Jesus. Read “The Passover Plot” and “Saved by His Life.” There is proof that Jesus is alive. There is incontrovertible evidence that His life empowers today in healing and reconciliation.
Central to this proclaimed word was the power of the risen Christ. Special power accompanied specific circumstance. It is reasonable to expect such power. If it is not present, our circumstances do not merit it, or faith is inept. The spokesperson must not ever let himself get between the Healer and the candidate. As to healing, the channel could be only a channel, and could demand no advantages. As to spoken word, the spokesperson was forthteller or foreteller, maybe.
William Barclay (A50p31) reveals the secret of the Christian life. “The Christian knows that so long as he thinks of what I can do and what I can be, there can be nothing but failure and frustration and fear; but when he thinks of ‘not I, but Christ in me,’ there can be nothing but peace and power.”
II. Peter Next Demands that They Consider the Meaning of this Miracle. V17f “Now brothers, what you did was done in ignorance, . . . [what] God foretold . . . He has thus fulfilled. Repent, therefore, and be converted.”
Note the care with which he speaks in love. Oh it is a warning. But its urgency is that of love and mercy and forgiveness. What they did was done in ignorance, but ignorance is no longer justifiable. They have witnessed more proof of integrity of the gospel. John 15:22 “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.”
With the same measured care, he implores them to repent. Metanoe’o means “to perceive afterward,” to change one’s mind. In the New Testament change is always for the better. It is a changing of the mind resulting in a whole change of life. Luke (9 times), Acts (5 times), Revelation (12 times)—eight of these are in messages to the churches, as in 2 Corinthians 12:21.
It is a changing of the mind resulting in a whole change of life. If they do not, they are in danger of losing the ability to repent.
John Greenleaf Whittier wrote:
“Forever round the mercy seat
The guiding lights of love shall burn;
But what if, habit-bound, thy feet
Shall lack the will to turn?
What if thine eyes refuse to see,
Thine ear of heaven’s free welcome fail?
And thou a willing captive be,
Thyself thy own dark jail?”
This redeemed understanding is that repentance eventuates in Positive Consequence. Sins of the past will be blotted out. V19 “that your sins may be blotted out.” Paul uses the same word in Colossians 2:14, exaleipho—“having wiped out the handwriting of requirements against us.” Ink used on papyrus had no acid, and didn’t “bite” the paper. It was simply wiped away.
Additionally, the presence of the “living” Lord will uniquely sustain them in life. This message is the sounding of alarm and hope. John 9:41 “Jesus said, ‘If you were blind you would have no sin; but now you say “we see;” your sin remains.’” John 15:22 “. . . they have no excuse for their sin.”
There comes on the scene an obligation to repentance which, remember, means more than to “change one’s mind.” It means, also, to follow the path of a different drummer. William Barclay (A50p33) wrote “he lays down the inescapable truth that . . . very special privilege brings . . . very special duty; . . . to do what they like, but . . . what God likes.”
Repentance, then, effects new circumstances. Past actions are put under a different set of controls. Future events take on a redeemed flavor. Repentance is the last thing people want to do, the first thing they are directed to do. The thing least in evidence, even in the lives of concerned believers, is the most necessary thing.
Peter now brings up the subject of the coming again of Jesus. He has spoken in love. He called upon them to face up to the crucifixion and resurrection. He implores them to repent. He does not conclude without reminding them that this Jesus is coming again. There is no gospel that does not proclaim these necessary things. Most of the world knows of no such destiny. They think not at all of a Saviour come among them, to live and die, and to live again in victory over death, and to appeal to them to repent of sin, and live in Him.
The Hebrew believers waited and expected all Israel to be saved. They ministered to that end. V20 “And that he might send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus.” Could the kingdom have come then with their repentance? Are we in a great holding pattern awaiting the redemption of Israel? They already rejected Jesus. They will reject Peter here today. Acts 4 will see the beginning of persecution, and the further hardening of Hebrew hearts.
Peter then concludes with three valid points. (1) He insists that everything that has happened was foretold by the prophets, referencing Deuteronomy 18:15-22. “How can we be sure of the prophet?” V22 “When what is foretold comes to pass.” (2) He reminds them of their heritage. They are children of the prophets. They are children of the covenant. They are children of promise. V26 “And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” That promise appears over and over in the Book of Genesis: 12:3, 18:18, 22:18, 26:4, 28:14. What has brought joy to so many is yet despised by Israel. (3) Finally, he lays down the parting declaration that special privilege brings special responsibility. Acts 18:26 “Unto you first God, having raised up his Servant, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
Conclusion
And as they speak (Acts 4), One is speaking and He is speaking for all, and all are speaking in Him. Think what such a concept would do for us today.
THE CHURCH AND A HEALING MINISTRY
#841 THE CHURCH AND A HEALING MINISTRY
Scripture Acts 3:1-11, NIV Orig. 11/2/79
Rewr. 12/4/86
Passage: One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.
Purpose: Continuing a Bible study from Acts, showing the beginning surges of healing as it existed within the early church
Keywords: Faith Healing Ministry
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
What interest do you have as a believer in the practice of Christian healing? Most contemporary church members seem to be satisfied to avoid it altogether. Part of the reason seems to be that it is not needed in the 20th Century as it was in the first. As little as fifty years ago, even the most visionary practitioner of medicine could not foresee the strides that medical research would take in our lifetimes.
I see no reason, however, not to conclude that there is yet far more to be done, than has ever been done before. Diseases that were unknown a century ago are prevalent today. Some bludgeoning human ailments capturing headlines today, were virtually unknown twenty years ago (Alzheimer’s, HIV, Legionnaire’s Disease).
There are other reasons why many people see a charismatic gift of healing as unimportant. It is so often viewed in the pin-striped suit of big business or as a feature in the practice of snake-handling. It is associated, almost in its entirety, with people who are often viewed as charlatans. We hear of it, elsewhere being conducted to the end that hair may grow on bald heads, and that legs might be lengthened to eliminate back pain. This takes place sometimes within sight of cancer hospitals, and homes for the incurables.
Jesus healed because He believed absolutely in the power of God to heal. The disciples undertook the continuation of that ministry because they were able to believe that He was the healer, and that He would heal, that He was the only One who could. This may be where our faith breakdown comes. Oh, we believe in the power of God to heal, alright; but He usually is not our only alternative.
Great good was done in the early church by experiences of miraculous healing. What a loss it would be if God chose to bless His contemporary church in the same way, and we have become too proud, or too indifferent, to accept the gift that He wants us to have.
I. First, We Must View the Circumstances. V1 “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” Chapter two allowed us to focus on the importance of the spoken word. He reminded us that a new day had come. He related that day to Jesus’ life and ministry. He declared the supremacy of grace over law. He called his hearers to personal commitment.
Now another, and different opportunity has come. Luke records how healing is being used. It starts with emphasis on prayer. For the devout Jew, there were three special hours of prayer: The day began at 6a.m., and the first prayer was to be practiced at 9a.m., the second at 12 noon, and the third at 3p.m. Prayers could be said at any hour, but these were special, and if in the temple, even more so. How important to good practice are the habits learned in childhood? We see Jesus accentuated some of these.
What we may know about the man to be healed are that he was lame from birth; he was the ward of public generosity—he had friends who helped, but except for them or in hard times, he was without; it is likely that the disciples have passed this man before but had no eyes with which to see—now, with redeemed sight, they see opportunity.
II. Secondly, We Must Look at the Character of the Event. Look for a moment at the disparity between place and person, the beggar in the temple. The temple was of white marble in grand design. Started by Herod in 20 BC, some 50 years prior, the inner court was sacred and worked on by 1000 priests; the temple itself was not yet complete. Amidst all this lay the beggar. He was there because people in a worshipful mood are always the first to show compassion. Remember that the beggar, doubtless, had no idea who these men were, and did not ask for healing. The disciples could not help materially. They were living under a common fund among believers. Note that the healing was precipitated in the name of Jesus. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” In 2:22f, Peter links his message to Christ. The same bond is forged again. The miracle accomplished here was instantaneous and complete. The Greek word estereothesen means “to make firm.” The medical term steroids comes from the same word; all-American Brian Bosworth was unable to play because of steroid use.
III. Next We Must Measure the Consequences of this Miracle. V9 “And all the people saw him walking and praising God.” We note a man overwhelmed by his good-fortune. He doesn’t have someone else’s experience to try to mimic, or to compare with his own. How often do we try to make something of faith that was not meant to be? (Copying another.) Or how often do we keep faith from taking a natural turn?—“Walking, and jumping, and praising God.”
A central tenet of our faith is joy. Luke 1:14’s angelic announcement—“Thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice at His birth.” John 15:11,”These things I have spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Note also that God receives the praise of this man’s outspoken witness of faith. We mentioned the angels’ announcement in Luke 2:13. “Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God." The believer is expected and commanded to offer such praise. Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, . . . let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.”
Such praise is linked with healing and may just be one of the clearest determinants of healing. How ennobling to find physicians who believe, and more so to hear of a surgeon who prays for his patient, or the believing patient who thanks God for whatever condition confronts him or her. The praise of God is the noblest rite of faith.
There is such an outpouring of emotion that a crowd quickly gathers. In this very place, Jesus was questioned by Jews. John 10:23: “If thou be Christ, tell us plainly.” V25 “I did, ye believed not. The works I do bear witness, . . . ye believe not.”
IV. Finally, A Conclusion. V10 “. . .They were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.” We perceive the compassion of Christ for all hurt things. The Latin word for compassion is a compounding of 2 words meaning “to suffer with” (cum passus). Matthew 8:17 quotes Isaiah 53:4 “He the weaknesses of us took, and the diseases bore.” Jesus seems clearly to have determined that pain and illness are intruders. Dr. James Stewart reminds us that there is no instance of Jesus turning away saying, “I am sorry friend, I cannot heal you, because God wants you to suffer.”
Healing as a reflection of faith was related to Jesus’ sinlessness, His moral perfection. If we were more like Jesus, perhaps our work would be more like His work. Matthew 17:20 tells of the epileptic boy the disciples could not heal. “Because of your lack of faith.” The mighty works of Jesus were the Father’s answer to the faith and obedience of His Son. In Jesus, the power of God was present and unimpeded. John 3:34 GNV: “The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words, because God gives Him the fullness of His Spirit.”
As Christians, we must relate ourselves to a world torn, not only by sin, but also by pain and disorder, and disease. Healing of the body must also be a vital ministry of faith. Such healing portends a larger healing of the broken spirits of people.
Conclusion
A religious magazine shared the story of a Scottish minister, and of a dream that he had dreamed. As he walked down High Street in Aberdeen, he saw a shop never seen before. Entering, he discovered that an angel was the clerk, and he inquired what they sold. The angel replied, “Everything your heart desires.” “Then,” said the dreamer, “I want peace on earth, and an end to sorrow, famine, and disease.” “Ah,” said the angel, “but you do not understand. We do not sell fruits here, only seeds.”
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
#840 THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Scripture Acts 2:40-47, NIV 12/2/1986
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. 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: Continuing a Church Training study in Acts, here leading the group to visualize the heart throb of the early church.
Keywords: Bible study Church Fellowship Ordinances Worship
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
George William Benson, in his book The Cross: Its History and Symbolism, gives us a rather poignant picture of how the cross has found its way into our lives. He wrote (pp 14-15):
“Throughout all Christendom the cross appeared. It stood upon the altar of the churches, was carried in religious procession and woven into the vestments of the priests, pictured on canvas and on stained glass, in frescoes and mosaics fashioned with rich craftsmanship, and hung upon the walls of cathedrals which were themselves built in the design of a cross. On every spire and many gables were crosses of iron and stone, and in the churchyard they marked the meeting places of the dead. Everywhere were wayside shrines and crosses of wood and stone, market crosses of sculptured marble and Sanctuary crosses to which man fled for refuge.
“The Crusader’s sword was cross-hilted and every knight dedicated his sword upon the altar and wore a cross upon his breast, as he went forth upon a crusade.
“The escutcheons of most ancient families bore it in varied forms and appeared frequently on the coins and medals of the calm. The crowns of kings and nobles were almost invariably surmounted by a cross.
“The prevailing use and influence of this supreme symbol of Christianity is remarkable. The study of its origin, history, and symbolism is an investigation full of value and interest.
“The cross is a symbol more universal in its use and more important in its significance than any other in the world.”
All of this has happened, to our benefit, in the passing of time and Christian history. For the early church, it was adorned in their memory, and not on their person. It was a daily reality and not a piece of jewelry. It was a reminder of the man who wore it, and of His message, and of their responsibility to both keep it and to share it.
I. The Gospel was Meant to be Proclaimed. V40 “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’”
Remember, this is the fourth part of which that early preaching consisted. It was a firm call to decision.
2:21 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
2:36 “Let all the house of Israel know.”
2:38 “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin.”
2:40 “Save yourselves from the corrupt generation.” These passages denote the place of human will and the problem of generational influence.
2:17-20 are an announcement of the “day of the Lord.” The supreme message of preparedness should be heard in the announcement that these are the last days and Jesus is coming.
2:22 is an affirmation of the rudiments of Jesus’ life. What a joy to walk where Jesus walked. What a blessing to witness things truthfully and decorously done. The study of the word ought to be the easiest thing for a Christian to do. The greatest thrill is when family or friend begins to take interest in His life.
2:29-30, finally, authenticate grace and law. David was dead: Undeniably a great man and leader, but dead and in his tomb. But Jesus was alive. Many had seen. Remember, all the Romans and Pharisees had to do was to produce the body.
The proclamation of the gospel remains central. Whatever other great truths we believe, whatever programs we espouse, and if in any ways we are legitimately different from the New Testament church, we have no choice but to preach the gospel. It relates man’s sin to the cross. It lays man’s sin burden bare. It reveals God’s love. Re-read v23 “Him, being delivered.” It demands personal and social adjustment. Carnality is a common, correctable condition. The Gospel forecasts the Spirit’s involvement. It liberates us from the past, equips us for the future.
II. The Instrument of Its Proclamation was to be the Local Church. V41 “Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized, and the same day there were added unto them about 3,000 souls.”
We have not yet experienced “church.” Acts 5:11 distinguishes ecclesia “church” from ekcaleo “the called ones,” thus, “the set apart.” All we lack here is the word itself.
The badge of participation was baptism. Baptidzo meant to put beneath or to bury. Repentance (v38) is to be assumed, and its primacy is established. There were 3000 converts (all Jews). It should be noted here that such display should be reserved for Gentiles, but these are Jews drawn readily. In fact, it was this repentance and baptism which formed community. Not even “the scandal” of the cross restrained them.
Note the three action words found here:
Belief—“they that received the word.” Not pistueo belief, which means “to trust.” Rather apode’comai, which means “to welcome,” more than mental credence, with unreserved acknowledgement.
Baptized—Jews submitted in the belief that the new Israel had arrived. Of the 3,000, some had heard Jesus; some had been healed or ministered to; some were at Golgotha. Others were waiting for this “new Israel.”
Added—prosetethnsan, “to place beside.” “Those added” came to equality. Medical science chose this Greek word to convey meaning to artificial limbs “prosthetics”—the limb is added, and new life is assured.
III. All Derived Local Churches Would Have this Very Excellent Model. We first see the community in preparation. As the apostles had been told (Acts 1:4), “do not depart, but wait for the promise.” Even so, the larger community continued steadfast in doctrine: didache—teaching (inside), and kerygma—preaching (outside).
They continued steadfast in the breaking of bread. Consider all the times of meals—Emmaus in Luke 24:30; the eleven (Luke 24:36); beside the sea (John 21:12f). It is a time of togetherness. In a Passover meal, the mood was joy. See Exodus 12—the lamb slain in the afternoon, eating in an evening celebration: the joy of deliverance and the joy of Christ’s presence.
They continued steadfast in fellowship. My son-in-law defined being in Jackson, Mississippi, for the LSU/Ole Miss game, and the uniqueness of the Mississippi State game. Whose company do we enjoy?
They continued steadfast in prayer. How serious are we about prayer meeting? People would run the preacher off who suggested canceling, but they never attend. FM highlights calling people to pray. Call 1-800-44FAITH—Pray.
Next, we see the community in proclamation.
The church witnesses by her unity. In v41,”there were added,” and in v44, “and all that believed were together.” The first goal is community. Mennonites came to East Carroll Parish from Kansas where they could not family farm if they were not family. Conditional unity is primary. Perhaps the only other goal is self-determination. Now that we are together in unity, what do we do with this energy? The Devil works at broadcasting church squabbles. Baptists move on the cutting edge of effectiveness because of our prudent self-determination. For this reason, we hear of more Baptist churches in trouble. Our convention impasse is the result of the drive for truth. Self-determination has produced polar positions.
The church witnesses by her fellowship. V46 “And they, continuing daily . . . did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.” Be careful of what fellowship consists: People who take active leadership roles; those who give financial support; those who have little to give physically or emotionally. What about those who are inactive? Determination of fellowship is the experience of the lordship of Christ. The last and least link in fellowship is the gathering called “fellowship.” We fellowship in groups, large and small, where the substance of relationship is in our link with, to, and through Christ, who died for us.
The church is to witness by her organization. V47 “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” We have considered self-determination. Beyond that is the need of ministry. To our constituency, it is a program based on Bible education. We also minister to other people, first through Bible education. The Sunday School class is the best means to share and to meet needs. There is great importance in enrollment based on five principles of growth (Flake Formula): Know possibilities; Enlarge organization; Provide space; Enlist and train; Go.
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 their tasks: Consideration of spiritual gifts; keeping believers in interest areas; organized study for training (ex, James in early February Sunday School); use of Church Training for unfragmented training. Every believer should have the desire to improve and grow. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.”
The church is to witness by her place of worship. V46 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple. . . .” Much might be said about the place of worship. We must certainly do no worse by our Lord’s house than by our own homes. We are to treat the building with respect through upkeep and necessary maintenance.
The church must witness by her worship. V46 “And they continued daily with one accord in the temple . . . praising God.” Being dignified, inviting, and compelling the church honors God. Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not stop teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
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 baptistry. It means we are sharing our faith with the family and beyond. It is a picture of death to the old things, resurrection to the new. We honor Him by forays to the Lord’s table. By holding up broken fragments of His life and conditioning ourselves to His blood, we glory in that He is alive.
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.’” Membership in the community of faith means three things: Repentance, the initial act of faith; Baptism, link of obedience and community; and Holy Spirit, the empowering agent for service. We don’t “have” the Holy Spirit as a magic talisman, the Holy Spirit is to have us, to use major and minor gifts as it suits God’s purpose.
The church is to minister by her name—“First Baptist Church.” Church means reaching out to others; Baptist means determining our own destiny; First should tell more than the time of beginning (history), it also means first in ministry.
The church is to witness by her contributions. V45 “And they sold their goods and parted them to all as had need.”
…The remainder of this lesson has been lost…
ANSWERS
#836 ANSWERS
Scripture Acts 2:1-13 Orig. 10-4-79
Rewr. 10-20-86
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: To lead Church Training in a study of the Book of Acts
Keywords: Bible Study Holy Spirit
Timeline/Series: Acts
Introduction
Acts, chapter one, introduced the church. It identified the meager beginning and the handful of Jesus’ followers who took great comfort in meeting together in a small, second story room in Jerusalem. Chapter two introduces the Holy Spirit who will infuse power into their lives and turn them into living dynamos of personal witness.
We have already discussed the fact of the relationship of the Holy Spirit to this book.
Acts of the Apostles
Acts of the Holy Spirit
Acts of the Ascended Christ
It is interesting that in the combined 68 chapters of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, there are thirty-four references to the Holy Spirit. In the combined chapters of the writing of John, there are twenty-one references. In Romans and 1 Corinthians, there are thirty-two. But in Acts alone there are fifty-six occasions of the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is to be the means to the end of communicating the gospel. The disciples are instructed to wait, and they are content to wait, in the “upper room” until they are infused with this power of gospel enablement. The church, if it be the church at all, must have the capability of communicating the message.
Some time ago I watched a special TV program, “I Heard the Owl Call My Name.” It was about an Anglican vicar with a terminal disease. He had been sent to the village of Kingcome in British Columbia. The bishop had reasoned that if the young vicar was to learn, he must learn rapidly, and he needed a hard place to serve, and Kingcome was that. One incident, in this true story, was of an elderly lady named Marta Stephens who had been there longer than anyone else. She had seen the procession of vicars who had come and gone, who had done their best, and who asked to be relieved. After worship one day, the vicar, whose name was Mark Brian, said to her, “Mrs. Stephens, tell me something. Do you remember the first man who came here for the church?” She replied, “Yes, he had a long, white beard. He had to learn our language so he could teach us his.” It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to learn the language of “others” so that we can teach them our language and His.
I. First, We Must See the Introduction of the Holy Spirit. V1 It was Pentecost and an undeniable spiritual presence surprised and surrounded them. We must first measure the significance of Pentecost. Judaic roots spring from Leviticus 23:15 where it is referred to as the Feast of Weeks and counts the passing of seven Sabbaths. It is called Pentecost because it begins 50 days after Passover. Spiritual harvest lay waiting.
Farmers must employ harvest equipment. Farmers, tractors, and combines were the only ones who could get in the fields. With the river rising, 23 pickers in one field was an awesome sight to see.
At one of the great festivals, every male Jew within 20 miles was legally bound. Others were expected to try. Travel conditions were ideal. Keep in mind these travelers to Jerusalem.
II. Now, the Significance of Unity Among the Disciples. They waited for they-knew-not-what. They knew a galvanizing “joy” when they were together. Acts 1:13 told of the return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, to an “upper” room. Perhaps the room where Christ had graced their fellowship. So, 11 or 120, coming and going, but always back to this place.
The contemporary church must recover this sense of togetherness. It begins with an unbridled love for Jesus. It understands the need for the Holy Spirit’s leadership. Notice there is total equality: “they were all together,” “it filled all the house,” “resting on each of them,” “all were filled with the Holy Spirit.”
III. Now, an Attempt to Sort Out what Happened to Them There. The elements of this event included (1) tongues of fire (a symbol of God’s presence—see Exodus 3:2 and Deuteronomy 5:4); and (2) the “sound” of wind--not wind but sound, or pneuma (spirit or wind). This is a consequential, spiritual event. (We try to describe it concretely.)
R.L. Maddox wrote, “God in the form of the Holy Spirit came upon the people. Did the Christians sigh under the weight of the first breath of wind? Did the lamps flicker? Did strands of their hair rustle like angels’ wings? Who knows? But they would talk about that day for the rest of their lives.”
There is no evidence that they would ever try to re-capture or repeat the experience, but similar events happened among the “aliens” in Samaria (Acts 8:14) and the gentiles in Caesarea (10:44-45). Frank Stagg (B104p52) surprises us. “The great release of power on the day of Pentecost is not in the least to be minimized, but it evidently did not stand out so uniquely for first century Christians as for some of us. It is not mentioned in extant first century Christian writings outside the second chapter of Acts.” There were enduring problems. Some were afraid they would not so encounter; others were afraid they would.
Let’s back up and spend a little more time on “cloven tongues of fire.” “Cloven” means parted, divided. What was there, we will never know. What they saw, they described. And what it symbolizes, we can depict. We can only go back in time, “down into Egypt to see Moses leading God’s people.” A thing is done that was never done before. Exodus 13:21 “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud; . . . and by night in a pillar of fire.” Cloud and wind by day, fire by night.
IV. Then there is the significance of the “filling” and the “speaking” that followed. V4 “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues.” Thus is magnified the reality of Christ’s presence. Thus is amplified the need of yieldedness on their part to His will. Thus is qualified that function of proclamation of the gospel. Remember the Holy Spirit is not “It.”
Pentecost was necessary to get Christianity out of the Aramaic language. The big question has to do with the meaning of the “tongues” experience for the future of the church. The Holy Spirit did not have his inception at Pentecost.
Psalms 51:11 “Take not thy Holy Spirit”
Isaiah 63:10 “Vexed his Holy Spirit”
John 20:19-23 “Receive the Holy Spirit”
Genesis 1:2 “The Spirit of God moved”
Nor was glossolalia the matter. What is really at issue? Upholding our position to the rebuke of any other? My Holy Spirit encounter is normative, therefore you seek? Trying to tie the hands of the Holy Spirit?
What happened at Pentecost? People heard the gospel. They came to understand and believe. He magnifies the proclaimed word. Do we seek for Him to do so? Do we wait upon media blitzes? When believers are “filled” with the Holy Spirit, when they speak in “tongues,” do others become targets of Holy Spirit ministry?
What is not the Holy Spirit? Wind is not the Holy Spirit. Fire is not the Holy Spirit. Language is not the Holy Spirit. They were evidences of His presence.
Why the Spirit came—To empower Jesus’ teaching. To convict of sin. To comfort. To consecrate for service. To guide the Christian life.
CHRIST THE JUDGE
#491 CHRIST THE JUDGE
Scripture Acts 17:31, NIV Orig. 4-28-68
Rewr. 2-20-91
Passage: For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.
Purpose: Continuing a series for Easter on Jesus’ nature, here seeing Him as the One in whom ultimate judgment must rest.
Keywords: Christ Judge Judgment Revival Nature of Christ
Timeline/Series: Easter/Other
Introduction
Most of us, because of inoculations administered when we were children, have little fear of such diseases as small pox and diphtheria. However, contagious diseases are still a great concern. We are reading about the cholera epidemic in Peru. The Centers for Disease Control reports on other problem areas in the world. Here in our own country, HIV is a terrible risk. Deviant sexual behavior is not its only source. Every winter, millions of people regularly take flu shots in a sometime fruitless attempt not to catch the flu during the peak-susceptibility cold weather months. We want to think of ourselves as invulnerable to disease.
Thankfully, some things have been brought under control. Others are as death-dealing as ever they have been. We must be sensible in our approach to health. We must generate a healthy lifestyle. Even with one, we are not completely invulnerable.
One of the myths of the ancients was that of a man named Achilles. He was the son of Peleus and Thetis. His father was noted for bravery during the Trojan Wars. Because his mother perceived that he would follow in his father’s steps and would thus face danger, she feared for his vulnerability. While a baby, she dipped Achilles in the River Styx, presumably to thus cover him with a shield of protection. He was thus submerged over the entirety of his body except the one spot on his heel where she held him. The myth informs us that it was in that heel years later that Achilles was mortally wounded.
In our day, even, an Achilles heel is a personal weakness for which there seems to be no solution. We can protect ourselves and our families from a few of life’s dangers, but not all. We may spend a fortune in the process and yet be vulnerable.
The question raised by all of this is, “What good is an almost invulnerability?” Why would people work with such determination to protect themselves from the vicissitudes of life, and pay no mind to the facing of the judgment of God? It is this judgment that we seek to address this morning as a part of the nature of Christ.
I. It is a Judgment of Appointed Time. “He hath appointed a day.” There are places in the world where time means little. People live in routine existence. Sameness controls their lives.
For most of us, everything is by appointment. We work appointed schedules. Our children practice ball, music, art, taekwondo, by appointment. We even meet our friends by appointment.
A four-year-old told her parents, just after her fourth birthday, that she wanted a baby brother for her next birthday. As if by appointment, on her fifth, he was born. Her mother was barely home from the hospital when the girl said she wanted a sister for the next one. On that very day a little girl was born. The little girl came breathlessly into the room, but was interrupted by her mother asking, “Susie, how would you like a puppy for your birthday, next year?”
The judgment of God will be by decree. John 5:28f “The hour cometh in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, to the resurrection of life; they that have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.”
II. It is Likewise a Judgment of Universal Scope. “He will judge the world.” Every evil scheme will fall under the searching eye of God. Paul had been brought out of Berea by his friends because of dangers. They came here to Athens. Doubtless, the same message that drove him from Berea, he preaches here. Remember, these are the philosophers, scholars, learned men. Architecture, art, philosophy know no equal. There are no advantaged people before God. The message is the same to all.
Read the message preached in Acts. The life of Jesus, the death, forgiveness. Why would Jesus go through the struggle of the cross if it meant nothing? What it means is forgiveness. What it means is deliverance from the resurrection of judgment.
III. It is a Judgment Administered in Righteousness. “He will judge the world in righteousness.” There is much injustice in our world. History alludes to its presence in every time, clime, and culture. Hitler is a prime example. Russia represses the Baltic States.
There are evident Biblical examples. Psalmist: 73:6-8 “Therefore pride is their necklace; The garment of violence covers them. Their eye bulges from fatness; the imaginations of their heart run riot. They mock, and wickedly speak of oppression; They speak from on high.” In v16 he continues: “it was too painful for me, until,” he said, “I remembered what is in store or them.”
How many times the man on the street has no idea what really happens in the halls of Congress, in the state house, among the military tribunals, in our private enclaves. –But God knows, and justice will be done.
IV. It is Judgment Administered by a Chosen Agent. “He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.” Christ is this specially chosen vessel on the basis of his character, because His talk and His walk have been without sin. His knowledge is flawlessly accurate. An Anglican burial service contains the words: “holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal.”
The 19th century Scottish preacher Alexander Whyte wrote “The righteousness of God is that righteousness which His righteousness requires Him to require.” How does this measure against John 8:15 “I judge no man”? He meant “to divide,” “to separate.” John 8:15, again. “You judge after the flesh. I do not.”
It is human to issue rewards on the basis of favoritism. But Deuteronomy 1:17 reads “You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.”
V. It is a Judgment Consummated in Hope. “Whereof He hath given assurance to all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” Paul speaks of what they now have experienced. It was not so clear before. Job: “If a man die, shall he live again?” David: “I can go to him, but he cannot return to me.”
But it is clear now. Jesus, who was dead, lived again. Herein, the Christian witness is different from all others. For the Hindu, reincarnation offers only a proposed re-birth to a higher caste, or as a bug. Communism has a dead saviour whose coffin was a shrine.
The New Testament, however, declares that the resurrection brings the believer into a state of grace. Philippians 3:8f “. . . I count all things but loss, . . . that I may win Christ, . . . That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection.” Acts 17:18 “He preached unto them Jesus and the resurrection.” John 11:25f “I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” I Peter 1:3 “His abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Conclusion
Donald Barnhouse tells of an encounter on the Celebes Island with a boy and a small monkey. The boy was selling the animal that he had trapped with a handful of rice placed in a gourd. The monkey placed its small hand into the opening for the rice, but once clutching the object of its desire, he could not pull the hand free through the small opening, and was thus captured. Sin is the object of our desire. Jesus enables us to be set free.
ORDINANCES FOR THE NINETIES
#483 ORDINANCES FOR THE NINETIES
Scripture Acts 8:35-39, I Corinthians 11:23-29 NIV Orig. 9-29-63
Rewr. 1-11-90
Passage: Acts 8:35-39
35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] [a Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
1 Corinthians 11:23-29
23 For I received from the Lord(A) what I also passed on to you:(B) The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body,(C) which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant(D) in my blood;(E) do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.(F) 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.(G) 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves(H) before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Purpose: Remind my people that the message and meaning of the Lord’s Supper have not changed.
Keywords: Christ Ordinance Lord’s Supper Ordinance Baptism Communion
Introduction
There is a beautiful passage from John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress (250C77p123), that is most applicable in the context of the Lord’s Supper.
Then said Christian to the porter, Sir, what house is this? The porter answered, This house was built by the Lord of the Hill, and he built it for the relief and security of Pilgrims. . . . Now I saw in my Dream that thus they sat talking together until supper was ready. So when they had made ready, they sat down to meat. Now the table was furnished with fat things, and with Wine that was well refined: and all their talk at the table was about the Lord of the Hill; as namely, about what He had done, and wherefore He did what He did, and why He had builded that House. . . . Thus they discoursed together till late at night; and after they had committed themselves to their Lord for protection, they took themselves to rest. The Pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber, whose window opened towards the Sun rising: the name of the chamber was Peace, where he slept till break of day, and then he awoke and sang,
Where am I now? Is this the love and care of Jesus, for the men that Pilgrims are Thus to provide? That I should be forgiven! And dwell already the next door to Heaven!
The potential thus in the Lord’s Supper is for us to dwell “next door to heaven.”
I. First, a Brief Word about Determining Our Beliefs about Ordinances. We must encounter the teaching of Jesus. His early ministry was similar to that of John. Acts 13:24 “. . . who preached . . . the baptism of repentance.” Similarly, He instructed the disciples. Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, . . . baptizing . . . in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Likewise He left His imprint upon the observance of the supper. So He led the disciples. So He instructed them to continue. Luke 22:19 “This do in remembrance of me.”
The early church left a relatively clear PICTURE of its practice. Denominationalism has altered it. Individual teachers have abused it. We have the early church with which to compare ourselves. The third determinant has to do with the message of the ordinance. We will deal with this shortly in describing our present beliefs. It is noteworthy, that foot washing, exemplified by Jesus, did not pass into general use. He didn’t advise its continuance, and we are hard pressed to find a celebrant. We ought to learn the humility thus pictured.
II. Next, a Brief Discussion about Our Beliefs. Baptism: Acts 3:36 “Here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” Scriptural baptism is immersion. A.H. Strong writes that every place where the New Testament uses the concept of baptism either requires or mandates a meaning based on immersion. It is the immersion of a believer (Acts 8:37); there is no efficacy in a dunking in water not based on faith. Repeated immersions are a sacrilege because they espouse untruth. Baptism demonstrates a belief in who Jesus is, repentance and confession, and desire for discipleship. It is an act of obedience. Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized, every one of you . . . unto remission of sin.” It is a three-fold symbol of the Saviour’s life: Death--Romans 6:5 “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, so shall we be in the likeness of His resurrection;” Burial and Resurrection—Colossians 2:12 “Buried with Him in baptism . . . risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God.”
It is a testimony of the believer’s faith in Christ and in His gospel. It is the prerequisite to the privileges of church membership.
The Lord’s Supper: It memorializes the death of Christ. Its elements are twofold: unleavened bread and available fruit of the vine. It is the appropriation of the sacrifice of another for ourselves. Matthew 26:28 “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” It is the forecasting of His return. We are able to come to grips with this world as it is. We know that the ultimate change will happen only upon His return.
It is one thing more, it is an expression of obedience celebrated by the assembled church, according to Christ, the place of the supreme Lord, displaying a momentary picture of heaven.
Conclusion
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great British preacher, left a poem describing the supper.
Amidst us our beloved stands,
And bids us view his pierced hands;
Points to the wounded feet and side,
Blest emblems of the crucified.
What food luxurious loads the board
When, at his table, sits the Lord!
The wine how rich, the bread how sweet
When Jesus deigns his guests to meet!
If now, with eyes defiled and dim,
We see the signs, but see not him;
O, may his love the scales displace,
And bid us see him face to face!
Thou glorious Bridegroom of our hearts,
Thy present smile a heaven imparts!
O, lift the veil, if veil there be,
Let every saint thy glory see!
(250C77p169)
GOD'S INTENT TO BLESS
#19 GOD’S INTENT TO BLESS
Scripture John 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-4 NIV Orig. 4/5/64 (5/79)
Rewr. 3/3/87
Passage: John 7:37-39 NIV 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”[a] 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Acts 2:1-4 NIV 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.
Purpose: To remind us that we are God’s people, and that it is His intent to bless in His purpose and by His presence.
Keywords: Christ Death Faith Sovereign God Revival Holy Spirit
Introduction
The presence of God never comes by accident. We never perceive Him under conditions that He did not intend.
If Jesus went through those times when he did not perceive God’s presence, and He did, then the chances are that we will also. Gethsemane suggests this aloneness that Jesus felt. Luke 22:44 “Being in agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat were as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Later, on the cross He would experience more, with greater eagerness to pray. Mark 15:34 “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
The scripture gave prophetic utterance that it would be so. That such a feeling of aloneness would occupy Jesus before His death. Isaiah 63:3 “I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me.”
The theme of “aloneness” of Jesus would occupy some of the New Testament writers. I Peter 2:24 “Who His own self bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Though Jesus was forced to endure such separation, He was never out of the mandate of God’s caring. As believers, nor are we. The times when we feel so, are in reality times when He would magnify both purpose and presence in our lives. Consider what Jesus truly endured at Calvary. His followers scattered into the night. One had denied even knowing Him. Another had been instrumental in his arrest. The religious people of Judea clamored for His blood. Roman soldiers perceived His mortality as a cat and mouse game with Him as the victim. In 1868 Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane wrote the hymn, “There Were Ninety and Nine”:
“But none of the ransomed ever knew how deep were the waters crossed,
Or how dark was the night that the Lord passed through ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry, sick and helpless, and ready to die.
Lord, where are these blood drops all the way, that mark out the mountain track?
They are shed for one who had gone astray, ere the Shepherd could bring him back.
Lord, whence are thy hands so rent and torn? They’re pierced tonight by many a thorn.”
In the midst of such agony of aloneness, God used the faith of a dying thief to bolster the dying Saviour. A revolutionary, a convicted felon, is remembered now as the one who brought the healing balm of faith to the festering wounds of Jesus.
I. To Bless by His Purpose. V37 “In the first day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.’”
We cannot separate this even from Jesus’ death. John 7:6 “Therefore Jesus told them, ‘the right time for me has not yet come.’” This is about opportunity, intervention, and destiny. V7:30 John: “His hour was not yet come;’ v33 Jesus: “I go unto Him that sent me”; v39 John “Jesus was not yet glorified.” God’s glory is manifest when one performs service of honor in His name. What greater service than giving of one’s life.
Now Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Late October was the harvest festival. The last day was reserved for a special ceremony. Water, symbolizing the life of the harvest, had been brought in a golden vessel from the pool of Siloam. As it was poured out, it was accompanied by an ecstatic burst of Levitical trumpets. Of all God’s blessings at harvest, the longing for Messiah is keenly felt in such a celebration. There is a sudden pause of stillness and silence. In this climactic void, Jesus speaks, “If anyone thirsts, . . . come unto me and drink.”
The interpretation is easy. Without water from heaven, there would be no harvest. Without the effusion of Christ’s presence, an exceeding spiritual drought is evident. Out of Jesus, says the text, do these waters come forth. The Holy Spirit is not yet given. But Jesus entrusts to us the sharing of these waters of life. John 14:12 “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works.”
II. To Bless by His Presence. Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” First, a clarification. We must let Luke speak God’s message for us here. The text speaks of “other” languages, not “strange, unknown” ones.
Scripture defines the “unknown” tongue of the Corinthian church. I Corinthians 14:39 “Thou shalt not forbid to speak in tongues.” The text here speaks otherwise. Acts 2:1 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all in one accord in one place.” The Holy Spirit was working. This day constitutes God’s empowering of believers to communicate the Gospel.
The performance of God’s presence is manifest through three quintessential steps in believers.
Step number one is repentance. One becomes concerned about sin when we perceive it contrary to our good. More than regret. More than fear of consequences. Rather, anguish that one’s life is out-of-step with God’s plan. Psalms 51: “Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done that which is evil in thy sight.
Step number two is the step of believing, faithing Christ as Lord and Saviour. This is an intellectual faith, but not that only. II Timothy 1:12 “. . . for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” What we believe is secondary to in whom.
Faithing Christ is commitment in Him, surrender to Him, being changed by Him. John 12:32 “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Not “all” without exception, rather “all” without distinction. It is the work of Christ. It is the work of Christ alone. But we are encouragers not discouragers of seekers. “Out of his belly flowed rivers.”
Step number three is that we are the “rapids” through which those waters move out to bless humanity. Thus, in this melding of repentance and faith, the new ground is broken in which the Holy Spirit works. John 14:23 “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:26 “. . . the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and will bring all things to your remembrance.”
When next you come upon a windmill, watch it closely. See if you can see the source of its energy. Look good for pulleys and gears. They are not there. But you can see the result of the wind’s intractable presence. As the blades turn, life-giving water is pumped where it is needed. So with the Holy Spirit. As we believe, and allow the living waters to be manifest in us, others come to be blessed by these waters.
Conclusion
When the Passion Play first began to be performed, the lead was played by Anton Lang. It was early suggested that a papier-mache cross be devised instead of the heavy wooden timbers. Night after night, a “real” cross would be too much. He refused, demanding, “Unless I feel the weight of the cross, I cannot play the role.” Too often we pursue the easy, convenient way to live as believers, a way more contemporary, more tasteful. We are looking for papier-mache crosses. The Holy Spirit has come to make the purpose and the presence of God a blessing: A blessing to us, and to those around us. There is no second-hand, less demanding Holy Spirit.