Sunday's Text 2-3-08

Acts 4:5-12

5 On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. 7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, " Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead — by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11 " He is theSTONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone. 12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
NASU

Sunday's Text 1-27-08 How will we respond to the Gospel?

Acts 3:11-4:4

While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. 12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 13 " The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. 16 "And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

17 "And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. 18 "But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. 22 "Moses said, 'THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. 23' And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' 24 "And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. 25 "It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.' 26 "For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways."

As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

NASU

Acts 3:11-4:4 Exposition

While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement.

The demonstration of the power of Christ in the healing of this man was so amazing to the people that they could not help but be drawn to the place where the Apostles were to see what was happening. Likewise when God is visible at work in us it will draw people to us with questions about the work we are doing and the reason for our work. Will we have an answer for them or will we take some credit for ourselves which is not ours to give?

12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?

The apostles reply with a ready answer and return the credit for this miracle to God deflecting all glory from themselves.

13 " The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.

They wish to make it known that this is no new deity or power that they are proclaiming but the very same God which the people were assembled at the temple to worship which their fore bearers had worshiped as well. They proclaim Jesus, holding the people to account for their rejection of Him yet lifting him up as well as the glorified “servant” of God. Their sin is aggravated by the fact that not only did they reject Jesus but rejected Him when the unrighteous Roman governor would have released him as innocent.

14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

By calling Jesus “the Holy and Righteous One” the Apostle makes it clear that this “servant” is in fact God, since who else can truly be called holy or righteous. The aggravation of their sin is increased by showing their choice by contrast of a “murderer” over the Holy and Righteous One.

15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.

The contrasts continue as the people are described as having killed the Prince of “life” yet as the Prince of Life he was in fact raised from death something they asserted was not hearsay but truly as Apostles, they were eyewitnesses (the credential of an apostle as described in Acts 1 whereby Matthias was identified to replace Judas) The same God who may raise the dead is quite by comparison, capable of healing a man, even one crippled from birth.

16 "And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Faith is not here simply belief. There are many things we believe that lead to little or no action. These beliefs might even be called faith since we choose to accept the information as true even without seeking evidence beyond the story itself. Yet the faith described here is not belief but trust; trust in the Name of Jesus as powerful enough to change things in the natural world. We perhaps should examine what we have come to expect by “faith” in Jesus' name. Is it more than just a hope of heaven someday or does it make a difference in our world now? Is the difficult or even seemingly impossible possible through faith in Jesus name? Surely he does not ask everything we ask when we ask according to our desires only, but when we pray his will, in His name we can expect prayers answered.

17 "And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also.

This is not an excuse for them but an announcement for the benefit that they might receive the blessing that is to come in the next sentence, that is, the demonstration of the truth that their sin accomplished Gods will to make effective the offer of repentance which the Apostle will soon make.

18 "But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.

Their ignorance and rejection of Christ allowed the prophesied promise of Christ's suffering for the forgiveness of sins to occur. This is why we mus be able to extend God's message of repentance and the forgiveness which follows even to those who have wronged us. For how can we know that some purpose of God was not accomplished in the evil intent of those we need to forgive.

19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;

The future that God has in store for us when we repent, are forgiven and live in God's will, is described as “times of refreshing.. from the presence of the Lord.” This is no mere human attitude adjustment, but a true peace with God and one another that comes through the Holy Spirit.

20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you,

Those who repented would also receive Christ, both through the internal revelation of His person and the truth of His resurrection, and through the hope for His return when all things are restored as God had established prior to the fall. Notice, he is “the Christ appointed for you”. The invitation is personal and we must respond if we are to experience the blessing of being in Christ. We will not know the benefit of forgiveness, new life, reconciliation, a life that is pleasing to God, fellowship, and hope for eternal life, without a personal response to the offer of Christ.

21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.

Again, he has ascended to heaven, to remain there until that time of restoration. The hope of the church for all time has been that day when Christ shall return. The “last days” or “Revelation” events are not to inspire fear in us but are the promise of the completion of our salvation.

22 "Moses said, 'THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you.

Jesus is proclaimed as the one promised not just in later prophets but even by Moses himself and like mose, one who would deliver to them the very words and will of God. We ignore the Word's and Will of God at our own peril as the verse to follow tells.

23' And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.'

The threat which they are under who reject Christ is not some minor misfortune but dreadful and endless loss of what God has promised to his people. This would be an especially horrible prospect for those Jews who heard it as their hope was always tied to their place among the people of God, that is the nation of Israel. To lose this was to lose everything and to make all that they as a people had suffered for generations for nothing.

24 "And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days.

There is no shortage of prophetic predictions of the work of the Messiah. And if Christ has fulfilled these things then how can he be rejected?

25 "It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.'

They are not being asked to reject the God of their fathers or the covenant on which they had hoped and to embrace something new. Instead they are being asked to embrace the fulfillment of the same covenant and so receive the blessing as promised. Their tradition was preserved in remaining in the stream of God's will and ongoing work.

26 "For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways."

Here might be a hint that the same promise will come to the gentiles since it says “you first.” The work of Christ is to begin with our turning from our own way to God's way, from wickedness to God's will. Being turned itself is a blessing from God since God could have just as well chosen not to send Christ and leave us dead in our sins and continuing to our destruction in wickedness. Notice that any want of following Christ is ”wicked” not merely certain grievous or appalling sins. Therefore we are all called to turn to Christ not merely the intensely evil.

4:1 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them,

Here tradition stands in the face of truth and the hope they should have sought is rejected and its messengers are abused as often happens. The priests who had a stake in retaining the worship as it was, the captain of the temple guard who sought to keep order, and the Sadducees who rejected out of hand the possibility of any resurrection, all stood in opposition to this message of repentance and hope.

2 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

It would seem that the problem was that they were both gaining a following and that they were proclaiming a notion that they rejected that disturbed this group. Do our preconceived notions of fairness, our dislike for an individual , our love for our own agenda, or anything else, lead us to reject what God is saying to us in his Word? Will we be moved to change or to resist?

3 And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening.

The leaders' choice was to reject the truth and to imprison the Apostles.

4 But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

Even though the leaders rejected the message and the Apostles, the church grew as many more came to faith. The truth is that regardless of what is done by some in rejecting the Gospel, those who are called by the Spirit will turn to Christ and will believe. It is the duty of the church to proclaim the gospel everywhere and to all, even when it brings personal risk. The result will always be the conversion to Christ of those who will believe.

Firemen and Plumbers

Those who lead are called at many times to be like Firemen and Plumbers.

What do we know about firemen and plumbers. Both are required to deal with lousy situations that are not their fault. Think about it...

As leaders it is not for us to waste time and energy in the midst of a difficult situation fixing blame. Firemen charge in to the flames to rescue those in danger put out the fire preventing further damage and danger. Plumbers will wade ankle and even knee deep into some very unpleasant stuff and without complaining or whining, stop fix the problem and get things flowing correctly again. When everyone is safe and when the bad stuff is flowing away like it's supposed to then they both, in the privacy of their own conversations, comment about the cause. But never in front of the victims or the customer.

I admit finding the cause of a problem can prevent future problems. but in the midst of the flames or standing ankle deep in sewage it does no good to gripe about the idiot who caused the fire or who tried to flush something inappropriate.

Leaders need to take the pride of firefighters in their job. They need to work with the dillegence and strong stomach of plumbers.

If you lead, lead knowing that fire and filth go with the territory. and know that the results of your work are always worthwhile.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

Sunday's Text 1-27-08

Acts 3:11-4:4

While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. 12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 13 " The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. 16 "And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

17 "And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. 18 "But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. 22 "Moses said, 'THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you. 23' And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.' 24 "And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days. 25 "It is you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'AND IN YOUR SEED ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH SHALL BE BLESSED.' 26 "For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways."


Acts 4

4:1 Peter and John Arrested


As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
NASU

All we have to Give is Everything. Acts 3:1-10

Acts 3:1-10

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 2 And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4 But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!" 5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene — walk!" 7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

NASU

Acts 3:1-10 Exposition

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.

Peter and John were going together to the temple at the hour of prayer. We are reminded by this that these early believers retained their Jewish practices of worship since God did not change. They went to the same temple and at the same times for prayer and other activities as before. The difference was that now they possessed a greater joy, one might imagine, than before, as before they went in hope of God's promises and now they went knowing the fulfillment of those Promises, namely that Jesus was the Messiah!. Worship was no longer seeking after an unrealized blessing, but thanksgiving for the blessing that had been received. Their attendance to worship has the result of placing them in an ideal place to tell others who came seeking God about the good news of Jesus. At the same time they attended to their own need for prayer as a follower of Jesus will still need and even desire communication with God through prayer.

2 And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.

There at the temple they encountered a man who also went to the temple for the purpose of encountering the crowds. He was born “lame” that is unable to walk and was being carried along by those who helped him get to that place where he would beg for his daily needs. The man was arriving for his usual purpose but would find his needs met beyond expectation this day.

3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms.

His encounter with perter and John begins with his ordinary request. We should be advised as the Church of Jesus Christ that many times those who come to us will be seeking something other than Spiritual fulfillment. Our opportunity arises not only to share what we have but also to share our greater gift, the good news of Jesus Christ.

4 But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!"

The Apostles do not pass him by but in fact engage him all the more, ensuring by their request “Look at us” that they had the man's attention. They were not about to slip by or offer a silent prayer but to engage him fully and personally.

5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

Again the man seeks the usual remedy for his situation, expecting nothing more than the alms that the usual worshipers would give.

6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene — walk!"

A word concerning miracles- There are those who go to great lengths to prove that either miracles were the sole property of the Apostolic age, or that they are surely for today. I do not see that either extreme is biblical. Certainly if we are encouraged as we are in James and elsewhere to pray for the recovery of the sick that we then ought not to neglect such prayers even in the cases of the most impossible situations, illnesses, injuries or the like. Likewise experience would seem to show that miracles while not restricted to the Apostolic age alone are not the ordinary experience today. That being said, I believe in any circumstance where a miracle is needed we ought to ask confidently of God trusting in God's goodness, God's personal love for His children, and God's omnipotence and therefore power and ability to effect whatever he wills. Trust in God also dictates that we would submit to His will in the result and stand on faith that our prayers are heard and answered as God wills and for our benefit.

The encounter here demonstrates the work of the Spirit in the Apostles where Miracles where the means of demonstrating the true power of Christ, active still in the world through the Holy Spirit. They spoke in Jesus name, which they would later use to demonstrate that it was Jesus alone and no power or holiness of their own which healed this man.

Perhaps we should be encouraged by the power shown here that there is more available to us through faith than the ordinary thing we usually expect. The man came looking for money which the Apostles did not give, but he received healing instead. The Apostles do model this for us that when it is within our power to give we should not withhold. If it is money then give it, but more so do not withhold the good news of the gospel, prayers, or whatever ministry we may offer. We also should never give only what is asked for if the real means to more fully meet a need is at our disposal.

7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened.

Since they could give the man healing in Jesus Name they did so, and demonstrated the power of Christ. Surely we see the greatness of this miracle, a man born crippled made whole, but how much greater is the miracle which we take for granted as ordinary, that through the death of Christ, our sins and the separation from God they cause, are removed from us and we are restored to eternal life as though we'd never sinned. Physical healing is small by comparison. The devil has so blinded us as to make a great deal of temporary physical restoration and to devalue eternal life.

8 With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

His actions are a demonstration of how we are to respond to a gift from God. His gratitude is displayed through the enthusiastic use of his new gift and through the outward expressions of His praise to God as the source of his blessing. We should never forget or neglect the praise of God for each of His blessings.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God;

If our praise is hidden then no one will take note. The man was not making a public display of his righteousness or good works, but was praising God publicly. We often mistake the command to be humble and to not display our righteousness before the world as a command to make our faith a “private matter” known only to ourselves and to God. This is not the case. The man is not displaying himself as it were to be seen as a religious man to gain attention for himself or the praise of men. He is displaying the greatness of God through worshiping Him and giving God due credit for the blessing he has received. God must not be removed from the public square by the very people who ought to be proclaiming His praise.

10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

One of the greatest witnesses for Jesus Christ is the life changed by Him. The people knew this man to be the one who was lame and who begged daily. Now heis seen restored and praising God. This draws attention and causes those who knew Him to take note that something amazing had happened. This brings about another occasion for Peter to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Sunday's Text 1-20-08

Acts 3:1-10

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 2 And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4 But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!" 5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene — walk!" 7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
NASU

Sunday's Text 1-13-08 Real Christian Community -Acts 2:42-47

Acts 2:42-47

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47 Exposition

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

As I commented before in another place, these are some of the marks of a Spirit filled disciple of Jesus.

1.They were devoted to the apostles' teaching: There was no laziness or disinterest in hearing more about Jesus or the life they were called to live. The authority of the Apostles teaching is seen in the continuing influence they have in their presence, especially in the epistles of Peter, James, John, and Paul as these are found in the New Testament. Likewise the teaching of the apostles was important enough that much of what we accept as canonical scripture is substantiated, not only by many ancient copies, but in accurately quoted fragments in early church writings that have also been preserved. I would caution the reader to consider that the Apostles' verbal teachings were of a greater authority in the time of Acts than in times since, as the New Testament portion of Scripture had not been committed to a written record. That is to say no teaching claiming to have “Apostolic Authority” or anything like it, that is inconsistent with the written Word in Scripture should be regarded with any authority in those points where it departs from scripture. We have no other way of ensuring that a so called apostle or prophet's word is true today than by comparison with the written Word of Scripture. Thus we are cautioned against by teachings of the traditionally orthodox denominations, (that is to say Trinitarian and Christian) as well as teachings of those of cults outside of orthodoxy, which depart from the whole witness of Scripture. While we may differ on minute points of doctrine, we still remain united by our common faith in the Word of God as revealed in the Bible. So our devotion then today should be to God's word and to the seeking of good teaching and proclamation (preaching) of the Bible, for in it is found the knowledge we seek of God and of God's will for us.

2.They were devoted to Fellowship: They preferred one another's company to that of the world and strengthened, encouraged, and admonished one another by their company. That is not to say they were separated from the world, but that they intentionally sought the company of other Christ followers that they may grow in faith, love, and devotion to Jesus Christ. They enjoyed and took more pleasure in the company of each other than in the people and things, attitudes and priorities of the non-believing world.

3. They were devoted to the breaking of bread: Both to the celebration of the sacrament, I am sure, and to the sharing of the intimacy of the ordinary table with one another. They did not keep a polite distance but shared their homes and meals with one another and with the Apostles, honoring one another and sharing greater joy in each other's company. Communion existed with these believers, with Christ and with each other and it was most notable at the table. Think for yourself of the way a person might view one's association with a great celebrity. It is quite different to say I attended her concert, than to say I ate with her in her home. This was an extension of their fellowship and new community.

4. Finally they were devoted to prayer: They prayed I am sure with and for each other. This shows the growing communion with God and one another of this new community. One cannot claim a close relationship with a person with whom he never speaks. Likewise we are never growing closer to God when prayer is neglected. When prayer happens regularly and with enthusiasm, there is growing relationship with God. Likewise to bring another's concerns and joys to God in their presence or in their absence, draws you closer to them. That is why it is sometimes even dangerous for a man to pray alone with a woman not his wife or a woman with a man not her husband. Prayer with and for another draws people closer to each other. It is difficult to disregard or to lose care for a person for whom you pray.

In Summary, their faith in Jesus Christ and their filling with the Holy Spirit was marked by a growth in connection to God and each other. The Apostles' teaching, and Scripture for us, brings us closer to God and closer to one another through the repairing of our broken relation to one another. Obedience to God's Word turns us from sins which divide us to service which unites us. Fellowship brings us closer to God in the prioritizing of those He loves over the world. Fellowship draws us nearer to one another as we enjoy each other's company and intentionally pursue it. Breaking bread is communion with Christ at His Table through the Sacrament of His Body and Blood in Remembrance of Him, but also in the sharing of this Sacrament not alone but with the gathered church. Likewise breaking bread in the home through ordinary shared meals shows communion beyond polite association. Finally prayer unites us in conversation with God, and for and with one another.

43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Not to say that Christianity is marked by feelings alone. For there are times when we will not feel any awe or euphoric excitement, or even warmth and peace, in worship or in service. But there are times, especially in encountering the visible work of God that we cannot help but be awestruck. That was their situation. The apostles were doing many signs and wonders and it was truly amazing to see what God had begun to do in the world. Gone were the days of tired ritual or compulsory sacrifice. They were seeing the awesome power of the living God at work. God was no longer confined in a temple but active among them. This was the same awe that drew many to Jesus, now at work among the Spirit- filled Apostles.

44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

Their fellowship was so great as to cause them to desire to use all their possessions in the service of their new community. This was not a forced communism mandated by the Apostles as a cult leader would, or demanded by the state. This was a personal and joyful choice made by these believers to use all they had in such a way that no one had any need. The attitude is displayed again in Pauls instruction on giving when He tells the Church at Corinth to prepare their offering for the relief of the church gathered at Jerusalem. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NASU

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

This will become more important when we come to the account of Ananias ans Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. We begin to see a move of the Spirit which leads these believers to take so little stock in the things of this world that they give up the possession of property and begin to liquidate their resources to be used to alleviate the needs among them. The principle at this point is the focus they had, as they were filled by the Spirit, to share what they had and to see to it that no believer had need. There was no “I'll pray for you.” as is common when a need is expressed, but a sincere effort to use all at their disposal to ensure that there was no one left without the basic necessities of life. The following passage gives us more insight into how this was possible.

46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

It is no coincidence that their sharing of goods even to the loss of individual possessions is described together with this repetition that they ate together. Today it is quite common for us to neglect to sacrificially give to another in need for fear that they may not actually be in need, might misuse the gift, or simply might be using our generosity to “rip off” decent well meaning Christians. However this may have been prevented in that they were not giving to strangers but the very people they ate and drank and spent their time with daily. There was no fear of theft from people that they should have known their character and situation so well from so much time spent together. When our churches are lacking in intimacy of fellowship and communion so that we barely know one another, then we are in the unfortunate position to fear the other person's motives and so we do not enjoy this kind of blessed community.

These folks however continued in unity of belief and faith and vision. They were as it says “with one mind” or “with one accord”. They gathered in the temple, a place where they certainly could worship, but also as it was not their temple but the temple of the Jews, it was a open forum where those who came for spiritual purposes could be encountered and engaged for sharing the gospel. Their gathering was not in a Christian ghetto away from those who they would win but in a place where they would meet and speak to people who did not yet know the good news. Our churches need find these places to gather with one another where we may meet and share our hope with those who may be seeking God but do not yet know Jesus Christ.

In addition to gathering at the temple, they continued to meet in each other's homes. The fact they still had homes may show that not all of their property was abandoned, but what was retained what what was necessary, with surplus being sold, and even what was kept being used as a resource for their community, that is they met in their homes. They did this not out of a sense of duty or with the kind of tired burdensome way of many church “programs” but with glad and sincere hearts. In Short, with enthusiasm.

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

These things were done as well both as worship and including the act of “praising God”, that is outward worship and adoration of The Lord. Again this indicates this was no mere human movement or brilliant program that created their society but that they ascribed such great things as they were experiencing to God. Likewise they enjoyed the favor of the people. Surely this has not always been true of the church: that she has had the favor of the world. But during such times as God permits and so moves people, the church finds herself in the position to influence many by her right example of Christian community. As such it is rightly said that it was “the Lord” who added to their numbers and not they themselves. However the evidence of the Lord's work is shown in the growing numbers, the fact that these growing numbers are not mere “hangers on” but those who also were being “saved”, and that the church did display the marks of Spirit Filled Christian community described before.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,

Mark

Cautious Courage

When I am busy, I mean really busy, with the work of the church, I am reminded of how much I rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to keep me going. I pray continually for courage. The church walks a tightrope of courage where we may fall off on either side. The side to the left is the side of too much boldness. Striking out on our own, ungrounded by Scripture, common sense or both. The forces that would push you off that side are those who say "You are too careful", and "God should protect us", even, "we are not doing enough," or "You need to be more creative." While each of these statements are true, their truth is used to cause us to misstep, to miss important details, to rely on God to take care of careless planning or downright negligence." The voice demanding more can be pride or impatience, leading us away from God's plans and our real work within those plans. The voice that calls for creativity can even lead us to look for meanings in God's Word that are beyond what has been placed in the inspired text.
At the same time the forces that push us to the right side of undue caution are the voices saying "be careful, we might lose." and "We have to focus on our security." They say "All these new projects are too much" and "Lets make do with what we have." Again in the right place all of these statements are true, except that fear of loss can cause us to never try, so we lose by default; Good diligent security can never prevent all possible problems, we do rely on God for His protection and provision of resources. We do need to ensure that we are not overextended, but we cannot become complacent and fail to challenge ourselves to do more than we are comfortable in order to grow. We are to be content with what we have and use each resource as best as we are able; to squeeze every drop of usefulness from every penny, to care for and rest our horses, those who power our work, our volunteers and leaders, and to remain faithful to the basics of our mission and message. But we must also be creative, find ways to extend the use of our resources, find new and exciting, motivating missions for our volunteers and leaders, find ways to cycle work celebration and rest, and find new and effective ways to share our core message and accomplish our mission.

Because of this We have to live with an attitude of Cautious Courage. Cautious Courage is what drives the soldier out of the perimeter while keeping his eyes open for boobytraps, ambush, and unseen danger. Cautious Courage is what leads the pioneer to dare the risks of the open and unknown country for a better life, while choosing the best and safest route. Cautious Courage is what makes us able to be faithful to Jesus' call as he says "Take up your cross and follow me." while knowing the cost. Jesus said in Luke 14:25-33

Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 26 " If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 "Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 "Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 "Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.
NASU

When Jesus said these kinds of things many turned away. In another place he offended many and they quit him. But when he asked the disciples if they would leave too. Peter is quoted in John 6:68-69
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life . 69 "We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."
NASU


Following Jesus takes Cautious courage as you walk the Shepherd's Path.

In Christ, and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

Sunday's Text 1-13-08

Here's the Text for Sunday Jan 13.

We'll be looking at how receiving Christ and the Holy Spirit transforms the community of the early Church. Read, prepare, pray, and come expecting...

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,

Mark

Acts 2:42-47

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and theybegan selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Commentary for Sunday's text

Since I do not preach from notes (You wouldn't want to hear a sermon that I did.) What I have to remind you, and myself, of Sunday's message is the commentary I've prepared beforehand. I hope this is helpful and again I invite questions and discussion.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

Acts 2:37-42

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, " Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Peter said to them, " Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, " Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

NASU

Acts 2:37-42 Exposition

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, " Brethren, what shall we do?"

Responding to the news of the gospel their hearts are touched, more accurately, “pricked” or “agitated violently”. The respond by asking “what shall we do?” The gospel requires a response when by the Spirit its preaching is effective. One should not be surprised that they become troubled. By Peters sermon they are made personally culpable in the Death of God's Son. Such is the truth of the Gospel. Sin is the reason for the crucifixion. It was for sin and to procure the forgiveness therof that Christ died. Trouble at the hearing of ones own lost condition is a work of the Spirit. If you find yourself worried that you may be lost, take it as the Spirits call to ask as these men did “What shall [I] do?” Then be prepared to respond affirmatively to the answer. It is not sufficient to regret sin, the remedy must be sought and taken. Just as it is not enough to know your disease, but that you must find its cure and take it.

38 Peter said to them, " Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter does not leave them in their sins. Certainly Peter's sermon would not be considered “Seeker sensitive” today. It would be branded “Hellfire and brimstone” and marked as unacceptable in many of our churches. Yet notice that it is effective in being the means of the Spirit to draw people to God. Peter could have left them without hope. To die in the misery of their sin, yet he does not. Even though these men were culpable in Jesus death, Peter extends to them the true means of Salvation. The grace of the message is beautiful. The need not pay the penalty for Christ's death. There is no penitent act or payment of reparations. They must simply repent and be baptized. Repentance is the willing turning from Sin, the change of heart and mind from willing sinfulness to agreement with God that our acts are sinfull and there is no merit in them which can save us. It is the turning also, as much as you are able and with the Spirit's help to do what is right from here forward. Baptism is important here not only because it is right. Jesus did command that the Apostles “make disciples...baptizing them”. But also baptism in the “name of Jesus Christ,” is the public identification with Jesus, whom they had formerly rejected. It is like taking off the Jersey of your favorite team and donning the Jersey of it's rival. But more so it is turning from the world's opinion to stand for something that the world will reject. In one way this Grace is simple in that there is nothing one does to earn it. Yet at the same time it is difficult because we must stand in the face of the World and say I reject you and I am going with Christ whom you hate. Does this sound harsh. Then why did Jesus say (as recorded in John 15:18-20 NASU )

" If the world hates you , you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you .

Likewise Scripture says in 1 John 3:13 NASU

Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you .

I see no trouble with Peter request that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ as opposed to “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” as in Matthew's recording of the great commission. The point here is identification with Jesus as the Son of God, and Baptism as a mark of God's grace, not as a formulaic action one takes to be saved by which he will be lost if the words are not gotten precisely right. Salvation it is clear, is through Christ, not a formula or works.

In addition Peter proclaims the promise of the Holy Spirit. A person who is saved and identified with Christ does through the promise of God, receive the Holy Spirit. One can debate endlessly when and how this occurs, or one can simply receive the promise by faith and take God at His word that one who believes in Christ, and calls on His name, who has repented and is baptized, has assurance that he or she has received the Holy Spirit. These acts do not manipulate God to action, but serve to grant us assurance of God's promise. If we lack in any of these work then we lack also the assurance that the work gives.

39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."

God has worked out His purpose in Christ and has given us His promises through His Word. The good news of this promise is not for any identifiable group of individuals, but to all the secretly elect of God who are being called to God. The identity of these elect being known only to God, we must therefore proclaim God's promise of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all that all who receive it will be among those to whom the promise is effective, namely “as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.

40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, " Be saved from this perverse generation!"

Peter's message is persistent as he testifies with many other words and exhortations. His words are also “testimony” as it is that he “testified” built from the word for witness. Our message is not our own or up to our skill or creativity. It is simply and accurately repeating those things we have received from God's Word. The message is also to call out to those who would hear that they must be saved from what is a “perverse” or warped or twisted world. The world and even the community we live in, by itself and without Christ is a perverse, warped and twisted version of what It was meant to be and will never be anything more without Christ.

41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

This passage is the great hope of many a small congregation, and yet the means of it we fail to employ. Churches look to gimmicks, the latest “Christian” fad, watering down of the call of God in Scripture and many other things to attempt to “open the doors” to allow many to come in. Yet it is the claims of the Gospel that draw these 3000 to baptism and not anything else. We have been equipped with the same message and yet we seek some other means. It is no wonder we fail when we look to something else instead of witnessing faithfully to the Gospel for growth. Those who received it were baptized. Those who heard the Word turned against the world and identified themselves with Christ.

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

At the same time the result of this turning to Christ is the development of a real community. More on this in the verses that follow. For now though we see a group of new Christ followers “devoted” to the apostles teaching, not neglecting their need for instruction; “devoted” to fellowship, enjoying one another as a community of those who were in Christ; “devoted” to the breaking of bread, not merely superficial relationships but the intimacy of shared family life at the table; and “devoted” to prayer, speaking to God and living in community not just with each other but in communion with God as well. The content of their prayers is unspecified but “prayer” is a clear mark of one who have received the Gospel and its effects. Indeed the marks of a believer are shown here in part as learning the faith which we have received (“the apostles' teaching”), “fellowship”, sharing community (“breaking bread”), and

“prayer”. In measuring the Church's effectiveness today, even our own congregations, how do we measure up in these categories. Are we hungry to learn and discuss matters of faith? Do we enjoy the company of other believers and prefer their company to the world? (Not to say that we exclude the world but that we enjoy each other more than we enjoy the world.) Do we truly and intentionally share life together or do we keep each other at a polite distance? And are we “devoted” to conversation with God for ourselves, each other and any other subject of concern to us?

Sunday's Text 1-6-07

Hope everyone is having a great New Year's and Epiphany Week. Starting this week I'll begin publishing the Sermon text for the coming Sunday as soon as I have it selected. You may read ahead and also respond to this post with any questions or discussions regarding the week's sermon. Bear in mind this is not for me to heap up praise (or abuse) this is for real discussions or questions. So please, as much as I enjoy hearing "Good Sermon Pastor!" I'm not looking for that here. But I hope this can be used to start some great interactive discussions that our busy schedules and crazy lives might otherwise cause to be neglected.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,

Mark

Acts 2:37-42

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, " Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Peter said to them, " Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, " Be saved from this perverse generation!" 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
NASU

Sunday's quote

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
This was the quote from Ghandi that I mentioned in Sunday's sermon. It is a challenge to us who follow Jesus to be more like Jesus, to follow Him and not to expect Him to follow us. While I do not have much appreciation for the argument that Christian faith is not true because of the behavior of Christians. I do admit that often our weakest point in our witness to the truth of Christ is in our resistance to the Holy Spirit at work to transform us to be more like Jesus Christ. The freedom we experience in Christ is just this we are free from Sins demands to follow our own selfish and often conflicted desires, and we are set free to follow Jesus Christ. As a Reformed Christian (You may ask me what this means if you wish) I do qualify my understanding of free will to understand that we are not free as we may seem, that all is in a mysterious way subject to the sovereign and ultimately good will of God. Yet at the same time this Will is mysterious and hidden and such as we experience life, we seem to be free to do as we will. In that case our response to this experience is to use such freedom as we seem to have to bring our will into obedience to the revealed Will of God. God makes His revealed will known to us through the combined and always consistent voice of the Bible as the Word of God and the inner direction of the Holy Spirit. If these two voices seem to be contradictory it is not that one is faulty. It is instead that our hearing is inadequate and that we should pray to God who gives liberally out of His love, for greater understanding of His will. It it not Christ or even a fault in Christianity that leads to such sentiments as Ghandi's. It is our own failure to be as obedient to God as we are called.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark