Lent 2008- Salvation History

Greetings in the Lord!

Lent Sermon Series

During Lent 2008 I am stepping away from the Series on Acts and following the revised Common Lectionary readings for lent to look at something called Salvation History.

What is Salvation History? It is looking at the story of how God acted in History from Creation, through the fall into sin, the calling of Abraham, the covenant with Israel, The Exodus, The rise of the Nation of Israel, the babylonian captivity, the reestablishment of the nation, and the coming of Christ; in order to bring salvation to you and I through the deatrh and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The last few weeks I've not posted commentaries so if you've had questions I apologize that there have been no relevant articles for you to attach your comments.

This week we'll be looking at the following Scriptures:

Ex 17:1-7

Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water that we may drink." And Moses said to them, " Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?" 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and they grumbled against Moses and said, "Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" 4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, "What shall I do to this people? A little more and they will stone me." 5 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Pass before the people and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand your staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 "Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He named the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us, or not?"

NASU

Rom 5:1-11

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

NASU

We'll be looking at the Subjects of “Grace and Provision” and see how in this ongoing Salvation history God in His grace has called, saved and provided for his people to bring about His ultimate plan of Salvation, even when the people who benefited didn't necessarily deserve it. May you and I, and all of us, see how God's grace preserves us to fulfill His plan, for our salvation as well as for the purpose God has given each of us life.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,

Mark

Sunday 2-3-08 "The Name"

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

Acts 4:5-12 Exposition

5 On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem;

Following Peter and John's Arrest the religious authorities came together to discuss the events of the man's healing and presumably the teaching of these men who shortly had appeared on the scene speaking of the killing of this “Jesus the Nazarene” who was called the “Son of God” and was given such other names as are only appropriate to call God alone.

6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent.

Such was the alarm that had been created that no minor authorities were consulted but the high priest and others in line for that place. This also proved that again these authorities would have to hear of this Jesus and now the gospel proclaimed in His name.

7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"

As Jesus had told them they would have an opportunity in their arrest to be witnesses of Him. Luke 21:12-15 says

12 "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. 13 " It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 " So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. NASU

Likewise we should not fear when we suffer for the gospel but should use every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus, not working to free ourselves but seeing an opportunity for an audience which might not hear of Christ had it not been for our persecution.

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, " Rulers and elders of the people,

Peter was first full of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus had promised, They would not defend themselves but receive words and wisdom not their own with which to speak and which could not be refuted. Jesus promised to give this of himself (Luke 21:15) and as it is the Spirit which fills Peter it becomes clear that the Holy Spirit is that gift of Christ which he promised and at the same time is one with Christ since Jesus promised to give the words and wisdom.

He addresses them “Rulers and Elders of the People.” This address is both respectful as any witness should be; not railing against or insulting opponents, but gentle and clear; and makes the point of their position as having responsibility for the people both as Authorities and Spiritual leaders.

9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well,

Peter demonstrates by this that the charge against them is not one of lawlessness but rooted in something else, for who would try a man for doing good. It is similar to Jesus' question “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or harm?” (See Mark 3:4, Luke 6:9)

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.

Peter uses the opportunity to proclaim the message that Jesus the Nazarene, who once again he shows as being betrayed by those who should have received Him, is the messiah (Christ), died having been crucified, and is alive having been raised. He proclaims all the more that there is power given through faith in Jesus name which is still able to do wonders, even to have made this man able to walk who was lame from birth. He speaks his message to them (the gathered priests) but also to all Israel, showing that this good news is for all who will receive it and not a defense specially prepared for their accusers.

11 " He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone.

This is a reference to Psalm 118:22 which was also quoted by Jesus (Matthew 21:42) in reference to himself and showing Jesus to be the fulfilment of prophesy in both his rejection by His own people and in His exaltation by God as Lord and Christ. He is also the Cornerstone on which something new is being built, the church, which the “builders” those preservers of old tradition oppose. We will see in further study the rejection comes in part because of the message's source, these “unlearned men” from Galilee and not the experts and those whose family lineage placed them in authority, ie the High priesthood. How foolish is it then when men return to this error of either as the LDS do in pointlessly tracing lineage to support a position of authority (the so-called Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood) or of even some Christian churches who disregard the message of a preacher if he (or she perhaps more so) lacks the credentials which they require of their clergy. The message is true when it is faithful to Scripture and to the gospel of Jesus Christ and does not require any embellishments from human beings. While Christ's own rejection was prophesied, woe to those who reject Him, especialy now with the promise of grace attached to His name.

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."

Here is the final Word and the simple message of the Gospel. You can be saved, that is forgiven of Sin, delivered from death and hell, and adopted as children of God for eternal life, through no other than Jesus Christ. Any other supposed means of salvation, religion, good works, even with sincerity, is bankrupt; a check written without sufficient funds. But the name of Jesus, and the good news of salvation by faith in that Name, in the person who that name represents, has been given, not only under heaven, but by the creator of Heaven and Earth and all things, as the way which You and I must be saved!

In Christ and on the Shepherd's path,

Mark