Sunday 9-14-08 A Heart Prepared...A Messenger Sent

Acts 8:25-40

25 So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza." ( This is a desert road.) 27 So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot." 30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, "Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

"HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER;
AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT,
SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.
33 "IN HUMILIATION HIS JUDGMENT WAS TAKEN AWAY;
WHO WILL RELATE HIS GENERATION?
FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH."

34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37[ And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
NASU

Acts 8:25-40 Exposition

25 So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Remember that the foremost mission of the Apostles was the preaching of the gospel. After speaking as recored before, both to Simon the Sorcerer as well as baptizing the new believers at that “city in Samaria” (Acts 8:5) where Phillip had been preaching the Apostles set out to return to Jerusalem. The text clearly refers to the Apostles even though it is “they” who returned, since, we remember that the Apostles had not fled Jerusalem during this persecution as others such as Phillip had. Yet even in their return trip they were employed in their calling to preach the gospel as they would do in each of the Samaritan villages they traveled through. Likewise, if we are to follow their example, it is our calling to use the opportunities afforded by our circumstances to preach the gospel wherever life may take us. Note too that since the Spirit had been given to the “outsider” Samaritans, there is no hesitation on the return trip to share the gospel with other Samaritans, not just those who had been prepared by others such as Phillip.



26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza." ( This is a desert road.)

A side note here: Notice the detail of Luke. There are those who would tell us the Bible contains mostly fiction. Yet in argument the author includes details of Geography as well as in the following verse, of people, whose identity could be verified. A historian could verify the existence of such people as officials, perhaps not the eunuch himself, but at least the queen, and archaeologists could verify details of geography. Even more so there were the contemporary readers of the account who would know of such places and people and would have refuted them if it would discredit the Christian accounts which they opposed. Perhaps this story is not as good an example as Luke's birth narrative of Jesus, but it occasions this discussion. A writer who is trying to advance some idea as truth risks much by including details which could be verified in his accounts. See Lee Stroebel's The case for Christ for a much better treatment of this argument than I am able to make here.

The angel directs Phillip to a new mission having accomplished his purpose there in that Samaritan City. He is not told specifically what he will do but only a place, or even less, a direction to go. God purposed this mission marking its necessity by sending an angel to ensure the accurate understanding of God's will and purpose for Phillip.

27 So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship,

Phillip's response is obedient and he meets on his way this Ethiopian eunuch. Now a eunuch if you are unaware is a man whose testicles have been removed so that He might be trusted to serve in close proximity to royal women. While a slave he was not the kind of slave we might picture, but a man who probably enjoyed certain advantages of wealth and privilege with the significant exception of his condition as a eunuch. He thus was free to come to Jerusalem to worship. By his coming we will note that he is obviously devoted to the God of Israel since he comes to worship even though his condition of being a eunuch would have excluded him from the Temple. See Deuteronomy 23:1
"He whose testicles are crushed or whose male member is cut off shall not enter the assembly of the LORD.” RSV
This is listed among the various persons who are to be excluded from the worship of ancient Israel, yet even as he was partially excluded the Eunuch comes to worship as he is able. What a contrast to those who insist that worship and the church's faith and teaching be modified to accommodate their preferences and comfort. The Eunuch's devotion to God is a demonstration of God at work in him in such a way that he is provided the way, who once was excluded, to inclusion in the body of Christ.

28 and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

We see his devotion as well in his reading of the prophet. This man, while excluded from the temple applied his privilege in such a way, not to spend it on his own pleasures but to gain what would aid him in drawing nearer to his God. Remember scrolls of scripture were not easily or cheaply acquired. Do we use our wealth to gain pleasure or to serve God?

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join this chariot."

The Spirit now communicating with Phillip, the Spirit and not an Angel this time, sends Phillip to the chariot of the Ethiopian. This was a unlikely a person for Phillip to seek out for conversation as they differed in so many ways, yet the Spirit drives Phillip to seek him out. Note too that God communicates in whatever manner he wills, at times using angels, at times the Spirit, and at times men. Just as God chooses What he will do, (save us), and whom he will do it for (the elect), God also sovereignly chooses the means, that is how, to accomplish His will. So foolish is the argument to say that we need not do our part in preaching the Gospel because God can save the elect without us. The fact is God chooses us to preach the Gospel and that preaching is the means of our coming to faith. Romans 10:14-15 says

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? NIV

So the notion that we may avoid the preaching of the Gospel on the grounds of how some characterize predestination or election is both unbiblical and foolish.

30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

The man read aloud, and Phillip hearing him asks if he indeed understands the passage he is reading.

31 And he said, "Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Again the Ethiopian's faith disperses all of our best excuses. We often dismiss the Scriptures as too difficult, yet he reads, in a language foreign to him no less, and out loud, words he does not know how to interpret. Yet he reads them nonetheless. They are important to him. He also seeks interpretation from one who seems like he might know something, inviting Phillip to join him in the chariot. How many pastors would love to be asked to interpret scripture rather than make some change in the service to appease a member's tastes. How many people choose their church based on comfort rather than the teaching given from the pulpit. Choosing the sound of the music rather than the soundness of doctrine. The best churches do not make you make a choice but offer both excellence in worship and solid, Biblical teaching and preaching.

32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

"HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER;
AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT,
SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.
33 "IN HUMILIATION HIS JUDGMENT WAS TAKEN AWAY;
WHO WILL RELATE HIS GENERATION?
FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH."

The passage is one of the passages in Isaiah pointing to the Messiah as the “Suffering Servant”. It is no coincidence that the Ethiopian is reading this passage and his curiosity leads to his question. The Spirit drives all right questions concerning God and directs us to their answer.

34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?"

Reading this passage naturally and not knowing of Jesus one might well ask the same question. Yet there is always a correct interpretation of Scripture even if it eludes us. This is no literature for us to discuss what the author “might have meant” or seek various symbolic or levels of meaning. If the meaning eludes us we can be sure there is a meaning. We must pray for its interpretation as well a seek as good of counsel as we may find. Where we may not find the answer still, it is wise to look for a simple meaning that is faithful to the rest of Scripture and set aside the question until the Lord provides a clearer revelation of His Word to you. But always seek God's Word as He would give it, not as you would have Him speak.

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.

Given this opportunity Phillip now opens the Scriptures to the Ethiopian that he may believe in Christ. Do not forget that the object of God's Word is to bring us to faith in the one John calls the Word (Read John 1), namely Jesus.

36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"

We see the effectiveness of God's Word and Spirit here in that it produces the fruit of obedience in that the man seeks to be baptized at the first opportunity. He does not delay for a convenient time, but having heard of and believed in Jesus, wishes to be identified with Jesus in baptism. So we are taught not to simply believe in Jesus but keep His church (into which we are baptized) at arms length.

37[ And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]

This passage does not appear in the earliest manuscripts and is considered by some an addition. Without getting into textual criticism and attempting to determine what is and is not the Word of God, I will instead attempt to gain what fruit is available from the passage itself. It does little to advance the account since without it Phillip is next seen baptizing him and therefore confirming a true confession of Christ and desire for identification with Him. Nonetheless, you may see from this passage that Phillip seeks certainty in the man's confession and is given it. As the man was capable of understanding the Gospel he is to be fully certain of what he is seeking in baptism. A child lacks this capacity and is baptized in faith that they, being identified with Christ in their youth, will come to own their faith and baptism. The Eunuch, however is to enter the covenant marked by baptism with full knowledge of what he is doing and no immediate misunderstanding of the purpose of his baptism. The Ethiopian confesses that he in fact believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.

As his confession was true he is Baptized by Phillip identifying himself both with Jesus Christ and with Phillip who is now a brother in Christ.

39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.

God's purpose having been fulfilled, Phillip is taken away. The bizarre way this is stated leans us toward a supernatural explanation which is acceptable but not entirely necessary. In other words, If you believe it was supernatural that is fine. If not, I am of the opinion that your faith in not deficient. The supernatural element of Phillip's departure only serves to emphasize God's action in this event which has been established already. Take away from this the result that the eunuch likewise goes on his way rejoicing, demonstrating that quality and indeed fruit of the Spirit which is Joy.

40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

The chapter concludes with Phillip continuing his mission, beginning at this new city, Azotus and preaching the Gospel all the way as he went to a new destination. Our commission is to preach the Gospel everywhere we go and to make the most of every opportunity.
Colossians 4:5-6 instructs us in this way:

5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. NASU

Likewise Ephesians 5:15-21 teaches

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. NASU

May we do so.

In Christ and On The Shepherd's Path,
Mark

Sunday May 18, 2008

Acts 7:9-34

9 "The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, 10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.

11 "Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. 12 "But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time. 13 "On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family was disclosed to Pharaoh. 14 "Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all. 15 "And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died. 16 "From there they were removed to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

17 "But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, 18 untilTHERE AROSE ANOTHER KING OVER EGYPT WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT JOSEPH. 19 "It was he who took shrewd advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive. 20 "It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father's home. 21 "And after he had been set outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him away and nurtured him as her own son. 22 "Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. 23 "But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. 24 "And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. 25 "And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him, but they did not understand. 26 " On the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, 'Men, you are brethren, why do you injure one another?' 27 "But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, 'WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND JUDGE OVER US? 28'YOU DO NOT MEAN TO KILL ME AS YOU KILLED THE EGYPTIAN YESTERDAY, DO YOU?' 29 "At this remark,MOSES FLED AND BECAME AN ALIEN IN THE LAND OF MIDIAN, where he became the father of two sons.

30 "After forty years had passed,AN ANGEL APPEARED TO HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME OF A BURNING THORN BUSH. 31 "When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord: 32' I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM AND ISAAC AND JACOB.' Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look. 33 "BUT THE LORD SAID TO HIM, 'TAKE OFF THE SANDALS FROM YOUR FEET, FOR THE PLACE ON WHICH YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND. 34' I HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE OPPRESSION OF MY PEOPLE IN EGYPT AND HAVE HEARD THEIR GROANS, AND I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM;COME NOW, AND I WILL SEND YOU TO EGYPT.'

NASU

Acts 7:9-34 exposition

9 "The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him,

This is the summary of all that follows. No matter what catastrophe occurs God remains in control and those who love God may trust that God is with them. We are assured of this in Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God , to those who are called according to His purpose. NASU

The question for those who would be faithful to God's Word then is not one of is God in control but will we believe, and will we live like we believe, that God's promise that He is with us, is true.

10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.

God has many means at His disposal to accomplish His purposes. To attempt to describe them all here would be an unwise use of this time as whole books could and have been written on the subject. To accomplish His purpose with Joseph several are however, quite visible. The first is Divine permission. God permitted the sinful conspiracy of Joseph's brothers in order to place Joseph where God's purposes would be accomplished. God built into Joseph a character that made Him successful in all he did elevating him in Potiphar's house, and even after disgrace due to the selfish and lustful then spiteful conspiracies of Potiphar's wife, Joseph's character elevated his position in the prison. God intervened directly with Spiritual gifts of interpretation of dreams thus giving him audience with Pharaoh. His character and administrative skill (also called in the New Testament a Spiritual gift) elevated him again to the second position of authority in Egypt. God's hand is seen underneath all of this at times leading (interpretation of dreams), at times intervening (Pharoah's dreams), sometimes equipping (Joseph's character and administrative skills), and other times permitting actions which while sinful and morally accountable (Potiphar's wife's lust, the brothers' conspiracy) or catastrophic (the famine); all the while accomplishing God's purposes.

11 "Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food.

God sets the stage to reunite the brothers now that Pharaoh's dreams have come to prophetic fruition. The brothers find themselves, and their father's household, without food in Canaan, and must travel to Egypt where Joseph's management of Egypts food supply has prepared Egypt to endure. The point here is that God may use affliction to drive us from a comfortable place to the place of His will.

12 "But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time.

The brothers are sent to Egypt to buy food.

13 "On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family was disclosed to Pharaoh.

Joseph, after the brothers are forced to return with Benjamin, Jacob's only remaining son by Rachel, (Jacob assuming Joseph to be dead), makes himself known to his brothers and offers them this forgiveness, recorded in Gen 45:4-8

4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Please come closer to me." And they came closer. And he said, "I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 "Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 "For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 " God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 "Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. NASU

Likewise after Jacob died forgiveness is offered again, the brothers fearing revenge, Joseph shows us that He understood God's role in permitting their conspiracy and his own misfortunes. Gen 50:19-21

But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. NASU

Only a perspective of understanding God's gracious and good will could allow Joseph to offer forgiveness of this degree.

14 "Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all.

Their reconciliation accomplished another purpose, namely the repentance of the brothers. Should God not permit is to sin in ways we can sensibly experience the consequences, we would never know our sinful condition and never confess and repent. We would go to Hell believing we deserve Heaven. Once Joseph made himself known and forgave (as God makes Himself known and forgives) he reunited the family and brought them into the safety of Egypt.

15 "And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died.

Jacob and his household moved to Egypt, into Goshen, to live during the famine.

16 "From there they were removed to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

In hope of God's promise to give them the land of Canaan, their bodies are removed back to the land from which they had been displaced by famine. Abraham, had purchased this land in the same hope that it would be, as God has promised, a land for his descendants.

17 "But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt,

Recall that God did not just promise Abraham endless blessing and happiness but that the road to the promise would be marked with suffering for his descendants. Gen 15:13-16

God said to Abram, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. 14 "But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. 15 "As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. 16 "Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete." NASU

After a season of peace and increase there arose another time when God's people would be tested by suffering in order to see with gratitude God's preserving and guiding hand. In the meantime the Israelites did increase in number preparing a great number of people to be broughtout of Egypt compared to the 75 who entered Egypt to join Joseph.

18 until THERE AROSE ANOTHER KING OVER EGYPT WHO KNEW NOTHING ABOUT JOSEPH.

The pharaohs should have passed down, not only the stories of their kings, but also of the way in which God had preserved them through a great famine. A nation forgets God's providence to its own peril as we shall see in Egypt. We cannot afford to take credit for greatness and increase and claim it was our own skill which gained our blessings. Egypt's rulers not only forgot gratitude to God but even to the people through whom God's preservation had come.

19 "It was he who took shrewd advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive.

When man forgets God anything is possible. Without God human nature will take any action which seems practical to achieve what it believes to be good ends. Pharaoh saw the growing numbers of Hebrews as a threat to his own race and nation so he proposed history's first “final solution” requiring the killing of all male Hebrew babies at birth to bring an end to the line of the people who he saw as a threat.

20 "It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father's home.

For reasons known only to God, Moses was given favor and permitted to live. Some may consider God cruel to allow some to live while other die. Yet can we not also marvel at God's favor in allowing a few of us to live? The tragedy of death in our world is a consequence of our sinful condition. That we live at all is due to God's grace. Consider how many children are lost to abortion, miscarriage, death in birth and infancy. Consider how vulnerable a human baby is. That any of us survive is something of a miracle. Moses, living in a time where male children were ordered to be killed, yet through God's favor he lived and survived first at home and then in the house of Pharoah.

21 "And after he had been set outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him away and nurtured him as her own son.

With no other option but to place moses in a basket at the edge of the Nile, hidden in the weeds, his mother entrusted Moses' care to God. She did not comply with the ungodly order to kill her child but instead hid her child and and was found by none other than Pharaoh's own daughter who chose, knowing full well that this was a Hebrew baby, she chose to adopt him as her own. Moses' own mother became his nurse and Pharaoh's daughter became his mother. No doubt God's hand can be seen in the “fortunate circumstances” of his finding.

22 "Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds.

He was blessed to receive an education and life unlike his Hebrew brethren. Hebrews 11 in the “Hall of fame of faith” tells of his early life this way. Hebrews 11:23-27

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.

NASU

The advantages Moses gained in Egypt were not able to keep him from following God's leading. No blessings of position, wealth or lifestyle should keep us from forsaking it all if Christ so calls.

23 "But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel.

Walking among the Hebrew slaves for whatever reason the inspired writer tells us Moses chose to “visit” his brethren and thus begin his own path to owning his place as one of God's people.

24 "And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian.

Taking action on his own without having yet met God at the burning bush, Moses stuck and killed an Egyptian slave master.

25 "And he supposed that his brethren understood that God was granting them deliverance through him, but they did not understand.

According to the inspired writer of Acts and indeed the inspiration of Stephen's words to the council we are informed that in some way Moses had a sense of his calling before receiving and understanding it directly. Following Stephen's defense we begin to see how the case is being built which will follow in the latter half of Stephen's speech, which shows how the Hebrews would misunderstand and reject the prophets' ministries and ultimately reject them as well as the Christ Himself.

26 " On the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, 'Men, you are brethren, why do you injure one another?'

Attempting to Lead his brethren in righteousness he intercedes in a fight between two Hebrews.

27 "But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, 'WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND JUDGE OVER US?

Even as Moses calls them “brothers” also pointing to their need to live as brethren and not quarrel, he is rejected by these men who valued their quarrel more than righteousness .

28'YOU DO NOT MEAN TO KILL ME AS YOU KILLED THE EGYPTIAN YESTERDAY, DO YOU?'

Further, they reject Moses on account of his own sin in murdering the Egyptian, thereby rejecting the Truth because of the faults of the messenger. May we avoid this error and never reject what is true from God's Word simply because God uses flawed messengers. The Word remains true.

29 "At this remark, MOSES FLED AND BECAME AN ALIEN IN THE LAND OF MIDIAN, where he became the father of two sons.

Moses had little choice but to flee, his sin having been found out. This was God's own plan however placing Moses in a position to hear anew God's own call and plan for him. In the meantime Moses continued life as he was able, marrying and fathering children.

30 "After forty years had passed,AN ANGEL APPEARED TO HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME OF A BURNING THORN BUSH.

Now eighty when His former life would have seemed almost forgotten God now appears to Moses having, according to God's own timing, chosen this moment to call Moses to do what Moses sensed a calling to do forty years before. Often God's timing of our call is much later than we would imagine. We must not reject it because it would seem too late.

31 "When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord:

32' I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM AND ISAAC AND JACOB.' Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look.

God reveals Himself to Moses as the God of his fathers. Moses shows Holy fear in response, certainly not expecting to encounter Almighty God in the wilderness while tending sheep as a a foreigner and an old man.

33 "BUT THE LORD SAID TO HIM, 'TAKE OFF THE SANDALS FROM YOUR FEET, FOR THE PLACE ON WHICH YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND.

Moses response was fear, yet God instructs him in something better than fear, reverence. True worship is not in the mode of our own response to God but in the reverent response which God calls for. We cannot please God with whatever we choose to offer, but will please God always with obedience in even something as simple as Moses removing his shoes. The point here is that as we encounter God, He instructs us in worship and righteousness.

34' I HAVE CERTAINLY SEEN THE OPPRESSION OF MY PEOPLE IN EGYPT AND HAVE HEARD THEIR GROANS, AND I HAVE COME DOWN TO RESCUE THEM;COME NOW, AND I WILL SEND YOU TO EGYPT.'

Having endured eighty years of life as both a prince and a wilderness dwelling shepherd Moses is informed that God's plans have included all Moses personally and the Hebrews as a people have experienced and that now is God's time for their release. Moses is to be the instrument chosen by God for this task. We may never expect God's timing or path to make perfect sense to us. Our is to obey and in the end to see how God works all things out according to His perfect plan and for our good. I'll finish with a reminder from Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God , to those who are called according to His purpose. NASU

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,

Mark

Pray to be filled: Commentary for 3-30-08

Acts 4:13-31

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 16 saying, " What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 "But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name." 18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, " Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, 25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,

AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?

26'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,

AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER

AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.'

27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. 29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, 30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

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Acts 4:13-31 Exposition

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Three things were notable about these Apostles: First they were confident, bold, and fearless in proclaiming the risen Jesus as the Christ and His power. They did not back down when challenged by the authorities and even went so far as to announce to these men their sins in rejecting their Messiah. Many a person will proclaim an idea or make a complaint against a person or even an authority, but when challenged will back away, retreating, apologizing or attempting to soften the impact of their words. The apostles increased the intensity of the focus of their message when challenged and made no compromise in its meaning.

Second: They were uneducated and untrained, even “ignorant” depending on the way one translates the Greek word idiotai which to our ears gives the force of its meaning being similar to our own word “idiot”. They were not thought to be mentally deficient but sufficiently untrained as to have their teaching considered doubtful. Their amazement comes from the bringing together of their confidence and their incongruous position of a lack of training. In short their speech would have been more suited to a trained debater or scholar than to working class Galileans.

Third: what draws together the two previous things is the third notable, the fact that they had been with Jesus. They were speaking from a position of having been among those close to him and eyewitnesses of His ministry. It is unlikely that the leaders would have considered the Apostles eyewitnesses of His resurrection since they did not believe it, but they would have considered that they were insiders to Jesus' ministry of apparent miracles which now seemed to be spreading among His followers.

These things left them amazed. What was it about having been with Jesus? That made these men so bold?

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply.

Their amazement left them without reply to the apostles' speech and the were all the more without reply because of the evidence before them of a man healed who all knew to have been crippled. This was no “ringer” brought in by frauds who had him act ill then show a feigned “miraculous” recovery. His fraud would have to have been begun long before this event as all knew him to be the man whom others, unrelated to the apostles, carried daily to the gate to beg alms.

15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another,

With no reply the Council begins to discuss what to do. The danger all of us face when left with undeniable evidence of God is that we may look for a response which we can make other than the one Gods asks fro, namely: repentance and faith. These men conferred together to come up with a response which as we shall see more suits their own desires than any faithfulness to God or evn integrity in the face of the facts.

16 saying, " What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

By their own admission they lack any evidence to deny the truth of the miracle in the face of a public who had seen for themselves. It required no faith to believe the fact of the healing. What requires faith is to believe the words of the apostles are in fact the Word of God and something to be believed and trusted. Scripture informs us that we have sufficient evidence to believe that God exists but we still deny Him His due worship, not based on evidence, but on our own willing choice give our worship to another. Consider Rom 1:18-23

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

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God's wrath is revealed justly against those who would willingly be ungodly and unrighteous in ignoring evidence and suppressing the truth. The Council attempts to continue the unregenerate pattern of humanity in looking for a solution that works for them and required no submission to the call of God to believe. The low status of the apostles, the people's previous rejection of Jesus, and the potential threat to their own power and institutions are too offensive to allow true repentance and faith.

17 "But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name."

Their decision is to attempt to use their power, authority, and influence to coerce the apostles to stop their preaching of Jesus' Name. Their intentions are to prevent any further spread of this message among the people. Perhaps “good” intentions to preserve the public order, but ultimately, had the apostles obeyed it would have resulted in the suppression of God's chosen means of salvation, Faith in Christ, through the preaching of the Gospel.

18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Assuming they still had the authority to command men to obey them in matters concerning their religion, the Apostles are summoned by the council and instructed to be silent concerning the Person and name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, " Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;

The apostles reach the crux of the argument immediately. Denying the Word of God is disobedience to God. A man cannot act in the name of God and command others to deny or suppress the Word of God namely the good news concerning Jesus Christ. This is why it is foolishness when a worldly authority tells a Christian minister to pray but to refrain from praying in Jesus Name. When faced with the choice of obedience to human authority or obedience to God we must always choose to obey God first despite whatever consequences we may face.

20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Added to the force of their argument is the fact that they are speaking of things which they have observed and not mere ideas which may be taken as a matter of opinion or be subject to debate.

21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;

The Council's hypocrisy is shown all the more when without any real cause, that is any legal basis, for persecuting the apostles they resort to threats before releasing them. Their fear of the people was the only thing which restrained them from harming the Apostles further as even they had to acknowlege that the result of these events was an increase in divine worship among the people. The work of God will lead all who would respond to it to greater worship regardless of the human source of the work. The Apostles low worldly degree was no discouragement for many from glorifying God in what had occurred. The council on the other hand had a greater fear of the people than they had of God. We see this when they willingly threaten the Apostles but will not carry it far enough to anger the people. There is little thought to the prospect of angering God.

22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

The people's amazement is notable for the age of the man. His age would have made him more credible, no mere child, as well as more remarkable since he had been crippled all that time and was now healed.

23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

The Apostles turn to their fellow believers to report the threats, the orders of the council and the events which had occurred. We must likewise turn in moments of personal difficulty and dilemma to the body of other believers in our own congregations to seek God's will.

24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM,

Wisely the congregation turns not to their own ideas first but to Worship and prayer. God is acknowledged as sovereign over all having made all things. Our sovereign God is certainly capable of managing our dilemmas as much as he can manage the earth and the mysterious chaotic sea.

25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,

AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?

Turning not only to prayer but also to the Written Word of God they see in David's psalm a parallel to their own situation. The Spirit inspired the Words of Scripture and included such events in its accounts as to inform us when we find ourselves on a similar path. Here we find in the Early Church's recognition of David's words as inspired by the Holy Spirit, an early and important support for the doctrine of inspiration of Scripture. In a practical sense the beauty of Scripture is that it shows the continuing history of the people of God and we may know from it that others have been this way before and God has dealt graciously, mercifully, and kindly with them as well.

26'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,

AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER

AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.'

If you were to look up this psalm, Psalm 2 you would no doubt find the word translated here “Christ” rendered “anointed”, leading you to believe it refers to David alone as the Lord's anointed king over Israel. Yet the early church quickly, prophetically, and inspired as David was by the Spirit, Show David's experience to point to the eternal king of Israel, the Christ. It shows that if they treated David with contempt as the Lord's anointed king, how much more would the world hold contempt for the Christ.

27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,

Here the believers add their own spontaneous prayer recalling the actions of the people, Herod the Half-Israelite King and Pilate the Gentile Roman Governor. As we shall see this is not to inform God of information which they believe Him to be ignorant of, but to converse with their God concerning their own trials and to seek their place in God's plan.

28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.

Here we see they believe the abuses of the people and the leaders of Jesus were done to fulfill God's plan and not in opposition to it.

29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,

Now their pray brings to God the present struggle and they ask not deliverance from it but faithfulness in it. They wish to play their part with all diligence and specifically they ask for boldness to speak the Word, the Message of God, with confidence in the face of confidence-shaking persecution.

30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

They ask too that their credibility come not from themselves but from the signs and wonders and healings which they must rely on God to do. Do we have the boldness to likewise ask for God to provide the evidence of our message rather than our own simple arguments and evidences? The early church grabbed so much attention because in addition to a message of hope their was a power from God evident in their work which left doubters speechless. They could threaten and kill the bodies of the messengers but they could not discredit the message or its very visible and real power. Dare we ask the same?

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Their prayer was answered with both an immediate display of power in the “shaking” of the place and in the general way in which the many now began to speak with the boldness they had requested. It is important to note that again it says they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. God seems to honor our requests to be filled with the Spirit. This should be our foremost prayer before any others. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and live it out in whatever way God chooses to work, speaking the message of our faith in Jesus Christ with all boldness.

In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark

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.

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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.

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.

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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.
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