I am planning on a short daily study from the book of Acts for the month of February. Beginning with chapter one for the first day, and a chapter for each day following.
I pray these studies will be fitting, encouraging, constructive and full of instruction and correction for those in the Body of Christ today.
Acts
Christmas Day Two Hundred Twenty and Three
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to be a Holy Spirit filled pastor, undershepherd in Christ Jesus to the people I preach to each Sunday at Shiloah Baptist Church, and minister to the people of Jenkins, Missouri; to lead them in the way of Scripture, God’s Son Jesus Christ, His cross, burial and resurrection.
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, ‘Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:18-21 (KJV)
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:28-30
Day Three Hundred and Eight
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to have the boldness of Peter and John as they entered the Temple in Acts 3; and for my life to be lived that others will notice that I have been with Jesus.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NKJV)
Day Three Hundred and Nine
What do I want for Christmas?
On this LORD’S Day I want the presence of the Lord Jesus to be evident in our Church at Shiloah Baptist Church of Jenkins, Missouri; and for the Holy Spirit to move in conviction where it is needed, comfort in the hearts which need comfort, encouragement, and give all boldness and courage to be the witnesses for Him that we ought to be.
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” Acts 9:31 (NKJV)
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 357
What do I want for Christmas?
I want every pastor who believes the Bible to be the inerrant, infallible word of God, and that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God; and God the Living Son to begin writing on a weblog [Blog] such as this; and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the possibility of reaching millions, maybe billions of souls for the name of Christ.
Jesus said,
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
Christian Persecution
There are a few people I know who have jail, and prison ministries. They do it because they believe God has called them to go to the places where men and women are incarcerated for crimes against God and humanity. Yet, these minister to the men and women who are willing to listen to the message of Christ; the hope for all mankind; even the murderers and rapist and child molesters.
The event from Acts which we read today is not of criminals who have violated God’s laws, but violators of men’s laws which are against God. The apostles had preached when they were ordered not to preach in that name of “Jesus”; yet, they did. Hear what they said:
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand, a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32 (KJV)
This takes place following their arrest, and imprisonment. An “Angel of the Lord” has come to them in the “common prison” and opened the doors, and sent them to preach in the temple. They went, and that is where they are found the next morning. Doing as they had been told by God.
When men’s laws are against God’s law, then Christian men and women are to continue their practices of being Christian; obeying God’s Word, His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments. I do not think we Christians should be surprised by persecution in a dark world. We ought rather, be surprised that we are not; because the apostle Paul has written, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV). Now, I do not want to be persecuted, but really, if I am not; am I really living a godly life? The apostles were.
As Peter stated above; “We ought to obey God rather than men”. That begins through our faith; trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour; obeying Him in our lives; being His witness.
One thing this passage of Scripture teaches is that the freedom of speech is from God, not men; therefore men cannot take it away. Let our speech be always with words that glorify our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Greatest Need the World Has; that You Have Today
There is nothing new about evil. It has been in the world from the beginning of Creation. Since Adam and Eve fell in the garden of Eden there has been evil in the hearts of humankind.
We are a fallen race. We are born into the world separated from God; and our hearts are evil. The words of the prophet Jeremiah; “The heart is deceitful abouve all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The words of the apostle Paul, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But God has intervened, and sent us His Son.
The apostle Paul speaking to Jews in a synagogue said,
“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” Acts 13:47-49 (KJV)
The Lord Jesus Christ was meant to be a light to the Gentiles; all the rest of the world; as well as to the Jewish people. The Gentiles of Paul’s day rejoiced in that.
O, people, the world needs Him today. We do not need our own conception of Him; we need the Biblical Jesus. The One who came to die for our sins, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of the grave alive.
We Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God, God the Living Son. You need Him today if you have not fallen on your knees and face before Him. Believe Him today.
After the Resurrection
Acts 1:1-11
I. A REMINDER OF THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (vv. 1-3);
II. THE PROMISE OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 4-5);
III. THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL NOT FORGOTTEN (vv. 6-7);
IV. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GIVEN (v. 8);
V. JESUS IS TAKEN UP – WILL BE SEEN AGAIN; IN LIKE MANNER (vv. 9-11).
Evangelism and Creationism
The following is an article from Kairos Journal…
23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place. . .
Acts 17:23-26 (ESV)In 1799, the German theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher published On Religion. His seemingly noble aim was to promote Christianity to its “cultured despisers,” people who had moved on from religion. Yet, to remove stumbling blocks, he eviscerated the gospel of many key truths. For similar reasons, in 1984, the then Bishop of Durham, David Jenkins, denied the bodily resurrection of Jesus. In an effort to appeal to skeptics, it is all too tempting to downplay “incredible” biblical truths. Today, this temptation is nowhere more apparent than over the doctrine of creation.
Although Paul’s evangelism consistently centered on Jesus, the crucified and risen Messiah, the precise way he presented the gospel varied from audience to audience. When evangelizing Jews, he emphasized the biblical text (e.g. Acts 13:13-41), but when preaching to pagan polytheists, he emphasized the doctrine of creation (Acts 14:15-17; 17:22-31). For Paul, the fact that God created everything is foundational to the gospel.
Amongst the Athenian altars to Zeus, Athena, and Demeter, Paul spotted one to the “unknown god” (v. 23); Athens kept its options open and tried to cover every base. Yet, in the midst of this plurality of idols, Paul went on the offensive, proclaiming that the God whom the Athenians did not know is the true Creator of all, the only God. Unlike their pathetic idols, He does not require housing or food (vv. 24-25). Rather, He gives life and a dwelling place to humans (vv. 25-26). In other words, He is not man’s debtor—He does not depend upon the religious devotion of humanity to provide His needs. Quite the reverse: all people depend on Him; all are indebted to Him. Only with this foundation in place could the Athenians have any hope of grasping their debt to their Creator; only then would they fear His coming judgment and repent (vv. 30-31).
The doctrine of creation is integral to the gospel. Modern men and women will never understand their need of Christ as a Savior from God’s wrath if they do not first have some comprehension that they owe their generous Creator everything. Nor will they grasp the wickedness of rejecting Him and running life their own way. Divorced from belief in a sovereign, holy, gracious Creator, the gospel makes no sense at all.
In the face of frequent public ridicule, holding on to the truths of creation requires clear-thinking courage. But, if the gospel is to grow and spread in the modern West, Christians dare not follow Schleiermacher and Jenkins by cutting and pasting the Bible to appeal to the modern mind. Embarrassed silence concerning creation will help no one; if God did not create, Christians have no gospel.
When we “Cut and paste the Bible to appeal to modern mind” we are actually making a god after our own image. Let us stick to the God of the Bible as He presents Himself.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 77 – Shipwrecked, Sin, and Slavery
The world we live in with all the conveniences, comforts, and wealth is not often viewed with slavery, or sin in mind. As a matter of fact most of the human race would just as soon forget the idea of sin and chalk it up to being an antiquated idea. An ancient superstition or fear that was in the hearts and minds of people of times long ago. We are beyond that are we not? We are a civilized, educated, knowledgeable and technological society free of this “sin idea”.
We better back up and rethink this thought of sin. My reading this morning of April 17, 2012 was Acts 26-28 and Romans 1-7.
In the reading we find Paul on his way to Rome by ship and the lives of the people on board are in great jeopardy, fear, and loss of life is seemingly imminent. (I use the word “seemingly” because there is a divine factor involved.)
“Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, and said unto them, ‘Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.’ Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.” Acts 27:9-11 (KJV)
The godly wisdom of Paul told him, and I am pretty sure the Holy Spirit gave him enlightenment in the situation as well, that there was great harm awaiting the people and ship if they set sail at this time. The “Centurion” (Roman soldier) did not listen to Paul, but rather to the captain of the ship. That seems like the logical thing to do, but it was not the right thing to do.
The ship ends up in a storm. For fear of their lives cargo, much of the ships gear is cast overboard. They were in this storm for many days, going without food, and began losing hope of ever seeing land again (Acts 27:20). Paul has received a visit from “the angel of God” and gives them assurance,
“But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, ‘Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, ‘Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. ‘Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.” Acts 27:21-26
It was just as Paul told them. They shipwrecked upon an island, are served by the people, and Paul preaches the gospel to them. Paul goes to Rome, and it is from Rome we receive the Roman Letter.
In Romans 1 Paul deals with the issue of the sins of the nations. In chapter two the sins of Israel, including the Jewish religious leaders. We are told that our sins have brought us short of the glory of God (3:23), and that is God’s intent for humanity, ie. to glorify Him.
The idea of slavery comes into this post by way of chapter 6 and verse 16 through 18,
“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:16-18
Some people do not like to think about, and there may be some who honestly do not even know it; but there is slavery in our technological society. There is still evil in this world. There is a slavery where women, children and some men are kidnapped, and taken and sold for outrageous prices (Of course selling people at any price is outrageous). These are often sold as sex slaves, placed on streets in foreign cities and in the United States. However, there is a slavery which we all need to deal with on a personal basis; and that is slavery to sin.
Apart from Jesus Christ there is no real freedom. If sin has dominion of your life you are in bondage. People say things like, “Religion is bondage” or something like that and try to present the picture that freedom is “Doing as one pleases with their lives”. One’s who are in Christ Jesus are truly free to do as they desire, because it is God who gives us our desires when we are walking with Him (Psalm 37:4).
Paul says at the end of chapter 7,
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:24-25
Turn to Jesus Christ. The only source of peace, joy, freedom and forgiveness.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 76 – The Spirit of God and Paul
I often see that my walk with God is not what it ought to be. Sometimes I am not so sure that I have ever really walked with God in the same way the apostle Paul, or even John Mark may have. I read the gospels, the New Testament, and even the Old Testament and see many of those saints with such strong faith that mine falls so short. There are times I have the thoughts, and I know they only come from the enemy, “What is the point of all this?” The answer is the FAITH of Jesus Christ.
My reading this morning was Acts 16 – 25. The reading deals much with journeys of Paul; his missionary journeys. There are others who are with him in his travels. Luke is the one writing, so we know he is with him. Timothy, a young man, comes into the picture as well.
The question could be asked, “How does Paul know where to go on these journeys?” Let us look at some events that took place:
“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, ‘Come over into Macedonia, and help us.’ And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.” Acts 16:6-10 (KJV)
The way I am seeing this is that Paul, being led by the Spirit of God, believed he should go to Asia, but there was some event, or circumstance which the Holy Spirit placed in the way to prevent it. They “were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia”. I find it rather odd that many missionaries pay no attention to circumstances or events, and wade right into situations, because “We have a call”. Could it not be that the Holy Spirit is trying to prevent you from doing it?
We must go by the leading of the Spirit of God, and I am certainly not one to give advice in this matter; however, we do need to pay attention to circumstances, events, and counsel from others, as well as our own calling from God. Where God calls he leads and provides.
By the time we reach the 25th chapter we find Paul arrested, and getting ready to go to Rome. Paul had felt a need to go to Rome, but the opportunity had not presented itself. He went to Jerusalem where he is accosted by his peers in the Jewish religion, falsely accused arrested by Roman soldiers; witnesses to the governors Festus and Felix; telling them of his faith in Christ, and his experience on the road to Damascus to capture and chain Christians for the return to Jerusalem.
If you will notice Paul is about to be tried in Jerusalem –
“But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, ‘Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?’ Then said Paul, ‘I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.’ Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, ‘Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.'” Acts 25:9-12
Paul was going to see the fulfillment of what the Lord Jesus had promised in a vision,
“And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Acts 23:11
When the Spirit of the Lord is leading God will bring it about; in His own way, His own time, and it will be accomplished with glory to Him, not to the flesh.
Let us walk in the Spirit of our Lord.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 75 – Loving The Lord Unto Life
We have heard it said, “I will love the Lord, even unto death”; Peter said something similar to that; even as the Lord told him “You will deny Me three times”.
My reading this morning was in Acts 6 through chapter 15. These events give us some details of the work of the Holy Spirit at work in people’s lives. Even the life of a young Pharisee who was intent on killing those Christians has his life dramatically changed when he meets Jesus Christ as he is on his way to Damascus to capture, chain and return to Jerusalem with them for trial and death (Acts 9).
Stephen was one of the men who were chosen in chapter six by the church to be a servant, feeding the Greek widows among them. Stephen was also an evangelist proclaiming the word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ and showed his love for the Lord even unto life.
Hear what Luke writes in his accounts of the work of the Spirit of God –
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, which said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.’ And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, ‘This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.’ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:8-15 (KJV)
Stephen was full of faith and power, by the Holy Spirit. He stood strong for the gospel even though it could mean the loss of life for him. His love for Jesus Christ and the gospel was stronger than his love for this world, and the life he now had. He stands in chapter seven with conviction and proclaims the word of God from the Old Testament; and they fall under conviction.
Do we know what “conviction” is today? The conviction I speak of is where you feel some guilt for your sin; and shame for your behavior; there is repentance; and you are drawn to see that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God; and that through Him alone there is forgiveness, peace and eternal life. Sometimes this conviction, with those who hate God, will cause them to do cruel, evil and vile things; in rebellion against God and His children. Just as it happened with Stephen.
Luke records the sermon Stephen preached, and records these final words,
“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” Acts 7:51-53
This was the final straw for this rebellious crowd. They were “cut to the heart” then they ran upon him, and Stephen saw “Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (v. 56). In the home going of Stephen we can see traits of the Lord Jesus in him. As he is being stoned by the mob he says, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (v. 59). Then as he breathes his final breath on earth Stephen cries out with a loud voice, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (v. 60).
There is another who loved not their life unto death, and that was that young Pharisee; who has now become a Christian, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. His name was Saul and he was from Tarsus. His name became Paul and he has written 14 of the New Testament Epistles.
In a place called Lycaonia Paul and Barnabas were believed to be gods, because they had healed a crippled man, but Paul and Barnabas rejected the worship and tried to convince them they were not gods, but only men. When some Jews came from Antioch they stoned Paul, dragged him out of the city, believing him to be dead;
“And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.” Acts 14:19-20
The apostle Paul did not quit; nor did he soften the gospel message. He got up from where they left him, went back into the city, shook the dust off his feet (Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5), and went on preaching the gospel; loving the Lord unto life.
Let the Christians of our day Love the Lord unto Life. Eternal life.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Day 74 – The Crucified, Buried, and Resurrected Lord
From Day 1 of my 90 days of reading through the Bible I have endeavored to stress in this post the message of Jesus. In the first 14 chapters of Genesis we can see Jesus and through all the first five books of the Bible. The books of History we see Jesus. In the books of Poetry (Job, Psalms, etc.) we see Jesus. In the Prophets we see Jesus; and we see Him coming the first time to suffer, to be buried and to die, and be bodily raised to life again.
We recently began reading the part of the Bible that is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and that is the New Testament and beginning in Matthew we have gotten to the last of the gospels which entail the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all give us accounts of the life of Jesus. None contradict the other. They complement one another. Together they give us the complete account of the humanity, deity, power, purity, holiness, love, mercy, and grace of the Incarnate God.
My reading today was John 17 through Acts 5. That is right only ten chapters. Just to let the reader know. I did some calculations of the numbers of chapters remaining, along with the numbers of days, and in order to give myself some reading through all 90 days; I will now be reading a minimum of 10 chapters with an eleventh every three days or so.
The reading today began with our Lord’s Prayer. It is the one I call the Lord’s Prayer. The one that has the title “The Lord’s Prayer” is actually a model prayer which He used to teach His disciples how to pray. John 17 is the Lord Himself praying to the Father. He is praying for the glory of the Father to be done. He is also praying for His followers to be one, as the Father and Son are one (vv. 11, 22-23). I have written more thoroughly on the Lord’s Prayer at this link.
In the final chapters of the gospel of John, just as in the other gospels, we read of the trial, conviction, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus; with some differences in each account. Some who seem to have an agenda on disproving the Scriptures and that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, and God the Son try to tell us that these differences are contradictions; but that is not so. When there is an automotive accident on a street corner, and there are witnesses – let’s say there are four witnesses, one at each corner; each witness will have a different view of the accident, and will have a different way of telling their eye witness account of the accident. When there is a difference in their testimony is someone lying? Not necessarily. When you put all the testimony together you will come to the full account of the story. The same is true with the gospel of Jesus Christ; only the best part about the four Gospels is that they are inspired by the Spirit of God. Thus, completely without error.
We get into the Acts of the Holy Spirit, often called The Acts of the Apostles, and we see by the hand of Luke that Jesus is ascending into the presence of the Father.
“And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11 (KJV)
In the Acts we also see Peter with a new found boldness, and courage, that can only be explained by the evidence of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. He has witnessed the resurrected Christ; his life has been changed, and that is true of any one who ever meets the resurrected Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Your life is changed. You were a sinner, and you are now Just in the eyes of God, and declared by Him to be “Saint”.
The apostles, as well as Jesus, had only one set of Scriptures to read; and that was the Old Testament. When someone tells you, “I believe only the New Testament” or “I live only by the New Testament”; then, they are telling you really that they have a problem of faith. Hear what Peter declares concerning Moses and the Prophets,
“For Moses truly said unto the fathers, ‘A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, ‘And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” Acts 3:22-26
That is right. The only Bible Jesus and the apostles, and the early church had to read was the writings of Moses, or the Law, the Prophets, the History, and the Poetry of Scripture. We are blessed to have the continued Scripture of the New Testament – the revealing or unveiling of the Old Testament.
Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ today, and be saved from your sins, death, hell and the grave.
-Tim A. Blankenship
B F & M – Religious Liberty
The freedoms which the United States of America revere and cherish are due to the hearts and minds of godly forefathers who came to this land seeking freedom from government which had become unfriendly to religion. The Constitution of the United States was written and signed by many men who believed in freedom of religion. That is “Freedom of religion” not ‘freedom from religion’.
It is written, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. The government of the USA is never to tell any church what they can do, and it is never to recognize any one denomination over another. There is to be no State sanctioned religion.
This freedom which we have is endorsed and espoused by Baptists. We love freedom. Maybe because it comes from our Creator, and He is the One who gives the true freedom from sin, which is available through His Son Jesus Christ.
Our Statement of Faith on Religious Liberty:
“XVII. Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.”
Baptist churches are dependent upon the Lord for our support. We receive tithes and offerings from members of our congregation, and believe that is how the church and its ministries are to be funded. We are not, nor will not be dependent upon the government for our support.
We believe each Christian is responsible to our government to pay taxes, for the support of law enforcement, and maintaining services available for the benefit of our Nations people. We are to obey our government when the things required of us do not violate our conscience or God’s Word, which should coincide with one another. One of our responsibilities as citizens of the United States of America is to go and vote at every opportunity. In our vote we have a voice, and can change the course of a Nation which is drifting away from God.
We also believe that prayer is the greatest means of changing the way our government operates. The change of heart in our leaders is the only thing that will turn our Nation back to God.
-T.A.
Observations From Acts – 042711
There has not been much posted here on Acts, but I do want to end with one observation as we look at verses 22 – 24 of chapter 28;
“But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.” Acts 27:22-24 (KJV)
Paul the apostle is in Rome about to be tried for the charges his own people have brought against him. He has been charged with saying things against them, and supposedly against their God; in blasphemy. Rather than speaking against their God he has spoken plainly, using the Old Testament scriptures they adhered to and proclaiming Jesus Christ their Messiah.
The word “sect” was used, most likely, as a derogatory term meaning that the teaching of Christianity was heretical and was worthy of judgment. Paul took time with those who came to him expounding the Word of God, and preaching the kingdom of God, persuading some to believe and follow Jesus Christ.
We have the testimony here that “some believed”, and “some believed not” and that is pretty much how things are in our time; as every other time since Paul.
If you will believe the gospel of Jesus Christ then, you will have the assurance of eternity with Him. If you reject Jesus and His gospel, then you will die and eternal death.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Observations From Acts – 041811
Just one short observation.
“When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, ‘Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?’ And He said unto them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.’ And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.'” Acts 1:6-11 (KJV)
The remaining disciples of Jesus, following His resurrection have gone with Him to the Mount of Olives. He is about to be “taken up” from them; and in their sight. They ask Him, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” His answer was, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons,which the Father hath put in His own power.”
They asked about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. Jesus did not say that it would not happen, but that they would not know the time or the season it would happen. In the mean time Jesus has given them and us power to be witnesses in our homes, our communities, States, and the nations of the world to tell them of the glories of Jesus Christ.
When will Israel be restored? We don’t know. God knows. Let’s believe Him, and not the opinions and philosophies of men.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Precious Word Of God
The Word of God is precious and dear to every Christian’s heart. When Paul the apostle was telling people of Jesus Christ all the Scriptures he had was the Old Testament. That is the Word of God he used in his preaching Jesus.
In Acts 28:23 we find these words, “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening”. Why is it that there are many preachers and even Christian groups who completely avoid the Old Testament when in the New Testament we have evidence that those words was the only Word of God available to the apostles?
When you see them as messages concerning Jesus they become precious and give better understanding to the New Testament. Get into all of God’s Word. The Old and New Testaments is all God has given us today. Even Jesus, after He arose from death, mentions the law and the prophets. Check out Luke 24.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Heavenly Vision
The Heavenly Vision
Acts 26:19-20
The reading of verses 13 – 18 would be a good thing for the study of this passage of Scripture.
Now I think it would be good to see what the writer of the Proverbs says about “vision”.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 (KJV).
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV).
It would appear that by looking at the NKJV rendering of the verse that there might be a problem of interpretation and comparison between Paul’s heavenly vision and this revelation but it would not need to be a problem.
Where there is revelation there is hope, and people will follow the revelation of God when they believe it. Every one needs vision for guidance, and worth-while-ness.
To have Revelation/Vision is a necessity for having a moral and decent society. The vision Paul has is a life changing vision. It first changes the heart and mind of Saul when he met Jesus.
The true Revelation/Vision is from God. Paul’s vision was of Jesus Himself. When there is no Revelation/Vision from God; people will live without power or authority, and find themselves without direction. They will not recognize their true enemy; and they will blame others for their own faults, problems, and sins.
THE PURPOSE OF THE REVELATION/VISION (v. 16). The highest aim or purpose of the Revelation/Vision is to glorify the Father. The purpose of the Revelation/Vision for Saul was to be called to minister for the cause of Jesus Christ, and to glorify Him. The minister is a servant to all –
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (KJV).
The minister of Jesus Christ has no life of his own, but has given it up to the Lord. Called to be a witness in two ways; 1) To be a faithful witness in the things that are seen:
* The death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ;
* The power of the gospel to change lives
and 2) To be a faithful witness through the revelations Jesus would reveal (John 14:21):
* Paul’s teachings of the pure gospel came by the revelation of Jesus: “For I neither received it of men, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galations 1:12).
* He has more writings in the New Testament than any othe penman – possibly 14;
* We are to bear witness in these two ways;
1. Preaching the gospel and showing forth a changed life;
2. By teaching the revelation of Jesus in all areas of life.
The Scriptures are complete. Within them we have all the revelation of Jesus Christ and how He wants us to live that God has given us. We are to learn it and seek His will for our lives.
THE PROMISE OF THE REVELATION/VISION (v. 17). God never calls anyone to serve Him without Purpose, nor without Promise. His promises in Revelation/Vision encourages, strengthens, and gives us perseverance. God’s promises are the Christian’s hope of the future – eternity with God in glory – His glory. It was God’s promise that motivated Abraham to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going:
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8 (KJV)
He only knew that he was going with God. He did not know the place on earth. He has promised to deliver from enemies of the gospel. There will still be persecution, but the persecutor will not prevail. Many a persecutor, like Saul of Tarsus, fell under the power and authority of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
THE POWER OF THE REVELATION/VISION (v. 18). The power of the revelation/vision is the power of a changed life. There is no religion that can change a life for eternity. There are many good ministries which stress self-reformation, and cleaning up your act, but they basically give not power to maintain the life which one ought to live. Usually if there are any lasting changes the organization gets the credit and the glory, and none goes to the One who created us, and all thing.
Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and you shall be witnesses unto Me; both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the utter most parts of the world.” (Acts 1:8) He said in Matthew, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” Matthew 28:18 (KJV). We find also that Jesus said to Peter, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 16:17 (KJV). Peter was only able to know the true identity of Jesus because it was by revelation from God the Father.
The Revelation/Vision of the person of Jesus Christ, when accepted, believed, practiced has the power to change the life of that individual. Jesus Christ has the power to forgive, remove, cleanse, from all sin. He has the power to open eyes that they might see the work of God in the world. He has the power to turn a life of darkness to a life in the Light.
In some cases – many cases – people love darkness rather than light:
“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” John 3:20 (KJV)
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Ephesians 2:1-3 (KJV)
If you are in that darkness you can come out by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on Calvary’s cross for you. The only cleansing and forgiveness is in the Light of Jesus Christ.
In Christ Jesus there is also a wonderful inheritance:
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:17 (KJV)
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15 (KJV)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 (KJV)
This is an eternal inheritance which has been provided us by the Lord Jesus Christ by His death, burial and resurrection.
THE PERSON OF THE REVELATION/VISION (vv. 13-15). As Saul/Paul is riding a horse toward Damascus, and for the purpose of taking captive many Christians, and putting them to death; he meets the One whom he is really persecuting.
Saul had seen the Christian message of Jesus Christ as a great and vile threat to his own religion. That was the Jewish religion he had grown up in, and this Jesus was a rabble rouser, a trouble maker, a deceiver, and they could not have this man upsetting the purity of Judaism.
Saul does, however, find out that he is not persecuting the people who are calling themselves followers of Jesus; but he is actually persecuting Jesus Himself. He is alive. Now Saul knows it, and falls on his face before Him, and calls Him “Lord”.
It was upon his meeting Jesus, the Revelation of Jesus Christ to Saul of Tarsus, that he realized the conviction, the torment of soul, the troubled heart and thoughts; his kicking against the pricks (vv. 14; 9:5) finally hit home in his life.
Is there a troubled area of your life where you just can’t find peace? Maybe it’s your whole life, and you just can’t find peace with yourself, your spouse, your family, or with God. That maybe your pricks from the Spirit of God and He is calling you to Him.
There is only one true Revelation of God to man (other than creation), and that is His Son Jesus Christ. He came to earth as a man; to die for the sins of mankind, carry our sins away in burial taking all guilt and shame, and then, He rose agains bodily from the grave. The bodily resurrection is proof of His revelation of God to man. It is the divine work of God. It is not of the flesh, but the Spirit of God.
Salvation is through the Son of the Living God, and His name is Jesus.
THE PERCOLATION OF THE REVELATION/VISION (vv. 19-20). Percolation is a filtering process by which to arrive at a desired effect or goal. The Christian with the Revelation/Vision is the instrument of God to reach a lost world. Disobedience to this vision will do these five things:
* Cause guilt for neglecting those who you leave untold;
* Cause ineffective ministry and ministries;
* There will be a lack of prayer;
* There will be a lack of time with and/or for God;
* The individual will be in a backsliden condition, slipping ever farther away from God’s loving, protecting hands.
* …This is not an exhausted list.
Obedience to the heavenly vision will give us five things:
* Peace of heart and mind;
* Joy in an of ministry;
* A life of prayer and drawing near to God;
* Takes every opportunity for God;
* Has a growing Christian testimony;
* …This list is not exhausted.
Our Christian lives, lived in the presence of others, will be the only vision of heaven they may ever see.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Confronting The Culture
Confronting The Culture
Acts 17:15-34
The apostle Paul has been to Thessalonica, and forced to leave there due to those who were trying to kill him, basically the Jewish people, as he taught them in their synagogue. He then goes to Berea, and the Jews of Berea are much more “noble” because they search the Scriptures to see if what Paul is teachiing them is true. In Berea, though, Jews from Thessalonica come to bring ill to Paul, and the message of the Gospel.
The apostle is then forced to leave Berea, sent to Athens, and there he discovers a mission field ripe for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
THE CITY OF ATHENS IS WHOLLY GIVEN TO IDOLATRY (vv. 15-16). The world in which Christians live today is much like Athens of Paul’s day. The United States itself, is made up of many religions. Though it was originally built upon Judeo/Christian principles taken from the Bible there are many parts of the culture who want nothing to do with Christ, Christianity, and some do not even want God in the picture of their lives, or this country.
We have already had prayer removed from our Public Schools, and in order for “unity” which is basically “uniformity” we must not pray in public meetings, as Christians, in the name of “Jesus” any longer; we might offend someone. It is best in those situations not to mention the cross or resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, it is okay for the muslim to pray and use the name of Allah, the moon god, one name of many gods which Mohammed originally worshipped. It is okay for the Buddhist to mention Buddha, and all the religions can mention their deity.
Idolatry permeates our land. It begins with the god of Greed. Greed rules through the hearts of men and women of all ages, and in business galore. If more wealth is all that is in your heart and life, then you are certainly full of the god “Greed”. He controls your thoughts, your heart to the point that your family is neglected, and most of all, God is out of the picture. For some Science is the answer to all our ills, and the drive of some to conquer space and inner space. Technology is also the answer for getting further into outer space, searching the galaxies, stars and planets for other life. It also seems to be the answer to greater mobilization, and better sources of knowledge (science).
Mankind himself has become a god of sorts. It is after all our knowledge that has made such strides in medicine, science and technology, and gains of great wealth. It is us who has done it. Arrogance, pride, and rebellion against holy God is what that is and it will not stand forever.
As Christians we must shun falling prey the lies of the false prophets and teachers who tell us that we are our own source of prosperity, health, technology and science. The culture may be wholly given to idolatry, however, as Christians we have the message that can change the world, and that message is the gospel of Jesus Christ; that He died for our sins, according to Scripture; and that He was buried; and the the third day rose from the grave bodily and was witnessed by more than five hundred witnesses; and that all who will come humbly before Him confessing their sin, repenting, and calling on His name shall be saved – receiving eternal life with Him. Anything short of Jesus Christ is pure idolatry.
THE APOSTLE’S DISPUTATIONS WITH THE JEWS AND GENTILES (vv. 17-18). Even in Athens Paul goes to the synagogue. He wants his brethren “according to the flesh” (Romans 9:1-5) to come to faith in Christ. He longs for them to repent and believe.
It is quite evident by the apostle’s preaching and teaching that the gospel is meant for all who will hear it and believe. We may curse the fact that our country [the United States of America] is being filled with people from other parts of the world. It shows me that others are desperately wanting to come to a nation which is free from tyranny, free from communism, and free from a state religion which tells its people how to live their lives, how to dress, and kills them, or takes their property when they convert to Christianity [so far].
We should be thankful for the numbers who are coming to America seeking these things. The greatest gift the United States has to give these people is the message of Jesus Christ, and the freedom from sin and its condemnation.
A NEW DOCTRINE NEEDED A NEW HEARING (vv. 19-21). The people of Athens were curious about this new doctrine of a crucified, buried, and resurrected man. The Athenians were debaters, disputers, and philosophers. They enjoyed hearing new things, then disputing them with the promoters of that teaching.
We live in a time when people are moved by debate, apologetics, and arguments. Everyone has an opinion, and no one’s opinion is better than any other, except the ones you agree with. That is the philosophies of men. However, the message of the apostle Paul, and any messenger of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not debatable, because it is the truth. Others may dispute it, despise it, disdain it; but that doesn’t affect that it is still the truth.
It is surprising and almost shocking to realize that there are still people, even in the United States of America who have not heard of the death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. I found that out a few years ago while I was attending Boyce Bible School in Louisville, Kentucky. While working part time at a Townhouse, and Condominium living area as a gardener the chief gardener ask what Baptists believed and I told him the gospel of Jesus Christ. His response was, “I have never heard that before”. He told me that he was Catholic, so I understood. It still surprised me to know that there were people in the USA who had never heard the true message of Jesus.
With the many beliefs in our nation today, there are probably many more who have never heard, but would be curious, should they ever hear even a smidgen of the truth.
THE MESSAGE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL (vv. 22-31). With the many idols which Paul saw in Athens he marvelled that there was a place [an altar] “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD”. It is as though, they had erected an altar to all the gods/idols they could imagine, or think of; and just in case they might have missed one who might happen to be the one true God; they erect an altar to Him.
These were a very religious people. The KJV says “superstitious” which fits as well. When people are unsure of a deity or deities, they will be very superstitious. That is when you have them going to horoscopes, reading tea leaves, turning to nature worship [pantheism], black arts (such as witchcraft), and old nature religions (including druidism); the worship, or dependence upon any image of man is idol worship; the worship of any of God’s creation is also idolatry. Paul likens such worship as the “worship of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).
Paul did not present it so bluntly, nor did he even mention the worship of demons to them, but he did make it quite plain that there was only one God who was worthy of worship, and by whom He will judge,” by that man whom he hath ordained” (v. 31) ,and His name is Jesus Christ. He is the resurrected One, and He ever lives and is seated at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3, 13: 8:1; 10:12: 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22).
A DIVIDED CROWD WITH A DIVIDED RESPONSE (vv. 32-34). When the gospel of Jesus Christ, ie.; the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins, His burial – carrying our sins away never to be judged by them again once they have been confessed and there has been repentance, and the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the grave, appearing to over 500 witnesses during the forty days before He ascended into heaven; is preached there will continue to be various responses. There was in Paul’s day; there is in our day.
In the 17th chapter of Acts we can see varied responses to the gospel as Paul went and preached in the synagogues and other places. Many of the Jewish leaders resisted the gospel, the Word of God (vv. 1-9); Some of them heard and believed including Jews and Gentiles (vv. 10, 15); Then, in these verses there were those who ridiculed the gospel of Christ Jesus, and some of these believed it.
In this message Paul told the people of Athens of the “Greatness of God” – He is Creator (vv. 24-25). He tells them of the “Goodness of God” – He is Provider (vv. 25b-26). The apostle tells them of the “Government of God” – He is Sovereign (vv. 27-31a). He does not end with that, however, and concludes telling them of the “Grace of God” – He is Savior (v. 31b)
The opinions and philosophies of men are just that opinions and philosophies, which have no power, little lone saving power. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the “power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes” (Romans 1:16). It is the position of the man and woman of God to preach the gospel, to proclaim the gospel; it is the power of God to save people through the gospel. We have no power to save, only God does.
Some of these in Athens heard Paul and rejected the message, and some said, “We will hear you again on this matter”; and others received it and followed Paul.
The important thing is what will you do with the message of the gospel. If you hear it and believe, and call on the name of the Lord Jesus for salvation, you can be saved. If you reject it, and die you will go to eternal judgment. The choice is yours when you have heard the word of God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Slain By The Spirit
Acts 5:1-11
There had been a great generous spirit within the early church which supported the people and the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some may in fact have given out of jealousy and envy; like the ones we see in chapter 5 (4:32-37).
TWO IN THE CHURCH SOLD A POSSESSION OF LAND, THEN LIED ABOUT THE AMOUNT (Acts 5:1-2). There was no pressure for anyone to give. Barnabas one who sold all he had and gave to the Church was blessed by the Lord for doing so, but that was not his reason for giving. I am sure he had a pure motive, which would and did glorify God.
The only pressure which Ananias and Sapphira experienced was the pressure of envy, or jealousy. These two things can bring ruin into a life and a church. It can also be the ruin of many a family, a business, a city, or any other government. The attitude of these two was probably “Keeping up with the Joneses” as is the problem with people of two thousand and eight.
This couple had saw an opportunity to express themselves, receive a few accolades from the others, and keep back part of the proceeds from the sale for themselves; maybe put it back for gaining interests, or a rough, rainy period or something like that. There was nothing wrong with the only giving a portion of the proceeds to the church; what was wrong was their deceit in the giving, and declaring that they were giving it all to the church; when they did not. They, Ananias first, lied to the Spirit of God.
SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT THROUGH THE APOSTLE PETER CONFRONTS THE SINNING ANANIAS (vv. 3-4). Spiritual discernment is greatly needed in our postmodern era. We have lying teachers and “prophets” and I use the term “prophets” loosely. These are ‘prophets’ of doom in the future, leading people into the fires of eternal torment.
We are not told what gave Peter a clue to the lie. It was by the Spirit of God definitely, however, there are sometimes clues people give to telling lies, if we have the discernment to make that determination. Have you ever been told, “You’re not even a good liar”? That is really a compliment. That would be something someone says to you after you have made a statement in jest, or “Pulling the leg” as I have often heard said. I am not questioning whether the Spirit of God was the discerner of the eventful lies, but wondering what Ananias did that gave Peter a heads up.
It would seem that Peter is wondering how a man can lie to God, and think that God would not know. One thing is for certain, we see that the Spirit of God is upon and within Peter and all the apostles through this event.
Every Christian is to use the gift of discernment. We can discern whether a word is from God. We can discern whether the words a man or woman speaks is from God or the contents of their own thoughts and heart. We can discern whether seeming miraculous events are of God or manipulations of things, thoughts, and torments of men. We must practice spending time with God in His written Word, in prayer and when God leads in fasting. We must also practice the principles of godliness, holiness, righteousness in life. When one is saved these things become the desires of our hearts.
Spiritual discernment does no good if it does not confront that which is wrong and evil. That is what Peter did on this day which would change the Church for years to come. What if Peter, even though the Spirit had revealed this sin of Ananias to him, would have overlooked the sin, received the gift, and never said a word to Ananias? Don’t you love “What ifs”? Peter did confront it. He didn’t have any other choice before God. It was not Peter who struck him down. It was in fact the power of the Spirit of God.
UPON HEARING HIS SECRET WAS OUT, REVEALED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, ANANIAS DIES A SPEEDY DEATH IS CARRIED AWAY AND BURIED (vv. 5-6). Something we might very well consider at this point is that the Church being new, had much to learn, concerning sin in their lives. Lying is not good, and never is when you lie to God. There are other times in the Bible where God judges immediately due to sinful behavior. Take these for example: the sons of Aaron – Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3); then you have Ahio escorting the Ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem who was slain on the spot for touching the Ark (2 Samuel 6:1-10). Both of these events were the beginning of a new era; a new time of hope. During those times God’s people still must learn to remember that you cannot violate the holiness or the law of God. The message concerning Ananias and Sapphira is the same. Just because we are in the New Testament does not negate God’s wrath upon disobedience to His Law, nor His holiness.
THE CONSPIRIACY OF THE LIE IN SAPPHIRA IS DISCOVERED AND JUDGED (vv. 7-10). There was a deliberate act to deceive. There was a conspiracy between a husband and wife, and that conspiracy was against God. Who would dare conspire against God? A hypocrite. Do you think that God does not know your heart and mind? He knows, O, man the very hairs of your head. He knows, O, woman every thought that you think no one else knows. God knows.
This is clearly a planned act to deceive. It is clearly a planned act to lie and conspire against the Church, the apostles, and especially against God. I wonder how far they really thought they would get with this “little lie”. Who will it hurt if we keep part of it for ourselves? Will it hurt anyone? Yes! It will hurt someone. It will, first of all, hurt the liar. It will hurt their fellowship with God, with the church family, it will hurt the ministry of the church, and repercussions will go on and on. God will judge sin. As Moses has written, “Be sure your sin will find you out”
AN EARLY JUDGMENT IN THE CHURCH LETS US KNOW THAT GOD WILL STILL JUDGE SIN (v. 11). It is written elsewhere is the New Testament, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31), and “For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29).
Those who can read the New Testament and come away with the idea of God being only a god of love without wrath, comes away with a false deity who is powerless, and unworthy of worship. It is in the gospels we learn of His great love and His wrath. It is through His divine Son Jesus Christ we learn of that love and wrath.
It was Jesus who bore His wrath for our redemption. He paid the price that should have been ours to pay. Our paying the price of our sin would have meant eternal torment, eternal separation from the Creator, eternal wrath by His own hands.
These early believers had on display the wrath of God against lying to Him. Though the two liars thought they were just deceiving the church, they were in fact lying to God, and He took vengeance on them, and it brought the “fear of God” on the church. Do churches do themselves, the people who sin, or God any favor by refusing to deal with sinful behavior by those who are members of their church? It really only continues to invite sinful behavior within the church. It is a sin for the church, the pastor and congregation not to deal with, and discipline for confession, repentance and restoration of that member.
It is still a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. He is still a consuming fire. Maybe this early judgment upon members of the church is only unique to remind us of God’s holiness and power; and that we cannot fool Him. Maybe it should cause us to realize that even if we are His, He will not let us get away with sin.
-Tim A. Blankenship
These are study notes for a sermon preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church on October 19, 2008.
A Journey To Rest
Acts 9:26-31
It was at Saul’s feet the stoners of Stephen laid down their garments. I suppose he was responsible for caring for their clothing while they stoned a man to death. That sounds so heartless, because it is, and it was, however; at least it seems to have been this event; his hearing the word from Stephen, seeing and hearing his dying testimony; which had an impact on Saul coming to faith.
When Jesus confronts Saul as he is traveling to Damascus to capture, persecute, and jail Christians; Jesus says to Saul, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Acts 9:4-5 (KJV). His “kick against the pricks” is evidence that before the Lord confronted him he was deeply under the convicting power of the Spirit of God. Saul met Jesus Christ on that day, and he has been a blessing to Christians, the Church and the world ever since; because of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
THE CONVERSION OF SAUL, AND THE CHURCHES REACTION (v. 26). Upon his salvation Saul is led to a man named Ananias, who shows Saul the way he is to go for the Lord. He is received by the disciples of Damascus. Saul had spent time in Damascus preaching the gospel. He was new to it for sure, but he started in faith and kept on faithfully until the day he died by losing his head at the hands of Rome.
The church of Jerusalem was reluctant to receive him into their midst. He had been their persecutor, he had shown them nothing but hate, and now he’s wanting to come into our fellowship. Can you understand their doubtful thinking about him? I can. He had received orders from the religious establishment of Jerusalem, and it was in Jerusalem where most of the persecution was still going on, and Saul had been the chief persecutor.
The Jerusalem church could not believe that their chief persecutor was now one with them. The disciples there – not the apostles – were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple of Jesus now.
It is an awesome thing when one who has been against the church of Jesus Christ is changed and begins to walk, live, serve and glorify our Lord. Their testimony will be one of glorious change and the glory will belong to Jesus Christ. The glory will not return upon the professing individual, but go to the Lord.
BARNABAS RECEIVES SAUL, AND ENCOURAGES HIM AND THE CHURCH, AND THEY WALK AND WORK TOGETHER (vv, 27-28). Barnabas sees the rejection Saul experiences, sees a life who has been changed by the blood of Jesus Christ and takes Saul and makes him his disciple. The call of the great commission of Jesus Christ is to “Go and make disciples” there are more than twelve disciples; there are only twelve apostles; thirteen counting Saul – who later became Paul. We are not commanded to “make apostles” but disciples which is a “follower of Jesus Christ”
Known as an “encourager” Barnabas walks along side Saul when no one else will. He even takes him to see the apostles, and Saul shares with them his testimony of how he met the Lord on the road to Damascus, and they are told of his bold preaching in Damascus. After his visit with the apostles he is then seen leaving and entering the city with the apostles; they have received him as one of themselves.
The work of an encourager is a great work, and is much needed in the work of Christ and His Church. We all need someone to come alongside us, to pick us up when we are down on occasions. There are also occasions where we need to be the encourager, and pick up a friend, family member, church member, or a neighbor who needs to just get things clicking and right between them and the Lord.
SAUL’S PREACHING IN JERUSALEM IS BOLD, AND HE IS RUSHED OUT OF TOWN TO HIS OWN TOWN (vv. 29-30). Why is it a lot of preachers think they are called to popularity. Jesus was popular while He did His miracles, but when He got bloody and doctrinal concerning His body and the blood many of “His disciples left Him” (John 6:60-68). If popularity, or drawing a crowd, was the agenda of our Lord, the message would not be so hard and difficult for people to hear and believe. The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the simplest message ever proclaimed, yet people do not want to hear it.
Have you ever been run out of town for your preaching? I have not, but there are some places I have not been asked to return. I am grateful for the church where I am currently pastor. The Carr Lane Baptist Church maybe small in number, but we are big in heart for hearing the word of the Lord. When a preacher can stand in the pulpit week after week, Sunday after Sunday, and preach expository messages straight from Scripture, and you hear no negative comment, and you hear an “Amen” ever once in awhile you just got to know that they are hearing God, and not you.
The preacher when he is preaching the word of the Lord can boldly proclaim the message of God without fear or favor to those who are listening; and will glorify the Lord in the preaching. An Old Testament Prophet name of Jeremiah was one who convinced me that I needed to come out of my shell, preach the word and be faithful to the Lord. Jeremiah says, “Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.” Jeremiah 1:17 (KJV). When you know you are delivering the word of God you have nothing to fear. Be bold, proclaim from the rooftops what God says in His Word.
Though Saul did get rushed out of town it was for a greater purpose. He would return to Jerusalem at a later time, and then be shipped to Rome. Saul’s/Paul’s message of Jesus Christ was not loved nor appreciated. Check your message; if you have crowds following you; change your message to the message of Jesus and Saul.
THE CHURCHES OF JERUSALEM THEN, HAD REST (v. 31) It was because of the change in Saul’s life that there was rest in the Jerusalem churches. The persecutor of persecutors was now one of them and being persecuted.
A few years ago I took the thirty first verse, disected, prayed, and developed a sermon, and called it THE THREE R’s FOR THE CHURCH getting the idea from what used to be the words for education Reading, ‘Riting’ and ‘Rithmetic; but changing that to be Reverence, Rest, and Results, as three points for the sermon. You can see the Reverence, “walking in the fear of the Lord”; the Rest in, “Then had the churches rest…” and the Results, “in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.” Acts 9:31 (KJV).
There is little fear of God, even in church these days we live in. There is more talk of “perfect love casts out fear”, so we don’t fear God. NOT! John’s writing has absolutely nothing to do with the reverence and fear of God. It does have to do with the condemnation of our sins, the lies of the devil, the lies of friends and family. It has to do with everyday events of life. Someone has said, “When we fear God; we need to fear nothing else.” If there is no fear of God, there will be fear of all else. Paranoia, schizoprenia, trouble and danger lurking behind every closed door, fear of darkness, fear of storms, fear of failure, fear of bankruptcy, fear of world financial failure. When even the child of God is not right with Him, out of His fellowship, we too can be fearful of these things.
Rest has come to the Jerusalem churches because the one who pursued them unto death was now one of them. He now was being persecuted. He had been pushed out of town; but unto a great endeavor of preaching the Word elsewhere; to his own home of Tarsus.
Results, come when the Christian and the church practice their faith, and live by that faith through their everyday lives. We have seen examples of this multiplication earlier in the book – 3000 saved on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), more were saved according to Acts 4:4. It seems that people were being saved everyday in the early church. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to baptize at least one every Sunday during a worship service, maybe even more? Remembering it is the Lord who adds daily to His church. It is not programs, or money, but by and through the faithful witness of the Spirit of God through His faithful witnesses.
The rest you need can be found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. You may despise the gospel right now but realize, as did Saul, that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day that we all who call on His name have eternal life with Him. Call on His name believing Him, and trusting Him with all your life, confessing your sins and repenting of them.
-Tim A. Blankenship
This is the study notes for a sermon preached in the morning worship at Carr Lane Baptist Church on October 12, 2008.
The Early Church and the Testimony of Scripture
Acts 7:1-60
Stephen, a spirit filled deacon, a servant of the early church, and serving tables; had stood up and preached the message of Jesus Christ, and was being called a “blasphemer”. In Acts 6:8-15 we see the beginning of chapter seven and Stephen’s sermon of the testimony of Scripture and the history of the Jewish people.
The charge of “blasphemy” is a serious charge, especially in Israel, during these early days. In some countries it is still a serious charge and often paid with the death of the accused or guilty. Blasphemy is the calling someone God who would be human, or using the name of God to proclaim a message that was not of God. In Stephen’s case all he had apparently done was quote the words Moses had written concerning the Prophet who was coming, and proclaimed Jesus as the Prophet, and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When the true gospel of Jesus is preached it reveals Him in His true character, ie., God-man. How could a man stop storms, walk on water, raise the dead? No mere man would willingly go to a cross of death in the place of a sinful world; Jesus did. No mere man has ever been raised to life in His own power; Jesus has. To these Jewish leaders Stephen was a blasphemer, because He had proclaimed Jesus as deity – the God-man. Thus, they sought to put Stephen on trial.
In verse eleven of chapter six we find them bringing in false witnesses against him. Sound familiar?
THE TESTIMONY OF ABRAHAM AND THE PATRIARCHS (vv. 1-8). Stephen, filled with the Spirit of God confronts them with their own Scriptures and history.
The history of Abraham is one of the nation of Israel. Without Abraham there would be no Israel. Abraham is the man whom God chose to use to birth the nation. He was a man of faith, and his faith grew.
Called out of Ur of the Chaldeans he left the life he knew to go to a land he had never seen, and did not go where he was going. All he knew was that he had met God, and God told him to “Get”, and he got going.
Stephen is not answering to the charge of blasphemy; he just gets into the Scriptures proclaiming to them, what they probably do not want to hear. He gives it to them anyway. Some preacher I once heard made this statement after telling about being caught in a mob, “When you have an angry crowd, and they are trying to do you bad; then preach”, at least something along that line. I would not say that is what Stephen is doing, but even if he is, it does not negate the message.
The land was promised to Abraham and he never so much as received one acre of it; with the exception of a tomb for Sarah, and himself (Genesis 23). Yet, he still believed, trusted the Lord and is an example of great faith to all followers of Jesus Christ today.
Isaac was/is the promised son of Abraham’s faith. Isaac also received the promise of the land, and of being a great nation; as did his son Jacob as well.
The message of Abraham is faith. The history of Abraham is faith. He left all to go where he knew not where. He faced famine in that land almost immediately upon arriving, yet even though he left the land, he returned and is called the “friend of God”. The ultimate test of his faith was when God called on him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, and in that he was faithful.
THE TESTIMONY OF THE PATRIARCH’S ENVY, JOSEPH, AND EGYPT (vv. 9-16). When we find that Abraham was counted righteous by God, according to Scripture, we also find that God gave Abraham a bit of prophetic knowledge. In Genesis 15 we read,
“And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.” Genesis 15:13-14 (KJV)
In verse 6 of Genesis fifteen we find these words,
“And he [Abraham] believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
He was not counted or reckoned “righteous” because of his good works, or for anything he had done, but because God had spoke and he acted on it believing God.
Joseph, the son of Jacob, the first born son of Rachel; Jacob’s beloved wife; was a dreamer of dreams. These dreams were not brought on by eating too much pizza, or from some dose of crazy weed, but they were from God. As a dreamer of God dreams he also had an understanding of dreams. Because of some of his dreams the other brothers got jealous of him. According to his dreams the brothers and the whole family would one day bow at his feet.
Joseph may not have realized the significance of his dreams. The significance was that what he was dreaming was going to be the fulfillment of God’s promise/prophecy to Abraham in bringing a nation out of Egypt. The significance was that God was working through the evil conduct of his brothers. You may flinch at that thought, but God is sovereign over all things, and so don’t think for a minute that evil thwarts the will of God; in fact He uses it to accomplish His purposes and will. That in no way means He approves it, causes it, or empowers it; it only means that man has a freewill, and God uses man’s freewill to accomplish His own.
The Psalmist wrote of Joseph:
“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” Psalm 105:17-19 (KJV)
Verse 19 in particular is the one we need to see. “Until the time that his word came the word of the LORD tried him.” From the time Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery, into Egypt, to Potiphar, then to prison, then freed; there was probably a total of about twenty years. Do you think Joseph had ever dreamed that he would go through all these trials? I really doubt it. Joseph, however, remained ever faithful. There appears to be no doubts, no complaints, no anger toward God, no heart of vengeance against his brothers (though some may want to disagree with that when he comes face to face with his brothers). All the time Joseph was waiting for the word of the LORD to come to pass. Oh, how the Christian today needs that type of faith; that “waiting faith”; that faith that waits on God, and His time and place.
THE TESTIMONY OF MOSES, THE RED SEA, AND THE WILDERNESS (vv. 17-36). The time between the last verse of Genesis and the birth of Moses, recorded in Exodus 2 is near to 400 years; nearing the promise and prophecy of God to Abraham in Genesis 15.
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have grown to quite a large number in those 400 years. They have become so numerous that the Pharoah who rules at the time of Moses’s birth is a tyrant toward Israel, has no memory of Joseph, and doesn’t care for the people at all; but fears their numbers. This tyrant Pharoah orders the death of all baby boys born to the Hebrews. The mother and father of Moses hid him for a period of three months, and then finally put him in a “ark of bulrushes” placed it in the Nile River, along the shore, and floating down near the place where the princess of Egypt bathed; was found and adopted by her. Only the sovereign LORD could work something like that out.
The Hebrew people were enslaved, and treated like livestock or worse. They were not allowed to worship God; and maybe only a few really knew about YHWH [YaHWeH]. We know that they did have homes to live in, though what condition we are not aware.
Moses was taken out of the water of the Nile and named Moses by the daughter of Pharoah. “Drawn out” is the meaning of his name and it is a perfect fit for him. We see him all his life being “drawn out”. He was “drawn out” of the water. He was “drawn out” to his own people. He was “drawn out” to the desert/wilderness. He was “drawn out” to serve Jethro for forty years.
For forty years Moses was in Egypt learning the ways of Egypt. For forty years he was in the desert with Jethro learning the ways of the desert/wilderness. After delivering the children of Israel from Egypt he spent forty more years in the wilderness preparing them for life in the Promised Land.
We complain if we must wait a minute or two at a traffic light. Lord help us. How we need to learn to wait, and trust the LORD with His word, His church and His people. Moses had to learn the lesson of waiting on God. He supposed that when he killed the Egyptian that the people would know that he was God’s deliverer, but it was not the time, and Moses had to leave Egypt to be prepared.
A THOUGHT: Joseph, by God’s providence, was in Egypt to prepare Egypt for the world famine, and to prepare Israel to become a nation. Moses fled from Egypt to be prepared to return to Egypt, and deliver the people from the world.
In the wilderness the new nation saw the mighty hand of God the LORD. When they did not see a way God made a way across the Red Sea. The LORD delivered them from their enemies by causing the Sea to collapse in upon the soldiers of Egypt, killing them all. The Almighty provided them water, meat to eat and He provided them with bread from heaven – “Manna” meaning “What is it?”
THE TESTIMONY OF ISRAEL’S REJECTION, REBELLION, AND CAPTIVITIES (vv. 37-50). Moses testified of One who would come, a Prophet, the Prophet of prophets. Stephen reminds his listeners, persecutors of the prophecy of Moses and his teachings. Hear the words of the prophet Moses concerning the Prophet;
“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken…” Deuteronomy 18:15 (KJV).
While Moses was in the wilderness with the people we find them many times rejecting his leadership, such as while he went up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from the Lord. They built a golden calf to worship in the place of God. Our impatience is somewhat astonishing. God says something and we do the opposite.
We Christians have been accused by some who refer to themselves as atheist or agnostic of being “makers of our own god”, and they mean that of the world religions as well. With the latter I would agree. The God of Creation who created all that is is not a god of man’s own making, however. No man has ever imagined a god who is Almighty, All-Knowing, All-Present, All-Powerful, and Immutable. No man has ever invented a god who condemns sin and wickedness, and provides a means of fellowship, relationship, justification, sanctification, and being glorified together with him in an eternal home. No man has ever created a god that would send his only son to die for the sins of the world. The God of Christianity is the Creator of the universe, and all that is in it; and He loved us so much He did send His Son to die on a cross for our sins, was buried, and He rose again bodily from the grave and was witnessed by over 500 eyewitnesses.
All the gods of man’s creation allow them to behave and act any way they choose. The god’s of men cause the immorality of all the world. The god’s of men’s own making is what causes wars and strife. Every individual without Jesus Christ is their own god; and will one day crumble, fall at the feet of Jesus, and be cast from His presence into eternal fire.
The “golden calf” for those people of Israel was a reminder of their lives back in Egypt. They had been freed from its bondage, yet they still cling to it, even to the point of desiring to return and continue as slaves. Even the gods people worship today, the images, are images which puts no guilt on them, or would make them question their actions. The world hates any guilt, or shame. That is one of the things, however, which is needed in the world; ie., guilt and shame. It can be the “straw that broke the camel’s back” and turn them toward the only One who can cleanse them and forgive all their sin.
When people turn to Wall Street, Dow, or other stocks and bonds, etc. for their security; then they have turned their back on God. Christian we may be in a financial crisis in this nation [USA], however, there is a greater crisis that many do not even realize. That crisis is a Spiritual crisis. With greed ruling the day through the lies of satan; there is a genuine spiritual need for God. Whether it is believed or not; there is only one way to God and heaven, and that is the way He has provided; and that way is by way of the cross of Jesus Christ, his burial and resurrection.
Oh, how we need to understand the fulness, power, vastness, and glory of our God. The nation of Israel is still in rejection of their God, His Son and their future foretold by God.
THE TESTIMONY OF ISRAEL’S REJECTION OF JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 51-54). These men to whom Stephen was speaking were just as the prophets which foretold the coming of the Prophet, the Messiah, their Deliverer. “Stiffnecked and uncircumcised heart” shows a rebellious attitude and an unclean heart of these people.
All Stephen did was proclaim to them the truth of their own history, confront them with Jesus, their betrayal of him, and how they had “murdered him” (v. 52).
THE TESTIMONY OF STEPHEN A PERSECUTED, MARTYRED SOUL FOR JESUS CHRIST (vv. 55-60). When the angry men heard the message delivered by faithful Stephen they proceeded to kill him.
The Word of God works as a sword, a “twoedged sword”. In the book of Hebrews we read,
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
In other words; that means God will make things uncomfortable for you until He gets you where He desires you to be; if you are His own. When you are God’s He will not allow you to remain in sinful behavior.
These men hated Stephen and his words that he spoke, then, they proceeded to kill him.
The deacon never sought to strike back. His last words before his dying breath was, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge”, and then he “fell asleep”. The stones which were hurled at Stephen, hitting his body, were stones of identity. It is not without merit to mention that in the Revelation is mentioned a stone,
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Revelation 2:17
Stephen had his stones, and they were stones of blessing because as he was dying he looked into heaven and could see glory;
“Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
O, for the passion of our people like Stephen had. For a fire to burn in our hearts for people who are bound in religion, but hate Jesus Christ, and refuse His death, burial and resurrection, by continually trying to earn their way to God’s presence and favor. Preaching to the religious may not get you any popular vote, but you will see God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
These are the study notes for a sermon preached on October 05, 2008.
The Continuing Christian…
For forty days following the ascension of Jesus Christ the disciples waiting in the upper room prayed, waited, and encouraged one another; as they waited for that “power” that they were to receive from God.
As they waited they were in ”one accord” as Luke writes of these wonderful events. ”One accord” does not mean that the individuals did not have a independent mind, or thought. It means that they were together for one purpose, and that one purpose was the glory of Jesus Christ. That glory of Jesus Christ was to be the Holy Spirit of God that was coming upon them all as they studied, prayed, preached, and read the word, or had it read to them.
Forty day following the ascension of Jesus it happened. The long awaited event was coming and what an event it was. The sound of a “Mighty rushing wind”. That reminds me of a wind from a tornado, a hurricane, or shear winds. “Cloven tongues of fire” fell upon them, and caused each one to speak in a language that the people there for the feast would hear and understand. These “cloven tongues” were the sign that the Spirit of God was on them in this place.
We are told that they were “all filled with the Holy Ghost…” The many languaged people began to hear words from these followers of Jesus, which they had never heard. Words of life, words of liberty, and words of grace, peace and love. Some began to accuse these of being drunk. Being early of the morning was reason enough for Peter to remind them that it was morning, thus they were not drunk with wine from the vine, so to speak.
As a result of this heavenly event at least 3000 souls were saved. What happens following this wonderful event is the source of our study.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:41-47(KJV)
Let’s see if we can find an outline for this text:
- BAPTISM FOLLOWS THOSE WHO GLADLY BELIEVE (v. 41).
- THEY ARE ONLY COUNTED WITH THE JERUSALEM NUMBER FOLLOWING BAPTISM (v. 41).
- NOTE THE FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW AND ACTIVE CHURCH (v. 42).
- THERE WAS AN AWE OF RESPECT, A FEAR, WHICH SWEPT OVER THE PEOPLE, AND THE ONE’S WHO WERE BELIEVING HAD ALL THINGS COMMON (vv. 43-45).
- THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EARLY CHURCH THROUGH THE WEEK (vv. 46-47).
BAPTISM FOLLOWS THOSE WHO GLADLY BELIEVE (v. 41). Receiving of the Word of God – the Gospel of Jesus Christ – is purely, surely a great joy and a gladness. When we hear the truth of the Word of God, believe it, and put it to work we have no problem following our Lord’s instruction for growing in faith.
Receiving the word and the gospel is far more than a mere belief in the existence of Jesus Christ, or His death on the cross, or His burial, or His resurrection. It is in truth the receiving of the Spirit of God into your life, who changes you, and grows in you each and every day for our God’s glory. It means the thief who believes is no longer a thief. It means that the murderer is no longer a murderer. It means the prostitute is no longer a prostitute. It means the liar is no longer a liar. Those who have been changed in their hearts now have desire to be more like Jesus Christ and give their lives completely to Him.
Where there had been only 120 Christians in the upper room; we now find that “about three thousand souls” were added to the Jerusalem church that day.
THEY ARE ONLY COUNTED WITH THE JERUSALEM NUMBER FOLLOWING BAPTISM (v. 41). Is the Point statement made here pertinent for today’s Christian? I believe it to be very pertinent. It gives Biblical guidance for local church membership. These were not or are not counted until we are told that they were baptised, then they are counted as “Members” of the local church. At that time there was only one local church, and it was the Jerusalem church.
There are some today who do not believe that local church membership is a Biblical idea, or principle. It seems clear to me, that the Bible says much about it. The letter to the Romans written by Paul the apostle was written to the church at Rome. The letter to the Galations was written to the church at Galatia. The letter to the Ephesians was written to the church at Ephesus. The letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians were written to the local congregations of those respective cities. In the Revelation Jesus Christ Himself sent a different letter to seven different churches. They are local churches.
Understand, none of this negates the fact that we are all part of the one body of Jesus Christ. Just as the human body has different parts, so too, does the body of Christ. Each local church has its own parts, and each one in the total Body of Christ has their parts.
We are baptised into the Body of Christ by the baptism of the Spirit of God. We profess our faith in a local congregation through water baptism. Water baptism testifies to the death – our not breathing going under the water, meaning immersion; burial – being put under the water; and the resurrection – coming up out of the water. This way is meaningless through sprinkling or pouring of water upon a participant.
Until a soul has been baptised Scripturally into the local body of Christ they are not qualified to particpate in the Lord’s Supper, are not counted as part of the local body, and have no membership privileges.
NOTE THE FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW AND ACTIVE CHURCH (v. 42). There are four characteristics of this early church. The first one is that they “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”. What is the “apostles’ doctrine”? The things about Jesus Christ which He taught; the miracles of Jesus, His virgin conception, and virgin birth. The death, burial and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. And surely the apostles’ doctrine would include the last day prophecies, and the return of Jesus Christ at His second coming. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Those are the main things.
The second, fellowship. Fellowship is much more than sitting around a table sharing a meal together. It may include the meal, but fellowship is a bonding, a coming together, for the one goal and good of one cause. It is caring for one another, sharing with one another in the Word of God and material things. It is a casual sharing of a testimony of God’s grace and goodness in a daily event, or a tragic circumstance or what could have been a tragic circumstance.
The third is, “in breaking bread”. Now this could definitely be the breaking of the bread representing the body of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. This could also be the sharing of a meal. We see that this had gotten tangled up with the Corinthian church, and the apostle Paul had to rebuke them (1 Corinthians 11:20-34). They were not only defying the richness of the Lord’s Supper, but they were rude, unruly, showing partiality, and just plain ole, hypocritical in their behavior.
The fourth is prayer. Prayer is a very important part of the church. We go to God in prayer to share our hearts with Him; and we go to His Word so He can share His heart with us. I know it is much deeper than that. One thing being that in prayer, Biblical prayer, we go as an intercessor before the throne of God for others. We go before the throne to pray His will, not our own will. Going to the throne of grace we find grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Even though our heavenly Father knows what we need before we ask; our asking is a show of subjection, humility, and love to the One who supplies all our need. When we step out ahead of, or before God leads, or supplies we can get ourselves into very serious trouble. Most people have credit cards, for example, and will buy things without a thought as to its price; and often it is something they do not need. After many times and years go by, and they have paid only the minimum payment each month, while continuing to mount up the balance they find themselves in trouble. Why can we not pray, believe God to supply, instead of trusting in the plastic god?
THERE WAS AN AWE OF RESPECT, A FEAR, WHICH SWEPT OVER THE PEOPLE, AND THE ONE’S WHO WERE BELIEVING HAD ALL THINGS COMMON (vv. 43-45). As we look at these verses we see that wonderful, and awe-inspiring things took place in city of Jerusalem. The power of Jesus Christ Himself had come upon all who were in the upper room, ie., the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit who is Christ in those who possess, and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and are possessed by Him.
“Fear” is a God given emotion. Without fear we would be jumping to our deaths. We would be touching hot burning stoves. We would drive insanely speedily on hilly, curvy, terrain. You should get the picture with those matters. “Fear” can be a good thing. In the case of this verse it is a good thing. “And fear came upon every soul…” (v. 43). When we are before the presence of holy God we will shiver, tremble, and quake because we recognize His presence, person, power, and genuine prestige. This ‘fear’ is more than simple respect. It is an awe. He is more awesome than anything we can ever see. He is more awesome than any celebrity you will ever meet. He is more powerful than the President of the United States of America or any other country. Even the redeemed will bow before Him, and gladly call Him “LORD”.
We must note that this passage points out that it was through the apostles the Lord granted the “signs and wonders“. Why do people assume that there are apostles in the church today? There is no evidence of it. They have not been eyewitnesses of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. These signs and wonders were given to the apostles as testimony from God of their calling, their witness, and their preaching and teaching of Jesus Christ.
Some would liken the love and generosity of the early church and their sharing of their goods, land and homes as being the first socialistic order. That is not so. Socialism confiscates from those who have to give to those who have not. The order for the early church was that each one gave as they were able, and were blessed by God. Some of the early church sold their houses and land in order to be better servants to God and His Son Jesus, but no one forced the sale. It was an act of love not of a dictatorship. Christians who love the Lord and have burdens for the cause of Christ are still doing this; maybe not on the same scale and maybe to a greater scale. Every week when believers gather together we receive the tithes and offerings, and those come, sometimes with great sacrifice from the giver or givers. In most congregationally led churches no one is forced or shamed into giving tithes and offerings; it comes from their hearts most of the time. These funds were distributed as there was need among the people.
THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EARLY CHURCH THROUGH THE WEEK (vv. 46-47). The question has been asked, “How often should Christians meet as the Body of Christ?” There are many answers to that question and some would like to answer it with “Only twice a year. Easter and Christmas”. Oh, how far we have fallen. How often did the early church, the Church of Jerusalem meet? Look at verse 46, and the first part of 47:
“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people.”
Note “…They, continuing daily…” and many professing Christians today have a hard time getting together one worship service per week. We should feel ashamed for our lack of faith, trust, and commitment to God, His Word, His Son and His Church. Why is that many Christians want to find an excuse to miss worship services on Sunday? Why do they want to go to the lake for swimming, water skiing, fishing or boating rather than spend time in the place of worship with brothers and sisters in Christ? They are missing the heart of worship. They are missing the very One who gives them that desire, and that drive. The early Christians loved being together. Christians today love being together, and seek every opportunity to do so.
The “Breaking bread” referred here has to do with the sharing of daily meals, and provisions. It was a time of fellowship, worship, praise, and Christian growth. In their gatherings they not only shared their food, and fellowship; they also shared “gladness and singleness of heart“, and Oh the joy which they had together worshipping, praising God and magnifying the name of Jesus. Their worship in the gatherings were without hypocrisy, they were genuine, and did not attempt to overshadow anyone else. They were a simple people with a simple goal; and that goal was to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the concluding part of verse 47 we read:
“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
There are many attempts today to “grow the church”, “reach people for Christ”, etc. thus we have shows of entertainment, motorcycle jumping and racing, power teams, rock stars, and we get a crowd. The gospel is preached, and hundreds, maybe in some cases thousands, raise their hands of decision for Christ. For some it is genuine and they are born again to faith in Jesus Christ. For the others they go away thinking, “Man, I prayed some words tonight. I am alright with God. Let’s party.” and they are still on the road to destruction due to deception.
Notice who added the people to the church. It was the Lord who added to the church daily. It was not the apostles. It was not the women of the church. It was not the children of the church. It was not the men of the church. They had no programs. They had no visitation program. They were, however, faithful in worship, praise, and living a consistent Christian lifestyle which was a testimony of their faith.
It is my belief that when the people of God will get into His Word, read it, study it – pulling out the meaning, the message and power of the text, and apply it to our lives then, we will be more powerful affective witnesses and see multitudes come to faith in Jesus our Lord and Savior. It is not our doing, our calling to save sinners; that is the work of our Lord. It is our doing and calling to be faithful witnesses.
Continue Christians in the work of Jesus Christ.
-Tim A. Blankenship
These are my study notes for a sermon I preached at Carr Lane Baptist Church on September 28, 2008
Until Jesus Returns
Acts 1:1-26
1. PROCLAIM THE CONVINCING PROOFS OF OUR LORD’S PASSION (vv. 1-4).
Luke, our writer and historian of the Christ who was born in Bethlehem’s manger, gives us thorough details of the birth, the life, the death, and the resurrection of our Lord. You can read these details in the gospel of Luke. The book of Acts is a continued bit of history of Christ, His Holy Spirit at work in the Apostles in the early church.
The Gospel written by Luke is the “former treatise” which he had written to Theophilus. Luke, beginning the gospel, writes,
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” Luke 1:1-4 (KJV)
He writes to an individual who must be of royal or noble family. The term, “Most excellent Theophilus” seems to be an indication of this. Luke sees it very important to record the documentation of the eyewitness accounts, and the preachers of the word. He also records it for the benefit of Theophilus, that he “…might know the certainty of those things…”.
The title “Most excellent” is dropped in the writing of Acts. It could be that Theophilus has become a believer in Jesus. Luke writes of the resurrection as those “to whom also He showed Himself alive” (v. 3). That is speaking of the apostles, and there were many more.
There are many atheist, doubters and sceptics who try and tell us that there is little to no evidence for the virgin conception, and virgin birth of Jesus Christ, and some who even deny He ever lived. What evidence can there be of the virgin birth? We have the testimony of Mary, Joseph, and best of all we have the testimony of Scriptures. The life of Jesus Himself shows us that He was not just another man, born by the seed of man, but by the seed of God.
Luke writes of the “passion” of Christ. Do you know that Jesus had a desire to go to Jerusalem that final time. Jesus had His mind set for Jerusalem. He had His mind set on obtaining the redemption of mankind. He had His mind set on paying the sin debt owed by all men and women. If we only had the passion for Christ He has for us; what could be done in this world for His glory.
2. WALK IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT AND GO INTO ALL THE WORLD (vv. 5-8).
The disciples had seen Jesus tried, convicted, and nailed to the cruel old wooden cross. At that time they had been fearful, and fled for their lives. Jesus speaks to us of leaving with us a “Comforter” in John, chapters fourteen and sixteen. We also have Jesus’s words that He is going away for a time, and then will return, and Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit [the Comforter] is an “Earnest” payment for the security and guarantee of His return.
Were these words, “but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence…” meant only for the disciples present at that time, or do they have application for His followers today? Yes and No! For the disciples then, they did need to do as Jesus had said, and wait for the promise of the baptism of the Spirit. He had not descended. For the follower of Jesus Christ today, you and I were baptized in the Spirit of Jesus Christ the day we prayed to receive His free gift of salvation and He saved us. There are times, however, where the follower of Jesus Christ today, needs to wait and make sure all things are right with and God, and that there are no hindrances to the work of God in our hearts and lives.
Every Christian has been given the power of Christ. The power to live a life that will glorify Jesus. The power to be a witness for Him in all our lives and life’s activities. The power of faith that will move mountains and cast sycamine trees into the sea. I have not seen any Christian who has that kind of faith today, however. Oh, that we would just believe God and His Word and trust the work and power of His Spirit in our lives.
We have been given the “Great Commission” of Christ Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, and He gives it again before He ascends into the heavens. He tells the disciples then, “You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come on you…” It was yet a future event for them. It is an instantaneous event for the man, woman, boy or girl who calls on the name of Jesus for salvation today. You and I hear things about “Change” today. There is only one power that can change this world into a better world, and better men, women, boys, and girls; and that is the power of the Spirit of God in His people.
The hope of the world cannot be found in the political arena. It cannot be found in any political figure, or political promise. When we put our faith in the promises of men or women, we are bound to failure, and disappointment. The only hope for individuals, kings, commoners; rich or poor; is the Lord Jesus Christ, and as Christian disciples/followers we have not only been commissioned by our Lord to go and make disciples; He has given us the power to go and do it.
If you want true change in the United States or the world it will come only through the crucified, buried, risen and coming again Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.
“It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8 (KJV)
3. BE BUSY IN GROWING AND PRACTICE OF FAITH AND IN PRAYER (vv. 9-14).
Those of us who believe that the second coming of Jesus are often accused of having our head in the stars or the sand, and not dealing with the things which really affect mankind. I would agree that there are factions who claim to believe in the second coming of Jesus, but I have a question, “What Jesus do they believe in?” Do they believe in the Jesus who said, “I will come again”, but later He said, “No man knows the day or the hour”? or do they believe in the one who professes to have a secret knowledge of God and Jesus, and they know when He is coming? They might even say, “I am the one who is coming”.
We are told in Scripture, the words of Jesus to “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). Though the preceding was spoken from a parable, it still has the intensity of the call Jesus has for us. He is telling His followers to keep at the tasks you have to do, maintain your lives, live and be faithful to the teachings of God’s word and all that He has taught us. He has not told us to give away all our possessions, sell our homes and go to a mountain top and wait for His return.
I would imagine that as Jesus was speaking to the disciples, and they seeing Him ascend into the coulds would have been standing there in awe of what they had just seen. For a while they would have put the words Jesus had just spoken to them out of their minds. WOW! Was probably what they were thinking. This was men who had seem Him walk on water, calm the storms, cast out demons, heal the sick, make the lame walk, heal the lepers, and raise the dead. And now, they see Him in a living body of flesh ascend out of their sight, and into the Father’s glory.
“Two men” probably angels confronted their awestruck eyes and minds, with the words we all need to hear, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 (KJV) The disciples followed the instructions of the men/angels, went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, to the upper room and there they prayed, probably unlike any other time they had prayed. You will notice all the disciples were present with the exception of Judas who killed himself by hanging, and plunging to the bottom of a cliff.
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Acts 1:14 (KJV)
They had not yet received the Holy Spirit for power, witness and living. They were to wait for the promise, and the promise came.
Continuing prayer is prayer that abides, prayer that is unceasing, prayer that is diligent, faithful, and trusting and believing, that God will accomplish what He pleases, in His time and in His way. Those praying in the upper room numbered one hundred and twenty. Of those who were there, other than the disciples/apostles, were Mary the mother of Jesus, and the brothers of Jesus – James and Jude (not the apostles by the same name) – and the women who had faithfully trusted in, and ministered to Jesus.
4. KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THAT NO ONE IS INDISPENSIBLE (vv. 15-25).
In a lot of areas of life, work, and society and culture there are some who feel they are indispensible. They are badly mistaken, and sadly deceived. That may have been the heart of Judas, the betrayer, as he went to betray our Lord. He was in fact fulfilling a role in prophecy. Nevertheless guilty of sin, of unbelief, of betrayal.
It was Peter who stood up to make the leadership decision of replacing Judas. The question could be asked and I am asking it; “Why did they need to replace Judas?”. Maybe “Replace” is not the right term to use, because no one is really replaced. Someone that would have been a witness of the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus was required.
Peter saw that Judas and his acts, and the end of his life were a fulfillment of Scripture. David had written about this in the Psalms. See Psalms 69:25 and 109:8. There have been many people who have written of Judas’s; of which I have only heard and not read. I know there are some who with great assumption consider Judas to have been a genuine saved, follower of Jesus Christ, and that he lost his salvation; however, the losing of one’s salvation just does not fit with all of Scripture. Judas was just a man who never did see Jesus for who he really was, but was only his meal ticket and possible means of obtaining a high position in an earthly rule. In verse 25, it reads, “that he might go to his own place”; which seems to be meaning that he had his own eternal abode.
Now it is time to have someone fill his position with the twelve. It seems that there has been some debate over whether this was really necessary or not. There are probably a lot of reasons that could be given to support their installing a twelfth apostle, and I would think that to be to keep the order of twelve. There are twelve tribes of Israel. Twelve may be a symbol of a completed rule of government, and when Jesus returns to set up His earthly kingdom, these twelve and those who have believed because of their preaching and teaching will rule and reign with Him.
Each individual is unique within the kingdom of heaven, and the future kingdom of Jesus Christ on earth. There is, however, no one who is indispensable. Pride is the only thing that would cause anyone to usurp the authority of their own life over the rule of Jesus Christ, and the Father. That was so with Judas.
The eleven disciples take a vote [cast lots], and the lot fell to Matthais.
5. LET GOD LEAD AND PROVIDE OUR LEADERS (v. 26).
Both of the men which they must choose from were witnesses of the Lord Jesus, and His resurrection. That was a qualification of an apostle. Their life was one of following Jesus, and faithfulness. These were both well qualified men, but only one would be able to serve as apostles.
It would seem that all 120 people in the upper room had part in making this decision. Some may argue and say, “Well they should have waited because Paul should have been the twelfth apostle”, but that could not be. There must be one who was sent to the gentiles, and that was Paul who made a thirteenth apostle.
In the direction of choosing kings, presidents, premiers, and apostles and pastors we must let God lead and direct in that choosing. He has His way in the ballots, and the lots which are cast.
God places leaders of churches, communities, States and Nations as it pleases Him; and all for His glory. Trust Him. He knows what He is doing. He sees the total picture, and you and I only have a very small view, called today. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow may not come for you or me.
-Tim A. Blankenship
These are study notes for a sermon I preached September 14, 2008.
Heavenly Vision
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” Acts 26:19.
Looking at the verses previous to this one you find Paul’s testimony of His salvation and calling from the Lord Jesus. That is found in verses 14-18. His calling is one of ministry and a witness to the matter of salvation, and the things which Paul has seen and will yet see. He is called to “Open the eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God, and that they may receive forgiveness of sins…” (v. 18).
Paul is, of course, sharing this message with king Agrippa who, along with his wife, had come to salute Festus. Festus had told the king of Paul who had false charges brought against him, and was wanting the king’s advice and guidance on what to do with Paul. The apostle had shared this glowing testimony of how he had met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, and that he had not departed from doing as he had been directed.
Would to God, that I could say, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision”. Some might say we had no “Heavenly vision” that caused us to come to Christ. If we were drawn by God’s Spirit to be saved. We had that heavenly vision. That vision is Jesus Christ. Keep that vision that God has given you in Christ His holy Son.
O Jesus, Savior, holy Son of God; give me YOUR vision for souls. Set a fire in my heart, O LORD for one lost soul today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 