Chapter 28: New Beginnings
Have you ever been given an assignment at work that seemed over your head? Or maybe there was a project at home that was just a little out of your reach. What did you draw upon to help you succeed?
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave His disciples “The Great Commission,” the command that they should make disciples of all nations. Can you imagine how impossible a task that must have seemed to a mere handful of people? But rather than being overwhelmed they were overjoyed. They had been gifted with an understanding about the nature of God’s Story. They knew where they were going and Who would be with them.
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave His disciples “The Great Commission,” the command that they should make disciples of all nations. Can you imagine how impossible a task that must have seemed to a mere handful of people? But rather than being overwhelmed they were overjoyed. They had been gifted with an understanding about the nature of God’s Story. They knew where they were going and Who would be with them.
Chapter 28
The church was born. She was alive and well. The mission of God’s people was clear – take the message of Jesus to the whole world and make disciples. The source of power was known – God’s very presence through the Holy Spirit.
And now, 2,000 years later, the mission is still clear and the source of power still known. God wants to use a group of ordinary people to change the world and He is looking to you and me.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The Holy Spirit Arrives
Pages 389–392
When Jesus spoke in the temple during Passion Week, throughout Palestine wheat stalks were bowing under heavy seed heads. He said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
On Friday, the Kernel died. On Sunday, HE AROSE.
Over the next forty days, Jesus appeared to over 500 people chosen to witness His resurrection and tell others about it. These put their faith in Him, and the Kernel of wheat which had returned to life produced seeds.
Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for a special gift.
1. (a) For what did Jesus tell them to wait (Acts 1:4–5)? (b) Why did they need this gift (1:8)? (c) What does this teach us about the Holy Spirit? (d) Where would the witnesses of His resurrection testify about what they’d seen (1:8)? (e) What have you witnessed Jesus do in your life?
Then Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives into heaven before the apostles’ eyes. The apostles returned to Jerusalem to pray with 120 other believers gathered there.
On Sunday ten days later, Jews from all surrounding nations gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost by offering God a portion of the grain they’d harvested between Passover and Pentecost. The believers whom Jesus had harvested between Passover and Pentecost gathered too, and bowing in prayer, offered themselves to God.
2. (a) What happened when Jesus baptized His followers with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–3)? (b) Who enabled them to speak in the languages of the people within hearing (2:4)? (c) What did the Jews visiting from other nations hear (2:11)?
Peter, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, stood and addressed the crowd. Three thousand people turned to Jesus that day. The harvest grew.
The Lame Man Healed
Pages 392–395
The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to do more than preach powerfully. One day Peter healed a well-known lame man. As a crowd quickly gathered, Peter spoke.
3. (a) How did Peter explain what happened (Acts 3:12, 16)? (b) What can we learn from this? (c) Why did God heal the man (3:13)?
Peter proclaimed the gospel: Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension.
4. (a) What did Peter tell the people to do (3:19)? (b) Repentance is turning away from sin and to God by faith in Jesus. What happens to the sins of those who do this (3:19)?
5. Summarize the gospel message in a way you could share it, using Peter’s message as an example.
Two thousand more people turned to God through faith in Jesus.
The apostles’ teaching so upset the Jewish leaders that they jailed Peter and John. The next day the Sanhedrin asked them, “By what power or what name did you do this?”
6. (a) What was Peter’s state (Acts 4:8)? (b) In whose name did Peter say the man had been healed (4:9–10)? (c) How did Peter explain what happened to Jesus (4:10)?
Peter said this fulfilled prophecy, for Jesus was “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone”—the most important stone of the building.
7. (a) What else did Peter say about Jesus’ name (4:12)? (b) What can we learn from this? (c) How might you explain what the Bible teaches to someone who says all religions lead to salvation?
Though the Jewish leaders couldn’t deny the lame man could walk, they refused to believe Peter’s explanation. The seed of the gospel fell on the path where it couldn’t take root. They commanded the apostles to stop teaching in Jesus’ name.
The Church Persecuted
Pages 395–399
The disciples prayed for boldness and miracles, and received both. The miracles attracted crowds, but the sight of the crowds infuriated the jealous Sadducees. The Sadducees jailed the apostles, but an angel freed them that night, saying, “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” They obeyed. The Sadducees ordered the apostles before the Sanhedrin and demanded to know why they had disobeyed their orders to cease teaching in Jesus’ name.
8. How did the apostles respond to the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:29)?
When the apostles proclaimed Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation to God’s right hand, many called for their death, but they settled for flogging the apostles.
9. (a) How did the apostles react (5:41–42)? (b) If possible, describe a time you chose to obey God rather than men. If you suffered for it, write out a response similar to the apostles’. (c) Prayerfully consider if there is anything you’re resisting God about out of fear of retribution.
The church continued to grow over the next few years. The apostles expanded the church leadership to include more godly men, such as Stephen.
10. (a) What did Stephen do (Acts 6:8)? (b) Why were the Jews who argued with him no match for Stephen (6:10)? (c) What does this teach us about the Holy Spirit? (d) Briefly describe a way the Holy Spirit has helped you share the gospel.
The defeated debaters found liars willing to accuse Stephen of blasphemy. Standing before the Sanhedrin, Stephen reminded them of the Israelites’ history of persecuting prophets.
11. (a) Whom did Stephen say these Jewish leaders were like (Acts 7:51)? (b) What were they doing to the Holy Spirit (7:51)? (c) How should Stephen’s next words have been a warning (7:52)?
The Jewish leaders stopped listening to Stephen.
12. (a) How did the Holy Spirit prepare Stephen for what was about to happen (7:55–56)? (b) Describe a time the Holy Spirit strengthened you.
Furious, the Jewish leaders dragged Stephen out of Jerusalem and stoned him to death.
Saul Meets Jesus
Pages 399–401
After Stephen’s martyrdom, the Jewish leaders waged war against the church.
13. (a) What happened the day Stephen died (Acts 8:1, 4–5? (b) How did the persecution further the fulfillment of Jesus’ command to them (see question 1d)? (c) Describe a difficulty in your life which brought a greater good.
The harvest field grew.
Meanwhile, Saul—a young, zealous Jew who had witnessed Stephen’s death—set out to destroy the church. He searched door to door for Christians and imprisoned all he found, sending many to death.
About AD 35, Saul’s life changed.
14. (a) What happened to Saul as he traveled to Damascus to persecute Christians (Acts 9:3–6)? (b) When people persecute Christians, whom else are they persecuting (9:4–5)? (c) How can remembering this help when we are persecuted for our faith in Jesus?
The heavenly light blinded Saul, and in that time of physical blindness he came to know his spiritual blindness. Three days later, the Lord sent Ananias to pray for Saul.
15. (a) What did the Lord say about Saul (Acts 9:15)? (b) What was He going to show Saul?
Just as He had prepared the prophets of old, so God prepared Saul for the difficult mission before him.
16. (a) How would Saul’s knowing that his mission would be painful strengthen him? (b) If possible, describe a time you did something right knowing there could be unwelcome repercussions. (c) How did knowing potential consequences help you?
When Ananias prayed for Saul, God healed Saul’s eyes and filled him with the Holy Spirit. Saul immediately began preaching in synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God and the resurrected Messiah.
The Gospel Spread
Pages 401–405
The disciples preached the gospel to Jews in synagogues everywhere. It was time for the harvest field to expand again.
One day Peter saw a vision in which a voice told him not to call creatures unclean which God had made clean. While Peter puzzled over the meaning, the Holy Spirit told him to go with three men who had just arrived, for He had sent them. The men were Gentiles—non-Jews.
They brought Peter to the house of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion whom an angel had directed to Peter.
17. (a) What did Cornelius do when Peter arrived (Acts 10:25)? (b) How did Peter react (10:26)? Explain. (c) A large gathering of Gentiles awaited Peter. How did Peter now interpret the vision (10:28)?
Peter told them about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and exaltation, and that the prophets said everyone who believed in Jesus would have their sins forgiven.
And then—the Holy Spirit descended on the Gentiles. Peter now realized God offered the gift of salvation to everyone. He told the other apostles what had happened.
The church grew, but so did persecution. Around AD 44, King Herod beheaded the Apostle James.
18. (a) Whom else did Herod plan to kill (Acts 12:2–3)? (b) What happened instead (12:7)? (c) Does the fact that James was martyred and Peter was rescued mean Jesus favored one of them? Explain.
19. (a) How did the believers’ remaining true to Jesus despite the death of an apostle demonstrate the strength of their belief? (b) How did Peter’s miraculous rescue demonstrate God was still in control, despite James’s death? (c) Give an example of someone whose faith through difficulties has inspired you.
The believers’ determination to keep preaching the gospel despite suffering and death threats gave credence to their testimony. Everyone knew Pilate had crucified Jesus—that wasn’t in doubt. But these disciples claimed to have seen Jesus alive after His execution. Herod and the Jewish leaders believed they lied and—knowing liars don’t make good martyrs—they threatened many with death.
But by the power, wisdom, and boldness of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ followers were willing to suffer and die rather than recant their testimony that they had seen Jesus alive.
20. Write a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit’s power, wisdom, and boldness.
The Holy Spirit continued to work, and the harvest continued to grow. Next week we’ll see how Saul—who will become known as the Apostle Paul—took the gospel to the Gentiles.
AS YOU READ CHAPTER 28
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the chapter this week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week.
1. Just 50 days earlier, Peter denied Christ and cowered in fear and shame. Now, in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost, we find Peter preaching in the first megachurch, facing down Jewish religious leaders and noticeably full of courage (p. 391-392). Describe the “new” Peter. How do you account for this change? When have you experienced this kind of power? And what prevents you from experiencing this kind of power?
2. Read Acts 2:44-45 (p. 392). The Christians were giving to those who had any kind of need. Notice that the Christians weren’t giving to each other because they felt the need to “give to the poor,” but because all the believers now viewed each other as family, and what else do you do with family but take care of each other? How does being brothers and sisters in Christ transform how you view others in need?
3. The early believers “enjoyed the favor of all the people” (p. 392) and “were highly regarded by the people” (p. 395)? Yet, Peter and the apostles clearly stated they only cared about what God thought of them, not people (p. 396). What are the results when we strive to please people? Why is it that when we strive only to please God, others around us are transformed, too?
4. Cornelius and his household’s conversion dramatically changed the direction of the church. What began as a Jewish messianic movement would now cross ethnic barriers. Christians don’t lose their earthly identity (Jewish, Greek, American, etc.), but our earthly identity is intertwined and superseded by our heavenly identity. How is it a blessing and challenge that together all Christians are united in Christ’s body and yet mixed with a vast diversity of earthly identities?
5. The church grew rapidly from the beginning even in spite of growing opposition and persecution. What factors might account for such growth?
6. For most Christians, the Holy Spirit is the least understood person of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). List all you learned about the Holy Spirit from this chapter. What did you learn about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for your own life?
Our Lesson This Week:
There is a book only 100 pages long, published by the Department of Justice, that can easily be downloaded and is a book that no parent wants to read. The title is “When Your Child is Missing.” Key bullet points and action steps are on the cover of the book, like, “You’re not alone,” “Hope is essential,” “Trust your feelings and share them with law enforcement officials,” “Distribute pictures,” “Keep your focus,” “Exercise caution,” and the final exhortation is “Never stop looking.” The book tells the stories of four year old Shelby Marie Cox and six year old Colleen Nick and the parents of Jacob Wetterling have been searching for him since 1989. They post messages saying, “We’re still searching for you and we will never quit.” Parents will spare no expense as they search for their missing children.
So does God. God has lost children, who have gone the wrong direction, lost their bearings, lost their place in this life, and lost their vision of the next life. God initiated a massive, three-phase search and rescue strategy to find His lost children.
1. The first phase was Israel. We saw in the Old Testament that God wanted a nation through whom to show His character and to call people back to Himself.
2. The second and very critical phase, which is the point of the Four Gospels in the beginning of the New Testament, was Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ declared, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). We are lost and Jesus is the way back home. By his death on the cross and His resurrection, we can be reunited to our Heavenly Father.
3. The third phase is in The Story today in chapter 28—the church. We will be looking at the Book of Acts, beginning with Acts 1:8 which is a powerful theme for the entire third phase of God’s plan: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” How – when the Holy Spirit comes to you!
READ ACTS 2:2-8
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?”
This is a pretty powerful introduction to the Holy Spirit!
We see with the burst of the Holy Spirit on the scene that the new beginning promised in the church began.
I. PENTECOST- THE AWAITED TURNING POINT
Read Acts 1:4-11
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Had Jesus told the disciples about the Holy Spirit before?
So, the disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem. It was the fiftieth day of these feasts and they were gathered together.
Why were the others besides the disciples assembled in Jerusalem?
How did the Holy Spirit come? Acts 2:1-13
So, this is how the church was born. The Holy Spirit had now come to rest on the followers of Jesus and they could now go out and do as He had asked them to do—spread the Gospel.
What is the church?
Story: Russ Blowers is a minister who is active in his local Indianapolis Rotary club. At club meetings each week a member gives a brief statement about his job. When it was his turn, Russ said: "I’m with a global enterprise. We have branches in every country in the world. We have our representatives in nearly every parliament and boardroom on earth. We’re into motivation and behavior alteration. We run hospitals, feeding stations, crisis pregnancy centers, universities, publishing houses, and nursing homes. We care for our clients from birth to death. We are into life insurance and fire insurance. We perform spiritual heart transplants. Our original Organizer owns all the real estate on earth plus an assortment of galaxies and constellations. He knows everything and lives everywhere. Our product is free for the asking. (There’s not enough money to buy it.) Our CEO was born in a hick town, worked as a carpenter, didn’t own a home, was misunderstood by his family, hated by enemies, walked on water, was condemned to death without a trial, and arose from the dead--I talk with him everyday."
This new beginning of the Church began with the turning point of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given to believers. This significant event was prophesied in Isaiah 44, Ezekiel 39, and Joel 2. The Church was not only born in this new beginning, but they had power!
II. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Power for the Church by unknown
Acts 1:8 begins the book of Acts, describes the new beginning of the church, and speaks of power. The Holy Spirit works both ways I just described.
How do we see the working out of this power with Stephen in Acts 6:8-15?
Our Lesson This Week:
NEW BEGINNINGS
THE STORY CHAPTER 28 / ACTS 1-12
THE STORY CHAPTER 28 / ACTS 1-12
There is a book only 100 pages long, published by the Department of Justice, that can easily be downloaded and is a book that no parent wants to read. The title is “When Your Child is Missing.” Key bullet points and action steps are on the cover of the book, like, “You’re not alone,” “Hope is essential,” “Trust your feelings and share them with law enforcement officials,” “Distribute pictures,” “Keep your focus,” “Exercise caution,” and the final exhortation is “Never stop looking.” The book tells the stories of four year old Shelby Marie Cox and six year old Colleen Nick and the parents of Jacob Wetterling have been searching for him since 1989. They post messages saying, “We’re still searching for you and we will never quit.” Parents will spare no expense as they search for their missing children.
So does God. God has lost children, who have gone the wrong direction, lost their bearings, lost their place in this life, and lost their vision of the next life. God initiated a massive, three-phase search and rescue strategy to find His lost children.
1. The first phase was Israel. We saw in the Old Testament that God wanted a nation through whom to show His character and to call people back to Himself.
2. The second and very critical phase, which is the point of the Four Gospels in the beginning of the New Testament, was Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ declared, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). We are lost and Jesus is the way back home. By his death on the cross and His resurrection, we can be reunited to our Heavenly Father.
3. The third phase is in The Story today in chapter 28—the church. We will be looking at the Book of Acts, beginning with Acts 1:8 which is a powerful theme for the entire third phase of God’s plan: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” How – when the Holy Spirit comes to you!
READ ACTS 2:2-8
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?”
This is a pretty powerful introduction to the Holy Spirit!
We see with the burst of the Holy Spirit on the scene that the new beginning promised in the church began.
I. PENTECOST- THE AWAITED TURNING POINT
Read Acts 1:4-11
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Had Jesus told the disciples about the Holy Spirit before?
- The Holy Spirit was something that was promised to the disciples. Jesus had spoken in John 14 and 15 about this Counselor that would come. Jesus promised that He would not leave these men alone, but that they would have a constant companion to aid them in all their efforts for God.
- Acts chapter 1 records that Jesus commanded the disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for this wonderful gift. Jesus promises the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises these men “power” when the Holy Spirit is given to them and they will be powerful witnesses for Christ in Jerusalem and in the surrounding areas and in the entire world.
So, the disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem. It was the fiftieth day of these feasts and they were gathered together.
Why were the others besides the disciples assembled in Jerusalem?
- Pentecost "the fiftieth [day]" is the Greek name for the Feast of Weeks, a prominent feast in the calendar of ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai. This feast is still celebrated in Judaism as Shavuot. Later, in the Christian liturgical year, it became a feast commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ (120 in all), as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1–31. For this reason, Pentecost is sometimes described by some Christians today as the "Birthday of the Church".
- It seems that for these Christians celebrating Pentecost together, the feasts would soon take on a whole new meaning. The Day of Pentecost would soon have new meaning to these people sitting there—they would be witnesses and participants to the birth of the Church movement… a new beginning.
How did the Holy Spirit come? Acts 2:1-13
- We find that the Holy Spirit came like a wind. The Holy Spirit has been associated with the wind before in Scripture hasn’t it? Jesus talks about the Spirit and wind in John 3:8. The Holy Spirit is like the wind. It goes wherever it pleases and you cannot see it. The Spirit, like the wind, is a powerful force… just ask anyone who’s ever had their roof torn off or a building blown down! The wind is powerful. So is the Spirit. The Spirit came in power this day of Pentecost and everyone heard it.
- We also find that the Holy Spirit came in fire. Not only did they hear the Spirit come, but they saw it. They saw fire appear and a little flame came to each of them and rested on them. The fire meant something very important. We find in Exodus 3, that when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush—it meant that Moses was in the presence of God. It means the same thing here. The very Spirit of God was among them and was about to take up residence in their hearts. They actually saw the fire come to each of them. They saw that God was there and was about to anoint them to do the work of the church.
- We find that the Spirit came and allowed those who were there to speak in tongues. What an amazing miracle for the beginning of the church! And really, if you think about it—the Holy Spirit was providing exactly what the apostles and other’s needed to proclaim the Gospel. The rest of the passage after verse 5 tells us that there were Jews from 14 different nations around the world. That’s at least 14 different languages that had to be learned so the Gospel could be preached. Through the power of God, these apostles were given the gift to speak and be heard by everyone in their native language. All the thousands and thousands of Jews who were in Jerusalem would be able to hear the Gospel and understand it. Amazing and wonderful!
So, this is how the church was born. The Holy Spirit had now come to rest on the followers of Jesus and they could now go out and do as He had asked them to do—spread the Gospel.
What is the church?
Story: Russ Blowers is a minister who is active in his local Indianapolis Rotary club. At club meetings each week a member gives a brief statement about his job. When it was his turn, Russ said: "I’m with a global enterprise. We have branches in every country in the world. We have our representatives in nearly every parliament and boardroom on earth. We’re into motivation and behavior alteration. We run hospitals, feeding stations, crisis pregnancy centers, universities, publishing houses, and nursing homes. We care for our clients from birth to death. We are into life insurance and fire insurance. We perform spiritual heart transplants. Our original Organizer owns all the real estate on earth plus an assortment of galaxies and constellations. He knows everything and lives everywhere. Our product is free for the asking. (There’s not enough money to buy it.) Our CEO was born in a hick town, worked as a carpenter, didn’t own a home, was misunderstood by his family, hated by enemies, walked on water, was condemned to death without a trial, and arose from the dead--I talk with him everyday."
This new beginning of the Church began with the turning point of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given to believers. This significant event was prophesied in Isaiah 44, Ezekiel 39, and Joel 2. The Church was not only born in this new beginning, but they had power!
II. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Power for the Church by unknown
- Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in ten gallons of gasoline for instance can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into the gas can or it can be channeled through the engine of a Datsun [Corolla] in a controlled burn and used to transport a person 350 miles. Explosions are spectacular, but controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power.
Acts 1:8 begins the book of Acts, describes the new beginning of the church, and speaks of power. The Holy Spirit works both ways I just described.
- At Pentecost, He exploded on the scene; His presence was like “tongues of fire” (Acts 2:3). Thousands were affected by one burst of God’s power.
- And yet, He also works through the church—the institution God began to tap the Holy Spirit’s power for the long haul. Through worship, fellowship, and service, Christians are provided with staying power.
How do we see the working out of this power with Stephen in Acts 6:8-15?
- Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) and was the first Christian killed for His faith. Stephen was a teacher and wonder worker for Christ and was so persuasive that no one could refute his arguments (verse 10). Some of the Jews began to resent him and his teaching and brought false accusers (verse 11) to get rid of him. These Jews wanted him condemned for preaching about Jesus (verse 14).
- When asked if these charges against him were true, Stephen preaches a wonderful persuasive sermon on the identity of Christ and does so by way of the Old Testament Scriptures. He called them “stiff-necked people” and made them see clearly that they had ignored Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Even in the midst of this trial and all of this hate and doubt, Stephen had the composure and confidence to preach this powerful sermon. Not only that, but had the compassion for them to ask God to forgive them while they stoned him. We see the power of the Holy Spirit in Stephen’s life.
Read Acts 6:54-60 The Stoning of Stephen
54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
How do we see the working out of this power with the Apostle Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10:44-48? (The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles)
We see in the Book of Acts that God’s people have a new beginning in Him. Jesus Christ did His work and now it was time for the people of God to follow after Him and finish His work. This new beginning leads us to two very important questions.
III. TWO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
In his new book, Deep and Wide, Andy Stanley challenges readers to think about the church, similarly to what we are doing this morning. In one of the first chapters on talking about the church, he mentions two very important questions. He says, “It’s critical that we find common ground around two important questions: 1. What is the church? 2. Who is it for?” I personally think the two questions he raises at the start of his book weigh heavily on this new beginning for God’s people described in the Book of Acts. These questions give us movement!
1. WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
Based on what we have already read and talked about today, the Church is something very special… or rather I should say… some people that are very special. The Church is made up of believers in Jesus Christ who are powered by the Holy Spirit to share the Good News about Jesus Christ to those who do not know. We are to be witnesses around the world and across the street.
I hope you notice in the Book of Acts that when describing the new beginning God’s people experienced that I did not mention any buildings. I rather mentioned Stephen and Philip and Peter and Cornelius and the Holy Spirit and amazing wonders. You see the Church is NOT a building. The Church is NOT land or vans or programs. THIS CHURCH is not this building, but rather each one of you gathering here connected by faith in Jesus Christ and connected by the Holy Spirit. The Church that began in the Book of Acts was and is a gathering of people who are bound together in faith and by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
2. WHO IS IT FOR?
Of the two questions asked this is the one that challenges me the most because it causes me to think hard about our fellowship here. Who is the Church for? Who do we exist for? Why are we here? Who are we here for? I hope you realize that the Church in the first century existed for one reason and one reason only… to spread the message about Jesus… FOR those who did not yet know.
What do all of these people have in common? What is the constant theme about which they were speaking and working and putting in effort? Who did they exist FOR? They all existed FOR those lost children of God who did not know that Jesus Christ came to die for their sins and He offers grace and forgiveness and mercy and eternal life.
APPLICATION/CHALLENGE
The new beginning described in the Book of Acts challenges each of us on a personal level and on a congregational level.
1. First, each of us as believers is challenged to be witnesses for Jesus Christ in our personal lives. Now I know some of you might say that we should live out our lives as examples, but I would challenge you that your words must accompany your deeds and lifestyle. For some reason Deuteronomy 6:5-9 pops into my head as a wonderful example of how to be a personal witness for Jesus Christ. I am going to fiddle with it a little and frame our witness along with this Old Testament command:
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. The truths of the Gospel that you believe are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children and your grandchildren. Talk about faith when you sit at home and when you walk along the road with friends and neighbors, when you lie down and when you get up. Be ready to give an answer when someone asks about the faith you have. May the truths of Scripture be tattooed on your heart and may you live them out in front of others.
That is our challenge today. To offer a new beginning to others in Christ.
2. Second, each of us as part of this congregation is challenged with this particular task to create a Holy atmosphere where everyone can be a part and develop an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. This means that we absolutely must create a welcoming atmosphere where people feel comfortable. Our challenge is that we absolutely want to be a welcoming warm church which enables someone to meet Jesus.
This also means we leave our judgmental attitudes in the car in the parking lot… whether someone is here for the first time or they are returning after a long absence. Our challenge as a congregation is to offer fellowship to anyone who is seeking God. This may mean they come from a shattered background or have an addiction or are homeless or maybe have better morals than we do! It does not matter what walk-of-life someone comes from… we are God’s witnesses to them. Our challenge is that we absolutely want to be a place of non-judgmental attitudes and offer much grace.
That is our challenge today. To offer a new beginning to others in Christ.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for not leaving me alone but giving the gift of Your Holy Spirit that lives and breathes in me! Lord, let Your Holy Spirit guide me in all that I say and do on a daily basis. Help me to find ways to share your saving message with others. Provide the guidance and confidence I need to witness to others about You. Amen.
See you on Sunday!
David & Susan
54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
How do we see the working out of this power with the Apostle Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10:44-48? (The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles)
- Acts chapter 10 records for us the Apostle Peter preaching to Gentile (non-Jewish) believers in the house of a man named Cornelius. Peter is convinced that God wants him to preach about Jesus to these people (Acts 10:34-35) and he does so. Peter states that he is a witness to all of the things that Jesus said and did and that Jesus was the Messiah. While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon these Gentile believers and they spoke in tongues and praised God.
- It was the power of the Holy Spirit that showed Peter and other Christians that Jesus was available to anyone, not just Jews. Christians are found in all nations and in all languages and it is a free gift to anyone who accepts it. Peter saw, because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus was the Savior and Lord of all people and not just the Jews. Peter baptized all these people and they were added to the number of the Jewish Christians.
We see in the Book of Acts that God’s people have a new beginning in Him. Jesus Christ did His work and now it was time for the people of God to follow after Him and finish His work. This new beginning leads us to two very important questions.
III. TWO IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
In his new book, Deep and Wide, Andy Stanley challenges readers to think about the church, similarly to what we are doing this morning. In one of the first chapters on talking about the church, he mentions two very important questions. He says, “It’s critical that we find common ground around two important questions: 1. What is the church? 2. Who is it for?” I personally think the two questions he raises at the start of his book weigh heavily on this new beginning for God’s people described in the Book of Acts. These questions give us movement!
1. WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
Based on what we have already read and talked about today, the Church is something very special… or rather I should say… some people that are very special. The Church is made up of believers in Jesus Christ who are powered by the Holy Spirit to share the Good News about Jesus Christ to those who do not know. We are to be witnesses around the world and across the street.
- Witnesses about Jesus Christ’s identity.
- Witnesses about what Jesus has done in our lives.
- Witnesses about God’s care for the poor, downtrodden, and those needing justice.
- Witnesses for God when others around us have faith questions.
I hope you notice in the Book of Acts that when describing the new beginning God’s people experienced that I did not mention any buildings. I rather mentioned Stephen and Philip and Peter and Cornelius and the Holy Spirit and amazing wonders. You see the Church is NOT a building. The Church is NOT land or vans or programs. THIS CHURCH is not this building, but rather each one of you gathering here connected by faith in Jesus Christ and connected by the Holy Spirit. The Church that began in the Book of Acts was and is a gathering of people who are bound together in faith and by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
2. WHO IS IT FOR?
Of the two questions asked this is the one that challenges me the most because it causes me to think hard about our fellowship here. Who is the Church for? Who do we exist for? Why are we here? Who are we here for? I hope you realize that the Church in the first century existed for one reason and one reason only… to spread the message about Jesus… FOR those who did not yet know.
- Jesus told them they would be His witnesses in Acts 1
- Peter preached and 3,000 accepted Jesus as Savior in Acts 2
- Peter and John loved a crippled man and shared Christ with him in Acts 3
- Peter and John told the government authorities all about Jesus in Acts 4
- The Disciples were providing food for poor widows in Jesus’ Name in Acts 6
- Stephen preaches his heart out to those hostile to Jesus in Acts 7
- Philip was active in “sharing Christ” and even did so by the side of the road in Acts 8
- Saul has a vision of Jesus Christ on the road and is given the mission to share the Gospel in Acts 9
What do all of these people have in common? What is the constant theme about which they were speaking and working and putting in effort? Who did they exist FOR? They all existed FOR those lost children of God who did not know that Jesus Christ came to die for their sins and He offers grace and forgiveness and mercy and eternal life.
APPLICATION/CHALLENGE
The new beginning described in the Book of Acts challenges each of us on a personal level and on a congregational level.
1. First, each of us as believers is challenged to be witnesses for Jesus Christ in our personal lives. Now I know some of you might say that we should live out our lives as examples, but I would challenge you that your words must accompany your deeds and lifestyle. For some reason Deuteronomy 6:5-9 pops into my head as a wonderful example of how to be a personal witness for Jesus Christ. I am going to fiddle with it a little and frame our witness along with this Old Testament command:
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. The truths of the Gospel that you believe are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children and your grandchildren. Talk about faith when you sit at home and when you walk along the road with friends and neighbors, when you lie down and when you get up. Be ready to give an answer when someone asks about the faith you have. May the truths of Scripture be tattooed on your heart and may you live them out in front of others.
That is our challenge today. To offer a new beginning to others in Christ.
2. Second, each of us as part of this congregation is challenged with this particular task to create a Holy atmosphere where everyone can be a part and develop an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. This means that we absolutely must create a welcoming atmosphere where people feel comfortable. Our challenge is that we absolutely want to be a welcoming warm church which enables someone to meet Jesus.
This also means we leave our judgmental attitudes in the car in the parking lot… whether someone is here for the first time or they are returning after a long absence. Our challenge as a congregation is to offer fellowship to anyone who is seeking God. This may mean they come from a shattered background or have an addiction or are homeless or maybe have better morals than we do! It does not matter what walk-of-life someone comes from… we are God’s witnesses to them. Our challenge is that we absolutely want to be a place of non-judgmental attitudes and offer much grace.
That is our challenge today. To offer a new beginning to others in Christ.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for not leaving me alone but giving the gift of Your Holy Spirit that lives and breathes in me! Lord, let Your Holy Spirit guide me in all that I say and do on a daily basis. Help me to find ways to share your saving message with others. Provide the guidance and confidence I need to witness to others about You. Amen.
See you on Sunday!
David & Susan
