Acts: God's Mission Continues (Promise and Program, 1)

Acts 1:1-11

Acts is the sequel to Luke’s Gospel. In that previous writing he told what Jesus began to do and teach. But Jesus said that he would be with us always. Jesus is still doing and teaching mightily in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus showed his followers that he was still alive after his passion (suffering). Death could not hold him. He revealed himself to be more than a spirit. Jesus lived on in flesh and blood, even eating and drinking with his disciples (Acts 10:41; Luke 24:42).

He continued to teach them about the Kingdom of God. It seems that his disciples nevertheless still held some false expectations concerning the Kingdom. As Jesus told them about the promise of the Father, the gift of the Spirit, his disciples naturally thought about the end of the age. The coming of the Spirit and the Messianic age are tied in OT prophecy (Isa 32; Ezek 39:29; Joel 2:28-32). So, the disciples asked about the timing of its arrival. Would their prayers that “thy will be done” be answered immediately? Jesus simply tells them that it is not for them to know when. Their duty was to wait for the “Promise of the Father,” the one spoken of by John the Baptist (Luke 3:16). They would receive power from on high and become God’s witnesses to the entire world.

Their witness began at Jerusalem, moved to Samaria, and continues into the “uttermost part of the earth.” This is the program for the book of Acts and the spread of Christianity: first power, then witness, beginning with Jerusalem and ending in the most remote regions of the globe (1-7; 8-11:18; 11:19-29:1 f.).

Jesus reaffirmed the promise of the Father, and then God’s Shekinah glory is witnessed by his people once again (Ex 40:34-35; 2 Chron 7:2-3; Ezek 10:4). Jesus ascends on clouds of glory, leaving behind heavenly messengers to assure God’s earthly messengers that Jesus will return just as he left – in clouds of glory (Mat 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; Rev 1:7). This promised coming is an important part of the Christian message. The Savior is returning in glory to judge the human race. We too must spread the glorious message of his Kingdom and love in the power of the Spirit.

Jesus in Genesis

Chapter:
1 “let us” cf. John 1

3 Eve taken from Adam’s side – bloodshed? cf. church from the side of our Lord (pierced on the cross)

3 Adam: tempted and sins in the garden cf. garden and desert temptations of Christ

3:14-15 The first Gospel

4 Abel: Shepherd. Slain by brother because of envy, his blood cried out to God. Cf. Jesus, the good shepherd, who was slain by his ethnic brothers because of envy. As his blood dripped from the cross he cried out “Father, forgive them.” His blood speaks better things than Abel’s (Heb 12:24).

7 Ark: all who got in were saved. Jesus: all who are in him will be saved

12 Abraham: Leaves home cf. incarnation

14 Melchizedek: a universal priest. No record of human lineage. “King of Righteousness” “King of Peace.” No beginning or ending of days. Cf. Jesus
Hebrews 5-7

Psalm 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 7:1 ¶ For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

18 Sarah: impossible to have promised son (too old). But “at the appointed time” cf. Mary gave birth to Jesus at the appointed time, even though she was a virgin!

Genesis 21:2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

22 Abraham: all nations of the earth blessed in his seed, Jesus.

Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

22 Isaac: miracle son is to be sacrificed. Sacrifice canceled because God provided. (Jehovah-Jirah) cf. Jesus who was God's son and was sacrificed.

Hebrews 11:17 ¶ By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

24 A wife for Isaac: Father sends servant to find a pure bride for his beloved son (the son who was born miraculously and taken to a mountain to be a sacrifice to God), and the bride must respond.

cf. God sent his servant the Holy Spirit to find a holy bride for his Son, Jesus.

Genesis 24:58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

28 Jacob’s Ladder: Jesus is the ladder to heaven. John 1:51

32 Jacob’s wound: is wounded by God and becomes Israel (given a name). Left with a mark

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

God has exalted him and given him a name that is above every name.

37-50 Joseph: The beloved son of his father, a shepherd, betrayed because of envy (Acts 7:9 cf. Mat 27:18), sold for silver (cf. Mat 26:15), became a slave (cf. Phil 2:7), saved his people (food through the famine), and forgave his betrayers (cf. “Father, forgive them”).

Acts: God's Mission Continues (introduction)

We're beginning a study of Acts on Wednesday nights. Acts is one of the most exciting books in the entire Bible. It is filled with examples of bold, passionate, prayerful, and effective Christianity. In Acts we see the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, repentant folk baptized, sick bodies and souls healed by faith, judgment fall on sinful believers, godly care for the poor, fearless proclamation of the Gospel, persecuted Christians rejoicing in their affliction, exorcisms, prophecy, visions, disagreements among Christians, and persecution at the hands of religious people.

Acts is a book about real life. It is no fantasy. It does contain elements of the supernatural, but, that's the stuff of real life. The same people who have bad moods also lay hands on the sick and heal them. The same people who get into disputes with their brothers and sisters also speak in tongues and prophesy.

The book of Acts is our history. It is the beginning of the story of the body of Christ and God's post-resurrection mission here on earth. I'm excited to be a part of the mission.

It's in these pages that God shows us the unstoppable nature of his church. As we join in God's mission we may not understand the details of what's going on or how it will all work out, but we see clearly that it will all work out. Nothing can stop God's church on his mission.

This is a book about God's works. We call it the Acts of the Apostles, but these acts are first and foremost God's acts. He is the one healing, baptizing in the Spirit, delivering from demons and danger, and empowering his church. Every mighty act of the book is done in the name of Jesus by people who are empowered by the Spirit.

God's church will not be stopped. Peter was imprisoned and sentenced to die. But that wasn't God's plan for Peter. Peter was indeed to die a martyr's death, but not until he was an old man. So prison bars couldn't hold Peter. He was delivered from prison by an angel. Paul was stoned to death, shipwrecked, snake-bitten, subject of assassination plots, mobbed -- yet he continued on mission. Herod killed James and accepted praise as a god and then died suddenly, but, "the word of God grew and multiplied."


I'm excited to dig deeper into this book.

9/11, a Black Swan, and Our Faithful Guide

Our Trustworthy Guide

Nassim Taleb, a Lebanese essayist, wrote an influential book about the Black Swan Theory --  a theory about completely unexpected events that have profound impact and seem like they could have been predicted after the fact. His theory is named after an old saying similar to "when pigs fly." If something was described as a "black swan" it was considered impossible. Then, in 1697, someone discovered black swans in Australia. Surprise! Pigs do fly. Taleb described the rise of the internet, PC, WWI, and 9/11 as Black Swan events. They changed the world we live in and we never saw them coming.

Black Swan events are coming your way. Expect the unexpected. What can you do to prepare? And how will you respond when the events take place? You need a guide. The prophet Jeremiah said it this way, (Jeremiah 10:23) "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." We need the one who "leads [us] beside still waters", the one who "leads [us] in the right paths for his name's sake." It's good to know that, even with Black Swans looming, we have a Trustworthy Guide.

God is our guide
God's people have always needed and received guidance from above. Direction came to them through dreams, visions, prophecies, Scripture, fleece, cloud, pillar of fire, and a still small inward voice. They all faced their own Black Swans, but God never left them. He was always there to guide.

When the unexpected catastrophes hit do not assume that you took a wrong turn. Even with God's guidance, your path will not be an easy one. The easy path is deadly. It takes strenuous effort to march the upward path to the holy mount Zion.

God's plan for us is that we become like Jesus. Part of becoming like Jesus is sharing in his suffering. His was a painful path. Following him will not be easy.

Nevertheless, we can take comfort in the assurance that we have a faithful Guide through the Black Swan events of life. His wisdom and power are matchless. His goodness is limitless. He will never lead us astray. Though the path may be difficult, it will be good.

The question is not how well our Guide will lead us. The only question is how faithfully we will follow. When we get to the rocky cliffs and narrow passages the answer is not to question the guide. Then is not the time to begin to chart our own courses. Our task, our sole duty, is to trust and faithfully follow the Master. He will guide us faithfully through the Black Swan events of our lives.

Don't be a mule
God will not force you to follow him.  God gives you the freedom to reject his leadership. The best counsel ever given is this: Don't be a mule.

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.  Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. -- Psalm 32:8-9

If you trust in the Lord with all your heart instead of your own feeble understanding he promises to direct your steps (Prov 3:5-6). This may be a time for you to wait patiently for the Lord to show you the next step (Ex 40:37). The God who has brought you this far is not about to leave you.

Sure, there will be Black Swans. Our faithful Guide is not surprised by them. Trust your Guide.

God is bigger than your past

I've not been perfect. I've sinned and failed and gone off course. Have you? I've been asked, "Since I sinned can I ever be in the will of God again? I left the chosen path, right?" Is God bigger than your past?

From the time God liberated his people from Egyptian bondage He had always been their king. The confession of God as king was included the liturgy of Jesus' day. After the Hallel (Pss 113-118) the people prayed this, "From everlasting thou art God; beside thee we have no king, redeemer, or saviour; no liberator, deliverer, provider; none who takes pity in times of distress or trouble. We have no king but thee." Just like the people of Jesus' day rejected their King, calling for his crucifixion, the Israelites of Samuel's day rejected God as their king. They demanded a human king.

God continues to be God in spite of the rebellion of his people. He leads Saul to Samuel. He whispers to Samuel that He has chosen Saul as king to deliver his people from the Philistines.

And the Philistines step onto the scene. Nahash the Ammonite initiates military agression against Israelites, offering a peace on one condition -- that he can pluck out their right eyes.

When Saul hears of this the Spirit of God comes upon him and he is stirred to anger. With an inventive and poignant appeal he rallies the nation to defeat Nahash.

The Jewish nation celebrated their new king. They were delivered!

Did this mean that God applauded their choice to rebelliously seek a human king? Samuel had something to say about that:

Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

The God of all wisdom and grace is still guiding your life. He still has a generous plan for you. Just follow him faithfully today and let the past be the past.

(Read more about it in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel chapters 8-12)

All Christians believe...

Irreducible Minimums of the Christian Faith

            As Christianity advances in regions previously unfamiliar with the faith questions are raised about the distinguishing characteristics of the Christian religion. What makes a Christian a Christian? Certainly, Christianity is not monolithically univocal. Different regions express the same tenets in varied ways. Beyond that, different sects espouse different tenets while still affirming the same general religious system. The goal of this paper is to dig into the faith until bedrock is found. What is the irreducible minimum – the very foundations and fundamentals that make Christianity Christian?

Jesus Christ

            The term “Christian” was ascribed to Christians because they followed Jesus, the Christ. Perhaps the most fundamental distinctives of the faith are Christological. Christians have affirmed the uniqueness of Christ from the church’s earliest days. In fact, they worshipped him as God. Jesus himself repeatedly claimed to have a unique relationship with God the Father (Joh 10:30, 5:23, 14:23, 16:15, 17:21; Mat 11:27). He also claimed self-existence (Joh 8:24-58, 17:5; Rev 1:8). This claim is affirmed by other witnesses (Joh 1:1; Col 1:17; Heb 13:8). Jesus claimed to be God (Luk 22:70,71; Joh 10:30,36). Others confirmed this claim (Mat 1:23; Joh 1:1; 20:28; Act 20:28; Isa 9:6-7; Zech 13:7; Joh 5:17-23, 10:30-38, Gal 1:1). In seeking to define what it always and everywhere means to be a Christian, the first principle is that Jesus is none other than God in flesh. Refusal to believe this key doctrine precludes one from enjoying eternal life (Joh 8:24; 1 Joh 4:3; Mar 16:16).

The Gospel

            The Good News brought to humanity by the divine Christ must be essential to the Christian faith. Of what does that Gospel consist? The Gospel is (at least) that Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again, and will judge the human race (1 Cor 15:1-7; 1 Cor 1:17; Rom 1:1-4, 2:16; John 5:27, 2 Tim 2:8).

Salvation by Faith

            The apostle Paul makes clear that there is no room for compromise on the doctrine of justification by faith (Gal 1:8-9). Anyone who teaches that Jesus’ work is not sufficient to save is accursed. This truth is not negotiable.

Holy Living

            Not only are certain beliefs are essential to Christian faith (orthodoxy), some practices are necessary attributes of true saving faith (orthopraxy). The Bible clearly teaches that certain lifestyle practices are compatible or even essential to the Christian life while other deeds are incompatible. For instance, no liar is a Christian (Rev 21:8). In fact, no one who refuses God’s commandments can claim to know God (1 Joh 2:4).

Conclusion

            Though it is tempting to add more, these irreducible minimums of the Christian faith should be helpful as we try to figure out what to make of different expressions of faith described as “Christian.” These beliefs are at the core of consensual theology.  Religious institutions that do not conform to these Scriptural beliefs are outside of the ancient Christian faith.

A Brief Outline of an Alternative to Calvinism

God created us in His image. He made us male and female -- and those two became one through love. God created us to be his holy wife and children. Adam severed his intimate relationship with God by sinning. Rather than loving God with all of his heart and his wife as himself, Adam chose self-centered sin. Death came into the world through Adam's sin and was passed on to everyone. And everyone since Adam has affirmed Adam's choice. We have all sinned. God gave us law and conscience to expose universal sin and guilt.

In the fullness of time God revealed his love by sending the sinless God/Man, Jesus, to live, die, and rise for our salvation. In Adam all die. In Christ all live. Now this Gospel is preached everywhere, since all of us are (or at least were) spiritually dead because of sin. But God's grace is drawing all of us to himself. That grace, at times, enables humans the power to freely accept or resist his offer of life. Those who God foreknew would believe and obey the Gospel He predestined to be glorified with Christ. Those who resist the grace of God will be cast into the lake of fire.

Contra T.U.L.I.P.

Total Depravity -- It is true that we only love God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). We cannot come to him unless he draws us (John 6:44). We are totally unable to bear any acceptable fruit without God's enablement (John 15:5).

Unconditional Election -- Election is primarily corporate. Nations and the church are elected. All of humanity is elect in Christ. Christ is especially the elect. We are elect only by placing ourselves in him by faith, participating in his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Without God's free decision to send his Son for us we could never be saved. Individual election is based on God's foreknowledge. We are also chosen to particular offices (e.g. Paul did not choose to be an Apostle). However, even that sort of election can be rejected. Jesus chose Judas, who betrayed him (John 6:70).

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Romans 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Limited Atonement -- There is unlimited power in the blood.

1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Revelation 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 ¶ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Irresistible Grace -- Grace can be resisted. If there are indeed rebels then God's will is resisted by some.

Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Matthew 22:3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

Hosea 11:7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Revelation 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Perseverance of the Saints -- The saints must remain faithful until the end.

Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Ezekiel 18:26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. (see also chapter 33)

2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;