Acts 19: Blood, Sweat, Toil and Tears

I want to remind you of what Evan Roberts, a principal in the Wales revival of 1904, stated as pre-requisites for revival. There were four:

1. Confess all known sin, receiving forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Remove anything from your life you are in doubt about or unsure of.
3. Be totally yielded and obedient to the Holy Spirit.
4. Publicly confess the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will see this occur in this story of Paul in Ephesus. In doing so, the church collectively and the believer individually will become what we are called to be – salt and light. We will read of the tremendous impact this would have on the city of Ephesus and the area as God reveals what weapons we possess that are not carnal but mighty in the pulling down of strongholds.  For it would be from Ephesus that Paul would write about these weapons to the church in Corinth. (2 Cor. 10)  also ( Ephesians 6)

Our story continues in Acts 19 following the conversion of Apollos when he receives the Holy Spirit and now is in Corinth. Paul travels to Ephesus.

Ephesus was the most important city in western Asia Minor( now Turkey). It had a harbor that in those days opened into the Cayster River which was a tributary of the Aegean Sea. It was a major intersection for major trade routes and was a commercial center. It also boasted one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the temple of Diana. (Greek –Artemis)  Paul would make Ephesus a center for evangelism. Because of the number of people who traveled through here and then into all other parts of the known world, it was a natural conduit for spreading the Gospel.

Upon arrival, Paul finds some ‘disciples’  and asked them-‘did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’   ( Verse 2) There was evidently something about this group of 12 men that Paul discerned that led him to question their salvation. Do not be confused by the use of the word-‘disciple.’ A disciple was a learner. In John 6:66, we read: “ From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” A person who is saved, does not quit believing. John wrote in I John 4- “ They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” The Good Shepherd does not lose any of His Sheep. If they stray, He will leave the 99 to go after the one.

In this case,  we have those who have not been taught the Gospel. These men have not been saved, because they have not received the Holy Spirit. The time of transitions in the book of Acts is not normal times. They did not have the New Testament. The Apostles were given unique gifts to be used in this time of transitions before the complete revelation of Gods’ will  we now have in the New Testament. For we know that now when a person believes, the Holy Spirit comes immediately. There is not a period of time after a profession of faith where there is a separate coming of the Holy Spirit. Belief in the Jesus Christ brings the Holy Spirit. There is not a separate occasion. These men, like Apollos, did not know Jesus had come, gone to the cross and been resurrected. They had not heard the Holy Spirit had come at Pentecost. Matthew Henry says, ‘ they were on the front porch of salvation, but had not gone into the house.’ They needed the Holy Spirit to open that door.

Upon further investigation, Paul learns they had been baptized with John’s baptism. The baptism of repentance. The soils of their heart were prepared to receive the incorruptible seed, the Word of God. Truly the Gospel message is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. Upon hearing the Gospel message, these men believed.

Paul would later write: “ Now brothers I want to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly  to the Word I preached to you. Otherwise you have believed in vain.” ( I Cor. 15:1-2)

Paul then goes on the explain the specific Gospel message of how Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures, that He was buried and raised on the third day, according to Scriptures and then the Lord appeared to Peter, the twelve, James his brother and over 500 at one time.

Now again as occurred on the Day of Pentecost and in Caesarea with the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house( Acts 10) we see the same experience of the gift of tongues to confirm the doctrine of the Gospel, Paul and the disciples and other believers were preaching and teaching.

Whenever a person is saved, and the Holy Spirit comes into one’s life to seal and indwell and never depart, the Spirit also brings gifts to each believer. Here are two gifts given to these men:  the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy.  The gift of tongues is often the source of controversy. We cannot deny it is a gift of the Spirit. However, to avoid confusion and controversy, Paul says in I Corinthians 14; only two or three are to speak in tongues , one at a time and someone must interpret. Paul also said tongues are a sign to unbelievers. Prophecy is for believers. Prophecy is the ability to declare the truth in power. It builds up, instructs, enlightens and illuminates the believer. Peter said: “ We have a more sure word of prophecy which shines light in a dark place.” ( 2 Peter 1:19)  Paul said of these two gifts, the gift of prophecy was more important.

One other thought about tongues.  In Acts 2, the tongues the believers spoke in on the Day of Pentecost were in known languages. I Corinthians 13, mentions two tongues- the tongues of men, known languages; and the tongues of angels, unknown languages. Paul not only states that prophecy is greater than the gift of tongues, he says love is greatest of all.

Verses 8 & 9 tells of Paul’s efforts in the synagogue where he spoke boldly for three months. Notice in the KJV it describes Paul’s preaching and teaching as-“ disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.”Obviously these to whom Paul was preaching had wrong ideas about the kingdom of God. Paul was a master in the art of persuasion by disputing, using logic, and reason. They debated and Paul showed himself a workman who needed not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of God. Some believed and some did not and after three months in the synagogue, Paul moves to a lecture hall in Tyrannus. Here he would spend two years to widely diverse group of residents and travelers, both Jewish and Gentile. Tradition tells us Paul taught for up to 5 hours per day in the assembly halls.

Paul was preaching the Gospel, making disciples and teaching them to observe the teachings of the Lord Jesus.  We are told God did extraordinary miracles by the hand of Paul. Remember Paul is explaining and arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. Here is the spiritual battle that is going on in the heavenly, spiritual realm that is spilling over into the physical realm. It is the Kingdom of God being opposed by the kingdom of darkness under the rule of satan.

But as Paul later wrote – our weapons are not carnal or weapons of this world, they are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10  ‘ we demolish arguments and imaginations that set themselves  up against the knowledge of God. We take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.’ God then performs an extraordinary miracle of healing through of all things- Paul’s handkerchiefs. These were literally sweat bands Paul used when working as a tent maker to keep the sweat out of his eyes. They had the power, the power of God to heal, just as the woman who touched the hem of the Lord Jesus’ robe was healed.

Truly the Gospel was being spread and the enemy conquered through blood, sweat, toil and tears. God works in mysterious ways.

Ephesus was a city in the grip of demonism, superstition, fear and darkness. It had become a center for witchcraft, astrology, and occult practices. It was filled with every kind of magician, witch, warlock and con artists.

God , in His wisdom, sometimes uses extraordinary measures and miracles to defeat the enemy. As we have said before of this transitional time- these are not ordinary times but extraordinary times.  Like the rod of Moses was used by God to perform miracles; so were the handkerchiefs of Paul used to perform miracles that defeated the works of the enemy. If God can use a stick and a sweat band, He can certainly use us when we surrender to the Lord completely and become empty of self- we can become channels for Gods’ blessings also.

Now some of these con-men saw the power of this new religion and tried to appropriate those powers by using the name of Jesus and the name of Paul to cast out spirits and perform miracles. The enemy quite often through history has used a false alliance with the Christian cause. The result is interesting. Attempting to use the name of Jesus and the name of Paul to cast out an evil spirit shows the frustration of an enemy who knows he is defeated.  The plan backfires and the man with the evil spirit attacks the sons of Sceva who are falsely using the name of the Lord Jesus and overpowers them – beating them severely and they run from the house bleeding and naked (Acts 19:16)

Do you see what is happening to a defeated, overpowered foe? There is in-fighting among the enemy. Jesus said- ‘ a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.’ ( Matthew 12)  The kingdom of darkness is overcome and defeated by the Kingdom of light. It is crumbling from within against the mighty weapons of God.

Satan manipulates men by 2 means:

1. Influence one’s mind. (As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.) The natural man cannot understand spiritual truths for he does not have the Holy Spirit with which to discern these truths. He is blinded to the truth and a veil is put over his mind by the enemy that can only be removed by faith in the Lord Jesus.
2. The enemy exerts influence over one’s will also through temptation. He cannot force anyone to do his bidding, but he can influence man’s will and thus his actions through temptation. Temptation comes from two sources: externally- the world society in which we live and internally- through our sinful old nature.

When a person gets saved, his or her old nature is crucified with Christ so that we no longer have to serve Sin. Sin is no longer our master.

Now we have a new nature indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit and through a study of the Word of God our minds can and will be transformed and not conformed to the world’s hedonistic lifestyle and philosophy. In addition we now have the mighty weapons of prayer and God’s word to take captive thoughts and ideas that would influence our mind.

“ When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed  now came to openly CONFESS THEIR EVIL DEEDS.  A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way, the Word of the Lord  spread widely and grew in power.” (Acts 19: 17-20)

Revival was coming to Ephesus and Asia and as Evan Roberts observed the four pre-requisites were taking place:

• They confessed all known sin and received forgiveness in the name of Jesus.
• They removed anything in their life they were in doubt of or unsure of. ( They burned their occult books and scrolls.)
• They yielded and obeyed the Holy Spirit.
• They confessed the Lord Jesus publicly.

Dr. Luke writes: ‘in this way, the Word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.’ The power of the Word of God is released in and through the life of a believer when they obey the Word of God.

Revival, true revival, starts when Christians clean up their own lives. When God’s people turn from their wicked ways, and humble themselves and call out to God, then He will hear and them and take action to heal our land.( 2 Chronicles 7)

So Paul leaves Ephesus with a church established there. He leaves with people who are now indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Whose changed lives and actions are salt and light in a dark and decaying city.

Don’t miss what happens and why it happens after Paul leaves. The pagans in the city began to take a second look at their own practices. They watch the changed lives of many who they more than likely knew personally. They see them burn these valuable books and scrolls and turn from the lies of those books to the truth of the Word of God which has set them free.

In the light these believers shed, these unbelievers come to examine their lives. When believers and the church begins to straighten out and clean up their lives, and act and live as God intended mankind to live- the world will begin to take note and see itself and what is wrong and desire what we have.

When I first got saved and began to go to church and AA meetings, my life began to change almost immediately.  My wife was the first to notice, then my family. But gradually as it became apparent this was not a short term change, a turning over of a new life or self-discipline- I began to get calls and visits from old drinking buddies who begin to see the futility of their lives and want something different.  They asked me how I quit drinking. And I told them the ‘ good news’ about the truth that will set one free not only from the sin and sins but sets one free to be all that God intended for us to be.

We can make a difference in the community in which we live; in the lives of those around us who are in darkness and held captive in strongholds. We have the truth that will set them free. We are to be the light to lead them out of darkness.

Now we must take note and be on guard for when our lives began to impact our community, the change will bring adversity. Notice what happened in Ephesus when the community of unbelievers whose trade is in sin and vice began to feel the economic impact of those who no longer indulge in sin. Demetrius, the silversmith, sees a drop in sales of his souvenir shrines. Sin is big business and loss of revenue will not be taken lightly.  A riot ensues and only the threat of arrest by the city clerk causes the crowd to disperse.

So we can expect battles. But we are more than conquerors.

Our victory and salvation has been secured by the blood of Jesus.

Many of us are the result of those who have sown prayers with tears. For those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

We are to make every effort- to fight the good fight – to work, to toil while there is still time.

We are in a battle and sacrifice is called for- that is why there will always be in every war- blood, sweat, toil and tears.

Acts 18:  A Time of Transitions

Transition is defined as passing from one stage or state into another. This is the story of the early church in transition as recorded faithfully by Luke. First century Judaism was a combination of divinely ordained laws that covered the daily life of the Jew and man-made laws that perverted, added to and adulterated the intent of God’s laws. God had given His laws to the Jews so they would be recognized for their difference, their separateness from the rest of the culture. God’s intention for their uniqueness was to draw people to them as a light in a dark world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden, Jesus said in Matthew 5. They were not to light a lamp with their uniqueness and hide it under the bowl of pride in their culture and separateness. They were to be the salt of the earth. As salt they were to make a difference in the world, to flavor it, accenting the society with their unique culture and relationship with God. The Jews were to serve as  a preservative in  a decaying world. Instead their pride in their nation, culture and relationship as God’s chosen people had puffed them up with pride and turned their relationship into rituals without meaning.

( I wonder if we would be honest with ourselves for a minute, if we could look at what we do in the average Southern Baptist Church. We take pride in what is going on in our congregation within our walls, but care little for what is going on in the city where we are located. Paul and the disciples wanted to impact the world around them. To them the church was a failure if they did not see something happening in the city in which the local church was. )

Jesus came and told his audiences and the Jewish leaders: “ Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” ( Matthew 5)  Jesus went on to set the record straight and lay the foundation for the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament by fulfilling the old covenant by keeping the law completely without sin, error or misdeed . He was the only one qualified to be our Redeemer Kinsman and the Lamb of God without blemish who took away the sin of the world.

Jesus’ teaching startled the Jewish leaders when he proclaimed:  “ You have heard that it was said by them of old time…”  “ But I say unto you…”  In these statements Jesus was taking them back to the purpose and intent of the original law of God, and in doing so the time of transition began. It is the difficulty of this change from one stage to another that the disciples first dealt with personally as we saw Peters’ response to God’s vision of what he could eat  and who he could eat with was contrary to what he had been taught all his life. It puzzled Nicodemus, a master rabbi as he asked ‘ how can this be?’ It was this very mindset that had made Saul of Tarsus such an enemy of the early church until on the road to Damascus he discovered the truth. It still took him a transitional period of over three years and further revelation  by the Lord Jesus to overcome this life- long teaching of divine truth in God’s Law that had been mixed with man-made law that was given equal standing with God’s law.

Over the years of rituals- habits are formed like forged links of a chain. They become difficult to break and one grows accustomed to their presence and in some ways finds comfort in their familiarity.  It is this resistance to the transition from one stage to another that is causing such a battle for Paul and the early Christians when approaching the Jews and their long held beliefs. And for new believers the transition is a working out of what has now been worked in to them by the Holy Spirit, for it is God who works in both to will and do His good pleasure.

So now we understand the difficulties and discouragement that Paul faced in his attempts to bring the good news to the Jews as he reasoned with them in their synagogues.

In Chapter 18, Paul has left Athens and journeyed to Corinth. From the intellectual center of Athens he now has come to the center of sensuality.  These two cities represent the twin evils of the day then and now as we see intellectualism and sensual lust are trapping people in their false promises of a fulfilled life. Corinth was a beautiful city about 50 miles west of Athens noted for its commerce and trade. It also was the center of worship for Aphrodite, the goddess of sex. A great pagan temple was built on  a hill in Corinth and every night a 1000 temple priestesses who were prostitutes came into the city at night to ply their trade. Corinth had a reputation all through the Roman Empire as a center and city of sexual immorality. Corinth was the San Francisco of its day, the Las Vegas of its era.

Paul finds work as a tentmaker in Corinth to support himself. All Jewish males were taught a trade regardless of their wealth. The Lord brings two people into Paul’s life who will be his helpers, Aquila and his wife Priscilla. Both are Christians, Jews, and tentmakers. They were expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius as were all the Jews at that time. (Luke is ever the accurate historians giving us historical events taking place at the same time.)

Paul as usual begins to reason with the Jews in the synagogue and persuade them Jesus is the Christ. In the meanwhile, Silas and Timothy catch up with Paul and he is able now to devote himself entirely to preaching and teaching. But the resistance to change, the opposition to Paul’s teaching becomes so abusive, Paul leaves them and infuriates them in leaving by  symbolically  shaking his clothing and proclaiming ‘ your blood be on your heads.’

When God closes one door, He always opens another. As if to make this point- the door God opens is next door to the synagogue in the home of Justus. In addition God encourages Paul with a conversion of Crispus, the synagogue ruler and his household.

But when night falls, Paul, like a lot us finds himself tossing and turning with fears and doubts. How do  I  know this?  Because the Lord appears in a vision and says to Paul- ‘do not be afraid.’ The Lord who knows the hearts of men, would not have said this if Paul was not afraid and the fact that it was at night lets us know the bold, brave apostle Paul had fears just like us. After all, he had been arrested, beaten, put in jail,  in an earthquake, stoned and left for dead and pursued by the very people he was trying to win to Christ. Add to that his efforts in Athens most recently had seen little results.  He is not the first man of God to experience these emotions, nor will he be the last. From Moses to Elijah, from Gideon to John the Baptist in prison, to Peter in a courtyard to even the Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane- all had felt at times overwhelmed and at their wits’ end.

But the Lord comes to Paul and tells him not to be afraid and keep on speaking. For the Lord remembers our frames are dust and He is not a High Priest who cannot empathize with us. He tells Paul that He, the Lord is with him.  Is He not the same today? He knows we grow weary and tired and even fearful.   What? “Have you not Known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? There is no searching His understanding. He gives power to the faint; to them that have not might he increases their strength. Even the youths shall faint and grow weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ( Isaiah 40)

The Lord tells Paul to keep on speaking and not be afraid for He is with him. He tells Paul no man is going to attack him and harm him. The Lord also tells Paul He has many people in Corinth to be saved. ‘So Paul stayed for a year and a half teaching them the Word of God.”

But the enemy is relentless and goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy. The enemies of Paul and the Gospel have Paul brought up before Gallio, the proconsul of the area. ( Again Dr. Luke is  our accurate historian as it is noted in secular sources Gallio was a Roman leader whose brother, Seneca was a noted philosopher who tutored young Nero. )

Watch how the Lord protects His own, sometimes with the most unusual people. The Lord uses Gallio, a Roman proconsul to protect Paul. Charges are made by the Jews who are attempting to use the courts and law to silence Paul. Paul is ready to defend himself, before he even opens his mouth, Gallio throws it out of court saying this is a religious difference and not a criminal offense. In doing so, this ruling meant Paul was free to preach the gospel throughout the Roman empire without being charged with breaking Roman laws.

These Jews are so furious they turn on their synagogue ruler, Sosthenes, and beat him. Evidently he was the one who presented the charges before Gallio.  You must hear the rest of this story, which we find in I Corinthians 1: 1 where Paul writes in his greeting:  “ Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God  and our brother, Sosthenes…”  Sosthenes became a Christian, a believer and it came out of this case brought before the Roman government and his subsequent beating by his frustrated fellow Jews.   How ironic!

Paul leaves Corinth after spending over 18 months there. He is accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla. He stops in Ephesus, lands at Caesarea from there Paul goes up to the church in Jerusalem to report on his activities . He then goes back to the churches he had previously visited and helped establish to strengthen them.

Luke next tells us of Apollos, an exceptional man , a Jew from Alexandria, with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures ( Old Testament) and great skill as a speaker.  His story is a great picture of the transition from old to new by receiving full and more complete understanding of the Lord Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.   Remember, the disciples spent three years with Jesus, but did not understand until after the resurrection when the Lord spent 40 days with them teaching them how everything had to be fulfilled  that was written about Him in the law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.  And Paul spent three years studying and investigating the Scriptures after his conversion on the road to Damascus.

There was no mass media and the Gospel was being spread and the story was being completed, the blanks filled in – but during this transitions period, there were those who had yet to hear the complete story, Apollos falls into this category.

Paul went about teaching the Gospel, showing how it completed the teaching of the Old Testament. This teaching strengthened the believers and was necessary for maturity. This is always what builds the Christians’ faith up…for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Apollos had heard part of the truth- but did not know of the cross, the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.  He was a learned man, having a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament and being familiar with the teaching of John the Baptist and the baptism of John the Baptist.

The teaching of John the Baptist was about the forgiveness of sins. John taught this forgiveness was on the basis of repentance. And true repentance was a matter of the heart, not the blood of animals. This was something new at that time. John called for people to repent of their sins, a change of heart, a cleansing that was symbolized by their baptism with water. But John also taught there was One coming after him whose sandals he was not worthy to latch who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.  So Apollos taught what he knew and since he did not know the one John spoke of, Jesus, had come, died and rose from the dead. He did not know of the Day of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit.  What he taught, we are told he taught accurately- but Apollos did not know the whole story.  It was typical in the early days, the first century of the church as the news spread slowly but surely.

Aquila and Priscilla heard him and realized this man was gifted and a seeker of truth who did not yet have the whole truth. They invited him to their home. They did not attack his teaching as false in the public arena of the synagogue. They took him in the privacy of their home and ‘explained to him the way of God more adequately , more fully. Apollos becomes converted and goes on to serve the Lord in a mighty way. Of Apollos, Paul would write : I sowed the seed, Apollos watered it and God gave the growth.

Gina did this very thing with a Jewish man she worked for named Isaac, by having him bring his ‘Jewish Bible’ for her to see. Using the same approach as Paul and the early Christians she turned to prophecy in the Old Testament books and reasoned with him these prophecies of the coming Messiah was none other than her Jesus.  In doing so she did what Paul, the Apostles, Aquila and Priscilla did . And who had taught the apostles to do this? None other than the Lord Jesus who in His resurrection ministry revealed how He had fulfilled all the prophecy and that His death had always been the plan to pay for the sins. For ever since Abraham had told his son Isaac on that mountain that God would provide Himself a sacrifice- every sacrifice, every Passover Lamb was a way of looking to the one who was coming, the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world.

Is not the Lord the same today? Has He not spoken to us and told us not to be afraid to speak out- to not be silent. He has promised to always be with us. He has told us He will protect us. He has told us-He has many in Jackson to be saved.

Paul and the disciples saw cities changed. Stories of revivals in country of Wales in 1904 tell us saloons closed because of lack of customers and mules had to be retrained for their masters no longer beat them and cursed them.  Whole towns and villages were transformed!

I work for a company called Transitions. I became involved with them in 1989 when they sought our lab here in Jackson to test market a plastic photochromic for them.  We tested it for a year in which we developed the positioning of the product and developed demonstration devices as well. We were also testing the possible name for the product. We selected Transitions because it described the product by its definition- it changed from one stage or state to another. From a clear lens indoors to a darkened lens outdoors.  Transitions was and is an ingredient company in that we do not make lenses- we make the chemicals that make them darken. In other words we work into the lens the chemistry what causes the lenses to darken when the ultra violet rays of the sun shine on the lenses. We work in- what reaction to the sun and uv works out in changing them from one state to another.

Apollos did not yet have the right ingredients worked into him that allowed him to make the transition. He had not come in contact with the Son of the living God, the Lord Jesus. When he did and believed in the Lord Jesus, God was then able to work in Apollos, just as He works into each of us- the Holy Spirit who gives us the desire and the power to do His Good Purpose.

It is wonderful to have things happening inside the church. But the success of the church is what impact it is having on the city in which it resides. It is to be salt and light. The light is for shining in darkness, not covered with the walls of our air conditioned, stained-glass windows and carpeted sanctuaries.

Paul told us we are to work out what has been worked into us with “ fear and trembling.” Which means Paul knew from personal experience what it is to be afraid to witness. But Paul also learned something about fear. For the Lord Jesus told us His  power is made perfect in weakness. The Great Apostle realized that fear made one weak. AND WEAKNESS ACTIVATES FAITH! Paul had a spiritual breakthrough at that time- “ when I am weak- I am strong!” Coming to this understanding, I believe, helped Paul make the transition we all must make- that is to change from depending on our strength to resting in His Power.

Evan Roberts the young Welsh man who was used by God in the Welsh revival said the following were pre-requisites for spiritual revival:

• Confess all known sin to God, receiving forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Remove anything from your life you are in doubt or unsure about
• Be totally yielded and obedient to the Holy Spirit
• Publicly confess the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you made the ‘transition’?  Have you allowed the Son to activate you? Change you?  Energize you?  You need to be in the Son and the Son in you- to do so.

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

Acts 17: Turning the World Upside Down

When Adam and Eve sinned, the world that God had created in perfection became trapped in the dark world of sin. It   came under the power of the enemy. In fact John writes in I John 5, ‘ the whole world is under the control of the evil one.’( NIV) When Jesus came centuries later as the prophesied ‘Seed of the Woman ’, John describes who Jesus was in the opening verses of the gospel of John. John tells us in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Then the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. In Him( Lord Jesus) was life and that life was the light of men. ( John 1).

The Lord Jesus came to set the world back in order.   So the reference of these city officials in Thessalonica that ‘these men have turned the world upside down’ is from the unbelieving world’s perspective. For in fact, Jesus who was God in flesh, came to crush the head of serpent and to enable and empower these men and the Gospel to turn the world right side up. For you see the unbelieving world who are under the control of the evil one call evil-good, and light- dark. So it is no surprise that when the message of the Gospel began to change things for good and set them aright- they called right side up- upside down. For to them- down was up and up was down.

You see we live in a world system that conforms us to believe up is down and down is up. It is a condition which in flying is called ‘spatial disorder’. It is a deadly condition for pilots. They become disoriented when flying by VFR and if they are not instrument rated it can be fatal. We maintain balance by our vision, our inner ear and certain nerves throughout our body that sense our position based on gravity, sight and feel. However deprived of instrumentation and visual reference a pilot can become quickly disoriented and not tell up from down for example when flying over water on a dark, moonless night.

Surely we live in a spiritually upside down world where the majority of the people around us suffer from spiritual spatial disorder. It feels right to them- but an experienced pilot trusts his instruments, not his feelings.  There is a way that seems right to man- but it leads to destruction.

Paul along with Timothy and Silas have journeyed from Philippi to Thessalonica. Dr. Luke is apparently not with them as the story continues now in the third person.

Paul’s preaching and teaching is described in this manner: “ he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” (Acts 17:3) Remember Paul was telling people how to be saved. To be saved one must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe who He is- the Son of God, the Christ; and what he did- died for our sins; suffered, and resurrected from the dead.

The message of the gospel began to have success in the synagogue and the city and win conversions so it is no surprise they were attacked. Note in verse 5- the Jews were jealous.  Success always brings opposition and attacks because success always breeds jealousy.   These jealous Jews arouse the city to attack Paul and Silas and company- but they escape in the night and are sent to Berea.

It is interesting that the Bereans are described as having a more noble character than the Thessalonians.  Character is an internal trait developed over years. Character is revealed in one’s actions. They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. They were not close minded. A close minded person will not look for truth. Most people who deny the Bible as God’s Word or Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection have NEVER READ THE BIBLE.  They do not seek the truth. They do not investigate the claims. Surely, if ever there was a truer statement it is this:  “ You can’t judge a book by looking at the cover.”

Let us discuss how we can better examine the Scriptures for ourselves. There are directions given to us in the Word of God.

First we must prepare to study the Scripture, the Holy Word of God with confession of sin. Read I Peter 1:23- 2:3.  “ For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God. For all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forever. And this is the Word we preached to you. Therefore rid yourselves(lay aside KJV)  of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it( the Word of God) you may grow up  in your salvation, how that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Do you see that rid yourselves of all those sins described here is done by confessing those sins and repenting?  This is done before the  intake of the pure spiritual milk which is the Word of the Lord. Have you ever thought to confess your sins before you begin to read and study the Word of God?  It’s similar to what your mother always told you to do before you came to the dinner table—wash your hands.

Next we are commanded to ‘ study to show yourselves approved, a workman who needeth   not to ashamed rightly dividing the word of God.’( 2  Timothy 2:15)  We have to be diligent- not lazy- workmen.

Thirdly- we must implement the Word. Put its truths and principles into action. Be doers not hearers only, lest we deceive ourselves. James 1:22

And lastly, we must teach the Word of God to others. I can guarantee you will retain more when you study to teach, rather than just study to learn.  Listen to what the prophet Ezra did:  “ Ezra set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, to practice it, and teach the statutes and ordinances to Israel.” ( Ezra 7:10)

Again Paul’s enemies are relentless and they sent men from Thessalonica to stir up the crowds against him. Paul leaves for Athens, leaving Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

In Athens, while Paul awaits the arrival of Silas and Timothy he is looking around. Paul is like a tourist inspecting this famous city. He is distressed because of the abundance of idols. This is a city with idols to every kind of god that one can imagine. Paul is reasoning with the Jews and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue but also doing some street evangelism as he reasons with the people day by day in the marketplace.  This attracts the attention of two groups of philosophers in Athens. Athens was famous for its idols, arts, Greek culture, university and intellectuals.  They heard of Paul and invited him to debate and discuss with them this new religion or philosophy he was teaching. They called him a ‘ babbler’, meaning one who was like a small bird picking as specks of truth.

First let us learn more about these two schools of thought that formed the thinking of these two distinct groups.  The Epicureans were mostly agnostic or atheistic and believed the main purpose of life was to avoid pain and enjoy pleasure. Not believing in life after death, theirs was a ‘eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die’ philosophy.  The Stoics were pantheists in that they believed God was in everything- the rocks, the trees, the oceans, etc. They were indifferent to pain and pleasure, considering  the master of self- discipline to be of highest importance. Even today the epicurean is one known for their finely developed taste in wine and food and the stoic is the self disciplined person indifferent to pain and pleasure. What is interesting is both of these philosophies are attempts to come to term with life and its uncertainties.

So with their different philosophies, their intelligence and education these Greek philosophers loved to debate. They viewed  Paul and his philosophy as something they would like to hear more about. Of course you realize that even today, the intelligent unbeliever likes to debate the believer and attempt to ridicule the believer’s faith. Ridicule is the weapon of the proud to make one feel inferior. Paul, however, it is not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe.  No wonder the enemy wants to ridicule us and make us fearful  to keep our mouths shut for the enemy knows the power of the gospel to change the hearts and minds of men.

Paul is a keen observer of his surroundings . He is looking for the best way to approach his audience. The city of Athens was full of idols. The KJV states it was ‘ given wholly to idols.’ I find it interesting where there is great learning and much human wisdom there is much idolatry. The Harvard’s, Yale’s and Oxford’s of academia where IQ’s are high and philosophers abound are places given wholly to idols.  What kind of idols?  The idols of the long impressive resume, advanced learning, writing, science, medicine, finances, law and much human wisdom and accomplishment are numerous. In other words, their idols are  human accomplishments. Paul would write- the world through its wisdom did not know God. When Paul wrote to Timothy later, perhaps it was these very men he had in his mind when he wrote: ‘ ..ever learning but never able to come to the truth.’

By the way, what troubled Paul so much and should trouble us today- is these idols took the place  of the True and  Living God. Paul could see how desperately these people wanted something to worship and how they had been deceived by the enemy who used the proud intellects to lead  them astray with their false gods. We see the same thing happening today. Have you ever known of a young man or woman, a professed believer, who goes off to college to be influenced by an intelligent professor who ridicules the Christian faith and belief in the Bible as some divine book? It happens all the time.

However,Paul sees an idol to the unknown god and knows he has found  his point of interest to attract their attention and launch his message of the Gospel.

Paul stands up  in the midst of the intellectual philosophers of Athens at Mars Hill, surrounded by  them, as it were like Daniel in the lions’ den.  But he has no fear. He would later write to Timothy- ‘ the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and a sound mind. Enabled by the very power of the Holy Spirit, enriched by His love shed abroad in our hearts and of sound mind,a mind that has been transformed by the Word of God by the Truth that sets one free.  Paul was ready in season and out to proclaim the truth of the Gospel.

What a brilliant  opening statement:  “ Men of Athens I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked  around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:  TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as unknown I am going to proclaim to you.

First, Paul proclaims that God is creator of all things. “ The God who made the world and everything in it..” Paul knew these intelligent men knew of cause and effect. If there is a creation- there must be a creator. If there is a design there must be a designer. Hebrews 3:4 states: “ Every house is built by someone but the builder of all things is God.”  Evolution attempts to explain creation without a creator.  However it defies logic. It also defies science which is why it is still a theory. Science is observable, repeatable and testable. Evolution also believes order came out of disorder, when our own observations tells us disorder comes from order.  Simply watch a garden not kept, or a house not cared for or a building left vacant and you will see disorder arise from order.

Second, God is Sovereign Ruler. “…is the LORD of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.”  He is the Lord of all and in all and over all.

Third , God is a Giver of Life.”..He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” You and I exist because God gave us life and breath and everything else. We exist because of the will of God.

Fourth truth, God is Controller.  “From one man He made every nation of men, that should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places they should live.” Even today science tells us there is only one race of men, one species: homo sapiens. There are differences in skin pigmentation, stature and features but we all have the same chromosomes. But notice the extent of His Control: He determined the times set for us; the place where we would be born and live, placing certain nations in certain geographical regions; and He determines the rise and fall of nations.

Next truth Paul tells them is God is a Revealer. He reveals Himself to men. He had them born at the time and place they were born as to best draw that specific person to Him. God has revealed Himself through creation and the conscience.

In other words you are here today because God willed for you to exist. And in your family history God intervened before your great, great somebody died before having the child that was in your direct lineage. For example- my great grandfather,John Wesley Phillips was severely wounded in the Civil War, but not only survived; but lived and was married a second time after his first wife died. His last son, whom he fathered in his late 50’s- was my grandfather.

Do you not see how foolish it is to believe we can live without God? For in Him we live and move and have our being. Then Paul quotes one of their own poets who wrote,”  We are His offspring.”

Paul’s reasoning that follows is simple: if we are God’s offspring, it is foolish to think His divine being is like gold, or silver or stone, an image made by human hands.

Now Paul closes his carefully constructed teaching with the Gospel.  Paul calls them to repentance. “  In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He(God) has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him( Jesus) from the dead.”

In the KJV, verse 30 says: “And  the times of this ignorance God winked at;” . This at first glance sounds like God overlooks sin or even winks at sin- taking it less serious.  This is not true for in that same statement, Paul says God will judge the world with justice.

Let us understand this statement and be clear about God’s stand on sin. The wages of sin is death. Look at Paul’s audience and the context of his teaching. He is talking to an audience of Greek Athenian philosophers who are idolaters.

He would not have made this statement to Jews. For Jews knew they should not have idols or make graven images. And God having told them this – punished them harshly and immediately in the past.  The stories of the Old Testament tell of these occurrences. God has not dealt with these Greek idolaters harshly- but it does not mean God will not judge their sin ultimately. But in fairness is giving them an opportunity to repent. For God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance.

Now watch the reaction of the audience to Paul’s preaching.  It is the same you will get today when you preach and teach about sin, repentance, the coming judgment and the One who will judge all- the Resurrected Lord Jesus.

At the mention of the Resurrection, some immediately mocked Paul. Remember mocking or ridicule is the weapon of the proud. Others said we will hear this again, they delayed. And others believed and committed to Christ their lives.

Yes to the unbeliever, Paul’s message was a message that was turning their world upside down and they did not like it. No one likes to be told they are wrong, living wrong, doing wrong and will be judged by none other than the Lord Jesus.

The message that turns the world right side up- first turns a person’s world upside down.

And so we who are Christians find ourselves on an ever increasing basis- walking right side up in upside down world.

And it is difficult keeping your balance in an upside down world. The only way we can keep our balance is to walk in the Spirit in a world that is upside down. The Spirit is our inner gyro who keeps us in balance, and the Word of God is our instrument panel that tells us when we are right side up or upside down.

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

Acts 16:What Must I Do To Be Saved?

As we came to the end of chapter 15- we see a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, his young relative, Paul did not.  It caused them to split up.  Who was right and who was wrong?  Well, let us look at both sides of the argument.

Paul looked at the work. He knew it would be dangerous as well as important. He did not want to take a chance with someone they might not be able to count on.

Barnabas looked at the person, John Mark. Of course he had made a mistake in quitting on their previous trip, but everyone deserved a second chance didn’t they? Everyone makes mistakes.

We can easily see both sides of the argument. In fact, the right thing to do was split up with Paul taking Silas and Barnabas taking Mark back to Cyprus. The wrong thing was to argue and quarrel. It is often God’s will we separate, but it is not His will we quarrel.

Sometimes it is acceptable and even natural to disagree and go your separate ways.Our spiritual gifts and temperaments often cause us to view the same situation from different viewpoints. What is not acceptable is to argue and quarrel. Rudeness is never acceptable, kindness always is.

Now in Acts 16 we see several events that are most noteworthy.  We see young Timothy and Dr. Luke join Paul’s company. We will look at  the principle behind Paul’s insistence on Timothy being circumcised, which seems so contradictory to Paul’s stand on circumcision. We will see how God directs and confirms our direction as Paul and company figure out where to go next. In addition we will meet two interesting women- Lydia and an unnamed young girl with an evil spirit who is a fortune teller.  But to me- the highlight of the chapter is the Philippian jailer’s question: “ What must I do to be saved?” We will hear Paul’s answer and see the clarity and power of the gospel.

Paul now heads to Cilicia and comes back to Derbe and Lystra where he meets Timothy, a young disciple. Timothy’s mother was Jewish and his father was Greek.  Paul decided to take Timothy with him, becoming his spiritual father and mentor. Then he does something that seems contradictory to what he has  fought so hard against- he has Timothy circumcised according to Jewish law.  Why? In Galatians 2, Paul talks about Titus a Greek Christian, who was compelled to be circumcised by the Jews, but they did not give in to their demands. What is the difference?

We must understand the underlying principle that Paul goes by as is explained in I Cor. 9: 19-23. Paul states: ‘Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible. To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law ( though I myself am not under the law)  so as to win those under the law…. I do all this for the sake of the gospel.” (Also see; I Cor.8:9)

Timothy would be trained by Paul to minister to the Jews, therefore in order to be accepted and not offensive, he is circumcised.  Titus on the other hand was to minister to Gentiles and he must not offend them by submitting to circumcision. Paul said the same thing about eating meat sacrificed to idols, he could eat it but if it offended a brother, caused them to stumble- he would never eat meat sacrificed to idols.  Paul was against circumcision as necessary to salvation, he would not waver on that truth. However, he knew in order to win the Jews, Timothy needed to remove what would be a stumbling block for some Jews to hear the Gospel. Even today, Messianic Jews are the most effective witnesses to Jews.

Next Paul and Silas are forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the Word in Asia. Evidently this was a matter of timing, because later Paul would have an effective ministry in Ephesus, which is in Asia.  Next we read Paul attempts to go to Bythinia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them. They go to Troas and there during the night, a man of Macedonia appears in a vision to Paul and tells him to come over to Macedonia and help us.  A cry for help.

Paul and his companion respond and leave at once for Macedonia, a Roman province in Europe. This would be the entrance of the Gospel into Rome and to a primary audience of Roman citizens.

But before we move forward to Phillipi,the principal city in Macedonia, let us look at the actions of Paul in determining the will of God and the direction he should take. Note Paul is taking the initiative in where to go, depending on God to open or close the door.  Isaiah 30:21 states: “ you will hear a voice BEHIND  you saying, This is the way, walk you in it…”  BEHIND YOU indicates a sense of peace you are headed in the right direction.  It comes  after your decision has been made when you are trying to make the right decision and taking action.  Have you ever made a decision to turn this way while driving your car, but soon you had a sense you had made the wrong turn and turned back and went the other way?  It is an inner witness of the Spirit that will direct us by opening or closing the door or path until we are headed in the right direction- God’s direction.  God directs by denying us peace if the direction we are headed is wrong, or by giving us a sense of peace we are headed in the right direction .

Now if you are wondering why the Lord sent them in this direction, we see one of the reasons why in verse 11 of Acts 16. Notice the word- ‘we’. This indicates they have picked up a new traveling companion- Dr. Luke has now joined the endeavor.  Who knows- maybe the man in the vision was Dr. Luke?  Regardless, Dr. Luke will indicate his presence in the rest of Acts when he includes himself in the group with the pronouns –we .

They arrive in Philippi, a Roman colony. The group now consists of Paul, Silas, young Timothy, and Dr. Luke. Dr. Luke continues the story, now as an eyewitness.  He reports they were there several days. This was a Roman garrison with mostly Roman citizens. There is obviously no Jewish Synagogue. Custom said there must be 10 Jewish males residing in a location before you could have a synagogue.

Philippi had an interesting history. Almost a hundred years earlier, Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Julius Caesar had been defeated by Antony and Octavian- who later became Emperor Augustus. Because the people of Philippi gave help to his armies, he later granted Roman citizenship to all of the citizens of Philippi.  The citizens of Philippi were very proud of their status as Roman citizens.

After several days Paul and his entourage go outside the city gate to the river to find a place of prayer. Having no synagogue, what did Paul and company do? Being unable to do what they normally would do- they did what they could  do. They went to a place where they could pray. There they encounter a group of women. One of the women was a woman named Lydia. What an honor to be named in the Bible as a person of faith. Although as believers, our names do not appear in the Bible, they are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and the Lord Jesus knows my name. Since God has seen fit to give us her name- He must want us to remember her for what takes place next.

We are told the following facts regarding this woman: we are told her name, Lydia; we are told her occupation- a seller of purple; we are told she is from Thyatira; we are told she is a  worshiper of God.

Do not miss this important statement:  ‘ The Lord opened her heart, to respond to Paul’s message.” Opening of hearts to hear and receive the message of the Gospel is the work of the Holy Spirit. Apart from Him we can do nothing- for it is God who works in you both to do and will His good pleasure.  “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” ( Hebrews 4) The unconverted soul, the natural man, has the door to his/her heart closed and fortified against Christ.  But listen to what our Savior says: “ Behold, I stand at the door and knock . If anyone hears my voice and opens the door. I will come in and eat with him and he with Me. ( Rev. 3:20)

What if they have not heard the voice?  But Scripture tells us God has revealed Himself in two ways with two witnesses- external and internal. In Romans 1- Paul tells us God has revealed Himself and made it plain to men through creation. Psalms 19 says the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth SPEECH,  night after night they display KNOWLEDGE.  There is NO SPEECH OR LANGUAGE  where their VOICE IS NOT HEARD.  Romans 2, Paul tells us God has written his law in the hearts of all men, their conscience bearing witness. The two witnesses are clear to all- and therefore all are without excuse. When they hear the voice of these two witnesses they can do one of two things- they can harden their hearts or they can respond or apply or attend unto the things which were spoken by Paul.

And here is God’s promise to us: “ you will seek Me, and find Me when you search with all your heart.” ( Jeremiah 29:13)

The next memorable event the Holy Spirit has Dr. Luke record involves a slave girl with the spirit of divination.  She was a money maker for her owners with her talent for fortune telling. The girl followed  Paul and his company proclaiming these men are servants of the Most High God who are telling you how to be saved.  We see Paul casts the demonic spirit out of her- which renders her useless as a source of income for her owners.  This will lead to their arrest , beating and imprisonment. But let us look closer at the wiles of the enemy. For surely this is a puzzling episode.  The girl is proclaiming the truth. Why would the enemy use this girl proclaiming the truth of who these men are as a strategy of attack?

This is the enemy at his trickiest. He appears to be in alliance with the message of the Gospel. Immediately some would be turned off by the actions of a fortune teller- thus disbelieving these were men of God.  Others drawn by this fortune teller would have been drawn for the wrong motive. But also the enemy by appearing to be in alliance- put himself in the position of subverting the whole program of the gospel when Paul and others left the area. Even today we see false cults and sects come out of what first appeared to be the Gospel. Remember Jim Jones and Jonestown and the horrible mass suicides.   Jim Jones started out as a Pentecostal preacher of the Gospel.  Then having lead the people on,  he did as many false teacher do as they begin to mix error with truth and deceive those who follow them.

Perhaps even her owners saw this as a way to capitalize on this movement and make even more money, have even greater control.  But Paul realizing this- troubled by it- casts out the spirit.

The owners of the fortune telling girl bring charges against Paul and Silas for ‘advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.’ (vs 21)

Paul and Silas are beaten with rods and imprisoned in the dungeon of the jail and placed in stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Then a violent earthquake shakes the foundation of the prison. Doors flew open and chains came loose. The jailer takes up his sword when he sees the situation and prepares to commit suicide.  For he knew to lose a prisoner under your care was to lose your life. But Paul shouts out- “ Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

Sometimes hope comes at the most hopeless of time. God hates sin because it harms us. He calls from the pages of the Bible – do not harm yourself. He knows the harm of sin. He knows the wages of sin is death. So God warns us – DO NOT HARM YOURSELVES.   For that is what sin will do- it will harm you.

Can you imagine how open this jailer is to hear the Gospel?  Can you imagine how he must have wondered what would have happened to him and where he would end up if he had committed suicide? Whenever anyone begins to think about death- they must wonder what happens after one dies? It is one of man’s most fundamental questions.

So the jailer asks the question?  What must I do to be saved? His heart has been opened. His hearing is acute and we know he is now ready . A heart prepared by God is ready to receive the incorruptible seed of the Gospel. The hard ground has been broken, the stone underneath the shallow soil has been removed, He takes away the hardened heart of stone- the weeds and tares of deceitful sin have been cleared- the result of salvation is inevitable.

Paul put it this way- I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but it is God who gives growth.

Are you ready for the answer to the jailer’s question? Do you know what it takes to be saved? Are you ready to hear the clarity of the gospel? “ Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved- you and your household.” ( Meaning your household will also be saved if they believe in the Lord Jesus.)

“ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to me by which we must be saved.” ( Acts 4:12)

“ I am the Way,the Truth and the Life and no man comes to the Father  EXCEPT BY ME.” (John 14;6)

*What does it mean to believe in the Lord Jesus?  You must believe these two things:

1. You Must believe Jesus is who He says He is.  “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in HIS NAME.” ( John 20:31)

2. You must believe what He did.

“ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and was buried , that He was raised on the third day according to Scriptures and that He appeared to Peter , then to the twelve. After that He appeared to over 500..” ( I Cor. 15: 3-5)

“That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart you believe and are justified and with the mouth you confess and are saved.” ( Romans 10: 9-10)

“ I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” ( Romans 1)

“I want you to know, brothers, that the Gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man , nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” ( Galatians 1)

‘What must I do to be saved?.  They answered- BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS AND YOU WILL BE SAVED!

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

Acts 15:The Yoke

In this chapter we see trouble in the early church, internal trouble of a theological nature. Antioch has become the headquarters for the Gentile-Christian movement. So it is there a group of men, probably converted Pharisees came to teach these new Gentile converts. Here is where the trouble starts  and it is trouble with a capital “C”, which stands for circumcision. That is the issue. These men known as Judaizers preached a doctrine of grace plus works and faith plus circumcision. They told these new Gentile converts unless you are circumcised according to the law of Moses you cannot be saved. In other words, you had to become a Jew first  you could become a Christian.

Verse 2 tells us there was a heated debate between these men and Paul and Barnabas. Evidently they were unable to settle this debate and decided to appeal to a council in Jerusalem made up of the apostles and elders.  We look today at this movement of these men who would impose their false beliefs upon these Gentiles and wonder how they could not see the truth. Yet anyone or any denomination that adds anything to salvation besides grace through faith is committing the same error.  However, it is never easy to overcome the prejudices of education all at once.

When Jesus began his ministry he brought a newness that could not be contained in the old forms. He said:  ‘no one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old  garment for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” This was a new way, a change. The new way grew out of the old way. The old way pointed to the new way- but the old way was never intended by God to be the way one earned salvation. This became the crux of the debate.

At the meeting in Jerusalem,both parties are allowed to have their say, to speak their mind. The believers in circumcision stood up and said the Gentiles should be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses. Their position was clear. To them it had scriptural basis. Their view was that Christ was the Messiah and He would set up His Kingdom in favor of the Jewish nation. Do you see the pride they had in their heritage? Here in lies a principle we see even today- if one has a wrong idea regarding the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, they will also take the wrong measures to advance it.

Much discussion follows in this famous meeting.  Then Peter speaks. Peter reminds them they all believed God had made a choice among them that the Gentiles might hear from him( Peter) the message of the Gospel and believe. Furthermore, Peter continues God  knows the hearts of men and showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. God sealed the believing Gentiles with the Spirit .

Peter then nails these Judaizers with this next statement:  “ Now then why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a YOKE that neither we or our fathers have been able to bear?  Peter warns them they are on dangerous grounds to say that God has not saved those who are obviously saved.  For by grace are we saved through faith and that not of our own, it is a gift of God , not works lest any man should boast.  No Peter exclaims we believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jess that we are saved, just as they are.

This grace plus works- faith plus circumcision and keeping the law of Moses was completely against what the Lord came to do and what God had intended from the beginning. Abraham was declared righteous by faith- for he had not even been circumcised yet. Jesus came to set the captives free from the yoke of the law, which they could never keep.  His appeal was to the weary and heavy laden. His invitation was to take His yoke upon ourselves.

Let’s look at this invitation of the Lord Jesus regarding taking up His Yoke in Matthew 11:25-30 and we will see the difference in the yoke the Pharisees would place upon the people and the yoke of the Lord Jesus.

“ At that time Jesus said, “ I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Father except by the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to me, all you who are weary ( labor) and are burdened ( heavy laden) and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon  you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Isn’t it amazing that many wise and learned people today do not know or understand that our Heavenly Father is Lord of heaven and earth? Yet, we who are His children know this and believe it. So the first key to revelation is humility. God gives grace and understanding to the humble. This is why Jesus told Nicodemus, a master rabbi and teacher, he must be born again. Become as a child completely dependent upon God without any resources of his own, including his intellect, knowledge and learning. One must humble himself or herself and come as a child in complete dependence on the Grace of God.

Jesus states in these verses that he has been commissioned by the Father and authorized to make this offer. He also tells us no one can know the Father except those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.  Sounds a little exclusive doesn’t it?  But listen to the invitation:  Jesus says,” Come unto me ALL YOU  who are weary and heavy laden .. He did not say come unto me the elect.

Let’s talk about the labor of the weary and the burden of the heavy laden.  Sin and guilt are a heavy burden to carry. We can most clearly see the impact of sin when we read the story of Adam and Eve.  Sin brought with it three emotions that will burden anyone. They were- guilt, fear and shame. It costs them their home and their very lives and would impact the first family in way they make us shudder. Adam and Eve would experience the worst of nightmares – a son murdered; their other son the murderer. So sin is horrific in and of itself. Add then on top of this load a plethora of laws, rules and works the Pharisees added that must be kept in order to pay for the sins and guilt and we see an overwhelming load that brings one to the point of collapse. Even today- we still have the mindset of the Pharisees trying as best we can to overcome our guilt by rationalizing, excusing and attempting to balance the scale with good works.

Let’s review the word picture of the yoke. The yoke was and is a type of neck frame, usually in Jesus’  time made of wood, to couple draft animals (oxen) together for the purpose of carrying loads.  Obviously a yoke was designed to make pulling the load easier. But when the load is too heavy and the burden too great and the yoke ill fitting it became an impossible task.  It is this yoke of legalism that Peter is referring to that he said was impossible for either them or their fathers to bear. And now they wanted to place this burden on these new Gentile believers?  God forbid!

Now the invitation of Jesus in this scripture is the invitation of the Gospel message. When Jesus invites all who labor to come, the Lord is issuing a call to repent. Repentance is a key element of salvation. What was the message of John the Baptist to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord?  Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand. What was the first message of the Lord’s first sermon- Repent!  To repent is to turn from the direction you are going- the broadway of sin that leads to destruction to the narrow way, the only One who can save you from your sins- the Lord Jesus Christ who is the way.  We see this message all through Acts from Peter’s first sermon on the day of Pentecost when he called for people to repent- to turn from their sins, to turn from their idols.

So we see a process that begins with humility. For God gives grace to the humble,but resists the proud. The proud are referred to here as the ‘wise and learned.’ The ‘ babes’ or children are those who realize their helplessness and abandon their own resources and attempts to work to earn their salvation.  A baby is completely dependent upon his parents for everything. No resources of their own. Even as children, we come to trust our parents completely for our every need . As an adult I knew if my father said he would do something for me- I could trust him completely to do what he said he would do. That is why Jesus said it is more difficult for a rich man to enter heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle.  Meaning- a rich man is a person who is self sufficient, independent and in need of nothing. He did not say a rich man could not be saved- just that it was difficult for them. Pride does that- it makes them think their opinions are better than others.

The promise of the Lord to all who come to Him is rest. Notice in this passage there is a rest that is given and a rest that is found. The rest we are given is the forgiveness of our sins. All our sins are forgiven. I am now released from the burden of unforgiven sins. I am released from the guilt.

However, we are now called to service. To do this work, we must submit to the Lord. We have learned from the teaching and preaching and from life experience that the Christian’s life involves hardship. There is a load to be drawn but the purpose of the yoke is to make it easier. I imagine the Lord Jesus as a carpenter had knowledge and experience of fashioning a yoke. It began with measuring the neck of the oxen on which the yoke was to be placed. The fit must not be too loose or too tight or else it will chafe. The burden placed upon the ox must not be greater than the ox can carry.  I have faith in the Lord Jesus as I submit to Him, He will never place more on me than I can bear. I also know by being yoked with Him I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I find rest in submission, for it is not in trying but trusting.

The Lord says when we take up His yoke we will learn from Him. He is our teacher. And unlike the Pharisees, the Lord Jesus is a gentle and humble teacher. He does not upbraid us when we ask for wisdom. He is patient with us for He remembers our frames are dust, that we are slow learners. He does not ridicule us or teach us in a condescending manner of the wise and learned; He stoops to pick us up and is patient to repeat over and over until we learn.

Now in Acts 15 at this council, those gathered listened quietly to Peter, Paul and Barnabas. When they finished, James, the brother of the Lord Jesus, used the scripture from Amos to reveal what was clearly God’s purpose and intent to save the Gentiles. He summarizes then what in his judgment they should do.

“ It is my judgment, therefore, we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols; from sexual immorality; and from meat of strangled animals and from blood. “ All agreed to this decision.

Then to make sure there was no mistakes in their decision, they put it in writing.  Gina’s father, Houston, always said when there was any agreement or deal to be done-‘ get it in writing.’ Obviously these thought this was a wise thing to do. Put it in writing, in a letter. Send down some men to read it to them.  They selected Paul and Barnabas as well as Judas and Silas.

Do you see what God is doing here?  He has impressed upon them to put their decision in a letter. But also to send men there who could answer their questions. People learn best by having truth presented two ways. Through the eye gate- reading the written word. And through the ear-gate- hearing the word. Some learn better through reading, others learn better through listening.

God has written us a letter. It is the Bible. He put His truth in writing  so we could read it. But He has also appointed men and women to come and explain it, teachers who are equipped with the spiritual gift of teaching.

We should also take note how the early church dealt with a problem within in its midst that had the potential to split the church.

First they heard everyone’s viewpoint. Everyone had a chance to be heard. That is important. One must not think their voice is not important.

Next James acting as the spokesperson for the council takes note of the obvious work God is already doing and had done in the salvation of Gentiles.

However, James did not accept this activity as genuine activity of God without it agreeing with the Word of God. This is why James quoted the Scripture from Amos which verified it.

A yoke speaks of discipline. Discipline is training that corrects, molds and perfects.

The purpose of spiritual discipline is for the purpose of godliness. Godly people are disciplined people. God uses three primary catalysts for changing us and conforming us to Christlikness.

1. People. Like iron sharpens iron, God uses people in our lives to encourage us, teach us and help conform us.
2. Circumstances. God uses circumstances to discipline us- health, financial, pain and blessings. “ For we know that God works together all things for good for those who love Him land are called according to His Purpose.” ( Romans 8:28)
3. Spiritual Disciplines.  Spiritual disciplines are different from the other two catalysts in that they are internal rather than external. As God works on the inside. They are also different in that we have little choice in the first two catalysts but we can decide if we will exercise the  spiritual disciplines the Word of God teaches.

Here are the Spiritual Disciplines :

1. Bible intake.
2. Prayer
3. Worship
4. Evangelism
5. Serving
6. Stewardship
7. Fasting
8. Learning.

It is by exercising these disciplines we put ourselves before God for Him to work in us in our pursuit of holiness. Each of these disciplines are actions we must take up for ourselves. “ For it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.” ( Phil 2)

Think of the story of Zaccheus, a wee little man, short of stature who climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus. He took the  efforts to put himself in the path of Jesus. That is what the yoke of Spiritual Disciplines will do for us- put ourselves before God so He might work in us.

Do you know why the Yoke of the Lord is easy?  Because it is a Yoke lined with love. Everlasting, Unconditional, Calvary Love.

Are you weary and heavy laden?  The Lord invites you to come along side Him- to take His Yoke upon you for it is easy- a Yoke made and fashioned from a Cross.

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

Acts 14: Let’s Go Fishing!

Throughout my career, I have been an observer of successful people. I look at what they do and how they do it.  In doing so, I am able to tell others of the principles and best practices they utilize. I find their genius is not so much in their intellect as in their practical common sense approach and developing a pattern that works.

In this chapter I want us observe the pattern of Paul and Barnabas as they achieved great success in witnessing. I believe these principles can be implemented today and if we follow the pattern of these pioneers, we can achieve the same success they achieved.  You cannot improve on the method the Lord has established and the Word of God teaches.  We may think we have better methods than these old time methods- but I agree with the song writer who wrote- ‘ give me that old time religion- give me that old time religion, it was good enough for Paul; it’s good enough for me!’

Here we will observe Paul and Barnabas on their mission trip to three different cities. The population and circumstances are different in each city. They provide us with a case study of how to be effective witnesses in each situation. Let us observe the pattern set by the greatest missionary of the church age- the Apostle Paul.

We will observe the: Pattern- for God’s word provides us with instructions and guidance; Preparation- I know when it says ‘Paul spoke effectively’ that can only mean he was not only prepared- but shaped his message to fit the audience; and thirdly, we will see he and Barnabas were Persistent. When we follow the pattern, are prepared in season and out of season plus have the kind of  persistence that gets up when  knocked down and combine those three P’s with the Power of the Holy Spirit we will turn the world upside down also.  As our football coach used to say- ‘ luck is when preparation meets opportunity.’

The first city they visit is Iconium. It is a pagan city with a largely Gentile population. However, there are enough Jews living there so they have a synagogue. This is where Paul and Barnabas will go first. “ At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual to the synagogue. They spoke so effectively that a great number of  Jews and Gentiles believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform miraculous signs and wonders. The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews , others with the apostles.” (Acts 14:1-4)

We need to understand why Paul always went to the synagogue first. Here is the first rule of witnessing and a principle that when followed will result in success.  Paul started where he knew he had a natural contact, a natural connection. These are his people, they share a common heritage. Also they have some degree of knowledge about the Scriptures. These people were interested in God and Word of God. If we would desire to influence someone, we first must get their attention.  To get their attention, we must connect to something they are interested in and feel is important to them. Then we link that feeling to what we want them to see, do or feel. This is not a form of manipulation, it is starting where  there is a natural interest or concern. You find the Apostle Paul did this routinely.  If we observe the Lord Jesus’ ministry, we see He used the art of story telling( Parables) to get their attention. He also used the commonplace natural contact, as He did with the woman at the well discussing living water versus regular water.

Most people are looking for something, but they really don’t know what they are looking for. It is that search we need to tap into.  The Lord Jesus told the disciples if they followed Him, He would make them ‘ fishers of men.’ Fishing can involve various methods from casting nets to using bait. Let us remember it is  the Heavenly Father who draws them. If you ask a person what they want in life- the answers are fairly predictable- good health, more money, success in marriage, business, their family, peace, etc.  Elvis Presley was once asked what he wanted in life. He responded with three desires- three wants:  wanted someone to love, someone to love him and something to look forward to.  I believe there is not only great truth in Elvis’ reply it also reveals an empty heart. A heart that had searched for something to make him feel whole – but his search and his accomplishments had not satisfied him. And of course you see there is one who can fill all three of his desires- the Lord Jesus. Charles Stanley often opens the door to witnessing by asking a person- if there was one thing you could ask God for- what would it be? The answer will be quite revealing – just like Elvis’ answer.

Paul and Barnabas enjoy great success, but also attract considerable adversity. They divided the city and we must not forget that effective witnessing and preaching of the gospel will always enjoy success and draw adversity. Paul and Barnabas flee Iconium to avoid a plot to mistreat and stone them.

In the next city, Lystra, we see another principle of effective witnessing. There is evidently no Jewish synagogue. Let us observe what Paul and Barnabas do.  They begin to preach in the open market. It would be like someone preaching and witnessing at the Farmers Market on a busy  Saturday morning. It says they continued to preach the good news. Watch what happens:

“ Now at Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet,who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul  looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, ‘Stand up on your feet!’ At that the man jumped up and began to walk.”

There is no synagogue to make their initial contact. So what do Paul and Barnabas do? They go fishing. They are fishers of men. So they go where there are men, just as a fisher of fish goes where there are fish. Into the busy marketplace, they boldly cast the gospel net.  We do not know how many days Paul and Barnabas preached there- but there was some type of contact made between Paul and this crippled man.  If you are fishing with a cane pole and a float with a hook and bait- the first sign of a fish’s interest is a nibble which will cause the float to bob in the water. Paul feels the tug and he sets the hook. He has been looking to see where the Lord was working and by placing himself and Barnabas in position and doing what he knew to do- witnessing , he will see the Lord work.

There is the second principle for effective witnessing. Lacking a synagogue where to make that natural connection, Paul and Barnabas had no idea what they were going to do. They walked right into the marketplace, for it looked like a good place to fish. And they waited for the fish to start biting. They trusted the Lord to prepare certain people’s hearts to receive the gospel. Did not the Lord Jesus tell Peter and them that morning after they had fished all night and caught nothing –‘to put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

*Jesus then said to them ‘ follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ We talk about inviting Jesus into our lives, but it is truly Jesus who invites us into His Life! Can there possibly be any more exciting way to live?

Dr. Luke who records this story, heard the story from Paul. In his description, we see this hopelessness of this man’s condition. He was born crippled and everyone in the marketplace knew this man’s story and condition. This man  was listening to Paul with such an intensity that Paul saw the faith this man had, faith to make him whole. The unhindered flow of the Holy Spirit resulted in a dramatic miracle. We may not see miraculous physical healings as were done by the Apostles through the power of God. But we see miracles in the turned around lives of lost people in bondage to sin.

I know of that healing. For fourteen years I was in bondage to alcohol. I came to loath that which I once loved – but could not break free from the crippling affects of alcohol.  I was as powerless to quit drinking as this man was powerless to walk. My healing and being made whole was no less a miracle than his. The power “ to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think “ comes to all believers at salvation.( Ephesians 3:20)

If we trust the Lord and obey His commands, we, too can be fishers of men. First principle look for the natural contact or connection.

Second principle we observe in Lystra is let down the gospel nets for a catch.Trust the Lord to send the fish into the net. It is like casting the seed. The seed is the Word of God. It is good seed. It is incorruptible seed. The soil is the heart. Some of the hearts are like the soils in the parable- hardened to the penetration of the Word of God;shallow, with a stone underneath prevents it taking root; crowded with the concerns of the world; and the good soil that receives and brings forth a hundredfold. Our responsibility is to cast the net to cast the seed, trusting the Lord, not our abilities for the  catch. Why? Because the Lord said to!

Paul’s faith is rewarded with the miracle of this man’s healing and something unexpected happens. Verses 11- 13 describes an unusual occurrence. These pagans believe Paul and Barnabas are gods in human form. The pagan priest of Zeus  calls Barnabas- Zeus and Paul – Hermes. They bring sacrifices to these two men and a great crowd is drawn to them.

Now they have a natural connection. These pagans are polytheists, believing in many gods. Gods of water, gods of trees, gods of fertility, etc.;. When talking with people who are non-religious, who are not interested in the gospel, Scriptures or church here is the way to witness. Talk to them about nature and creation for as Paul would write in Romans 1, God has revealed himself to man through nature and creation. So Paul and Barnabas found the natural connection in nature and creation for it is something that has been revealed to all mankind.

First Paul and Barnabas deny they are gods, only men like them. But they use this event to proclaim the good news of the Gospel. Paul tells them there is only One God and He created heaven and earth and the seas and everything in the handiwork of the one true and living God. Since these people were not acquainted with the Scriptures, Paul uses their interest in creation and nature as the connection. He further tells them these ‘gods’ they worship are powerless and worthless. All things were created by God and for God and are held together by the True and Living God. Paul is saying this nature you worship is like the Jews who knew of the God of Abraham , Isaac and Jacob, Paul proclaimed to them the Living God who made the heavens and the earth and the seas and everything in them.  ( Do you see why the enemy has attempted to destroy the word of God with the theory of evolution? Evolution attempts to explain the existence of everything without a  Creator, or moral law giver. Whereas logic and reason says there has to be a creator of intelligence to design such a complex creation, men suppress the truth in unrighteousness and their foolish hearts become darkened.)

Paul then explains that this Living God, Creator of all things has created man with free will and thus free choice. Paul says God allowed men, nations to walk in their own way. In order to permit free will and choice, God must allow evil.

I cannot fully explain or comprehend that sovereignty of God and the free will of man. God is King- King of Kings. As King of Kings, Almighty Sovereign God orders all things and controls all things for His eternal purpose.

God is also Judge. Which means by the very nature of this office, He judges and holds men accountable and responsible for their choices.

The matter of human will and divine election is so incomprehensible to my finite mind that I must believe both and trust a Just God as to how they fit together.

All I know is if we cannot fully comprehend it- we must not emphasize one truth at the expense of the other or else we commit doctrinal error.

Paul goes on to say that the Living God has not left Himself without testimony; He has shown His kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in season; with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy. God will not allow evil to go too far. History has shown us time and time again how evil man is. God restrains the evil.

Verse 19 tells us the enemy has his faithful followers also come from Antioch and Iconium to oppose the Paul and Barnabas and persuade the people to stone Paul. They drag Paul to the outside of the city where the  leave him for dead. But Paul survives and they head next to Derbe.

Their efforts there are rewarded with a large number getting saved. So we see another principle of successful witnessing- Persistence.  There is nothing more common among successful people than persistence. The ability to keep on keeping on. The ability to take failure as part of life and learn from it. As Thomas Edison said when questioned about the invention of the electric light bulb: did he ever get discouraged in the process which went  through over 1000 combinations for the right elements?  No, he said, inventing a light bulb is a 1001 step process.

Brother Earl Tapley was one of my favorite people and  20th century hero in the faith. A persistent witness, Brother Earl could be found on a busy Saturday morning outside Kroger with a stack of tracts, his Bible and a jug of water. He met everyone for years just inside the entrance to the West Tennessee Fair to share the Gospel. A true fisher of men.  His son, later had his father’s autobiography published. The title?  A Million Souls for Christ.  That was his goal here on earth.  In his latter years, Brother Earl  moved to a small town in Florida where his son was in a medical practice. Unable to physically get out and witness as he had all his life, Brother Earl refused to give into failing health. Living in a small town, he took the telephone directory and supplied with envelopes, tracts and stamps, wrote a personal note and sent a tract to everyone in the phone book. Persistence!

Do not miss this last element that completes the pattern for spreading the gospel: discipleship. Having been kicked out of Antioch, threatened in Iconium and stoned and left for dead in Lystra, Paul and company went right back into those cities to disciple and strengthen the new believers. They did not leave them on their own.  They trusted God to protect them, convinced that He who had begun a good work would complete it.  That is why God has told us not only to baptize believers –but to make disciples teaching them, strengthening them so they can grow up in the faith as mature believers.

Notice the good news not only means God has wonderful plan for your lives. Part of that plan is tribulation.  Paul explains: ‘ We must go through many hardship to enter the kingdom of God.” ( Acts 14:22)

We cannot help but observe their mission was not always smooth sailing. Many who heard believed. Many who heard rejected the same gospel. There was joy and sorrow. As we anguish over loved ones for whom we long to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, can you imagine the sorrow the  Lord Jesus experiences? No wonder He is called a Man of Sorrow.

As this chapter ends, we see Paul and Barnabas return to the church at Antioch to give a report of what has occurred.  This is the church that sent Barnabas and Paul out on the mission to the Gentiles.

Let’s look again at the call of Jesus to his disciples and us:  “ Follow me.( That is our responsibility). And I will make your fishers of men.( That is his promise to us- what He will do for us and through us.) In addition there is another commandment the Lord issues in speaking to Simon Peter after they had hauled in a record catch. “ Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” ( Luke 5)

Ever been afraid to witness to someone?  I have.  But the Lord has told us time and time again- fear not, I am with you. He has invited you and me into His life.

He has invited us to go fishing with Him. I promise you based on the word of God it will be a memorable and rewarding trip.

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

 

Acts 13: Part Two-God’s Justice

As we pick up the story of Barnabas and Paul on this missionary trip to Cyprus we see a pattern that will mark Paul’s ministry. “When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the Word of God in the Jewish Synagogues. John( Mark) was with them also.” Acts 13:5.  Paul would always go to the Synagogue first to proclaim the Gospel to his fellow Jews.

Barnabas and Paul travel through the whole island of Cyprus until they come to Paphos. Here they will encounter adversity. We must realize when we strive to present the Gospel, we will encounter the attacks of the enemy. Teaching and preaching to mostly believers in a church does not concern the enemy that much. However witnessing to a lost world or trying to bring a message of faith in the halls of government will bring adversity. For we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with spiritual wickedness in high places. Here is a man who is a sorcerer and false prophet who is an attendant of the Roman Proconsul, Sergius Paulus. This man is serving as some type of advisor to the proconsul. The enemy is always eager to influence men of power. The devil will place his followers in positions of influence- that is why Paul says we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with spiritual wickedness.

Once you realize there is no neutral ground, for the Lord said you are either with me or against me, then you realize the halls of power in every country, including ours, are filled with men and women who are not for the Lord or His agenda. These people will advise and influence those in positions of power not to listen to the message of faith. These enemies will disguise their opposition to the message of faith by deeming it ‘ policitally incorrect.’  

Paul is filled with the Spirit so he recognizes this man for what he is- a child of the devil. Paul says he is an enemy of everything that is right. That he is full of deceit and trickery. Here is a man who would keep the proconsul in spiritual darkness, but Paul blinds the man temporarily. This blinding of Bar-Jesus, the sorcerer, is done we are told by the hand of the Lord.  The combination of this miracle and the teaching about the Lord, results in the conversion of the Paulus, the Proconsul.  Having accomplished this, from Paphos, Paul and Barnabas sail to Perga in Pamphlylia, where John Mark leaves them to return to Jerusalem. 

Although only a mention here, we later know Paul was displeased with John Mark’s desertion and it resulted in a split up of the very successful missionary team of Paul and Barnabas. Later there would be reconciliation- but we must take note of the wiles of the enemy. Paul recognized the outright attack of the sorcerer but missed the more subtle internal attack within their small group.  Do not think because you have defeated or turned back the enemy in one area, he will not come at you in another. 

Upon arriving after a difficult  journey over seas and rough terrain Paul and Barnabas arrive in Pisidian Antioch. Again as was his custom, Paul attends the synagogue on Sabbath and is invited to speak to those gathered. The audience consists of Jews and Gentiles who fear and worship God.

Paul’s sermon is not his first sermon obviously. But it is the first sermon we have recorded for us in greater detail.  We will note how similar his approach to preaching is to Stephen’s preaching and the sermon Paul heard that day Stephen was stoned.

Like all good preaching and preachers- this preaching is Scriptural, Bible-based teaching. Why are we told not to add to the Word of God or take away from it? Because if we do, we dilute its power. Let the Word of God go forth and it will not return void. It is powerful and alive and the Gospel is the power of God unto Salvation for all who believe.

Paul will attract their attention just as Stephen did with: the history of God and Israel, the fulfillment of prophecy and the only way to have one’s sins forgiven which is through Jesus Christ who justifies everyone who believes in Him. The Law of Moses cannot justify one- never was its intention or purpose. The Law of Moses was to expose our sinfulness and our inability to overcome the power of sin. 

The age-old question voiced in that ancient book of Job is – ‘how can a sinful man be right before a Holy God? How can he be made clean and acceptable?  For centuries the Pharisees had built a religious system based on legalism by externally conforming to the law. This is how you would be right with God- by keeping the law. A form of self-righteousness coming from works of the flesh. From the very beginning of his teaching Jesus refuted this system saying, ‘you have heard that it was said..’ ‘but I say unto you…’  His teaching angered the Pharisees but gave hope to all those who labored in vain to keep these endless list of laws and interpretations of the Pharisees. Those who heard Jesus teach- said of him- He teaches with authority.

So here we are 2000 years later and I wonder have we turned into the Pharisees and our actions are like those of the nation of Israel who took such pride in being God’s people and having the privileges they enjoyed.?

We read in Amos- “Woe to you who are complacent in Zion and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria.”( Amos 6)  Are we at ease and feel safe because of our location? Do we as Christians believe God will not allow us to be defeated? Is the USA becoming complacent again after being shocked on 911? At WJBC are we at ease- because we live in the Bible Belt , near Union University and with a century old tradition?

What about the order of our services and what we have come to expect as normal and routine? Are we not going through rituals like Israel did in the temple ? God said: “ I hate your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies.” ( Amos 5). Why did God say that? Because they had substituted ritual for a relationship. 

And God said you do not grieve over sin. We are at ease, going through a routine, not wanting to rock the boat- maintain status quo- disregard certain sin. 

Paul begins his sermon with his focus on God’s action  on behalf of the nation of Israel .It is always God’s action on Israel’s behalf. It is only His faithfulness to keep His word that has kept Israel from passing into obscurity. It is nothing Israel or the Jews have done- it is all of God.  One thing we note as he recites the well known story of God and Israel is it always God in control. God is in control of History- and for Him it is all history for He sees the end from the beginning.

As Paul begins to recite the familiar notice the emphasis:  God chose our fathers; God made the people great in Egypt; God led them out of the country and bondage; God endured their conduct for forty years in the desert; God overthrew seven nations in Canaan; God gave them their land as their inheritance; God gave them their judges and their kings. ( Has not God done the same for us in this country? Did He not lead our forefathers to come here to establish a country where we could worship God in spirit and in truth? Has he not made us and America the wealthiest and freest nation on earth ? Has He not given us this land as an inheritance? Has He not given us victories in wars over other nations? And now we, His people, who are called by His name, has He not had to endure our conduct?)Then God brought to Israel the Savior Jesus as He promised. Paul reminds them John the Baptist, a true prophet recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

Paul continues-‘… it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.(vs.26) Then Paul hits them between their theologically crossed eyes-“ The people of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.”  Once again we see the sovereignty of God and the free will of men opposing the very sovereignty of God work together to accomplish the will of God as was done at Calvary. 

The question is – how did these men who read and studied the Scriptures and prophecy not recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and thus miss the first coming of the Messiah?  Paul gives us the first reason in this verse. They did not ‘recognize Jesus.’ They were blinded by their prejudices. They looked at Jesus as the son of a carpenter from Nazareth. He had no money, no formal schooling, there were questions surrounding his birth and most of all- he was not one of them. The second reason they missed this opportunity to recognize the Messiah was they did not understand Scripture.  The reading of the Scriptures, the Torah and prophets and Psalms that was read every Sabbath was part of a religious rite. A performance repeated over and over like their prayers – words read and repeated as part of a ritual without any thought regarding what they meant.  It was like the Lord’s Prayer we said before every football game in the locker room. It was part of a ritual- part of an almost superstition we always repeated. We did not think about those words and what they meant. Such was the case with the Scriptures they read.  Remember what Jesus did in His Resurrection ministry?  “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” ( Luke 24)

Paul takes them through the crucifixion and resurrection and the fact that Jesus was seen by many witnesses. Then in verse 32  Paul presents the Gospel: “ We tell you the good news. What God promised our fathers, he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are my son; today I have become your Father.”

Then Paul quotes the prophecy from Psalms 16 that the Holy One’s body would never see decay.  Remember when Lazarus was restored to life after 4 days in the grave?  He came out in grave clothes. When the Lord Jesus was resurrected, he left behind the grave clothes. For unlike Lazarus who would die and decay, just like David who had died and decayed, the Lord Jesus would have no need of grave clothes for he would never die again- he would never see decay.

Then Paul hits them with a stunning truth. A blow to the very heart of what these Jews held sacred- the Law of Moses.  “ Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is  JUSTIFED from everything you could NOT be justified from by the law of Moses. “

Here in lies the truth and the answer to the question asked in the ancient book of Job. How shall a man be right before Holy God? We cannot fully appreciate the shock that rippled through the crowd when Paul made this statement. First of all- the Jews had been taught for generation after generation by the Pharisees that the way to God was through obeying and keeping the Ten Commandments. Trying to be good enough to be accepted by God. Jesus told them their holiness must exceed the holiness of the Pharisees – they must be perfect as God is perfect.  Now Paul comes to tell them they will NEVER  make it by keeping the law. The Law of God is what condemns them. Paul has introduced them to the only way a man or woman can be right before God. Paul was introducing them to God’s Justice.

But God had devised a Way. In fact Jesus told us- he was the Way, the Truth and the Life. In John 8- he said if you know the Truth, you will be set free. And then four verses later , Jesus substitutes his name for the truth, when He states “ If the Son( The Way, the Truth and the Life) sets you free, you are free indeed.” In John 17, Jesus says: “ Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Jesus came on a mission sent by the Father. He came into the world , not to condemn the world but that through Him the world might be saved.  He came to seek and save the lost.

Let us make sure we understand, as much as is possible, this wonderful act of justification. The law was never given as a way to be saved by keeping the law, but actually was intended to expose our sinfulness and sins. In doing so God was revealing our need for a power greater than us to save us from our sins and ourselves. We all disobey God’s law. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

In Deuteronomy 27:26 it could not be made any clearer: “ Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of the law by carrying them out.” No one has ever been able to keep the law except Jesus, the only one qualified to redeem us.  Paul using this verse from Deuteronomy states in Galatians 3: “ Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous shall live by faith. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. He( Lord Jesus) redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” ( Galatians 3:10-14)

If we look back to Abraham on the mount with Isaac we will see the prophetic truth when Abraham answers Isaac’s question- where is the lamb?  Abraham said God Himself would provide a lamb for the sacrifice.  For centuries, from the tabernacle in the wilderness to the Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews brought lambs without flaw for sacrifice- for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. It was a picture of the Lamb, God would provide for a sacrifice.  Then when the Lord Jesus came, Immanuel, God with us, God in flesh, John the Baptist recognized Him, having it revealed to him by God. And the day after the baptism of Jesus, John the Baptist pointed out Jesus to his two young disciples, John and Andrew and said: Behold the LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.  The lamb Abraham spoke of in Genesis had arrived.  The Lamb God had provided to take away the sin of the world.

He was qualified to take away our sin because He alone had kept the law. He did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill it- every jot and tittle.  So it is through grace that God blesses us. It is through faith we receive the blessing. But we must understand that justification is not just having one’s sins forgiven. Justification means having your sins forgiven in a way that God’s honor and integrity and holiness are preserved by it.

Justice must be served. Sin must be punished. Death is the punishment. He could not let us go unpunished. In spite of His great love and mercy- He would not be Holy God if justice was not carried out. Punishment had to be administered. Payment rendered.

God found the perfect way. Jesus was the Way. He was the lamb without fault or blemish. The sacrifice upon which God could lay the guilt of our lives on his own Son. He punished His own Son- He who knew no sin became sin for us. In doing so, God’s character was not defiled- he did not dismiss our sins- He punished them. He did for us what we could not ever do for ourselves.

Therefore there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. He paid it all!  Now those of us who are saved- we believe this with all our hearts. But to our amazement there are those today and those we know- who do not accept this, just as it was on this day Paul preached to the crowd in Pisidian Antioch.

Do you see what Paul has done in this sermon?  He started out by showing them God is the One who is reaching out to mankind. He is not willing that any should perish but all would come to repentance. It is God who revealed our sin. It is God who revealed His plan of salvation. It is God who has made Himself known to all mankind through creation. And it is God who has written His law in the hearts of mankind, their conscience bearing witness. It is God who sent His Only Son to die for us on a cross at Calvary. It is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Lamb , Abraham said God would provide.

In Romans 3, Paul states “ There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one seeks God.” Then in Romans 3:21-Paul writes:  “ But now a righteousness from God apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

In these verses we learn God provides a righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.  Justice is served. We are not only declared Not Guilty- we are declared righteous in His Sight by faith in Jesus Christ and his finished work, in His Blood.

“He(Lord Jesus) is a propitiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but also for the sins of the whole world.” ( I John2:2)

God’s holiness demands punishment (justice) for man’s sins. God therefore out of love (John 3:16) sent His Son to make a substitutionary atonement for the believer’s sin. In this way the Father’s wrath is satisfied; His wrath against the Christian’s sins has been turned away and directed toward Christ. It was at Calvary where God’s Justice was carried out. It was on His Son, our substitute, it was carried out. That is why the Lord Jesus cried out- My God, My God why have you forsaken me?!” God had forsaken Him for our sakes.

Sin and death came through the sin of one man- Adam. Through one man sin entered and condemned all mankind, therefore through the obedience of one man- Jesus Christ  all who believe will be made righteous.  Justification. God’s justice combines the forgiveness of sins and the gift of righteousness. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain- He washed it white as snow. GOD’S JUSTICE !

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

 

Acts 13: How Can We Know the Way?

In Acts 13 we will read of the missionary call of Barnabas and Saul; Saul will be referred to as Paul from now on; and later on we will read the first recorded sermon the Apostle Paul preaches.

As we have been reading this story of the early church, it seems obvious( at least to me) there is a vast difference between the early church and the church today.  Where is the power? Where is the leadership of the Holy Spirit?  We know and profess to believe the Word of God and that God is the same today as He was then as He will be tomorrow and forever. What is missing? And what can we do in the 21st century to regain what was so obviously there in the first century?

Last week we looked at the weapons we have that are not carnal but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. We saw the miraculous delivery of Peter from prison as an answer to the prayers of the church. We reviewed the powers that God has given His church and the individual believer. We are empowered by : the power of prayer, the Word of God, the Gospel and the Holy Spirit.

What we have that the early church did not have is : buildings with every comfort and convenience, programs, Bibles of every kind and description, study guides, video conferences, electronic media and all of the advances that civilization has wrought in the centuries since the days of  the apostles. Like the church at Laodicea, we would say we are rich and have acquired wealth. But have we also become lukewarm?  Have we left our first love like the church of Ephesus?

Do you not know who your best friend is as a believer? He is the Lord Jesus. My best friend is Jesus. He sticks closer than a brother and He alone knows everything about me and still loves me.

I want to remind you of what the Lord has done as your best friend:

He loves you unconditionally. This is the greatest need we have – to be loved. He loves you and me so much – He said He could not live without us- so He died for us.

He freed me and you from sin. It is for freedom, that Christ set us free. Remember we talked about the power of the Word of God. Jesus said-‘… if you continue in my Word, you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free. And if the Son sets you free, you are free  indeed. Have you forgotten what it was like to be a captive?

He not only set us free- He lifted us up to serve with Him. He has empowered us.

Have we forgotten like the Galatians? Who having begun in the Spirit, then tried to do the will of God in the flesh in their own power. What has happened to us?

Jesus told the church at Ephesus: “ You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first. “ ( Revelation 2)

Remember the height of first love. The constant thinking about one another; the desire to always be together- and if that first love asked you to do them a favor- you did not need to ask what that favor was- your ready reply was YES. Nothing could be more important that pleasing that one who you loved.

Psalms says whatever concerns us- concerns the Lord. What we care about and what we are concerned about- the Lord is concerned about also. Why? Because He loves us so. Should we not care about what He cares about?

He cares about the lost and since the story of Acts is about witnessing  and carrying out the Great Commission, which is really His Great Concern. So let us review the Great Commission. For the Lord’s last commandment is our first priority.

“ All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe(obey) all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo, I am with your always even unto the end. ( Matthew 28)

Notice there are four alls: all authority/power; all nations; all things; always. What keeps us from His priority? The very cause for which He came and died for.

Why have we not carried out the Great Commission, His Great Concern? Are you worried about the economy? Job security? Having enough money for retirement?  Health issues?  The Lord knows we have these issues, worries and concerns and here is His advice. “ Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Let us notice in Acts 13 how the Spirit works. Let me make a practical statement:  have you ever tried to steer a car that is sitting parked? Can’t do it can you?  You can steer a car that is moving. So first things first- let’s get moving.

I believe that God still works in the lives of believers and in His church. One of the questions most commonly asked by believers is : how to recognize the guidance of God; how to know the directions of life; and how to find the will  of the Holy Spirit in these matters. Let’s see how these men in the first century did and then let us follow their pattern.

First thing we observe in this passage(Acts 13:2) is sensitivity to the Lord’s will and call comes when we are serving Him. Notice they are worshipping the Lord and fasting.  The KJV says ‘they ministered to the Lord and fasted and the Holy Spirit said..’  Ministered means serving. These men had at that time recognized the gifts the Lord had given them- teaching and prophecy. They were using those gifts which God had equipped them with when the Spirit spoke to them. They did not have a long range planning committee to set up a strategy. The strategy they had was to serve the Lord where they were with the gifts He had equipped them with.  If you are sitting in a car in San Francisco and want to go to Boston, but are waiting until all the lights turn green- you will never get there. God spoke to men who were already at work doing what they knew they were to do. Aren’t we supposed to wait on God sometimes? Yes, but we are to wait and do good.

We must not overlook the fact they were fasting. Fasting is something the Lord did, it is something He taught about that we should do- right along there with praying and giving. Throughout the Bible fasting combined with prayer played a significant role in changing lives and nations.  Fasting is essential in what appears to be hopeless situations. Fasting is invaluable in national crisis. Fasting is invaluable in knowing the will of God. Fasting breaks strongholds.

Now the second part of this verse says “ the Holy Spirit said ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Did the Holy Spirit speak aloud- audibly?  I do not know and Luke does not give us details. But we do know from the study of Scriptures, that often the Holy Spirit will speak through an individual and when He does, everyone else who is praying  realizes this is what God desires to do.

Example:  In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat receives word a vast army is coming against you. The King’s reaction- ‘resolved to inquire of the Lord ( pray) and proclaim a national fast for all of Judah. As they were praying and fasting, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he told the assembly:  Listen the Lord says do not be afraid or discourage because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours but God’s. When he said this- everyone was in agreement this was what God wanted to do. ( Would you not like to have a leader who when faced with vast problems- would proclaim a time of national prayer and fasting? A leader who listened to the common people like Jahaziel- like you and me.)

We have talked about the weapons we have that are mighty and the powers that God has equipped us with- but there is something here that must not be overlooked that is the first and foremost weapon. It is in fact the greatest weapon in battle- a SURRENDERED LIFE. These men had surrendered their lives to the service of the Lord. Paul would later write, -I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” ( Galatians 2:20)

This is the principle of mutual submission. We give ourselves- surrender our lives to Him, because He submitted Himself for us- gave up His life for us. Paul would also later write: “ Therefore I urge you brothers in view of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- for this is your spiritual act of worship. And be not conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you might be able to test and approve what the will of God is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.’(Romans 12:1,2) P+T=R.

So we observe these men were doing what they were equipped to do- serving the Lord where they were with what they had been gifted to do. Their desire was to concentrate on what God would have them to do. So great was their concern- they fasted in order to discover Gods’ will. Here is your checklist:  meeting together, exercising our gifts, praying and fasting and the Spirit of God spoke in such a way that they all knew what God wanted them to do.

Now, next we see where God’s Sovereignty and Man’s free will to choose can work together. Verse 3 tells us:  “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Verse 4- “the two of them being sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.”

The way this scripture is written- we know they are sent forth by the Spirit- but the Spirit does not specifically tell them to go to Cyprus. This appears from this text to be the choice of Saul and Barnabas.  And we can understand why this was a natural choice- for this is where Barnabas was from.  Later Paul would be trying to go where the Lord directed him and it says Paul and his companions were kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they TRIED to enter Bithynia but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (Acts 16)  I find this story very encouraging and applicable to today’s lesson. Do you know how Paul decided which cities to visit? Paul apparently went where he wanted. He was not trapped by thinking- what if I do the wrong thing or get out of Gods’ will?  He did not suffer from the paralysis of analysis. He was following the principles and commandments of Gods’ Word to be a witness and spread the Gospel. In this situation, the Lord re-directed Paul to the right city. The key word in that verse is ‘ tried’. Paul was trying to do the known will of God. In the first situation where Barnabas and Saul decide to go to Cyprus it is a choice of their own free will and common sense. It was following God’s commandments and adhering to His principles. If God has something specific He wants us to do- He can make it known to us when we are in an attitude of going- He will provide the Knowing.

Perhaps it was this very situation Paul experienced that led him to write under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that he was confident that He who had begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ( Phil 1:6)  And also Paul would write in that same letter to the church at Philippi- ‘..so continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.’( Phil.2:12,13)

Do you get it?  God works in you to the desire and the power to do His Will.  You work it out- by prayer and fasting and using what God has given you where you are. If He is sending you forth- then get moving and in your attempt in working it out with fear and trembling- these words speak of effort on our part to do God’s will – He will direct your path.

God has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit and the privilege of prayer that we might know His will for our lives. Let me share with you three markers to guide us in our decisions of life.

1. God’s Moral Will. These are clearly enunciated in His commandments what we are to do and what we are NOT to do.  Develop a lifestyle of obedience in harmony with God’s moral will and it will be easier to keep in step with the Spirit.
2. God’s principles in His word. A principle is a law like sowing and reaping. They are like an equation that God gives us that says- if you do this – you will get this result. You can expect this to happen.  In decision making in seeking God’s will and the direction of the Holy Spirit- you must obey His clear commandments and must adhere to His principles.
3. The third marker that clearly guides us is wisdom. “ If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. KJV. The NIV states God gives generously to all without finding fault.( James 1:6) And in Ephesians 5:15 – Paul writes: ‘ see that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.” Always ask the following questions regarding decisions: is this the wise thing to do in light of my present circumstances? My past experiences? My future goals?

I like practical advice and so does our Heavenly Father. He wants to guide our lives. God wants to provide helpful wisdom in decision making.

If we adhere to these three markers we can discern God’s will. Sometimes His will is parceled out as we need it, never knowing the complete outcome- but only knowing what is the next thing to do.  Sometimes it is to wait.  Jesus told the apostles before He ascended to heaven to wait for the Holy Spirit. While they waited they did what they knew to do- meet together, study His Word and pray. They did not wait idly, they waited and did what they knew to do.

Sometimes He tells us to go forth or to leave where we are but is not specific as to where we are going.  This was the case with Abraham who went out- NOT KNOWING WHERE HE WAS GOING.  It appears the Holy Spirit sent forth Barnabas and Saul – but they were not told specifically where to go and so they went to Cyprus.  Paul was learning you could be confident that the Lord would complete what He had started. God would open doors – no man could close.

In other situations, God would send a person to a specific place for a specific purpose, as in the case of Phillip who was sent to a desert oasis to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch.

One thing is for sure- the only way to know the commandments of God, the will of God, the principles of God and the mind of God is to know the Scriptures. Study to show yourself approved- a workman who needs not to be ashamed of his work.

Then be prepared to obey when God commands.

If it is to wait. Wait on the Lord and do good. Don’t wait and fret- don ‘t wait and complain you are tired of waiting- quit looking at your watch and look to the Lord.

God has shaped each one of us like a potter does a vessel to serve a specific purpose. You were knit together by God in your mother’s womb. You and  I are God’s handiwork shaped by the potter in the potter’s shed.

S.H.A.P.E. 

S- stands for Spiritual gift(s). We all receive at least one when we were born again. Do you know your spiritual gift or gifts?

H.- stands for heart or passion. God has given you a passion for something. Something you love to do. Cannot imagine- not doing.

A- stands for natural ability/ talent which you were born with the first time- that need to be developed. This is something you do better than others naturally.

P- stands for personality. You have a certain personality type given to you at birth. Each personality or temperament has positives or negatives.

E. stands for your life experience- what has occurred in your life- good and bad.

Now do you see how it all comes together. God has given us a spiritual gift when you and I were born again. He will then work in you a desire and will to use that gift- this is your passion what you have a heart for. This will be combined with a natural talent or ability you were born with- something that comes to you naturally. Then God adds the personality and temperament He would have you possess. Then comes life- the experiences that God uses to shape us and prepare us for His use. He never wastes anything and sometimes the greater troubles in our lives shape us specifically for a very specific purpose.

The Same God who directed the lives of the Apostles and early missionaries can still direct our lives. He has shaped each of us for His purpose. He can get us to where we need to be, doing what only we can do best, for He has chosen us and equipped us to do the work of the ministry as surely as He did the early church.

We do not need any more conferences, consultants, conventions, councils or retreats to decide, plan, strategize and act as if it all depended upon our resources.

I am not against being organized. But let the Lord organize us and let the Lord direct us. The Holy Spirit is the only one who knows the mind of God and He is the One  who knows how to reach a city, a state and country and a world  through a revived church that has returned to its first love and whose hearts burn within them.

Our priority is to Trust and Obey for there is NO OTHER WAY.

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

 

Acts 12: The Powers to Be

Now as we come to the close of chapter 11, Luke tells us the Lord’s hand is on the believers as they spread the Gospel  in Antioch and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. As a result, the church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch.

Barnabas was a logical choice- he spoke the language; was an encourager; a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and faith.  A missionary needs those requirements- understanding of the people’s language and customs and to be an encourager. The spiritual gift of encouragement or exhorting ,which Barnabas possessed, is helpful where there are new believers who need to be encouraged.  Often today our missionaries in the field know that new believers will face opposition from family and friends who are not believers. They need encouraging.

Barnabas is further described as : a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.  A good man is one who goes about doing good. Not just talking about it but doing it. He is also likeable with a spirit of helpfulness- not a critical spirit of condemnation. We know the Spirit filled life- the Spirit controlled life is necessary to accomplish what only God can accomplish and this is linked with faith.

We see the relationship that began between Saul of Tarsus and Barnabas back in chapter 9 when Barnabas introduced and spoke on Saul’s behalf to the apostles, renewed. As Barnabas- being full of the Spirit is directed to go look for Saul and involve him in a teaching ministry in Antioch that will last for over a year. It will also be the beginning of Saul’s ministry to the Gentiles. As the apostle Paul he will become the missionary to the Gentiles and the Lord will use Paul to write much of the New Testament and give us such great works of doctrine as the Book of Romans.

Luke, ever the historian, regularly gives us time lines by recording significant events such as the severe famine which occurred during the reign of Claudius.

So like an epic movie with many main characters, the story of the early church in Acts moves quickly from one scene to the next . A scene that begins with the first martyr of the early church, the death of the apostle, James, the older brother of John.  

King Herod arrests some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.( Acts 12:1)

He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. ( Beheaded).Acts 12:2. 

When he saw this pleased the Jews, he seized Peter also. This happened during the Feast of the Unleavened Bread.  So Herod, ever the politician is pleasing the Jews who control the Temple, the High Priests and his council. Obviously, he intends to behead Peter also.

Remembering the fiasco with the empty tomb of Jesus, King Herod takes extra precaution. Peter is guarded by 16 soldiers awaiting trial after the Feast is over. Is there any doubt regarding the outcome of this trial?  The trial will be no more than a show of strength and the second beheading of an important apostle to serve as a message and a warning to this early church  movement. 

Verse 5 tells us Peter is kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying. ( KJV states: ‘prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him(Peter).  Now the night before he is to be brought to trial, Peter is sleeping between two soldiers bound with two chains.  ( this scene reminds me of Houdini who would have himself handcuffed by police, chained and locked in a trunk and thrown in the river, only to escape and baffle the audience). King Herod and the Jews believe they can make it too difficult for even God to free Peter.  But is anything too hard for God?  NO!

First let’s observe the behavior of Peter. Peter is sleeping soundly. Surely Peter possesses the peace that passes understanding that is a result of bringing his prayer and petitions with thanksgiving to God.

The angel awakens Peter, the chains fall away. The angel directs Peter to put on his clothes and his sandals and follow him. Peter follows the angel right out of the prison, doors unlocked , passing right by those 16 sentries and iron gates as if invisible.  Peter is not sure whether this is happening or he is dreaming.  The angel leaves him on the street. And Peter came to himself and realized what the Lord has done.

Peter states as much for himself as us: “ Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent an angel and rescued me from the clutches of Herod and the expectations of the Jews.” (Verse 11)

Looking around Peter realizes where he is and goes to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark. ( We believe Mary, John Mark’s mother was the sister of Barnabas.) The church, the believers, were gathered here praying for Peter. Peter knocks on the door and a young servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized  Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back into the house to tell everyone and left Peter standing outside the locked gate.  Peter is at the door she tells everyone who is inside praying.

Their response:  you are out of your mind,it must be his angel.  Peter in the meanwhile, keeps on knocking. They opened the door and they were astonished.

I do not know why James, the older brother of John was not spared and Peter is delivered in such spectacular fashion.  The only thing I can note is there is no mention of prayer for James while we are told the church prayed earnestly, without ceasing for Peter.  Perhaps, James was beheaded suddenly without the knowledge of the church, Luke does not tell us so we can only guess. However, the prayers for Peter are what this story is all about.

So let us look at how the Lord intends to empower the church, for that is the focus of this story.

God empowers the church by the following methods. And remember God has not changed, neither have his methods or ways. 

1. Empowers His church by power of prayer.
2. Empowers His church by the Word of God.
3. Empowers His church by the Power of the Gospel.
4. Empowers His church by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Listen to what God has to say about prayer.  “ Moreover the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying, “ Thus saith the Lord the Maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, established it; the Lord is His Name: ‘ call unto Me and I will answer thee, and show thee  great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Jeremiah 33: 1-3)

I want us to notice three things in these verses: The first is God encourages us to pray. Second, God has promised to answer. Third- God has promised to show us great things we do not know. God promises to reveal answers to all of life’s decisions.  Isn’t this amazing?  And like the early church in this answered prayer to Peter’s release- we will be astonished.

Did you notice where Jeremiah was when God spoke to him?  In prison.  God does not allow difficulty for the sake of difficulty- there is always a higher purpose involved.

The Power of Prayer.

“Therefore since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in everyway, just as we are- yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” ( Heb. 4: 14-16)

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea,blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; for he is double-minded and unstable in all his ways.” ( James 1; 6-8)  James 4 tells us- ‘we have not because we ask not, or we ask amiss  that we might consume it ourselves.

These verses tell us we can enter the throne room of heaven boldly and with confidence to have an audience with none other than the Lord Jesus, our High Priest. He is the one who died in our place  and gave Himself up for us.  Paul says in Romans 8- think about it- ‘ if God did not spare His only Son, but gave Him up for us all- how will He not also along with Him(Jesus) graciously give us all things?

These verses in Hebrews tells us we can enter the throne room boldly. The verses in James tell us we must ask and not doubt. How can we ask and not doubt? That is the question we most often want to know. I John 5:14, 15 says:  “And this is the confidence we have in HIM, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us; and if we know that He hears us ,whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions we desired of Him.” There is your answer.  I know- you are saying- okay so there is a catch. The catch is your request must be in the will of God. Just as a loaded gun has a ‘safety catch’, so does the power of prayer. It is there for our safety.  Since God has all wisdom- He would not give us anything we asked of Him that was out of His will since it would harm us. No more than an earthly father would give a child something he knew would harm him.

James tells us the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man( or woman) availeth much.  To be effective our prayer must be in the will of God. His will is revealed in His word. It must be fervent- that is persistent.  It must come from a righteous person- one whose sins are confessed up to date. And when we come seeking His will in a matter- God will reveal His will. Can we always know the will of God? Yes- but not always at first. That is why prayer is a will alignment. Not my trying to persuade God to do it my way- but coming with a willingness to do it His way. It is that attitude, along with a study of His Word and specific requests that I will come to discover His will. If I am praying specifically for something – such as getting a position at work I have applied for- and do not get it- then the Lord has revealed His Will. Now this brings us to the question of praying for the lost.

The heart of God is the Great Commission. Peter says the Lord is not willing that any should perish – but all should come to repentance.  Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2: “…God, Our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.” Jesus said of Jerusalem- he longed to gather them to himself as a mother hen does her chicks- but they would not.   Jesus said light has come into the world, but men preferred darkness.   So here are the facts as the Bible reveals them:

Fact#1. God wants everyone to be saved.

Fact#2. God does not want anyone to go to hell.

Fact#3. God sent Jesus to pay for our sins.

Fact#4. God has given us the responsibility to tell the world- the Great Commission.

Fact#5. God is going to hold us accountable.

I do not understand that  if the fact is God is not willing that any should perish, but all would come to repentance. Why then do some not come to repentance? I do not understand nor can I reconcile the truth that men have seen the light and chosen darkness or that Jesus desired to gather Jerusalem like a mother hen her chicks- but they would not. I only know the Bible says they ( the lost) are without excuse.

What  I do understand is I am to pray for the lost, witness to the lost and leave what I do not understand to God’s sovereignty.  The lost are in bondage, held captive by the enemy. Our responsibility as the church as believers is to combat Satan to rescue the perishing. God has equipped us for the battle. ( Ephesians 6).  He has given us power and that power is in prayer.  Like the disciples we must learn how to pray. And the Lord has given us a teacher- the Holy Spirit who will guide us in truth.

The Power of the Word of God.

We should always, if possible prepare for prayer by studying the Word of God. Let God speak to us first through His word before we speak to Him.  “ For the word of God is alive and powerful. Sharper than a two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” Hebrews 4:12-13.

The Word of God has convicting power. It is a discerner of our thoughts.  As an man thinketh in his heart- so is he.

The Word of God has cleansing power. “ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.: (John 15:3) “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.: ( john 17:17)

The Word of God has abiding power. “ If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7)

“So it is my word that goes forth from my mouth: It will not return void(empty) but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” ( Isaiah 55:11)

The Power of the Gospel.

The Gospel, the ‘good news’  is a truth of God with a specific message. It is through the gospel that we are saved and hearts are changed. It has the power to change the heart. Paul writes: “ For I am not ashamed of the Gospel   because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it was written: the righteous shall live by faith.” ( Romans 1)

The Apostle Paul was an intelligent man.  Much of society today in the 21st century believe those of us who believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God are not very smart. That we are an ignorant and superstitious people.  Paul was not ashamed of the gospel- intellectually, socially or morally. He stood toe-to-toe with the intelligent Greek philosophers and expounded  the truth of God’s Word. 

The Power of the Holy Spirit.

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” (Zech 4: 6)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1- Jesus speaking)

“ the Spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.” ( Proverbs 20:27)

Until the Holy Spirit of God lights the candle of man’s spiritual life, he cannot see and know God. Man is spiritually dead- an unlit candle-,until the Holy Spirit comes in at salvation and takes up residence. He or she then becomes spiritually alive.

He not only empowers us to witness; He guides us in truth and enables us to understand spiritual truths and what God has freely given us.  He also groans for us when we do not know how to pray. Do you not see how  all of this begins to fit together?  Prayer. The Word of God. The Gospel. Then the Power of the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son. He vitally affects the life of the born-again believer.

Here is what Jesus said prior to his death, burial, resurrection and return to heaven:  “ it is to your advantage that I go away: for if I do not go away the Helper shall come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)

The Holy Spirit regenerates; He indwells; He seals; He assures; He convicts of sin and righteousness; He seals; He is the earnest of our inheritance; He empowers so that we can do al thingl through Christ who strengthens us.

The word of God commands us to be filled with the Spirit- to be controlled by the Spirit. God will not command you and me to do something He does not enable us to do.

And we are to walk in the Spirit the same way we receive Him. How? By grace through faith.

The prayers that moved God to send an angel to free Peter were answered not because those who prayed had greater faith than we do today. In fact- they were astonished that Peter  had been freed.

It is not our faith or our prayers that move mountains. It is God who moves mountains- but God moves mountains because of our prayers. As far as faith goes- faith as small as a grain of mustard seed can cause God to cast mountains into seas.  It is not the amount of our faith- it is the object of our faith. Our faith is in Him- God Almighty. The all-wise, all knowing , all powerful , never changing God who spared not His only Son and who longs to give us good gifts and do great and mighty things we know not.

Will you join me in praying to our Heavenly Father? Will you be faithful to pray for one another? For the sick, the troubled and the lost? Pray for our church, our country our leaders?  How about praying for our enemy?  For we are commanded to pray for all of this.  

Do you not see that God wants us to be all that He created us and saved us to be and not only that God has given us the POWERS TO BE!

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

 

Acts 11: ‘The Man in the Mirror’

When Peter returns from Joppa and Caesarea to Jerusalem, word of what Peter had done had already reached the Jewish believers referred to as ‘the circumcised’. They called  Peter on the carpet and immediately attacked Peter for entering the house of uncircumcised men and eating with them.  (For this was against Jewish law.)

Verse 4 of Acts 11 says:  ‘ Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened.’ ( NIV)  The  KJV states it this way: ‘ But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying…”

I like the KJV use of the word ‘ rehearse.’ In preparation for trial and/or cross examination in a court of law, an attorney will often ‘ rehearse’ the witness.  Rehearse means to recount. That is the way to answer arguments. Just tell what God has done. Recount the actions of God. Like the man who was healed by the Lord Jesus of his blindness- he simply told those who asked him- I was blind and now I see.  Like the woman at the well she went and told the town- ‘come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.’ ( John 4)  Peter also had six fellow Jews who supported his testimony as eye witnesses. 

I cannot help but think of the Lord’s Supper which serves as a reminder to our hearts what God has done. It is a rehearsing, a recounting of His sacrifice. He came and died for us- gave us Himself for us. The wine- His blood; the bread- His body both shed and broken for us. Memories fade when we do not focus on them. And a story we do not repeat often we can forget. ‘This do in remembrance of me,’ said Jesus.   

In fact, this is what the Bible is – the story recounted for us of what God has done. And each of us who are believers have a story to tell of what God has done in our lives. Tell the story- for the Lord Jesus has told us to be witnesses.  Tell the story how you once were blind, but now can see; was lost but now are found….was dead but now are alive. Paul, a.k.a. Saul would tell his story over and over. We have seen this story of Cornelius repeated several times in two chapters, as well as Peter’s vision and what it revealed has been repeated also. Why this repetition?  Because we learn by repetition. Because when we do not focus on memories- they fade and when we do not tell the stories we forget. Because as witnesses we are to tell our story- that is what the book of Acts is about- being witnesses.

When the Lord continues to repeat something- we need to pay attention. In the study of Scriptures, you soon realize how the Lord gets our attention. He uses several devices- one is parables- stories that demonstrate a truth or principle. Other times the Word of God tells the life story of real people, like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Esther, Ruth, Mary and Martha. We see how they are real people with real problems just like us.  Another way is by the amount of time He devotes to a subject or topic. For example, God explained the creation of the heavens and the earth in just 10 words. He uses only 5 words regarding the creation of countless stars and galaxies to simply state: “ He made the stars also.” By contrast He devoted over 50 chapters and hundreds of verses to the details of the Tabernacle- the meeting tent and its furnishings. Why?  Because it is a picture of salvation. He also gets our attention by repetition.

Knowing this about Scriptures, I was about to skip over these repeated stories of Cornelius and Peter’s vision, etc.   Then I realized this is what the Lord wants us to do- to tell our story in remembrance of Him and what He has done.

And who is our advocate, our attorney for the defense- it is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. He has rehearsed me as His witness and I come today to testify before you.

Let me tell you the bittersweet story of the man in the mirror.  This story is told as a true story  in the meetings of AA.  This is the story of a man who lived in the 1940’s and was what we call a high functioning alcoholic. He received a call one Sunday morning from his boss.  It was not unusual for this man was a highly skilled salesman possessing particular knowledge and unique skills that enabled him to be his company’s troubleshooter.  His boss told him to pack his bags and be sure to carry warm clothes for he was sending him that day to Scranton,PA.  It was February and the weather in Scranton was cold with a winter storm approaching.  He hurried to the train station where a ticket was awaiting him and off he went to Scranton in the dead of winter. As soon as he was settled – he walked to the restaurant in the club car to have a drink. The porter informed him they served no alcohol on Sunday. Disappointed he ate lunch and returned to his club car to prepare for his appointment on Monday morning. When he arrived in Scranton, the snow storm had hit and brought with it freezing temperatures and icy roads.  Arriving at his hotel by the last taxi of the day, he checked in and asked where the bar was located. He was informed Scranton was a ‘dry town’. He inquired of the bellman who took up his luggage if he could go get him a bottle of whiskey from the local bootlegger, feeling sure there had to be one. The bellman said he had to get home to his wife and children before it got too late- but gave him directions as to how to get to the closest bootlegger who was approximately a mile across town.

Dressing warmly, he started out for the bootlegger for he was desperate to have a drink. The snow and ice made his walk difficult and while passing through an area of construction he slipped on an icy board that was a temporary bridge over a ditch. He fell some six feet into the icy water striking his head on the board, cutting a gash above his eye. He also fell hard on the frozen ground bruising his ribs. It took him several efforts to get out of the ditch. Now he was soaking wet, having difficulty breathing and blood was pouring from his cut. He made it back to the hotel where they helped him to his room- took a hot bath and fell into the bed exhausted but sober. He did not sleep well as ever time he turned over, his ribs hurt. Awaking in the morning- he went in  turned on a hot shower. As he laid out his clothes for the appointment, the steam from the shower turned his bathroom into a mini-sauna. Coming back into the bathroom he wiped the mirror in order to see himself and access the damage. As he looked at the man in the mirror- with closed right eye, swollen, bruised face, a strange thing happened. A slow smile came upon his face and turned into a wide spread grin.  He said to the man in the mirror- “ If I had known you felt this good in the morning when you didn’t drink, I would have quit drinking a long time ago.” The story and its surprise ending bring a smile or a chuckle to most who hear it. But to those of who have been where this man was- who have known the physical and emotional pain of out-of-control drinking- we understand it- for we have lived it.

Let me tell you my story…the story of the man in the mirror on the morning of September16, 1977. I was 31 years old. It was a Friday. I had been drunk since Monday. I had mostly been drunk since 1963.  Gina and I had been married a little over a year and we had a beautiful baby daughter named Carrie.  I wanted more than anything to be a good husband, a good father, and a good provider. But I could not for the life of me stay sober. After a period of a couple of years where it seemed I had a handle on drinking and could drink socially without any problems- the drinking that summer of ’77 had become the worst it had ever been. I had reached the stage of uncontrollable drinking and black-outs. I was avoiding my boss . Hiding my drinking from my wife  and my boss, I knew I could not keep it from either much longer. I would surely lose my job and perhaps lose my wife and child.

Do you know how I started that morning?  I looked in the mirror at my image and said to the man in the mirror- I hate you,Tim Fortner. You are a loser and you will never be anything but a loser. You cannot quit drinking. You will die a drunk.

Do you know what is the most devastating emotion?  Hopelessness. To lose all hope is the darkest place a soul can ever be. A place where depression and negative thinking can  lead to a person giving up on life. Believing life would never be better and not wanting to live that way anymore I stepped out on the balcony of my 10th floor hotel room with every intention of taking my life. 

I placed my left foot on the bottom rail and threw my right leg over the rail. I can still close my eyes and see the blue September skies and feel that iron rail underneath my sock clad foot. As I began to push up with my foot, I realized the end was coming. In a matter of seconds I would reach a tipping point and gravity would take hold and I would plunge to my death, a suicide at age 31.  I do not know how long this time on the rail lasted- seconds perhaps. What I do know is I experienced the greatest fear I have ever experienced.

Pushing back at the last moment, I went back into the hotel room and fell on my knees and buried my face in the cover of the bed. I will never forget the prayer  I prayed that morning. “ Lord Jesus if you are real, come into this room , into my life, into my heart and save me or else I will die.” An honest prayer of an honest doubter who was desperate to know the truth. The Bible tells us God is no respecter of persons.  But I do see evidence throughout the ministry of our Lord that He had great sympathy for desperate souls. The man with the son who had seizures was an honest doubter who said Lord  IF you can- do something. He wanted to believe- and he asked the Lord to help his unbelief.

Coming up from knees , I have often said- I went down on my knees a sot, I came up a saint. I called AA ( Alcoholics Anonymous) for the first time. The person on the phone told me  ‘ I was in luck’, there was a meeting starting in 15 minutes less than 5 minutes away from my hotel. Luck had nothing to do with it – this was all pre-arranged by the Lord.

Arriving at the meeting which was held in the basement of  a church, I smoked cigarettes and drank bad coffee for an hour as people took turns talking.  I do remember in the opening how they said their purpose was to stay sober one day at a time and to help others stay sober. Guess what they did?  They told their stories. Stories they had told over and over again. For stories are how we communicate- identify, empathize, and are encouraged. That is why the Gospel, and the Bible is called- ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told!”

After the meeting was over, I was not sure what I should do. But the Lord sent a man that day as surely as He sent Peter to Cornelius. This well dressed businessman in his 40’s came over to me after the meeting and said would you like to go somewhere and talk?  Oh Yes- I said- Please.

We went to his office and guess what he did?  He told me his story. A story he had told many times. He also told me he usually did not attend that particular AA meeting but had felt impressed to go there that morning, September 16th. Then he asked me if my wife knew I was an alcoholic. I replied – no. He asked my phone number and before I knew it – Gina was on the line and I was blurting out to her all  what had happened. She never wavered in her support and immediately said I will come get you. I told her I would be able to drive home. The next morning on Saturday the first thing I did was call my boss and confess to him my problems with drinking and my lies. Fully expecting to be fired he gave me a second chance.  Do you realize what a liar the enemy of our soul is? He is called by none other than the Lord Jesus- the’ father of all lies, a murderer.’ He had almost convinced me there was no hope for me.

From that day, my life has never been the same. I began to attend AA meetings. For the first time in my life I went 30 consecutive days without a drink. I was going to meetings, reading the AA Big Book, going to church and reading the Bible. The Lord sent me a mentor, a sponsor in AA who like myself was a salesman. He helped me begin the 12 step program that would help me stay sober one day at time. My eyes had been opened, the veil had been taken away. A transformation was taking place, that is still taking place today.

Now let me tell you about the man in the mirror.  In 2 Corinthians 3- Paul writes about the veil that covers the heart that keeps people from seeing the truth. That veil can only be taken away by Christ.

So listen carefully to what Paul writes:

“ Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Now we all with unveiled faces beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.”

How do I change what I see in the mirror?  How can we be changed? Romans 12:2 tells us to be not conformed by the world but be transformed by the renewing our of mind with the word of God.

When we look at the mirror the world holds before us and we see it every day reflected in ads, movies, the news, magazines, television- it is a life that is deemed successful if one looks a certain way physically for physical beauty is greatly desired. Some look in the mirror and want a face lift. Others look in the mirror of the world’s value system and see wealth, position, power and popularity as what will make them happy when they look in the mirror.

But when we look in the mirror of God’s word and behold the glory of the Lord- we see a man in the mirror, a person in the mirror that is the one God intended for us to look like and be like. It is God’s Only Son- the Lord Jesus. God want us to reflect His glory. Our transformation begins in this life but will not be complete here on earth. It is when I see Him – I will  be like him.

Here the Word of God tells us how we can have a face lift and change the man or woman in the mirror we look at each morning. It tells us what our responsibility is and what God will be faithful to do in response.

As we get into the Word, as we are willing to set our faces into the mirror of the Word of God to behold the glory of God, all we have to do is focus on his word and the Glory of God within His Word will begin to change us from the inside out.

Now you must be more than a hearer or reader of the Word of God. Isn’t it interesting that James uses the same image of the mirror, as he writes : “ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what is says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like the man who looks at his face in the mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does.: ( James 1:22-25)

The Bible is the Word of God. There is no other book like it. It is alive and powerful. It is life giving, life changing and life nourishing.

Read it to be wise. Believe it to be safe. Practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you and food to support you and comfort to cheer you. Christ is its grand subject, our good the design and the Glory of God its end!

Let me close with five suggestions on how to change the man or woman you see in the mirror.

1. First of all believe the Word of God.
2. Study the Word of God.
3. Honor the Word of God.It has come down from our Heavenly Father and is more precious than gold or rubies ( Proverbs 3)
4. Love the Word of God.
5. OBEY THE WORD OF GOD.

I heard a lady in her 40’s say she was shaking her finger at her teenager recently, and glanced in the mirror and saw how much she had become to look and act like her mother. She said it was startling realization – that she had become her mother.

We can experience the transformation. Just as this lady had watched, listened and obeyed her mother- she came to think and act like her.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus- Look full in His Wonderful Face. If you stand with your face in the Word of God- learning and beholding the glory of God, the Spirit of God will take the Word of God and make you like the Son of God.

By the way – do you know where the best place to ‘rehearse’ is?  That’s right- in front of the mirror!

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

 

Acts 10:The Good News of Peace Through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of ALL!

Now as Peter is wondering about this strange vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrive at Simon the Tanner’s house looking for Peter. At the same time, the Spirit said to him: “ Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” NOTE: Peter is trying to understand what God has told him in the vision regarding the animals and the statement regarding clean and unclean. “But God’s has revealed it to us by His Spirit. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand what God has freely given us” ( I Cor 2)  This is the Counselor, the Holy Spirit that Jesus told the disciples would teach them and guide them in truth.

Peter is searching for the meaning of God’s word to him and the Spirit is going to guide Peter and open the eyes of his heart to see. The Spirit tells Peter the actions to take. There is a time for praying, a time for study of the Scripture- but sometimes we need to look around us- for what the Spirit would have us do is right there before us, as in the case with Peter. Jesus told us His Father is always at work. In fact Jesus said he could only do what he sees his Father doing , because whatever the Father does, the Son does also. (John 5) Like Peter we are to look around  and see what the Father is doing. Pray to have the ‘eyes of your heart opened.’ And like Jesus and Peter we know the Father will show us what he is doing because He loves us and He wants us to join Him in His Kingdom business. Verse 23 tells us Peter invites these men into his house, where they will spend the night. Peter is very aware this is against Jewish law and custom to have Gentiles lodging with him,a Jew.

So- we see Saul of Tarsus when he encounters the Lord on the road to Damascus ask the Lord – ‘what would you have me to do?’ We see Peter wondering, searching for what the meaning of the vision was and we see the Spirit giving Peter an answer that once acted upon will change Peter’s life and the direction of the early church. If you want to know what the Lord wants you to do? Ask Him. Then be prepared to act upon what He shows you to do. In fact later on as Peter meets with Cornelius and those with him, Peter states:  “ God has shown me….” And the same God will show you what He would have you to do.  So- look around you.

Now Peter takes with him some brothers, fellow Jews, with him on the trip to Cornelius. We later are told  in Acts 11 there were six of them. When Peter enters the house of Cornelius, Cornelius, the Roman centurion, falls at Peter’s feet in reverence. Peter made him get up. “ Stand up, I am only a man myself.” ( The Catholic Church calls Peter the first Pope- I don’t think Peter thought of himself as anything but what he says here- I am just a man too. I am just a sinner saved by grace.)

When Peter enters the home of Cornelius, he finds a large crowd gathered. This is a home Bible study the way it is intended to be. I believe this could still be an effective tool for evangelism. Here is the format: a man or woman opens their home, gathers friends into it, has some refreshments and invites a teacher to come and present the Gospel. Many people are not comfortable attending a church service or even a Sunday School class but will come to a friend’s home.

Peter begins to talk with them and states: “ You are well aware that it is against our law( man-made law) for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask you why you sent for me?” ( vs. 28.29)

Cornelius then answers and tells of the angel’s visitation and directions.

‘Then Peter began to speak: “ I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all.” ( Acts 10:34-36)

Interesting that Luke who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts recorded the birth of Jesus and the visitation of the angels to the shepherds. Listen to what the angels said to those shepherds: “ I bring you good news ( gospel) of great joy that will be for  ALL THE PEOPLE.  Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord. And the a heavenly host appeared  praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest and on earth PEACE and good will toward men.” ( Luke 2)

So it is Peter’s first point in this Gospel sermon/teaching is: You know the message God sent to the people of Israel telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all.  I really believe if we could have seen Cornelius’ face when he heard the word ‘ peace’ we would have seen a look of anticipation for this was what he realized he was searching for- PEACE. In these statements Peter tells them God shows no favoritism but accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. It matters not if you are Jew or Gentile, male or female, free man or slave. Paul writes in Romans 5 – ‘ we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Anyone who comes to God with an honest heart will find an open door to the truth about Jesus Christ. For man looks on the outward man- on his race, his parentage, his status- but God looks in our hearts. It is only through Jesus Christ that we will experience the peace we so desperately seek.

Next Peter recites the historic events of the ministry of Jesus. He tells of the coming of Christ, the Word who was with God and is God became flesh and dwelt among us. The Lord came as a man – the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. The Lord did not come to display His deity- He in fact veiled it in flesh. He came to show us how a man indwelt by God was supposed to live. He was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power. Peter speaks to them of John the Baptist’s preaching and Jesus ministry which began after being baptized by John. Peter tells this audience of Gentiles how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power.

It was this power and anointing with the Holy Spirit that resulted in good works. Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with Him.  Jesus Christ destroyed the works of the enemy. He did this openly before many witnesses. Peter is reminding them of things they have heard and that were witnessed by many. This is what Jesus Christ did 2000 years ago when he was in an earthly body. Today He indwells His Body, the church, and as Christians we are indwelt by Him through the Holy Spirit so that we possess this treasure in earthen vessels. And greater is He who is in us- than he who is in the world.   Peter says- we are witnesses to these mighty works and miracles.

Then Peter tells them almost bluntly: “ They killed Him by hanging Him on a tree.” Certainly Cornelius needed no further description, for as a Roman centurion he had seen his share of crucifixion and knew how horrible it was. For Peter it would probably always provoke a painful memory and he wanted to get to the good news- the resurrection, his next point.

“..But God raised Him from the dead on the third day and caused Him to be seen.” So Peter has presented the Gospel from Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist to his death and resurrection. He adds that he and other witnesses chosen by God ate and drank with the resurrected Lord. And the Lord commanded them to preach the Gospel.

Here is Peter’s climatic finish to this brief sermon: “ ..and to testify that He is the One whom God appointed as Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about Him that everyone  WHO BELIEVES IN HIM RECEIVES FORGIVENESS OF SINS THROUGH HIS NAME.”

Peter continues to preach. He is like the salesman who doesn’t know to stop talking for the sale has been made. The Holy Spirit ends Peter’s sermon suddenly- for this is what Cornelius realized was what he sought after- forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

This is the basic need of every human heart. To be forgiven of our sins. To have a clear conscience. To have peace with God. No guilt in our lives. Guilt enslaves us doesn’t it? It brings fear and shame- two emotions which Adam and Eve had never experienced until they sinned and experience the awfulness of guilt. Guilt and worry over our past sins and anxiety over what the future holds can keep one from sleep at night and make one sick with worry. Surely this is what the song writer lamented when he wrote- oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.  Do you know what the title of that song is?  “ What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” A friend of sinners.

Jesus said on that fateful night in the Upper Room. “ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ( John 14: 27) Jesus also told us He would never leave us. In fact it is in His presence that we experience this peace that passes understanding.

The longer I live- the more I come to realize that peace is something we have all pursued in our own ways. We looked to the world for happiness but Jesus said I do not give you peace as the world gives.

This peace is what Cornelius was trying to find. It was not in his position as a Centurion. The success of this position still left him searching for something. Here is what the Word of God says: “ You(God) will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stedfast because he trusts in You.” ( Isaiah 26:3) He is the God of Peace, Jehovah Shalom.

Does this peace with God and peace of God mean we will never have trouble?  Of course not. Peace is the undergirding rock of the solid foundation on which we have built our lives. It is on Christ the Solid Rock I stand. Storms will come- but we will learn God sustains us and can keep us and take us through the storm. I remember once when we were flying to Houston in 1998 for treatment of my cancer at MD Anderson. Gina was worried about me and what would happen if I died. We took off from Memphis that day in a terrible rain storm. But after climbing to 30,000 feet we lifted up above the clouds to beautiful sunny blue skies. We could actually look below us and see the storm but we were now above it. This visual evidence of what is above all storms we encounter encouraged Gina and me as we realized God would take us through this storm. When we go through the storms- His Abiding Presence keeps us in perfect peace whose mind is stedfast on Him. 

This peace of God passes understanding. Philippians 4 contains some well known verses but don’t miss the last portion of Phil. 4: 5: “…The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Did you see that?  The Lord is Near. It is His presence that provides the peace.

In fact , peace is a promise of God. Peace is a gift of God. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. God has not given us a spirit of fear – but of love, and power and a sound mind.

What can cause one to lose his or her peace?  Fear can cause one to lose their peace. Fear is the enemy of faith. When a sudden storm came on the Sea of Galilee with the Lord Jesus asleep in the stern, the disciples were in fear of their life. When they awoke Jesus – what did Jesus say to the wind and the sea in Mark 4?  He said, “ Peace- be still.” And the storm stopped and Jesus asked his disciples-why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? If at his command of peace – be still the wind and the seas obey- why can we not respond the same way to his command?

Sin in your life can steal your peace. Sin is rebellion against God. How can you expect to have peace when you live in rebellion against the God of Peace?

Some of us give up in times of trouble. We surrender our peace. We surrender because we have lost our focus. We have set our minds on our problems, real as they might be, instead on setting our minds and eyes on God.

Storms will come. But storms will pass also. He has promised never to let you be tested above that which you can bear- but will make a way for you to escape that you might be able to bear it.  Storms are for a reason and a season.

Should I not experience fear, worry and anxiety when a storm strikes suddenly?  Of course we will experience these human emotions. In fact these are natural and instinctive. There is no fault in having these feelings. It is about what you do with those feelings. These feelings are an alarm that sounds within us that should send us running to our Heavenly Father – our refuge in the storm.

Here are five essential beliefs to ‘let not your heart be troubled’: 

1. God is absolutely Sovereign.
2. God is your Provider.
3. God made you the way you are for a purpose.
4. God has a place for you where you truly belong.
5. God has a plan for your fulfillment

God is Sovereign.  Read Psalms 91. There is security in God’s Sovereignty. “If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the Lord who is my refuge- no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”   He promises to be with you in trouble.

God is your Provider. Jehovah Jireh. Manna in the desert, water from the rock, a young boy’s sack lunch to feed thousands, etc.., He has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He is our shepherd and we are His sheep. He has promised if we seek first the kingdom of God all these things we have need of will be added.

God made you and me the way we are for a purpose. One of my favorite visiting preachers at Woodland was the late Ron Dunn.  He was a great teacher and illustrator of biblical truths. He told us once of the first time he heard Adrian Rodgers preach and could not believe not only Dr. Rodger’s grasp and understanding of scripture- but what a magnificent booming voice he possessed. He on the other hand felt his voice was weak, high and nasal. Yet later when he developed a tape ministry, a person taping  his service told him- his high voice was perfect for tapes. You see a Sovereign God saw you and  me and formed us  in our mother’s womb.

God has a place  where you truly belong. ‘ ..He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and  God determined the times set for me and you and the place where we should live. God did this so that men  would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ ( Paul in Athens, Acts 17)

God has a plan for your fulfillment. I believe every person has something they are better at than most. It is often something they enjoy doing also. God has given each of us a spiritual gift(s) that enable us when combined with other abilities to do something with skill and competence. And when we do this we feel a sense of inner peace- a satisfaction. God’s desire is for each of us to become skilled at using the talents and abilities He gave us at birth. He also desires we use the ministry gift we received at salvation. The turning of talents and gifts into skills is part of our responsibility. It may require education, acquiring specific knowledge and repetition or practice to become proficient. Here is the key- we have to continue to learn and practice. We have to trust God to help us learn and grow.

You see none of us are perfect and complete- that is why we need God and each other. When you feel ignorant-ask God for wisdom. When you feel inadequate- trust God for his adequacy. When you are weak- remember Jesus said his strength is made perfect in weakness.

As believers what we think about God affects everything we do. If you do not believe He is sovereign and can provide all your needs, including the peace that comes from a relationship with a loving father- then you will be plagued with fear, worry and doubt. You cannot experience peace.

And peace is what we are seeking. Do you personally know ‘the message God sent to the people of Israel telling the news of peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all?”

Know God- Know Peace.

No God- No Peace.

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

Acts 1: 12-2:13

We are now about to read the account of the birth of the church. A phenomenon began over 2000 years ago that still continues in the 21st century. The church has been described by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians as two major figures.  One is a building; the other is a body.  In Ephesians 1:22-23, Paul describes Jesus Christ as the “head over all things for the church which is His BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” In Ephesians 2: 19-22, we read of the church being described as “members of the household of God, BUILT upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole BUILDING is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” These two symbols- the BUILDING and the BODY help us understand as we see the foundation of the BUILDING  laid and then we will read Luke’s account of the BODY being born on the day of Pentecost.

After witnessing the ascension into heaven of the Lord Jesus, the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives to the upper room where they were staying. The distance from Mount of Olives to the upper room was described as being a Sabbath’s Day Walk. This ‘walk’ reflected the legalism of the Pharisees, as they had set a distance a person could walk on a Sabbath day without it being considered work. Tradition says it was 7 furloughs which are a little less than a mile.  Those staying there were the 11 disciples.  We read also that Mary, the mother of Jesus, His brothers along with the women continued in prayer.  We know this period will last for 10 days- until the day of Pentecost.

In verse 15, we read of Peter, the official leader of the group stand and speak to the group of believers which numbered 120. For a long time- I thought this group was meeting in the Upper Room- but we read in Luke 24, they ‘stayed continually at the temple, praising God.’ The size of the group dictated they meet in a larger space, probably in one of the courts of the temple, i.e. Solomon’s Porch, during the open hours of prayer.  Who were these 120?  We know the 11 disciples, Mary, the other women and Jesus’ 4 brothers and His sisters are there and more than likely the 72 disciples Jesus sent out to witness we read of in Luke 10. Others who were numbered we can only guess- but if I were guessing I would include in that list:  Lazarus, Martha and Mary; Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimethia ,  the two disciples on the road to Emmaus; and perhaps those who had been personally healed and/or touched in some way by Jesus. You might find Jarius there, the man whose 12 year-old daughter was restored to life by Jesus or perhaps the woman with the issue of blood.

What were they doing during these times?  Praying. Studying scripture, obviously. Searching the scripture for directions, for Jesus had shown them how the scriptures revealed His coming, death, burial and resurrection. It also would have been natural for them to talk about the Lord Jesus and share what He had done in their lives. One can imagine it was here that John heard Nicodemus share the details of his conversation with Jesus recorded in John 3; or it was during this precious time- they heard of what Jesus said privately to Martha and Mary prior to the resurrection of Lazarus. Perhaps the woman with the issue of blood testified as to how desperate she was when she took hold of the hem of His robe.

But Peter is going to keep the group on task.  He and the disciples had been pouring over the scriptures to see what was predicted for these days. They discovered the Scriptures had predicted the betrayal of Judas and that it was necessary for them to replace Judas. It was important that there be 12 apostles. Just as there are 12 tribes of Israel and 12 gates described in the City of God, John saw coming down out of heaven recorded in Revelations- there are 12 foundations and on those 12 foundations are the names of the apostles. Remember what Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:20- ‘ built upon the foundation of the apostles.’ Peter quotes the verses in Psalms 69:25 and Psalms 109 that tell them Judas, the betrayer, must be replaced from among them.

Notice how Peter describes Judas as the one who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus. Judas is  probably the most notorious betrayer in all of history. His name is synonymous with traitor. Judas was the treasurer of the group and it was later discovered he was  a thief  and an embezzler. Now one ponders  how it could be that Judas was prophesied as the one who would betray Christ could be held accountable for his deeds.  God’s plan and Judas’ evil deed concurred perfectly. Judas did what he did of his own free will  out of an evil, selfish heart. God’s divine will is worked out  according to the counsel of His own will. In other  words the perfect will of God and the wicked purpose of Judas concurred to bring about the death of Christ. Judas did it for evil, God meant it for good.

Judas was the typical person who attaches himself to a person whom he thinks can provide him with what he wants. He is a user. If that person he attaches himself to- does not prove to be the one who can get him what he wants – which is money and power- he will desert  them as we would say today- ‘  at the drop of a hat.’ In truth, the disciples thought Jesus was the Messiah and as such would take over the government. John and James even asked for chief seats of power in the kingdom.  Judas was selfish, looking out for number one. He was a thief and a hypocrite. Remember when Mary anointed the Lord with the expensive jar of perfume. Judas complained this could have been sold for 300 denari and given to the poor. He didn’t care a thing about the poor- he cared only to have that money in his control. And as we know – ‘the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.’ Judas seeing that Jesus was not going to become what he thought he was- switched to the other team in order to gain favor with them.

Judas is a picture of one who comes so close but misses the opportunity. In the end- Judas was sorry for his betrayal. He was sorry- and remorseful for all of his maneuvering had not gotten him what he wanted. He was empty. He had betrayed innocent blood and it had not gotten him what he wanted. He was empty, he was sorry, remorseful- but he did not repent. Repentance is absolutely necessary for salvation. Sadly he did not seek the forgiveness from God. He did not seek deliverance from satan who had entered into him, he sought relief from the pain of a guilty conscience. But being deceived- he took his life. Committed suicide by hanging himself.  He ignored the light to which he had been exposed and as a result would find himself in eternal darkness.  As Jesus said of him- ‘ it would have been better if he had never been born.’

In their study of Scriptures, Peter and the disciples learned this betrayal was predicted and furthermore they were to replace Judas with another chosen disciple- for there must be 12 apostles.  Here is an important lesson we must take note of:  in the birth and forming of the church, the body of the Lord and the building of which He was the chief cornerstone- all the instructions for this work are clearly laid out . We must do today- what they did then_- search the Word for directions and wait for power of the Spirit.

In verses 21 and 22 of Acts 1, Peter says here must be the qualifications of the one chosen:  the man had to be one who was there from the very beginning, from the baptism of John; and this man had to have accompanied Jesus all through His ministry.  He also had to have been an eyewitness to the resurrection.

Why these requirements? Dr. Luke is underscoring as does the New Testament that our faith is not based on myths or legends but on the reliable facts, events which men have seen, heard and been involved in. Our faith therefore rests on the foundation of the apostles who were there, eyewitnesses to Our Lord’s resurrection, and witness to His miracles.

In the end there are only 2 men qualified out of the 120 gathered. One is named Joseph and the other named Matthias.  They appear to be equally qualified. The group prayed the Lord would show them which was to be chosen. Then they cast lots trusting God through this to select the one to become the 12th Apostle. The lot fell on Matthias and he became the 12th apostle.  Seems strange they cast lots- which sounds like ‘flipping a coin’ to me. However Proverbs 16:33 tells us: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Surely this was the case here and there is no other recorded decision like this in the New Testament.

So using Paul’s two symbols for the church- the building and the body. The building is prepared. The foundation is laid. The 12th apostle selected and in place according to what needs to be done. Let us look at little closer at this unusual  ‘ building’.  Let us become ‘ building inspectors’ so that we might duplicate the same pattern.  These apostles- who laid the foundation had a three fold task- which has not changed since that time over 2000 years ago.

First this group were pioneers, as much as those who braved crossing the ocean to a new land or crossing the frontiers of America as the early pioneers did in this country. They went where the Gospel had never been proclaimed- to India, Europe, Africa and to the uttermost parts of the earth occupied at that time. They were ‘church planters’, laying the foundation and getting the Word of God out.

Second, this group were proclaimers. These men or close associates of these apostles would write the New Testament. “ All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” They proclaimed the Word of God as we are to proclaim with boldness, power, passion and clarity.

Third this group serves as a pattern for us on how to build the church. How to penetrate a community and lay the foundation.

Now the BUILDING  is prepared, the foundation is in place. It is  prepared for the BODY  about to be born. Like a new baby about to be born requires a nursery- the preparations have been made. Now for the birth of the baby- the Church, the BODY of Christ.

Acts 2:1-13.  Peter and the 120 are  all gathered in one place in the courts of the temple on the day of Pentecost ( 50th day after Passover- 10 days after the Lord’s ascension) when the event takes place. Suddenly it says there was a sound  that came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Notice it was a sound like a rushing wind- like a tornado. Often we hear people describe the sound of a tornado sounding like a train rushing past. It was this sound that would attract the crowd to come see what was happening. This was that which Jesus had spoken of and John the Baptist spoke of when he said they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. All were filled with the Spirit at the same time and it says ‘ it appeared what seemed to tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.’ Notice it does not say a mighty wind came- it was the’sound like a violent wind’. It does not say there were tongues of fire resting on the heads but ‘ seemed to be tongues of fire.’ These were the words they chose to describe what they experienced – what they saw and heard. The sound of the wind was obviously heard by others who were there in the temple courts that day on the Day of Pentecost who it says they came in bewilderment.

The 120 gathered with Peter, who had been meeting and praying continuously for the last 10 days begin to  praise the Lord  and declare the wonders of God, which is what we are called to do as witnesses. But now because they were filled and empowered by the Spirit, their words are heard in different languages- that is different dialects. This meant each person there heard this witness, the declaration in their own native language and dialect. Luke tells us the reaction of the crowd was : utter amazement.

How can this be, they asked? Luke lists the many places and countries these people had come from. A word here about the uniqueness of Jerusalem. Josephus, the historian, tells us Jerusalem at this time had a population of approximately 150,000. However, during times of Jewish feasts and special days, the population in Jerusalem could swell to close to a million people. These pilgrims from all of these different countries listed in Acts 2 were Jews or converted Jews who came to celebrate these special days.  Always every year at these gatherings there would be talk of the promised Messiah. This year, many welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and hailed Him as the Messiah. Could this be the One,  many wondered?  After His death and burial, the news of His resurrection spread and many probably  stayed on to celebrate the Feast of Weeks and Pentecost. For this reason many were gathered in Jerusalem and the temple.

Let us take note of the two symbols used to described this event and the miracle that occurred with the speaking in different languages. First the sound of the mighty wind- which drew the crowd. What did Jesus tell Nicodemus in John 3?  He told Nicodemus he must be born again of the Spirit and the water.” The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it came from or where it is going. So it will be with everyone born of the Spirit.” ( John 3) The Spirit, symbolized by the sound of a mighty rushing wind represents the invisible power of the Holy Spirit.

Fire in the Scriptures represents purity and passion. So here is the sequence- the power comes which is the Spirit and it produces purity and passion. And when we proclaim the Gospel, when we witness in the power of the Spirit and with a pure passion- the Gospel and our witness will be heard with clarity. We need the wind of the Holy Spirit to fan the flames of passion as the disciples on the road to Emmaus proclaimed- ‘ didn’t our hearts burn within us when He opened the word to us.’ Our Lord deserves a fiery love, does He not?  We can cheer until we are hoarse for our favorite sports team- but get excited about the Lord and what he has done and show some passion and people will look at you funny.

Notice these tongues they spoke in were not gibberish- but were real languages and real dialects that people understood in their own language. Their reaction is described as amazed and perplexed that led them to question ‘ what does this mean?’

This was a miracle that is the exact opposite of what happened at the Tower of Babel. There they were separated by languages which they could not understand. Now they were joined by tongues, language they could understand as the Spirit’s power enabled  the now filled believers to do.

Watch  what happens- for in the two different reactions we will see what is still the two responses to when we witness in the power of the Spirit today.

Verse 13 of Acts 2 tells us some belittled and made fun of the 120 and said these people are drunk and had too much new wine.  Interesting choice of words- filled with new wine.  Remember what Jesus said- you do not put new wine in old wineskins- for it requires room to expand. These people who laughed and belittled these passionate believers were ‘old wineskins’ who did not want anything to do with something new.  Some will be turned toward the Savior and seek Him with all their hearts- others will harden their hearts and laugh at our passion.

Now we are about to study Peter’s sermon on Pentecost that gave birth to the church and added 3,000 new  believers that day. The foundation for the building had been laid- now the body would be born that would inhabit that building on the foundation of the apostles and the chief cornerstone- the Lord Jesus Christ. On Christ the Solid Rock we stand- all other ground is sinking sand.

We will see a pattern for the spreading of the Gospel, for effective witnessing:

1. An explanation of the events that had taken place. The Story of Jesus.
2. The Gospel- the good news in regard to Jesus’birth, death, resurrection and exaltation.
3. A call for repentance- which is necessary for salvation. “For God is not willing that any should perish but all would come to repentance.” You cannot be saved without being baptized with the Spirit, you cannot be baptized with the Spirit except you repent.

We are to be filled with the Spirit to enable us to speak with boldness, with passion, with power and clarity.

May we each set our sails of our life- so they can be filled with the Spirit and blow us to wherever He would take us to be His witnesses and tell the Greatest Story ever told about a Savior who came from Glory! Be My Witnesses. So Help Me God to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the Truth!

Copyright © 2010 Linda Benthal
Last modified: 08/12/14

Acts. “You will be my witnesses.”

Acts 1:8 is the outline for the Book of Acts .

‘I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.’ Turn that popular oath given in the courts around and you will see the impact:  SO HELP ME GOD TO TELL THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH! That is why God sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit.

The book of Acts is the second book written by Luke. It is the sequel to his first book, Luke, one of the four Gospels.  If you have read the book of Luke, you know the author is a meticulous historian, verifying facts and details. Luke was a Gentile (a Greek) by birth, well educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, a companion of Paul at various times from his second missionary trip to his first imprisonment in Rome. Both books, Luke and Acts, are addressed to Theophilus, a friend of Luke’s and by the sound of his name, also a Greek.  We do not know for sure who this person is, but possibly he is wealthy and even a Roman citizen. It is also believed Theophilus was responsible for seeing that Luke’s writings were copied and distributed.

As he did in the Gospel of Luke, Luke sets out to write an accurate historical account which tells us of the founding of the Christian church. It is rich in detail, accurate in events and tells  an exciting story of the efforts of the early Christian pioneers. You will notice, sometimes the author uses the plural pronoun ‘we’ which indicates he is there personally. At other times he will use the pronoun ‘they’ meaning he was not there but heard first- hand accounts of those who were.

Luke reminds Theophilus  that in his former book, he wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until  he was taken up into heaven. Now Jesus is making it clear to the disciples they are to continue to do and teach, just as He did. This book of Acts was called the Acts of the Apostles- but in reality it is the continued ‘acts’ of Jesus through the lives of believers going on now for over 20 centuries. The Gospel was never intended to remain in the Jewish-only culture. This is what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of putting new wine in old wineskins. And this is what God intended when He told Abraham in Genesis 12- ‘ in thee shall all the families on earth be blessed.” He was referring to Abraham’s descendant through Isaac, Jesus.

In verses 3&4, Luke gives us 3 proofs of the Lord Jesus’ resurrection:  showed Himself to these men giving many convincing proofs he was alive. They were eyewitnesses- they saw the resurrected Lord. He spoke to them about the kingdom of God. They heard Him speak. And on one occasion (at least) the Lord ate with them. Proof that the Lord was not a spirit or hallucination.  We must remember the very foundation upon which Christianity rests is the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead. Paul said in I Corinthians 15- if Christ be not risen our faith is not in vain.  Think about that- if the enemies of Christianity could prove without doubt that Christ was not resurrected- Christianity would not exist- our faith would be in vain. But He is risen indeed.  And in over 20 centuries, every attempt to disprove the resurrection has not been successful.

Now before He ascended into heaven- the Lord gave this commandment to His disciples: “ Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” This prompted the disciples to ask the Lord the following question: ‘ Lord are you at this time- going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: “ It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. 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.” (note: two baptisms are referred to here- the baptism with water by John the Baptist and the baptism with the Holy Spirit. John was the agent of baptism- that is the one who performed the baptism in the first case and water was the element with which he baptized. The second baptism they are to wait on is the baptism with the Holy Spirit; the Spirit is the element – who is the one performing it?  John answered that in Matt. 3:11/Mark 1:8- the Lord Jesus is the One. )

Let us make sure we understand these commandments and  understand the gift, the promise of the Father. These apply to us, as surely as they did the disciples and they imply what we are to do and how   are to do it. ‘ Not by might or power but by His Spirit. For this is our purpose.

The Lord first tells them to wait right where they are in Jerusalem for the gift my Father promised. Wait, is an often repeated commandment through the Bible, for we are an impatient people, anxious to get started- but we must wait on the Lord. Why must we wait on the Lord?  For to do anything without Him would be a waste of time and energy. We would just make a mess of things, as we often do. Abraham decided not to wait upon the Lord and with good intentions set out on his own to provide himself with an heir by using the custom of the day to have a child by a servant girl in his possession, named Hagar. The result was disastrous, a mess which is exactly what will be the outcome when we do not wait on the Lord.

What is the promise? What is the gift?  These two are connected.  The promise, I believe based on the Scripture is the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12. God said to Abraham: “ I will bless you, and make your name great, and all nations shall be blessed by you.” ( Genesis 12:2-3)  This promise is to Abraham. The question is: does this promise apply to the disciples and to us? How is that?  Galatians 3: 29 tells us:  “ If you belong to Christ then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the PROMISE.”  Paul also tells us what the promise is in Galatians 3:14-“ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, so that by faith we might receive the PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT.”
God said in Ezekiel  36: “ I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Jesus then makes it clear to the disciples and us- we will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth comes at salvation by grace through faith to indwell and seal the believer. He is our Helper. This is to be our source of power upon which we rely.  That is why Jesus told them to wait upon the Spirit- for without the Spirit they could not accomplish anything. But they could do all things through Christ who strengthened them in their inner man.  When a person gets saved and the Holy Spirit comes into their lives, God places both a desire and the power to do His good purpose.

The question the disciples asked at that time was the burning question of almost every Jew who lived during that period- was he, the Lord Jesus the Messiah, going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time?  In other words, are you Lord now going to take over the throne from the Roman Empire and establish  your earthly kingdom?  Remember how at one time, the disciples were so sure that Jesus as the Messiah would establish the kingdom they were arguing about who would hold what position in His Kingdom.  This was the common belief of all Jews- that when the Messiah came He would establish His kingdom at that time and restore the nation of Israel to its position of greatness and power.

Remember when Pilate questioned Jesus at his arrest , Pilate asked: Are you king of the Jews? Jesus replied,’ my kingdom is not of this world. If it were my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But NOW my kingdom is from another place.” Notice Jesus says- NOW- at that point in time and history His kingdom was and is from another place- but His Kingdom will come to earth and He will rule and reign with a rod of iron from his throne in Jerusalem in the Millennial Kingdom.

Jesus’ answer regarding the timing of his return is  that it is not for them to know the times or dates. Although Jesus gave us signs that would  indicate His coming again was near.

The truths that Jesus shared with his disciples the night of the Last Supper  indicate what was about to happen.  In a remarkable series of statements, Jesus says: “Believe when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe in the evidence of the miracles themselves” (John 14:11) I tell you the truth, ANYONE who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He(anyone) will do even GREATER THINGS than these, because I am going to my Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:12-14

Jesus was revealing a truth that was about to become truth for anyone who has faith in Him. Our faith is in a person- the person is Jesus Christ. He is the One who is described as the Word who was with God in the beginning and the Word who was God who became flesh and dwelt among us 2000 years ago. His human name was Jesus- but He was God in the flesh- because God the Father lived in the Son and the Son lived in his Father.

Now her e is what is amazing and applies to each one of us who is included in the ‘ANYONE WHO HAS FAITH IN  JESUS”: we will do what he was doing. Not only will we do what he had been doing- we will do greater things!  Most of us believe the apostles did what they did because they were special people selected by Jesus. But the wording here leaves no doubt- Jesus says anyone who has faith in Him. That’s you and me- 2000 years later.

How can this possibly be?  Greater- means more. We will be able to accomplish more because the Glorified Lord has returned to heaven and is able to send the Holy Spirit to indwell, seal, guide and empower anyone who has faith in Jesus. While confined to human flesh, Jesus could only be in one place at one time.

Jesus said he would ask the Father and He will give you another, the Counselor (Holy Spirit) who will be with you forever. (John 14:15-17)  Do you realize what all Jesus has done for you and me?  First of all when I placed my faith in Him- believing He is who He says He is – He asked the Father to forgive me of my sins at the Cross. Jesus then asked the Father to give me the Holy Spirit. This is Whom, the Lord referred to Ezekiel 36- “ I will sprinkle clean water on you and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from impurities and from all idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a new heart of flesh. I will put MY SPIRIT in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (John 17:21- that they all may be one , as You Father are in Me and I in you, that they may also be one in Us that they world would believe You sent me.’)

This is what happens when we get saved- believe in Jesus- believe that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. Believe that His sinless blood shed for me at Calvary cleansed me from all impurities- all my sins were forgiven and now God could put His Spirit in me- in my new heart.

Now let us return to this statement Jesus makes in Acts 1- to wait for the Holy Spirit because John the Baptist baptized with water but you will(future) be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Jesus told them at the Last Supper-“ but you know Him, for He lives with you and will be(in the future)in you.” (John 14:17)

The day was soon coming- the day they were to wait for when the Holy Spirit would come to live in anyone who placed their faith in Jesus- believing He is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. Ever since the day of Pentecost, 2000 years ago, when a person gets saved they immediately receive the Holy Spirit. We are saved by grace through faith and that not of ourselves it is a gift of God not of works lest any man should boast. After we are saved we should walk in the works God has ordained for us to walk in.  We will be new creatures- old things are passing away and all things are becoming new.

This was made possible by the plan of salvation that was designed by God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit before the foundation of the earth. It is the means by which the very life of Jesus becomes available to us, continuously and constantly. Think about how the people crowded around Jesus vying for his attention  when He was here on earth, trying to get to Him for healing or to talk one on one with Him. Even the disciples in that small group had to share Him with the other disciples. But now I have Him-all of Him. I have his immediate attention- I have His constant attention. He walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am His own.  What a wonderful plan is the plan of salvation!!By means of the Holy Spirit the Life of Jesus is made available to me and you- to ‘anyone who has faith in me’ said Jesus.

Now included in the plan of salvation was a program by which the life of Jesus, the forgiveness of sin and eternal life could be made available to the ends of the earth.  We, Baptists, are big on programs- but the only program we need to implement is the one Jesus told us to implement in the Great Commission 2000 years ago. Here is the key- It is His Program, His Plan and it will only work and be accomplished when it is done with His Power.  “ Faithful is He who calls you, Who will also do it.” (I Thess. 5:24)

This power does not need our help, our cleverness or marketing savvy. It only needs our obedience, our availability, not our ability. It is the glorious power of the Risen Lord- it is resurrection power we are to rely on. Paul prayed our eyes would be opened to see this incomparable power  that created the heavens and the earth, the seas and the mountains- the human body which is fearfully and wonderfully made- the very power that raised Jesus from the dead all the way to heaven. This is the power that came into each of us when we believed. It changes us from the inside –out. It is the power to change the world in which we live and 2000 years ago those who witnessed this beginning of the Church said these men- these believers ‘turned the world upside down.”

What is wrong with the Church today- is we have abandoned His method for implementing the program in the power of the Holy Spirit. We have somehow become salesman peddling a product- a denomination , a specific church with all its programs. Recruiters trying to get you to join our fraternity or club because of the good stuff we have and do.

Jesus said ‘ but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” That is the program. That is what the Holy Spirit empowers us to do- be MY (THE LORD’S) WITNESSES.  Jesus said talk about me. How can I talk about Him, if I have not experienced Him? Talk about what I have done for you and in you says the Lord. A witness is someone who has personal knowledge and experience. This what we are to testify of and about- what Jesus has done in our lives. We will not see the early church and disciples talking about themselves or their church- they are talking about and witnessing about the Lord- about what He had done in their lives. it is not about me- or about the church I attend- it is all about HIM. This is what the church is supposed to be about.

We are to be witnesses everywhere we go- to all races, all sexes, all ages- it makes no difference. To the ends of the earth was the Lord’s plan for after all He so loved the World He gave His only begotten son – who died not only for our sins but for the sins of the world.

Now Luke based on eyewitness accounts tells us after these instructions during the Lord’s 40 day ministry- the Lord gives a visual lesson that would remain in their memories for the rest of their days.

The Lord Jesus in His glorified, resurrected body, they had both seen, heard, handled and sat down with Him and watched him eat was taken up – into heaven out of their sight. He had returned to His Father.

While they were standing there looking up into the clouds where he had disappeared, two angels appeared to them and said: “ Men of Galilee why do stand there looking up 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.” There is a promise for each of us believers!

I believe every generation of believers since then has lived in the expectation and hope the Lord would return during their time. But what we are going to discover is although the Lord has not returned visibly and bodily to this day. He did return just 10 days later after His Ascension into heaven. He returned in the person of the Holy Spirit. And it is the Spirit of Truth that confirms to us He is alive and He is living within each believer.

Again let us return to something the Lord said on the night of the Last Supper.  He had saved some of his most precious teaching for his disciples and us until the very end of his earthly ministry for He knew the timing for that teaching was right.

Listen to these words of comfort:  “ let not your hearts be troubled- you believe in God, believe also in me. “ ( The antidote for a troubled heart is to believe in Jesus.) “In my father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” I love the assurance Jesus adds to this statement- he says if it were not so I would have told you.  “ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

I do not have to be concerned about whether the Lord will return to earth in my lifetime for I am assured that when I die- I will go to be with Him. He said He would personally receive me Himself.

Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. Are you prepared? Have you told others?

Remember your oath- ‘I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So Help Me God!     Do you know what God ‘s answer is to our plea-So Help Me God?  He says I already have. I gave you my Son to die in your place for your sins, and I placed my Spirit in you to empower you to be my witnesses. I have given you everything you need.