The Knew Kingdom: May 2007

Acts 3:1-26

Acts 3:1-26

The first Christians and the Temple (3:1)
1. The first Christians continued to be Jewish
2. The first Christians continued to pray at the temple
3. The first Christians continued to utilize the synagogues
4. The first Christians began to utilize their homes
5. The first Christians began to realize they are the temple

~ How natural is it to become attached to a structure?
~ How should Christians approach church building projects?

The healing of the crippled man (3:2-11)
1. There were provisions within the law to help the poor
2. This man, however, was totally at the mercy of others
3. The disciples had, almost certainly, seen him before
4. There is something much greater than money to give
5. This event created the crowd for the second sermon

~ Why do you think God healed some and not others?
~ What is the most important thing we can give?

The second sermon of Peter (3:12-26)
1. He reminded them that healing was part of Messianic ministry
2. He gave all the credit to Jesus
3. He based his sermon on falsifiable evidence
4. He showed that this was God’s plan all along
5. He gave a re-definition for what it mean to be an Israelite

~ Was this sermon confrontational?
~ How can you become a true Israelite?

Lord's Supper

LORD’S SUPPER

The Various Names for the Lord’s Supper
1. Eucharist (Luke 22:17-19)
2. Communion (1 Corinthians 10:16)
3. Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20)
4. Breaking of Bread (Acts 2:42, 46)

Jesus & Communion
1. He initiated it during the Passover meal
2. He took, gave thanks, broke & gave the bread
3. The bread symbolized his body
4. He took, gave thanks, and offered the cup
5. The wine symbolized his blood
6. After the 1st “Lord’s Supper” they sang a hymn

Why take part in the Lord’s Supper?
1. As an act of obedience
2. To remember Christ’s death
3. To prepare for Christ’s return
4. To experience Christian fellowship
5. To experience the presence of Christ

Questions Regarding the Lord’s Supper
1. Who should take part?
2. How often should we do it?
3. How does one prepare for it?
4. In what manner should we take it?
5. What is transubstantiation?

Baptism

BAPTISM

The Pre-Christian History of Baptism
1. Physical bathing
2. Spiritual value attached through time
3. John the Baptist

We don't have much information in regards to the origin of baptism. It is certainly doubtful, though, that John's baptism came out of a vacuum. I suggest there was a natural evolution. Bathing in water is, of course, cross-cultural. Many of the ancients saw themselves as a body/soul unity and, so, naturally began to associate physical cleansing as having spiritual value as well. Judaism, by no means, monopolized this evolution, but we can see it, to some degree in the ceremonial washings present with Judaism as well as the healing of Naaman in 2nd Kings 5:10. By the days of John the Baptist there were, perhaps, a multitude of people 'baptizing' in one way or another. It seems to have devoloped into a right of passage into a new community. We know, from history, that not long after John & Jesus' ministry, the Jews began to baptize gentile converts (into Judaism). John's baptism had much the same meaning. Post-exilic Israel hadn't experience a 'true' return from exile. They were still subjected to Roman rule. The temple wasn't as beautiful as in the days of Solomon. A large scale national repentance hadn't taken place. The Messiah hadn't come. Etc. John's call to 'repent and be baptized' was not so much a call to individual repentance (though it was that too) as it was a call to be part of the 'true' Jewish community set to experience the true return from exile. John was preparing the way for the Messiah who would indeed begin a powerful kingdom and build a glorious temple. Those who wanted to be 'in' Israel had to be people of repentance. Baptism was the doorway.

Jesus & Baptism
1. He was baptized in water. Why?
--It was a sign that his ministry was beginning
--It was an endorsement of John’s ministry
--It was identification with humanity
--It was an example for us to follow
--It was a demonstration of God’s nature
2. He, personally, didn’t baptize people in water
3. He did, however, endorse water baptism
4. He baptized the church with the Holy Spirit

As John's ministry was flourishing, Jesus came onto the scene seeking baptism from John. There is some mystery in this. Why would Jesus need to be baptized? Baptism involved repentance and entry into a new family, but Jesus didn't need to repent and was the head of the new family. There are multiple reasons why God chose for Jesus to be baptized, beginning, of course, with the reason Jesus gave to John. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. In being baptized Jesus did what every Jew at the time should have been doing. He set the example for all future followers. Beyond this, the baptism of Jesus was an endorsement of John's ministry, let alone an endorsement of Jesus Himself. Further, it was an opportunity to show God's triune nature (Father's voice, Spirit as a dove, Son being baptized).

Jesus, soon after being baptized, began His ministry. Interestingly enough, though, it doesn't seem that He personally, ever gave people a water baptism. John 3:22 indicates that He oversaw water baptisms, but John 4:1 indicates that He wasn't the one actually performing the act. I would speculate that Jesus didn't baptize for a number of reasons: First, if Jesus would have personally baptized, the recipients may have viewed themselves as 'higher' in rank than other disciples. Second, Jesus was to give a separate baptism, as predicted by John, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In that sense, Jesus did indeed baptize.

In New Covenant Scriptures, there are multiple types of baptism.
1. Baptism of water
2. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
3. Baptism of fire (debated below)
4. Baptism of suffering

What is Christian Water Baptism?
1. It is a symbol of one’s death to self (Romans 6:3-4)
2. It is a symbol of one’s life in Christ (Romans 6:5, Colossians 2:12)
3. It is a symbol of one’s entrance into the church (Ephesians 4:5)
4. It is a symbol of one’s spiritual cleansing (for the forgiveness of sins)
5. It is a symbol of one’s receiving of the Spirit (usually around same time)

Sometimes in Acts, a group had received water baptism, but had not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:16). Other times, however, a group had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but had not yet received water baptism (Acts 10:47). It seems, then, that the order is not always the same, but both baptisms are very important.

Other baptisms mentioned in Scripture are the baptism of suffering (Mark 10:38, Luke 12:50) and the baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11). The latter has been interpreted in various ways:

The baptism of fire is....
1. Another name for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (fulfilled w/tongues of fire)
2. Zeal (ie. that person is 'on fire' for God)
3. Persecution/Suffering (one going 'through a fire')
4. It is the other option besides being baptized with the Spirit

Either 1 or 4 seem like good interpretations to me. In favor of view #4, possibly, is the context (Matthew 3:10-12). Verse 10 describes 2 options (fruit bearing tree vs. dead tree destined for the fire). Verse 12 describes 2 options as well (wheat vs. chaff destined for the fire). If we read the middle verse (11) in the same way then we have 2 options there as well (baptism of the Spirit vs. baptism of fire). If this interpretation is correct, then Christians want nothing to do with the baptism of fire!

Various Questions Regarding Baptism
1. When should one be baptized?
The model in Scripture is baptism upon belief/repentance (usually immediately). Some make a case for 'infant baptism.' I've heard some decent arguments for this, but it still goes entirely against the grain of Scriptural example. Some point to the jailer's whole household being baptized in Acts 16:33, but the context also says the whole household believed. Some point to infant circumcision and baptism as the anti-type of that practice, but the anti-type of circumcision is circumcision of the heart, not baptism, in my opinion. All that being said, I leave room for infant baptism as an acceptable, though not recommended practice.

2. What is the proper method of baptism?
There are 3 common methods of baptism: Immersion, pouring & sprinkling. The word baptism, in the Greek, actually means immersion/dipping. Immersion is also the biblical model. If enough water is available, according to the Didache, immersion is the preferred method since it best displays the symbolism of baptism (death to self, raised in Christ). I speculate that other modes of baptism evolved out of special circumstances (not enough water available, infants being baptized, the sick or elderly being baptized, etc).

3. Is baptism necessary for salvation?
Some claim that baptism is mandatory for salvation. 3 verses are primarily used to show this: Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16 & 1 Peter 3:21.

I disagree with that interpretation of the Mark passage for 2 reasons. First, this is a disputable section of Mark. Second, if Jesus did say this He doesn't address believers who haven't been baptized. He mentions believer's who have been baptized. Then he mentions non-believers (perhaps purposefully leaving baptism out of the second half of the sentence). He simply doesn't address the issue of an unbaptized believer (probably b/c such a scenario was incredibly rare).

I disagree with that interpretation of Acts 22:16 because I associate the washing away of one's sins with 'calling on his name' not with 'be baptized.' We know, for sure, that Paul associated calling on the Lord's name for salvation (Romans 10:13). Our sins are washed, according to the whole of the New Testament, by the blood of Christ, not by the water of baptism.

I disagree with that interpretation of 1 Peter 3:21 even though I admit it is the most difficult of the 3 passages to dismiss. 1 Peter 3, as a whole, is a difficult chapter to interpret. I believe the Apostles saw the concept of 'salvation' quite differently that we do today. It was a broader term for them, describing more than just the day one 'got saved.' Conversion & baptism were so closely linked chronologically (in most cases) that to speak of baptism saving a person is not out of line. Plus, Peter seems to go out of his way to state that it's not the water itself that saves us, but the relationship to God. We are saved by raising up with Christ to a newness of life. Baptism simply shows what has already occurred in one's life.

So, in my understanding of Scripture, baptism is not necessary for salvation. Sometimes it doesn't occur because of death (thief on the cross, death bed conversions) and sometimes it doesn't occur due to ignorance (Acts 19). But for those who are aware of the command to be baptized, it is a simple opportunity to show your level of obedience.

4. In whose name are we to be baptized?
Though Jesus clearly commanded the disciples in the Great Commission to baptize in the name of the Father, Son & Spirit, the disciples, in Acts, baptized in Jesus name only. Why? It seems to me that they interpreted baptizing in Jesus name TO BE baptizing in the name of all three. After all, in Christ all the fullness of deity dwelt (Colossians 2:9). Therefore, I am very open to baptizers following Jesus word for word or following the practice of the disciples.

5. Should people get re-baptized?
Many people were baptized as an infant and wonder if they should get re-baptized once they make a personal decision for Christ as a teen/adult. I recommend seeking the Lord on this issue as Scripture doesn't really address the matter. I, personally, decided to be re-baptized. I had been baptized in the United Methodist Church, but when I made a commitment to Christ I was attending a Wesleyan Church. I wanted to respond to what God had done in my life and felt led to be baptized. It is possible that there is a case of re-baptism in Acts 19:5, but the lack of examples is hardly surprising considering the fact that we have no record of infant baptism in Scripture. The issue simply didn't come up in the NT Time frame. Without disrespect for my 'infant baptism,' I would not consider my subsequent experience to be a RE-baptism. I would consider it my true baptism. I think of the first one more as a child dedication. This was the argument of the early anabaptists (they claimed not that they were getting re-baptized, but getting baptized for the first time since infant baptism didn't count).

Romans 15:14-16:27

Romans 15:14 – 16:27

Wrapping up Romans with Some Last Second Reminders

1. Be optimistic about the church of God (14-15)
2. Be purposeful and mission minded (16)
3. Be humble enough to know you are God’s vessel (17-19)
4. Be light in dark places (20-21)
5. Be willing to say no to some good things (22)
6. Be unwilling to retire from your purpose (23-24)
7. Be thankful for your heritage (25-27)
8. Be pleased to spend time with the family of God (28-29)
9. Be bold in asking for prayer (30-33)
10. Be accommodating to God’s workers (1-2)
11. Be personal (3-16)
12. Be watchful for false teachers (17-19)
13. Be peaceful in God’s strength (20)
14. Be uniting in your discussion of the church (21-24)
15. Be excited about the time we live in (25-27)

Ezra 1-4

6 books of the Old Testament cover post-exile Israel
Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther
Haggai/Zechariah/Malachi

Just as there had been 3 waves of exile, there were 3 waves of return
1. 538BC Under leadership of Zerubbabel
2. 458BC Under leadership of Ezra
3. 445BC Under leadership of Nehemiah

I am studying/teaching this period of Israel's history in chronological order
1. Zerubbabel leadership (Ezra 1-4)
2. Haggai's prophecy (Haggai 1-2)
3. Zechariah's prophecy (Zechariah 1-8)
4. Temple completed 516BC (Ezra 5-6)
5. Zechariah's prophecy (Zechariah 9-14)
6. Esther (Esther 1-10)
7. Ezra's leadership (Ezra 7-10)
8. Nehemiah's leadership (Nehemiah 1-13)
9. Malachi's prophecy (Malachi 1-4)

Historical Context
Prior to the exile, Jeremiah & Isaiah had prophesied regarding the exile. Jeremiah specifically predicted its duration (70 years, Jeremiah 25:11) while Isaiah specifically named the leader who would initiate the return (Cyrus, Isaiah 44:28). One day, while in exile, Daniel was reading Jeremiah's prophecy (Daniel 9:1-27) and began to pray to God regarding the prophesied return. According to Josephus, the Persian King Cyrus was so impressed with Isaiah's prophecy (calling him by name about 200 years before his birth) that he did everything in his power to perform what he believed God had called him to do, namely, to send the Israelites home to re-build the temple of God. This is where Ezra begins.

Chapter 1 gives account of Cyrus's Decree
1. Cyrus sends any willing Israelite home to build the temple of the Lord
2. Cyrus orders others to help fund the project
3. Only those whose hearts God moved returned (5), about 50,000
4. Cyrus sent the temple articles with the returning exiles

Chapter 2 gives a list of who returned
1. Prominent members (2)
2. Families (3-20)
3. Towns (21-35)
4. Priests (36-39)
5. Levites (40)
6. Singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, servants of Solomon & miscellaneous (41-63)
7. The whole company numbered 42,360 not counting servants
8. Some gave free will offerings upon arrival in Jerusalem
9. They settled in their respective towns

Chapter 3 describes the beginning of the project
1. After settling into their towns, they assembled into Jerusalem in the 7th month
2. Jeshua (priest) and Zerubbabel (prince) began to build the altar of God
3. Israel's worked in spite of resistance from their neighbors
4. Morning & Evening sacrifices were re-instituted
5. Feast of Tabernacles, burnt offerings, sacred feasts were re-instituted
6. The foundation for the temple was laid
7. The laying of the foundation prompted differing responses
--Many shouted praises to God
--Many in the older generation wept due to comparison with Solomon's temple

Chapter 4 describes the opposition to the project
1. Israel's enemies asked if they could help (so as to, most likely, derail the project)
2. Zerubbabel refused their help
3. Israel's enemies set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to continue building; they hired counselors to hamper the project
4. And so the work came to a standstill (24)
* Chapter 4 also tells of later times throughout the project when opposition arose (6-23)
** I will address 6-23 later, as chronological order dictates

Malachi

Below you will find notes from my study of Malachi

1:1-2:9
2:10-3:15
3:16-4:6

Inter-Testamental Period

Nehemiah

Below you will find notes from my study of Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah 2-4
Nehemiah 5
Nehemiah 6-7
Nehemiah 8:1-9:5
Nehemiah 9:6-10
Nehemiah 11-13

Esther

Below you will find notes from my study of Esther

Esther 1-2
Esther 3-4
Esther 5-7

Zechariah

Below you will find notes from my study of Zechariah

Zechariah 1-4
Zechariah 5-8
Zechariah 9-11
Zechariah 12-14

Haggai

"It is, perhaps, not a great book." That's a quote I read while preparing to teach on Haggai. How inspiring! Nevertheless, I think there's plenty of interest here. Below you'll find a summary of its contents, some application points, and an additional summary of its contents (from my previous time teaching on this book):

SUMMARY

When Jerusalem was destroyed in 586BC, many surviving Jews were exiled to Babylon. When Cyrus (and the Persians) came to power, they allowed these exiled to return home. Sixteen years later, in 520BC, the temple of God was still in ruins. In this context, a man named Haggai spoke, and four particular prophetic statements were preserved in this little book.

August 29^th (1:1-15)

God’s words through Haggai were directed primarily to the civil (Governor Zerubbabel) and religious (Joshua, the High Priest) leaders of his day. The prophetic statement rebukes the Jews for delaying the reconstruction of the Temple. God’s house was in ruins while the houses of the people were completed. It is no wonder that they weren’t enjoying the prosperity that most assumed would accompany the return from exile. Because of their negligence, God was against them. (As a result of Haggai’s prophecy, the leaders and the people were stirred to action. Work on the Temple began on September 21^st).

October 17th (2:1-9)

A small number of the Jews in Haggai’s day were old enough to remember the original Temple. As work proceeded, it became obvious that this project was going to pale in comparison. God spoke through Haggai, at this time, to encourage the people. God was with them and promised that the latter temple would be even more glorious than the former.

December 18^th (2:10-19)

According to the Old Covenant, consecration wasn’t contagious (if consecrated meat touched something, that thing did not become consecrated), but defilement was contagious (if a defiled person touched something, that thing became defiled). Haggai used these recognized principles to make a point. Since the people were defiled, any religious acts they did were also not acceptable to God. (Later that same day, Haggai delivered God’s message to Zerubbabel. The prophecy envisioned that something big was coming and that Zerubbabel would be exalted).

APPLICATION

1. It is easy to put the most important things on the backburner

2. Giving careful thought to our ways… is largely a lost art

3. God sometimes brings difficulty into our lives to wake us up

4. God’s word carries an authority that doesn’t need dressed up

5. The most important thing about a temple is God’s presence

6. Religion is of no benefit if our hearts are not clean

7. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of these promises

OLDER SUMMARY

The book of Haggai picks up where Ezra chapter 4 leaves off.

Work on the temple had come to a standstill for a variety of reasons:

Ezra 4:24 Work at a standstill

WHY?

1. Internal Discouragements (Ezra 3:12)

2. External Discouragements (Ezra 4:4-5)

3. General Selfishness (Addressed in Haggai)

Result?

Zerubbabel, the leader of the project, went back to Babylon. It is possible he went back to seek assistance in the project, but in any case, it seems to took employment as a bodyguard for King Darius. Josephus records a story in which Zerubbabel was a contest and was able to ask for anything as a reward. He asked, of course, for help in renewing the effort to rebuild the temple. And so Darius, a friend of Zerubbabel, obliged.

Return x2

Zerubbabel returned, again, with another large company of Jews and plenty of political backing, but the discouragements continued and so God raised up 2 prophets: Haggai & Zechariah

What was their message?

Message #1 (Haggai 1:1-15)

*This message was delivered in the 2nd year of Darius, in the 6th month

Problem: People are saying the timing is wrong (for building the temple)

Rebuke: God rebukes their mindset and points out their self-centeredness

Observation: You aren't experiencing the prophesied prosperity, something is wrong

Solution: Build God's temple, make God your priority

Response: Obedience & fear of the Lord

Presence: God with them, work begins

Message #2 (Haggai 2:1-9)

*This message was delivered in the 2nd year of Darius, in the 7th month

Problem: The temple is nothing in comparison to Solomon's

Command: Be strong and work anyways!

Promise: God has a plan, despite appearances. This temple will be even greater!

How is this true?

--The 2nd Temple was never an equal to Solomon's in a physical sense

--But Jesus actually stood in this temple, making it more glorious!

--Hebrews 12:26-27

--It seems to me the 2nd Temple foreshadowed the True Temple

Message #3 (Haggai 2:10-19)

*This message was delivered in the 2nd year of Darius, in the 9th month

Question 1: Can something become holy by association to holiness?

Answer: No

Question 2: Can something become unholy by association with unholiness?

Answer: Yes

Lesson: Wrong hearts render seemingly good ritual meaningless

Message #4 (Haggai 2:20-23)

*This message was delivered in the 2nd year of Darius, in the 9th month

Prophecy: Other kingdoms will fall, but Zerubbabel is a chosen vessel

--It seems to me that Zerubbabel, here, is symbolic for Christ

There's an overall sense that this return from exile wasn't the ultimate and true return from exile prophesied in the past. The returning Israelites were small in number, still in subjection, not prospering, and the temple was not what it had been in Solomon's day. But in Jesus we have the true return from exile. Jesus delivers us from the true enemy (sin & death). This return was a small foreshadowing of the return made available through Jesus Christ.

Ezra

Below you will find notes from my study of Ezra

Ezra 1-4
Ezra 5-6
Ezra 7-8
Ezra 9-10

Acts 2:42-47

What are the Purposes of the Church? (using Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Church")

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

What is our/your church doing to fulfill each of these purposes?

Discipleship

Fellowship

Ministry/Service

Worship

Evangelism

Romans 14:1-15:13

Romans 14:1-15:13

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity”

1. There is such a thing as an essential Christian belief

A Christian Must Believe…
~ God exists (Hebrews 11:6)
~ God cares (Hebrews 11:6)
~ Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2)
~ Jesus is who He claimed to be (John 8:24)
The Messiah (1 John 5:1)
The Son of God (John 20:31)
The Lord (Romans 10:9)
~ God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9)

2. There is such a thing as a non-essential Christian belief

Examples
~ Are all foods permissable? (2)
Should Christians keep Kosher laws?
Should Christians meat offered to idols?
~ Are all days equal in value? (5)
Should Christians observe O.T. holy days?
Should Christians maintain the Sabbath?
*But this was not purely a Jewish/Gentile division. Some Jews (like Paul) felt free. Some Gentiles (vegetables & wine are not really 'Jewish' issues) felt restrained (The meat b/c of idols, the wine b/c unclean people might have sipped it).

3. How to deal with the non-essential differences

Do’s
~Accept the other person as a brother/sister in Christ (1, 19)
~Realize that people don’t answer to men, but to God (4, 10, 12, 22)
~Think through the issue and have strong opinions (5, 12, 14, 22)

Don’t
~Don’t do anything that goes against your conscience (14, 23)
~Don’t look down on or condemn the other person (3, 10, 13)
~Don’t cause your brother/sister to stumble (13, 15, 20, 21)

Meeting Together

CORPORATE DISCIPLINES
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
~Hebrews 10:22-25

Western Culture focuses on the INDIVIDUAL
Scripture places the focus on the GROUP
The Church is the BRIDE of Christ
The Church is the BODY of Christ

A Church Meeting Should Consist Of…
PUBLIC PRAISE
PUBLIC PRAYER
PUBLIC PROCLAMATION

An Example Of Implementation…
Sunday AM
20 minutes of Praise
20 minutes of Prayer
20 minutes of Proclamation
Sunday PM
60 minutes of Proclamation
Wednesday PM
60 minutes of Prayer
Friday PM
60 minutes of Praise

PUBLIC PRAISE
In what forms can public praise take place?
When does the church praise God?
How much time is spent in praising God?
Have we individualized public praise?
Are we paying attention to musical lyrics?
Have we let Satan to turn worship into warship?
How could we improve our praise levels?

PUBLIC PRAYER
In what forms can public prayer take place?
When does the church pray to God?
How much time is spent in praying to God?
Have we individualized public prayer?
Are we thinking through public prayer?
What does a lack of prayer say about a church?
How could we improve our prayer levels?

PUBLIC PROCLAMATION
In what forms can proclamation take place?
When does the church teach the word of God?
How much time is spent teaching God’s word?
Have we individualized public proclamation?
Is Scripture abundant in our services & sermons?
How could we improve our proclamation levels?

* For more information see Keith Drury's book:
"There is no I in church"

Romans 13:1-14

Romans 13

Our Primary Citizenship: Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
Our Secondary Citizenship: U.S.A.

Our Relationship to Government

1. God has established all authorities (1)
2. We are to submit to His established authorities (1, 5)
3. Rebelling against an authority is rebelling against God (2)
4. Judgment awaits any who rebel against authority (2, 4)
5. Good behavior frees one from fearing authorities (3)
6. Authorities are supposed to govern for the good of people (4)
7. Our conscience tells us to submit to authority (5)
8. We must render to the government what is due (6-7)
* All this coming from a guy who had reason to be mad at government

What is the Biblical View of Capital Punishment?

“But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

1. Capital Punishment was instituted by God in the Old Testament
2. Capital Punishment was part of Theocratic Israel
3. Capital Punishment is not the same thing as murder
4. God has the right to take the life of anyone in His creation
5. The NT confirms that world leaders may use capital punishment
6. Christians, on a personal level, should not wish for any to perish

Our Relationship to our Fellow-man

1. Let no debt remain outstanding (8)
2. Love your neighbor as yourself (8-10)
3. Put aside the deeds of darkness (11-12)
4. Put on the armor of light (12-14)

Acts 2:14-41

Acts 2:14-41

What can we learn from Peter’s Preaching?

1. He stated their ‘common ground’
Some of his listeners were ‘fellow’ Jews
Some of his listeners were ‘fellow’ inhabitants

2. His goal was explanation
He recognized worldly confusion
He was ready with an explanation

3. He stressed the seriousness of the message
He commanded the careful attention of his listeners
He declared that the facts couldn’t be dismissed casually

4. He connected current events to history
Joel had predicted the coming of the Spirit
Joel had considered this to be a cataclysmic event

5. He focused on Jesus’ ministry, death & resurrection
He appealed to factual evidence
He appealed to the power of Jesus

6. He showed his agreement with respected authorities
He showed his agreement with Joel
He showed his agreement with David

7. He made a bold declaration and let God move hearts
He declared Christ Lord and Christ
He didn’t ask for a response

8. He was available to lead those who responded
He knew what was necessary for them to be saved
He knew that this was bigger than any 1 of them

9. He stressed the urgency of the situation
He put in the effort worthy of the urgency
He called out the world for what it was

Acts 2:1-13

Acts 2:1-13

3 Jewish Pilgrimage Festivals/Feasts (Deut. 16:16)
1. Passover celebrated deliverance from Egypt
2. Pentecost celebrated the giving of the Law
3. Tabernacles celebrated God's provision in the wilderness

Christian fulfillment of these symbols
1. Passover: Christ's death fulfilled as per 1 Corinthians 5:7
2. Pentecost: The Spirit fulfilled this as per Acts 2:1,4
3. Tabernacles: Christians disagree s to its fulfillment

The Coming of the Holy Spirit
1. Wind represents the powerful nature of the Spirit
2. Fire represents the purifying nature of the Spirit
3. This event seems to be a reverse of Babel

Guidelines for Tongues
1. Known language (Acts 2:4-13)
2. Given as God wills (1 Cor. 12:11)
3. Not for everyone (1 Cor. 12:30)
4. Directed to God (1 Cor. 14:2)
5. Must be interpreted (1 Cor. 14:13+28)
6. No more than 3 speakers (1 Cor. 14:27)
7. Sign for unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:19-22)
8. Not to be forbidden (1 Cor. 14:40)
9. Not the emphasis (1 Cor. 14:12)

Acts 1:1-11

Acts 1:1-11

Who wrote it? Acts is written by Luke, a companion of Paul
What is it? Acts is documentation of early church history
When was it written? Acts was written in the early-mid 60's
Where was it sent? Acts was sent to an interested man in Rome
Why was it written? Acts was written as evidence for the faith

Why Is Acts Important?
1. Acts serves as a bridge between the Gospels & Epistles
2. Acts is the earliest and most thorough history of the early church
3. Acts shows that Jesus' ministry continued after His ascension
4. Acts serves as solid evidence for the Christian faith
5. Acts shows the application of the teaching found in the Epistles

What happened in Jesus' last days on earth?
1. He appeared to the Apostles over a period of 40 days
2. He gave many convincing proofs that He was alive
3. He commanded the Apostles not to leave Jerusalem
4. He commanded the Apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit
5. He commissioned the Apostles to be His witnesses in the world

Questions to consider
1. Why did Jesus leave
--Jesus left to build the church (Matthew 16:18, John 14:2, Hebrews 3:6, 1 Peter 2:5, Rev. 21:2,9,18
--Jesus left to send the Spirit (John 16:7)
2. What is Jesus doing now? Jesus is ministering through the church
3. What are we to do now? We are to fulfill the great commission
4. Is Jesus coming back? Yes, He will come bodily just as He left.

Acts 1:12-26

Acts 1:12-26

Who were the 1st Christians?

1. The 11 Remaining disciples:
Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas,
Bartholomew, Matthew, James, Simon, Judas
2. The women (Luke 8:2-3):
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, many others
3. Jesus’ family:
Mother (Mary), 4 Brothers (James, Joseph, Simon, Judas), likely his sisters (at least 2), an Aunt (Mary, John 19:25) & perhaps other relatives
4. The 70 (Luke 10)
5. Miscellaneous Others:
Cleopas (Luke 24:18), Mary (wife of Cleopas, John 19:25), Bethany Contingent (Martha, Mary, Lazarus), John Mark & his Mother, Family & Friends of Disciples, non-Jerusalem based believers, etc

Why did they feel they needed to replace Judas?
1. Scripture called for someone to take his place
2. Since there was plenty of work to do
3. So as to avoid continued questions about Judas

How did they arrive at a solution to the problem?
1. Peter POINTED out the problem in detail
2. Peter PRESENTED guidelines toward a solution
3. They PROPOSED two potential candidates
4. They PRAYED for God’s guidance
5. They PUT the plan into action

Study of God's Word

STUDY OF GOD’S WORD

Study God’s Word as if You’re about to TEACH it!

*The Following is mostly from Rick Warren's acrostic "how to CRAFT a sermon"

Collect & Categorize

1. Collecting relevant Bible verses
Memorize verses
Make a list of related words
Concordances
Cross References

2. Categorize
Chart the relevant verses using:
Who, What, Where, When, Why, How

Research & Reflect

1. Research- Studying with my mind
Bible Dictionaries
Bible Commentaries
Christian Articles
Christian Books
Christian Sermons

2. Reflect- Listening with your heart
Ponder the Passage
Pronounce the Passage
Picture the Passage
Probe the Passage
Paraphrase the Passage
Personalize the Passage

Apply & Arrange

1. Apply: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Attitude to adjust?
Promise to claim?
Priority to change?
Lesson to learn?
Issue to resolve?
Command to obey?
Activity to avoid or stop?
Truth to believe?
Idol to tear down?
Offense to forgive?
New direction to take?
Sin to confess?

2. Arrange: A handful of clear points

Fashion & Flavor

1. Fashion: Find the most practical, positive, encouraging, simple, personal & interesting way to say what you want to say

2. Flavor: With illustrations, quotes, humor & special features

Trim & Tie Together

1. Trim (# of verses, background info, excess)
2. Tie (Introduction, transitions & conclusion)

Romans 12:1-21

Romans 12

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Love the Lord your God
1. Take a good look at God’s mercy (1)
2. Offer your body as a living sacrifice (1)
3. Don’t comform to the patterns of this world (2)
4. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (2)
5. Learn to understand and live in God’s will (2)

Love your neighbor as yourself (Galatians 6:10)
1. Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought (3)
2. Realize that you are a piece to a puzzle (4-5)
3. Realize that you belong to the body (4-5)
4. Realize that you’ve been gifted for a specific function (4-8)
5. Put your gifts to use in an appropriate and loving manner (6-8)

Paul’s BE Attitudes
1. Be sincere in your love (9)
2. Be devoted to one another (10)
3. Be zealous in serving (11)
4. Be joyful in hope (12)
5. Be patient in affliction (12)
6. Be faithful in prayer (12)
7. Be giving to God’s people (13, Galatians 6:10)
8. Be good to your enemies (14, 17, 20-21)
9. Be empathetic with people (15)
10. Be in harmony with one another (16)
11. Be willing to associate with the lowly (16)
12. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody (17)
13. Be at peace with everybody, so much as you can! (18)
14. Be willing to let God avenge injustice (19)

Romans 9-11 (Gentiles)

What are we to think as Gentiles?
Romans 9-11

1. God’s family is not based on genetics
2. God’s family is based on the promise
3. God has a plan of patience
4. God has a plan to save surprisingly many
5. One enters God’s family by faith in the risen Lord
6. God’s family has been given a great mission
7. Future family members are waiting to hear the Gospel
8. God’s family is like an olive tree
9. God is the root
10. Natural Israelites were the original branches,
but many were broken off due to unbelief
11. Gentiles were wild (foreign) branches, but many Gentiles were grafted in among the remnant Jews because of faith
12. The new (grafted-in) branches should not boast over the broken-off branches, but must remember that they depend on the root (God)
13. The new branches can be broken off
if they do not continue in faith
14. The original branches can be grafted back in
if they believe again
15. We should strive to have God’s heart
for Israel and the nations

Fasting For God

FASTING FOR GOD (Old Testament)

1. The vast majority of the (approximately) 25 cases of fasting in the OT are examples of fasting, not teaching about fasting
2. Fasting was not unique to Israelites
(1 Kings 21, Jonah 3)
3. Fasting could be routine or spontaneous
(Routine: Isaiah 58, Zechariah 7)
4. Fasting could be public and private
(Private: Moses, David, Daniel, Nehemiah)
5. Fasting could be done for various reasons
a. Before a great battle or move of God
b. After a great loss or word from God
c. During a great difficulty or apostasy
6. Fasting could be in differing lengths
a. Until evening (Judges 20:26, 2 Sam. 1:12)
b. A day (1 Samuel 7:5-6)
c. Some/many days (Nehemiah 1:4)
d. A week (1 Samuel 31:13)
e. A month (Zechariah 7)
f. 40 days (Exodus 34:28, Jonah 3)
7. Fasting was often accompanied with other important attitudes/disciplines
(repentance, mourning, humility, chastity, faith, prayer, confession, etc)

Key Passage: Isaiah 58

FASTING FOR GOD (New Testament)

1. Jesus fasted before His ministry
(Matthew 4:2)
2. Jesus taught about fasting
(Matthew 6:16-18)
a. Jesus assumed His listeners would fast
b. Jesus forbade show-off fasting
c. Jesus commanded secret fasting
3. Fasting may be necessary for certain spiritual victories
(Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29)
4. Jesus was confronted on the issue of fasting (Matt 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39)
a. The Pharisees fasted often (see Luke 18:12)
b. Jesus’ disciples did not fast
c. Fasting was for times of need
d. Jesus’ disciples will fast in His absence
5. Fasting was practiced on various occasions in the life of the 1st century church
(Luke 2:37, 13:2, 14:23, 1 Cor. 7:5)

Why Fast?
Health
Bonus time
Bonus resources
Humility
Power
Obedience

Quick Tips
Fast Privately
Fast Corporately
Fill the void
Fill a need
Fast other things
Fast this month

Talking To God

TALKING TO GOD

WHO should Pray?
Anyone who wants to be like Jesus (Luke 5:16)
Anyone who wants to obey Jesus (Luke 11:2)
Anyone who refuses to give up (Luke 18:1)

WHAT should we say?
Adoration (Matthew 6:9)
Confession (Matthew 6:12, Psalm 139:23-24)
Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
Supplication (Matthew 6:11)

WHERE should we pray?
By yourself (Matthew 6:6)
In groups (Matthew 18:19)

WHEN should we pray?
Constantly? (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Forever? (Matthew 6:7)

WHY should we pray?
We depend on Him (Acts 17:28)
All good things are from Him (James 1:17)

HOW should we pray? (prayer busters)
Asking alone (Matthew 18:19)
Asking without faith (Matthew 21:22)
Asking without forgiving (Mark 11:25)
Asking with authority of Jesus (John 14:14)
Asking without being in Christ (John 15:7)
Asking without working (John 15:16)
Asking without obeying (1 John 3:22)
Asking for your own will (1 John 5:14)
Asking with wrong motives (James 4:3)

Hearing From God

HEARING FROM GOD
My sheep hear My voice,

1. CREATION
Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1, 50:1, 93:1-2, 104:24, Acts 14:15, 17:23-27
2. CONSCIENCE
Romans 2:15, Genesis 20:5-6, Acts 24:16, Romans 9:1, 1 Timothy 4:2
3. CHRIST
John 3:34, Romans 3:25, Heb. 1:1-2
4. COVERT COMMUNICATION
Audible: Deut. 5:24, Dreams/Visions: Acts 16:9-10, Casting Lots, Listening in Prayer:
5. CANON
Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:16,
Hebrews 4:7, 2 Peter 1:20-21
6. CHURCH
1 Peter 4:11, 1 Cor. 11:1, Hebrews. 13:7
7. CHILDREN
Matthew 11:25, 18:3, 19:4, 21:15-16
8. CRISIS
James 1:2-8
9. COINCIDENTAL CONFIRMATION
2 Kings 8:1-6, Acts 17:16, 23
10. CLOSED/OPEN CORRIDORS
Romans 1:10, Acts 16:6-8, Jonah
11. CULTURE
Genesis 38:26, Titus 1:10-13
12. CONCERNS/PASSIONS
Zech. 9:1, 12:1, Malachi 1:1, 1 Thes. 2:17

Spiritual Disciplines

Below you will find notes to a series I taught on Spiritual Disciplines

Hearing From God
Talking To God
Fasting For God
Study of God's Word
Meeting Together
Baptism
The Lord's Supper

Below you will find notes from a series on developing a 'rule for life'

Introduction
Prayer Exercises
Bible Exercises
Social Exercises