Jesus Comes for His Church The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica of the great hope that was ahead for the bride of Christ, the church. This event is commonly called the rapture of the church. Several things are clear concerning this monumental event as described in I Thessalonians 4:13-18.
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Concerning the dead, we are not to sorrow as one without hope (verse 13).
Because Jesus rose again He will raise the dead in Christ also (verse 14).
The Lord himself will descend from heaven. There will be a heavenly shout with the voice of the archangel included, and the trumpet of God will sound (verse 16).
Those who died after living their lives for Jesus will be raised first (verse 16).
The living saints will be caught up together with the dead saints in the clouds (verse 17).
All will meet the Lord Jesus in the air, never to be parted again (verse 17).
We are to comfort one another with this truth (verse 18).
Jesus, in Matthew 24:40-42, warned of the danger of not being ready for His coming. There will be a separation between those who are ready and those who are unprepared.
Matthew 24:40-42Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
In sum, there will be a resurrection of the righteous dead. Jesus Christ will return for His church. There will be a glorious catching away of the saints of God, and there will be a wonderful reunion with the saints of God who have gone on before. The following passage describes the proper response to this great truth.
Titus 2:11-13
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
No story tells it better than the prophetic dream of Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (Daniel 2:31-45)
Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon.
He reigned during the fall and captivity of the nation of Israel.
One night he had a dream that would foretell events over centuries.
Mighty Kingdoms would be represented by this dream.
Israel was in Babylonian captivity as a result of sin.
God revealed who would rule over Israel.
Daniel, a prophet of God, was called to interpret the dream.
The Dream:
Daniel 2:31-36
Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible.
This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass,
His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.
A giant statue:
The head was gold
the breast and arms were silver
the belly and thighs were made of brass
the legs were made of iron
the feet were part iron and clay
A stone struck the feet and broke them into pieces.
The statue was destroyed and became like chaff.
The stone then became a great mountain and filled the earth.
The Head of Gold (Babylon)
Ruled the Jews and the Middle East at the time of the dream.
This kingdom lasted from 606 B.C. to 538 B.C.
The Babylonians were known for their wealth in gold.
The Babylonians destroyed the temple and took the Jews captive.
The Chest and arms of silver (Medo- Persia)
In 538 B.C. Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians. Darius was the king of the Medes.
The Persians eventually became the dominant.
This kingdom was portrayed by two arms because it was made up of two reigns that joined together as one unit.
It lasted until 330 B.C.
Silver was important to the Persians. Taxes were paid in silver.
Cyrus later became king, and he allowed the Jews to return and rebuild.
The Belly and the Thighs of brass (Greece)
Alexander the Great came out of the west with conquest on his mind. He conquered the Persian Empire in 330 B.C. and established an empire based on the Greek language and culture. After Alexander’s death in 323 B.C. the empire was divided into four parts.
The Grecian empire lasted until 160 B.C. when the Romans conquered it.
Daniel 2:39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.
The Jewish temple was defiled by Antiochus Epiphanes.
The armies of the Greeks used brass helmets and weaponry in their conflicts.
The Legs of Iron (Roman Empire)
The legs represented the Roman Empire, which lasted for many centuries.
Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
Iron has a twofold meaning:
it was the metal the Romans used to make their chariots and weapons.
it typified the Romans’s method of war and fighting.
they were violent and unmerciful in wartime.
This can be seen in their treatment:
of the Jews before the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
of the Christians for 3 centuries following the birth of Christianity.
The two iron legs on the metallic image clearly represented and predicted the two-division split that would occur in the Imperial Roman Empire. This begins in 395 AD.
The Roman Empire was divided into the East and West (the two legs)
The fall of the Roman Empire
the west fell to ten Germanic tribes
And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
The Roman Church arose to replace imperial Roman power with the influence of the popes.
They maintained dominion through much of the Western Europe.
the east became the Byzantine Empire.
The Byzantines ruled out of Constantinople (Turkey).
They constructed Churches in Palestine.
marking many of the Holy Sites
The Byzantines exercised influence over much of the east including Palestine and Jerusalem until it fell to the Muslim Turks
The Feet or Iron and Clay (?)
At the bottom of the statue, the king saw two legs of iron that merged into two feet of iron and ceramic clay.
At the conclusion of the age, the two legs will separate into two seperate feet and ten toes.
Daniel 2:41-43
And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
The two legs are linked with Rome (west) and Turkey (East)
The final east-west division will continue.
1 foot is the east, and 1 foot is the west.
Iron and clay do not mix; the kingdom is part strong and part weak (see Daniel 2:41-42)
Many Scholars believe that this is a symbolic description of communism and democracy.
the east became a strong hold for communism.
Communism was depicted as the iron curtain.
After the fall of communism, the east is now mixing communism with democracy.
Islam is also stronger in the east.
The west became a strong area of democracy.
As iron and clay begin the struggle to mix, it will be a sign that soon the final 10 toes will emerge.
The 10 Toes (?)
A 10-nation confederacy is what the 10 toes represent.
This world power will arise on the territory of the original Roman Empire.
The antichrist will begin his rule of the world during this time.
All of the will lead to the Great Tribulation
Daniel 7:7-8
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Revelations17:12
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
The Stone (Jesus Christ)
Jesus is identified as a stone.
Matthew 21:42
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
1 Peter 2:6-8
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
The coming of Jesus Christ at the battle of Armageddon will destroy all the kingdoms of this world system. God will set up a new kingdom over all the earth for a thousand years.
This is the millennium (which means a thousand years in Latin).
Revelation 20:1-6
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
The Bible States over and over that the Jews would return to the desolate land and rebuild what was destroyed.
Isaiah 11:12 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
Isaiah 43:5-6 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
Jeremiah 29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
Amos 9:14-15 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.
History
In 1882 there were 24,000 Jews in Palestine.
In 1914 there were 85,000 Jews in Palestine.
In 1948, at Israel’s declaration as a nation, there were 65,000.
The Old Testament prophets continually foretold the gathering again of the Jews to their land. However, the Romans dispersed the Jews from their land and destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Jesus foretold this to His disciples. In Luke 49:41-44, Jesus told of the coming destruction of the city of Jerusalem.
Luke 49:41-44 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Jerusalem: Jewish Pivotal point
Jerusalem was the center of activity for the Jews, the center of their religion because the Temple was there.
Jerusalem was also the center of commerce.
Jesus Wept over Jerusalem
When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem just before He was arrested. He stopped and wept over Jerusalem and said:
Matthew 23:37-38 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Jerusalem Destroyed by the Armies of Titus
After the death of Jesus, the Jews revolted against Roman rule.
In the year 70 A.D., General Titus and the Roman army laid siege to the city of Jerusalem.
The people of Jerusalem would not feel the strong might of the Roman Empire.
The city was destroyed because:
The was God’s judgment for their sin.
The Romans wanted to stamp out the Jewish religion.
The Romans wanted to destroy the Jewish nation.
The destruction was quite a feat itself.
The historian Josephus said that some of the stones were 94 feet long, 10.5 feet tall, and 13 feet thick.
Jesus had said:
Matthew 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Paul was a chosen vessel (Acts9:15). His mission was to bear the name of the Lord before the Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. Paul took three missionary journeys: Thessalonica, Berea, and then Athens. In Acts 17, Paul preached in Thessalonica and Berea, and then Athens.
Paul on Mar’s Hill
Mar’s Hill: Strong’s G697 – areios pagos
†Ἄρειος ΠάγοςÁreios Págos, ar’-i-os pag’-os; from Ἄρης Árēs (the name of the Greek deity of war) and a derivative of G4078; rock of Ares, a place in Athens:—Areopagus, Mars’ Hill.
His discussions were with the philosophers of Athens.
Acts 17:18-19 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
Paul preached to the Athenians about their altar with the dedication to the unknown god.
Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Notice that he started with something that they knew about and then explained things from that starting point.
Paul preached the message of one God who is self-existing, the giver and supported of life.
Acts 17:24-26 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
He explained that everyone could find the Lord.
Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Paul declared that God tolerated the foolishness of people for a while, but not anymore.
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Paul explained that judgement would come by Jesus, who rose from the dead.
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Some mocked Paul, some wanted to hear more about it, and others believed.
Acts 17:32-34 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, “We will hear thee again of this matter“. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Paul in Prison writing Epistles
An important part of Paul’s ministry was writing letters (Epistles) of instructions to the various churches.
Paul wrote some of them while in prison and awaiting trial.
While imprisoned, Paul witnessed to many of the guards and visitors.
Paul was finally put to death.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The Gospel spread from Jerusalem, Judaea, and Samaria to the uttermost parts of the eath.
Acts 10 records a new turn in the history of the church.
Before chapter 10, the apostles preached only to the Jews.
But now the door is open to the Gentiles as well.
God had always intended on the door to be open to the Gentiles as well.
Isaiah 42:1-6 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Isaiah 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Gentile means
a Greek either by nationality, whether a native of the main land or of the Greek islands or colonies
in a wider sense the name embraces all nations not Jews that made the language, customs, and learning of the Greeks their own; the primary reference is to a difference of religion and worship
גּוֹיgôwy, go’-ee; rarely (shortened) גֹּי gôy; apparently from the same root as H1465 (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts:—Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
Cornelius and the Angel
Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, was a moral man, generous to the poor, feared God, and was faithful in prayer.
He saw a vision, and an angel of God told him to send to Joppa for a man called Peter who would tell him what to do to be saved.
Acts 10:1-6 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
Acts 11:13-14 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Peter on the Rooftop
God was preparing Peter for a ministry to the Gentiles, whom the Jews thought were unclean.
At this time, the messengers sent from Cornelius arrived.
Peter learns and declares that God is no respecter of persons.
Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Gentiles Receive the Holy Ghost
As Peter preached to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Ghost fell upon them, then Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
The church was growing so fast, they had as start sharing responsibilities. They were not spending enough time in prayer, preaching, and teaching the Word of God. Seven men were chosen, one was Stephen.
Stephen’s Qualifications
Stephen was full of “faith and power”
Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
He not only did what God wanted him to do, but he looked for other opportunities to serve.
He was so successful that he was picked as a target by the enemies of the church.
Stephen on Trial
Stephen’s opponents were no match for his wisdom and spirit.
Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
They hired false witnesses to testify against him.
Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
This is similar to what they did against Jesus.
Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together.
Stephen Preaches and Dies
Men testified against Stephen, but they could not change his character.
The Jewish leaders became alarmed when they saw his shining face as an angel.
He preached about the way God dealt with Israel in the Old Testament.
He preached truths they could not contradict.
He finished up by proclaiming that his listeners had betrayed and slain the Son of God.
In anger, they cast him out of the city and stoned him to death.
Acts 7:57-60 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
One of the leaders of the persecution was Saul of Tarsus, who was a witness of and gave consent to have Stephen killed
As a result of the persecution, the truth spread into all of Judea and Samaria and into all the world.
Saul’s Part
Chapter 9 of The Book of Acts describes the conversion of Saul who became known as Paul.
Paul is a key figure in the New Testament.
Saul the Persecutor
When the Jewish leaders had stoned Stephen to death, Saul was in agreement with their actions
Saul launched an all-out persecution of the church.
Acts 8:3 (KJV) As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison
Hale: to compel to go
Saul on the Damascus Road
On the way to Damascus, a bright light from heaven shone around Paul; then be heard a voice.
Paul had an encounter with Jesus and was fully persuaded to surrender to Him.
Acts 9:2-9 (KJV) And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Paul’s life was never the same from that point on.
It is the same with our conversion to Jesus:
Saul Receives His Sight
Saul was blinded by what he saw.
He was led to Damascus where the Lord sent him for further instructions, telling him he would find help there.
After Paul prayed and fasted for three days, the Lord sent a messenger to him.
A disciple named Ananias visited Saul, laid hands on him, and prayed,
Immediately, Saul received his sight and was filled with the Holy Ghost and Ananias baptized Paul.
Acts 9:17-18 (KJV) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Paul received both physical and spiritual sight that day.
Acts 9:19-21 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
Luke, in A.D. 63, wrote the book of Acts of the Apostles. This book records the birth, and inauguration of the New Testament church.
The church became a dynamic organism.
They proclaimed, with the anointing of the Holy Ghost, the purpose of God manifested through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:16 (KJV) For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty
FELLOWSHIP
Apostles’ Teaching (Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:42)
We need the Word of God to live by.
Matthew 28:20 (KJV) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Fellowship of the Church
A phrase that describes the life of the early church is steadfast.
Acts 2:42-44 (KJV) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
We are to first fellowship with Jesus Christ
1 John 1:3 (KJV) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ
Breaking Bread from House to House
Witnesses told everyone about what God was doing in their day.
They went from house-to-house sharing the gospel.
Acts 20:20 (KJV) And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Prayer
After the outpouring of the Holy Ghost the church kept praying.
Because of prayer, God gave the church favor with all the people and added to it daily.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
THE FIRST MIRACLE OF THE CHURCH
The first miracle performed after the ascension of Jesus was the healing of the lame man.
Acts 3:6-8 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
The miracle produced evidence that the power of Christ was upon His followers.
As a result of the healing, people gathered Peter preached his second sermon, and many believed, more souls were added.
This second sermon is recorded in Acts 3:12-26
After the initial outpouring of the Holy Ghost, 3,000 more souls were added
After this miracle many more were added, 5,000
Acts 4:4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
THE GIVING SPIRIT OF THE CHURCH
There was a singleness of devotion and dedication of the early church.
They were God-centered and had a concerned with one another’s needs.
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
The Lord’s Stewards
As stewards of the Lord’s blessings, those who prospered materially shared with others that had needs
Acts 4:34-35 (KJV) Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
Barnabas Shows the Way
Barnabas was a Levite.
Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
He gave money after selling some land.
Acts 4:37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
He uplifted and inspired many of the churches in his ministry and encouraged the apostolic circle to receive Paul as a fellow preacher.
Acts 9:26-28 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
Acts 11:25-26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 131-4 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Beauty of Holiness If someone could visualize their journey through life, they would see two roads. These roads symbolize the paths of life and death. One road brings blessings, while the other leads to a curse.
Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
THE JOURNEY OF LIFE God desires that we enjoy an abundant and exciting life as we travel towards eternity. Moses chose the highway of holiness rather than an adventure in pleasures of a season.
Hebrews 11:25 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
God enables each of us to be changed more into the image of Jesus as we conquer the sinful nature
2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The image of God can only be reflected by the Spirit of God working in His people
1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
A Beautiful Way of Life Holiness is a beautiful way of life that guarantees God’s protection and blessings from the major enemies of the soul. To sin is to miss the mark, or the purpose which God created us
Psalms 29:2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
PERFECTING HOLINESS When God fills a person with His Holy Spirit, he receives a holy nature. Holiness does come from human works but from God’s Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
A person must yield to the Holy Spirit
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil
If we do, God has promised us
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new
Growing in the Lord
As the new person grows in the knowledge of the will of God, he will also grow in his ability to recognize activities and attitudes that may endanger his new life with Christ.
The Christian life is not governed totally by the question of whether or not something is sin but if it will damage the image of Christ.
The question is not: What do I have to do?
It is now:
What does Jesus want me to do?
How can I please Him, how can I draw closer to Him?
How can I become more like Him?
The Concerned Christ Christ does not force His love on anyone. He wants a chance to show what a great God He is. He will create a new heart to all who respond to Him.
Jesus does not want any of us to perish.
Even angels do not understand salvation
Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It is exciting to witness the miraculous manifestations of God, but the greatest miracle is to experience the life changing transformation by the new birth experience. Jesus warned His followers not to rejoice that they had power over spirits, but rather rejoice because they were saved. Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. The Lord is obviously more concerned with salvation than other miracles.
The Greatest Work
Jesus gave use a promise that we would do greater works.
These works were to be done after His journey to Calvary.
John 14:12-14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Jesus Brings Change Jesus brought transformation through His teachings. Everything He shared and the love and compassion He showed were meant to direct people toward the power of God. His mission was to fill the hearts and souls of humanity with the joys of heaven and the life of God.
Jesus Brings Victory Jesus offers victory over satanic forces, human weaknesses, and struggles of life. He paid the penalty of sin and removed the curse of sin by giving His own life.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The Three Enemies of Humanity
Devil
The World with its ungodly lusts
Flesh
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Two of our enemies exist outside us: the devil and the world. However, the most formidable enemy lies within.
Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
The Holy Ghost helps us to conquer the fleshly nature.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
THE WORKS OF THE FLESH THE OLD MAN Sin comes from the carnal sinful nature.
Galatians 5:19-21Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
When left to itself the heart is capable of unbelievable evils. Through the carnal mind, it is impossible to please God.
For this reason, God gives us a new nature.
1 Corinthian 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
A new mind
1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
A new heart
Ezekial 36:26-27 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
A new inward man
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
A new life
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Putting off the old man
Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
The natural man cannot understand God
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Nor can he live holy before God
Romans 8.5-8 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Can sweet water come from a bitter spring?
James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
THE WORKS OF THE SPIRIT THE NEW MAN This new man, God has given many promises. The old man was associated with the curse of sin. Since actions flow directly from the heart, it was necessary that God create in man a new heart with new characteristics.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
The heart cannot be trusted.
Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
David never dreamed that he had murder in his heart. He found out to late. He asked God to search his heart.
Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The reasoning of the heart, human logic, and philosophy of this world cannot discover the things of God with the illumination of His spirit.
Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God
The Fruit of the Spirit When the Spirit of God lives in a person’s heart, the Spirit will produce fruit.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
It is great to see the old man transformed into the new man.
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Abundant Life Jesus said: Out of a man’s mouth a man speaks what is in his heart.
Luke 6:43-45 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
God’s Aim for His people It is God’s will and aim to bring forth good fruit from His People.
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
We must overcome the sinful nature
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The sinful nature will oppose God’s work. The Christian has a dual nature, the nature of God and the sinful nature of the flesh.
Galatians 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
He promises forgiveness and strength if we confess and repent
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Paul’s Advice
Romans 6:12-13 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
articlesforchristians 