Acts Chapter 5- The Sovereignty of God in 3 Acts
In today’s study of the book of Acts, chapter 5, we will see the sovereignty of God, demonstrated through his people, unfold in a drama composed of 3 acts. The first act demonstrates the ABSOLUTE sovereignty of God over His creation. The second act demonstrates the DELEGATED sovereignty of God, which He loans to His people. The third act demonstrates the ASCRIBED sovereignty of God that resonates from the heart of the Spirit-filled believer toward God.
I. Absolute Sovereignty
a. Acts 5:1-11- Ananias and Sapphira attempt to deceive the church, but anger God instead.
b. Was God’s treatment of them just? Did the punishment fit the crime? It matters not, for God is completely SOVEREIGN over all creation!
c. So why? Why did God kill Ananias and Sapphira?
i. It was His choice.
ii. It was an example to the church.
iii. It is a reminder that all sin is first and foremost an offense to God, though we also wrong others in the process.
II. Delegated Sovereignty
a. Acts 5:12-16- The apostles work miracles among the people, winning a great number of souls.
b. “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.” John 14:12. We see the fulfillment of this promise in these verses.
c. The working of miracles through mankind is a delegation of God’s supreme authority to intervene in the natural course of events.
III. Ascribed Sovereignty
a. Acts 5:17-42- The apostles stand firm under the oppression of the Counsel.
b. “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
c. There were no miracles worked, but the lives and actions of the apostles spoke loudly enough that the counsel determined nothing could be done to stop these men, not even taking their lives. (Consider Genesis 11:6).
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Revolution of the Church
REVOLUTION- Revolution of the Church
Revolution- Completion, rotation, a turning
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise…” Eph. 5:15
The command to walk circumspectly means to walk diligently, perfectly, exactly, or accurately. It is a REVOLUTIONARY look at life and living it for God to the fullest.
To break the word into it’s root parts, circum- indicates “around”, a circle, -spect indicates to look or examine. In other words, live life literally looking completely around, fully understanding, prudently, wisely.
In these days, the church must be ever more circumspect. Pitfalls await the church that is looking only in the direction of creating numbers, dollars, buildings, or anything else that, in and of itself, is less than God’s plan and will for His body in these last days. Compromise is one of the greatest pitfalls, and it is witnessed in many sectors of Christianity every day. The church CAN be and MUST be built on practices and principles that are rooted in the Word of God and sound doctrine! What simply “works” is not enough, and when closely examined, only works to bring about a result that is unbiblical and undesirable to Jesus Christ. The church can determine what really works, not by going along with the example set by other Christian or even secular organizations, but by praying and practicing the Word of God and relying on the Spirit of God, as the church at Antioch did (Acts 13:1-3).
A body of believers that is built of members that have learned to walk circumspectly is in a better position to do the work of the Lord than one that is made of members that have not been taught, equipped, and ministered to. That is why Beech Bluff has focused the first half of 2009 building strong individuals and families, which are the backbone of a healthy church.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
“One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” John Maxwell’s Law of Significance, The 17 Indispensible Laws of Teamwork
The Body of Christ is one, with individual, particular members. It is the duty of every church to disciple believers “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). (See my blog on building teamwork in the church.)
Jesus spoke of His church before it was ever known as the church when He said, “…and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” (Matthew 16:18). He said this because it would be built upon the doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets, and He Himself would be the chief Cornerstone.
Beyond this fact, however, it is OUR duty and great responsibility to see that the Church carries the Gospel to every creature, nation, tribe, and tongue! What an awesome responsibility this cross we carry entails! I want to perform that work with all my heart, with the Spirit of God in me, and with the Body of Christ around me, until the Lord comes!
Revolution- Completion, rotation, a turning
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise…” Eph. 5:15
The command to walk circumspectly means to walk diligently, perfectly, exactly, or accurately. It is a REVOLUTIONARY look at life and living it for God to the fullest.
To break the word into it’s root parts, circum- indicates “around”, a circle, -spect indicates to look or examine. In other words, live life literally looking completely around, fully understanding, prudently, wisely.
In these days, the church must be ever more circumspect. Pitfalls await the church that is looking only in the direction of creating numbers, dollars, buildings, or anything else that, in and of itself, is less than God’s plan and will for His body in these last days. Compromise is one of the greatest pitfalls, and it is witnessed in many sectors of Christianity every day. The church CAN be and MUST be built on practices and principles that are rooted in the Word of God and sound doctrine! What simply “works” is not enough, and when closely examined, only works to bring about a result that is unbiblical and undesirable to Jesus Christ. The church can determine what really works, not by going along with the example set by other Christian or even secular organizations, but by praying and practicing the Word of God and relying on the Spirit of God, as the church at Antioch did (Acts 13:1-3).
A body of believers that is built of members that have learned to walk circumspectly is in a better position to do the work of the Lord than one that is made of members that have not been taught, equipped, and ministered to. That is why Beech Bluff has focused the first half of 2009 building strong individuals and families, which are the backbone of a healthy church.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25
“One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” John Maxwell’s Law of Significance, The 17 Indispensible Laws of Teamwork
The Body of Christ is one, with individual, particular members. It is the duty of every church to disciple believers “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). (See my blog on building teamwork in the church.)
Jesus spoke of His church before it was ever known as the church when He said, “…and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” (Matthew 16:18). He said this because it would be built upon the doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets, and He Himself would be the chief Cornerstone.
Beyond this fact, however, it is OUR duty and great responsibility to see that the Church carries the Gospel to every creature, nation, tribe, and tongue! What an awesome responsibility this cross we carry entails! I want to perform that work with all my heart, with the Spirit of God in me, and with the Body of Christ around me, until the Lord comes!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Importance of the Family
These next few posts go along with the Beech Bluff CONNECT group family sessions. Enjoy!
The Importance of the Family
There is no doubt about it- whether you examine the Bible or think about your own experience and observation- the choices that are made by moms, dads, and even extended family members in the present, will have an influence on generations to come. Two families in particular- Abram and Sarai in the Old Testament; Zacharias and Elisabeth in the New Testament aptly demonstrate this point in God’s Word.
Abram and Sarai had the greatest promise offered to them from God- that from their seed, God would create a great nation, numbering more than the sands of the sea or the stars of the sky. The problem came when Abram and Sarai became impatient and tampered with God’s plan. When Abram took Hagar to give him a child, God’s plan for His nation was violated. Also, God’s plan for the family was violated. Lack of faith in God allowed this family to be divided and produced an illegitimate child. The fruits of this decision are felt today, manifest in the current conflict in the Middle East between Isaac’s lineage and Ishmael’s.
Zacharias and Elisabeth had a great promise as well: their son would be the herald for the Messiah. The opportunity presented itself for this family to be divided by the opinions of other people and by their own insecurities. Zacharias expressed some doubt at the angel’s announcement and was struck dumb as a result. At the circumcision of the child, family and neighbors tried to call the child by his father’s name and were shocked when Elisabeth spoke up to say, “Not so- his name is John.” Zacharias could have, as head of the family, named the child by his own name, fitting the mold of tradition that the others were coming from. However, he obeyed the will of God and spelled it out plainly- the name of the prophet would be John.
The family is the most basic and important building block of the church, the community, and the society at large. Think about how many of your daily habits and interactions are influenced by your family. From your major beliefs about God, to the way you squeeze toothpaste from the tube, your family relationships and experience have created who you are as an individual. This perhaps impacts others around you profoundly more than your individual personality traits or personal inclinations.
Unity of belief and action is vital to making sure your family is not divided. No matter what core beliefs are taught to us by our parents, it is the daily life and actions that we witnessed as children that have influenced us more than anything. A few years ago, death claimed a father who spoke his faith in God strongly to his children and to anyone that came to his home to visit him. After his passing, one of his sons held tightly to a memento that his father left behind, and he promised he would always hold and cherish this particular item that was so much a part of his dad’s life. It was not his dad’s Bible, but his dad’s snuff can that was so cherished by this son. We can affirm that we believe the entire Bible, the whole of God’s truth; but it is the way we live this truth that creates the lens that our children, and even lost family members, will view the Bible and the church through.
The family’s influence is so powerful that it impacts the view of an individual for the rest of their life. God’s Word testifies of this truth, and families throughout the years have proven it. This is the importance of family.
The Importance of the Family
There is no doubt about it- whether you examine the Bible or think about your own experience and observation- the choices that are made by moms, dads, and even extended family members in the present, will have an influence on generations to come. Two families in particular- Abram and Sarai in the Old Testament; Zacharias and Elisabeth in the New Testament aptly demonstrate this point in God’s Word.
Abram and Sarai had the greatest promise offered to them from God- that from their seed, God would create a great nation, numbering more than the sands of the sea or the stars of the sky. The problem came when Abram and Sarai became impatient and tampered with God’s plan. When Abram took Hagar to give him a child, God’s plan for His nation was violated. Also, God’s plan for the family was violated. Lack of faith in God allowed this family to be divided and produced an illegitimate child. The fruits of this decision are felt today, manifest in the current conflict in the Middle East between Isaac’s lineage and Ishmael’s.
Zacharias and Elisabeth had a great promise as well: their son would be the herald for the Messiah. The opportunity presented itself for this family to be divided by the opinions of other people and by their own insecurities. Zacharias expressed some doubt at the angel’s announcement and was struck dumb as a result. At the circumcision of the child, family and neighbors tried to call the child by his father’s name and were shocked when Elisabeth spoke up to say, “Not so- his name is John.” Zacharias could have, as head of the family, named the child by his own name, fitting the mold of tradition that the others were coming from. However, he obeyed the will of God and spelled it out plainly- the name of the prophet would be John.
The family is the most basic and important building block of the church, the community, and the society at large. Think about how many of your daily habits and interactions are influenced by your family. From your major beliefs about God, to the way you squeeze toothpaste from the tube, your family relationships and experience have created who you are as an individual. This perhaps impacts others around you profoundly more than your individual personality traits or personal inclinations.
Unity of belief and action is vital to making sure your family is not divided. No matter what core beliefs are taught to us by our parents, it is the daily life and actions that we witnessed as children that have influenced us more than anything. A few years ago, death claimed a father who spoke his faith in God strongly to his children and to anyone that came to his home to visit him. After his passing, one of his sons held tightly to a memento that his father left behind, and he promised he would always hold and cherish this particular item that was so much a part of his dad’s life. It was not his dad’s Bible, but his dad’s snuff can that was so cherished by this son. We can affirm that we believe the entire Bible, the whole of God’s truth; but it is the way we live this truth that creates the lens that our children, and even lost family members, will view the Bible and the church through.
The family’s influence is so powerful that it impacts the view of an individual for the rest of their life. God’s Word testifies of this truth, and families throughout the years have proven it. This is the importance of family.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Breakthrough!
Today I had the privilege of teaching my first home Bible study in East Jackson. I taught a young father and husband in his living room using the "Place Prepared for You" one-hour study, covering the need for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus. I was able to talk to him about these important aspects of salvation, leave the study book with him, and interest him in further study and in being baptized! This was our tenth week of outreach in this neighborhood and God is opening all the doors for us. It just takes consistant effort to show you really care about a person and their life, both here-and-now and in eternity. I thank God for what He is doing and pray that I will remain up to the task of doing kingdom-work for Jesus!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Give Yourself a Hand!
Potty training is tough. It's a lot like being on the bomb squad- every second counts. Elisha's getting the hang of it, though. It's a little tough to get him there, but he always gets up excited and ready to wash his hands (AKA. play in the water). Usually I wait for him to get finished, but one time I left him on the potty to go grab something. He finished before I got back, slammed the lid, and let out a loud "Good job!" to himself.
Elisha often completes tasks with a hearty "good job". He has heard these words said to him over and over, and others, like "way to go," "you got it," " that a boy," and " I'm proud of you!" He has heard encouragement enough that he encourages himself if no one else is around! And, he has experienced encouragement enough that he is learning to give it to others; Elisha often congratulates me or his mom with a great big "Good job!"
Encouragement is something that we seem to receive less of as we grow older. Some people scarcely receive praise or encouragement at all in their lives. Maybe others receive encouragement, but are unable to appreciate it. Still others rely completely on the people around them to keep them going. None of these scenarios are ideal or healthy.
The great thing is that encouragement can be a choice. We can choose to be with encouraging people. The company we keep is an important key to staying encouraged. We can choose to be an encouragement to others. Being an encourager is often the best cure for our own discouraging times. And, like Elisha, when no one else is around or seems to know what we are going through, we can encourage ourselves. Don't be afraid to tell yourself "Good job!" You deserve it!
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11.
Elisha often completes tasks with a hearty "good job". He has heard these words said to him over and over, and others, like "way to go," "you got it," " that a boy," and " I'm proud of you!" He has heard encouragement enough that he encourages himself if no one else is around! And, he has experienced encouragement enough that he is learning to give it to others; Elisha often congratulates me or his mom with a great big "Good job!"
Encouragement is something that we seem to receive less of as we grow older. Some people scarcely receive praise or encouragement at all in their lives. Maybe others receive encouragement, but are unable to appreciate it. Still others rely completely on the people around them to keep them going. None of these scenarios are ideal or healthy.
The great thing is that encouragement can be a choice. We can choose to be with encouraging people. The company we keep is an important key to staying encouraged. We can choose to be an encouragement to others. Being an encourager is often the best cure for our own discouraging times. And, like Elisha, when no one else is around or seems to know what we are going through, we can encourage ourselves. Don't be afraid to tell yourself "Good job!" You deserve it!
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's time to catch fire!
We had an amazing watch service last night at Beech Bluff UPC, ushering in the new year with singing, preaching, prayer and praise. Many of the things that you would expect to find at a New Year's Eve service were present, but there were some things that are not expected, at least any where other than Beech Bluff.
Each of our four pastoral staff members preached for 15-20 minutes. Pastor Howard wrapped up the preaching by emphasizing the importance of prayer as we enter a new year of service to the Kingdom of God. Then we entered a time of prayer minutes before midnight.
After a time of prayer, we entered praise and worship to God for His help in 2009. As we worshiped, the Holy Ghost spoke through the gifts of the Spirit. He admonished us to get passionate for Him and His work. While we have true doctrine, anointed preaching, and demonstrative worship, it will be the passion of the Holy Ghost resident in us and exuded from us that will set us apart and draw people to us and toward Christ. He promised through John the Baptist that He would baptize us with Holy Ghost and FIRE. The fire burns and purges us, and gives us the power to make an impact in this world. It is also what will call us up from this earth at Christ's return.
The last thing I have to worry about is a young person, adult, or couple that is passionate and ON FIRE for God and His work. While we must have preaching, teaching, and Bible knowledge to know right from wrong, it is an individual's passion to please Jesus that really keeps him or her in prayer, repented, renewed, and ready for God's will.
I expressed last night that 2009 is going to find me communicating God's vision in as many ways as I can, which is why I write this blog. After the miraculous word of God we received on the dawn of the new year, I am also going to spend less time worrying about our youth and more time praying for them to get passionate for Jesus and His work in their lives. I want to demonstrate passion and speak passionately so I can play a role in transmitting to others the joy of being passionate for God and His Kingdom!
Each of our four pastoral staff members preached for 15-20 minutes. Pastor Howard wrapped up the preaching by emphasizing the importance of prayer as we enter a new year of service to the Kingdom of God. Then we entered a time of prayer minutes before midnight.
After a time of prayer, we entered praise and worship to God for His help in 2009. As we worshiped, the Holy Ghost spoke through the gifts of the Spirit. He admonished us to get passionate for Him and His work. While we have true doctrine, anointed preaching, and demonstrative worship, it will be the passion of the Holy Ghost resident in us and exuded from us that will set us apart and draw people to us and toward Christ. He promised through John the Baptist that He would baptize us with Holy Ghost and FIRE. The fire burns and purges us, and gives us the power to make an impact in this world. It is also what will call us up from this earth at Christ's return.
The last thing I have to worry about is a young person, adult, or couple that is passionate and ON FIRE for God and His work. While we must have preaching, teaching, and Bible knowledge to know right from wrong, it is an individual's passion to please Jesus that really keeps him or her in prayer, repented, renewed, and ready for God's will.
I expressed last night that 2009 is going to find me communicating God's vision in as many ways as I can, which is why I write this blog. After the miraculous word of God we received on the dawn of the new year, I am also going to spend less time worrying about our youth and more time praying for them to get passionate for Jesus and His work in their lives. I want to demonstrate passion and speak passionately so I can play a role in transmitting to others the joy of being passionate for God and His Kingdom!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Trying to get back in the swing of things...
Writing this blog was a "stroke of genius" that I had several months ago that has not been followed up on very well. Well, after having it as my home page, staring at me every time I pull up my internet browser, always the same and never changing, I think it is something that I need to take back up as a priority.
A lot of things about my life have sat for several months staring at me, always the same, never changing, much like this blog page. Stagnation is a terrible thing. I sure to some people my life has seemed to be dynamic and moving forward, but most of the time I have not felt like that was the case. I think in a lot of ways I have tried to be something I'm not, tried to obtain goals or do great things without the stuff it takes to make those goals possible. I'm really coming to a place though where God is helping me to realize the things that really count and He is bringing me back to myself.
I guess I feel like I'm reentering a life of integrity by changing to be who God wants me to be and not being what will be the most prosperous or exciting. It's hard to think that for at least several months you have had your priorities really messed up, and to think about what you could have done with all that time if you had had your head in the right place.
Well prayer is helping me change all of that. Getting in line with the will of God is helping. Reexamining some old books (not the least of which is the Bible) is helping. And, putting my thoughts and ideas out through this blog and other media will help as well. So, I hope to spend time doing what I'm doing right now a lot more in the future. Hoping it will be a blessing to myself and many other people.
A lot of things about my life have sat for several months staring at me, always the same, never changing, much like this blog page. Stagnation is a terrible thing. I sure to some people my life has seemed to be dynamic and moving forward, but most of the time I have not felt like that was the case. I think in a lot of ways I have tried to be something I'm not, tried to obtain goals or do great things without the stuff it takes to make those goals possible. I'm really coming to a place though where God is helping me to realize the things that really count and He is bringing me back to myself.
I guess I feel like I'm reentering a life of integrity by changing to be who God wants me to be and not being what will be the most prosperous or exciting. It's hard to think that for at least several months you have had your priorities really messed up, and to think about what you could have done with all that time if you had had your head in the right place.
Well prayer is helping me change all of that. Getting in line with the will of God is helping. Reexamining some old books (not the least of which is the Bible) is helping. And, putting my thoughts and ideas out through this blog and other media will help as well. So, I hope to spend time doing what I'm doing right now a lot more in the future. Hoping it will be a blessing to myself and many other people.
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