The early believers prayed together in response to being threatened for preaching about Jesus. They acknowledged God as the sovereign ruler and creator. They quoted Psalm 2, interpreting recent events as the fulfillment of God's plan despite human opposition. They recognized Jesus as God's anointed one and knew authorities couldn't stop God's message. Their prayer focused on proclaiming God rather than requesting changed circumstances.
The document discusses important criteria for choosing a church to attend regularly. It lists two "must haves" - that the church faithfully teaches God's word and upholds sound doctrine. Several other desirable qualities are also mentioned, such as preference for a church where the priorities are biblical truths rather than personal preferences. The rest of the document provides biblical support for focusing on scriptural teaching and doctrine when selecting a church.
The role of strong fellowship in a growing churchElvis Amenyitor
The document discusses the role of strong Christian fellowship in the early church based on accounts from Acts. It describes how:
1) The first church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, showing a saved, Christ-centered, and praying church.
2) They shared possessions and ate together daily, showing a sharing, awe-inspiring church where miracles occurred.
3) Their unity, joy, and daily worship attracted others, and the Lord added to their numbers daily, showing an attractive and growing church.
Strong fellowship through sharing, worship, and community strengthened the early church and allowed it to impact others.
This document outlines the key chapters and contents of the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation issued by Pope Paul VI in 1965. It discusses revelation itself, how divine revelation is handed down, sacred scripture and its inspiration/interpretation, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the role of scripture in the life of the Church. The document establishes that both the Old and New Testaments in their entirety are sacred and canonical, having God as their author. It also addresses how revelation is interpreted and the relationship between sacred scripture and sacred tradition.
This document discusses the five types of baptism mentioned in the Bible: baptism of repentance, baptism into the body of Christ, baptism in water, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and baptism by fire. It provides details on the meaning and significance of each type of baptism, including that baptism of repentance involves confessing sins and turning to God, baptism into the body of Christ allows one to become born again, water baptism demonstrates faith in Christ, baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers, and baptism by fire involves passing through trials that purify believers.
This document provides an outline and summary of Romans 1:1-17 from a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. The summary includes:
1. Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ called to preach the gospel of God about His Son, Jesus Christ.
2. Christ is described as both human through his descent from David and declared the powerful Son of God through his resurrection.
3. The gospel has the power to save all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles, as it reveals the righteousness of God that comes through faith.
This document is a dogmatic constitution on divine revelation issued by Pope Paul VI in 1965. It discusses revelation itself, how divine revelation is handed on, sacred scripture and its inspiration and interpretation, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the role of sacred scripture in the life of the Church. The key points are that God reveals himself to bring people into fellowship with him, revelation is realized through deeds and words, sacred scripture is inspired by God and its correct interpretation requires understanding the intended meaning, and sacred scripture plays an important role in the life of the Church.
The document discusses important criteria for choosing a church to attend regularly. It lists two "must haves" - that the church faithfully teaches God's word and upholds sound doctrine. Several other desirable qualities are also mentioned, such as preference for a church where the priorities are biblical truths rather than personal preferences. The rest of the document provides biblical support for focusing on scriptural teaching and doctrine when selecting a church.
The role of strong fellowship in a growing churchElvis Amenyitor
The document discusses the role of strong Christian fellowship in the early church based on accounts from Acts. It describes how:
1) The first church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, showing a saved, Christ-centered, and praying church.
2) They shared possessions and ate together daily, showing a sharing, awe-inspiring church where miracles occurred.
3) Their unity, joy, and daily worship attracted others, and the Lord added to their numbers daily, showing an attractive and growing church.
Strong fellowship through sharing, worship, and community strengthened the early church and allowed it to impact others.
This document outlines the key chapters and contents of the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation issued by Pope Paul VI in 1965. It discusses revelation itself, how divine revelation is handed down, sacred scripture and its inspiration/interpretation, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the role of scripture in the life of the Church. The document establishes that both the Old and New Testaments in their entirety are sacred and canonical, having God as their author. It also addresses how revelation is interpreted and the relationship between sacred scripture and sacred tradition.
This document discusses the five types of baptism mentioned in the Bible: baptism of repentance, baptism into the body of Christ, baptism in water, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and baptism by fire. It provides details on the meaning and significance of each type of baptism, including that baptism of repentance involves confessing sins and turning to God, baptism into the body of Christ allows one to become born again, water baptism demonstrates faith in Christ, baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers, and baptism by fire involves passing through trials that purify believers.
This document provides an outline and summary of Romans 1:1-17 from a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. The summary includes:
1. Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ called to preach the gospel of God about His Son, Jesus Christ.
2. Christ is described as both human through his descent from David and declared the powerful Son of God through his resurrection.
3. The gospel has the power to save all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles, as it reveals the righteousness of God that comes through faith.
This document is a dogmatic constitution on divine revelation issued by Pope Paul VI in 1965. It discusses revelation itself, how divine revelation is handed on, sacred scripture and its inspiration and interpretation, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the role of sacred scripture in the life of the Church. The key points are that God reveals himself to bring people into fellowship with him, revelation is realized through deeds and words, sacred scripture is inspired by God and its correct interpretation requires understanding the intended meaning, and sacred scripture plays an important role in the life of the Church.
The document provides an outline and summary of Romans 1:1-17 from a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. It discusses key points about Paul's introduction of himself and his mission, an overview of the church in Rome at the time, and explanations of several theological concepts in Romans 1:1-17 such as salvation through faith, the righteousness of God, and the gospel being for both Jews and Gentiles.
- The Lord's Prayer, also called the Our Father, is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray.
- It is composed of an opening invocation, petitions regarding God, and petitions for our needs.
- We pray "Our Father" because through baptism we have become children of God, and praying "who art in heaven" helps raise our minds to heavenly things and God, who is not contained by creation.
This document discusses different views of Jesus Christ held by Filipinos and examines how these views can be reconciled with the biblical presentation of Jesus. It outlines influences on the Filipino view including the Spanish Christ which emphasized his death, wounds, and agony. It also discusses the Latin American Christ focused on miracles and the "American" Christ focused on sin and salvation. The document provides solutions for developing a view of Christ based on the full portrayal of him in the Bible.
This document contains the text for a Bible study on the second Sunday of Easter. It includes the readings for the day from Acts, 1 Peter, and John and analysis and commentary on each passage. The commentary provides outlines and explanations of the key points in the readings, such as how the early Christian community lived according to Acts and how the resurrection of Jesus brings new birth, hope, and joy according to 1 Peter. It concludes by tying the main themes together and providing suggestions for developing a homily based on the readings.
PPT for a class conducted in Tapua Pa, Thailand in January 2020. Topics include basic Bible interpretation and seeing how the word "gospel" is a political statement.
Priesthood keys are the authority given to priesthood leaders by God to direct the use of his priesthood on Earth. According to Latter-day Saint belief, all priesthood keys from previous dispensations have been restored through heavenly messengers visiting Joseph Smith and conferring various keys and authorities, including: the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist, the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James, and John, the keys of gathering Israel from Moses, and the sealing keys from Elijah. All such keys are now held by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
This document provides commentary on Hebrews 3:1. It discusses Jesus being acknowledged as the apostle and high priest of Christians. It compares Jesus to Moses and Aaron, saying Jesus is a greater apostle than Moses and a greater high priest than Aaron. It encourages Christians to constantly consider Jesus in these roles as the ultimate safeguard against discouragement or apostasy. Fixing one's thoughts on Jesus in times of weakness, darkness, sin, or sorrow will bring strength, light, forgiveness, and comfort.
Salvation history is the progressive unfolding of God's plan to save humanity from sin and death after the Fall. This plan involves a series of covenants and promises from God to figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets, all preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. Key promises included preserving life (Noah), establishing a chosen people and blessing the world (Abraham), giving the law and bringing them to the Promised Land (Moses), and founding an everlasting kingdom (David). The deeper reason for these promises was to prefigure Christ, who would bring full and final salvation.
This is a study of Jesus as the one to keep our eyes on. Make Him the focus of our minds and be thinking of Him often and not just rarely as in church.
The document discusses Paul's second missionary journey where he established the church in Corinth around AD 51. It then discusses Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria who was instructed in the teachings of Jesus but only knew the baptism of John. When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos speaking boldly in the synagogue, they further instructed him in the teachings of Christianity. The document then provides commentary on several verses from 1 Corinthians 1 regarding unity among believers, the message of the cross, and God's calling.
1. God called Israel to be a holy nation by keeping His covenant and commandments. He promised to make them His special people and kingdom of priests if they obeyed.
2. God emphasized His holiness and their need for holiness as His people. He established strict boundaries around Mount Sinai to demonstrate the separation between His holiness and their unrighteousness.
3. God's call to holiness applies to Christians as well. Believers are to pursue holiness and proclaim God's praises as His royal priesthood and holy nation.
The temptation to introduce "new" things into the work of God has always been too strong for some people to resist... Today this trend has accelerated beyond recognition despite A.W. Tozer's warning. Christians should be spiritually awakened so as to discern God’s original ways from man-made false ways in every area of Christianity.
This course will discuss the biblical concept of Marturia as being God's prophetic voice by engaging society with biblical truth. Marturia is advancing the cause of Jesus Christ by bearing witness to the transformation the Good News brings.
Session 1 - Truth-Telling in a World of Uncertainty
Session 2 - Hotel Rwanda: A Truthful Response
Session 3 - Truth Telling: Practical Matters
This document provides an overview and summary of Ephesians 2:11-22. It discusses how Jesus reconciles both Jews and Gentiles by abolishing the dividing wall of hostility between them. All believers from different backgrounds are now united as one new humanity in Christ. The foundation of this new community is Jesus Christ himself, who serves as the cornerstone.
The document discusses Mary, the mother of Jesus. It notes that she was chosen from the beginning to bear the Son of God, as foretold in the Bible and Quran. It also discusses the prominent roles of Mary in Christian doctrine and devotion, such as her Immaculate Conception and Assumption, as well as prayers and feasts in her honor like the Rosary and Angelus.
This document discusses Baptist beliefs about ecclesiology and the doctrine of the church. It covers several key points:
1) Baptists believe that Jesus established local churches, not a universal church hierarchy. Each local church is autonomous under the leadership of its own pastor.
2) Over time, some errors crept into the early church, including pastors assuming authority over each other, an emphasis on baptismal regeneration, and the incorporation of pagan practices. This led to the development of the Catholic Church hierarchy.
3) The primary purposes of the local church are to worship God, evangelize the world, and perfect the saints (mature believers in their faith). Church activities should prioritize soul winning and disciple
This document provides details from a church service, including the memory verse and topics that were discussed. It then describes the story from Acts 8:26-40 where Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah and explains the gospel of Jesus to him, leading to the eunuch's baptism. Key points include Philip obediently following the Spirit's prompting to take an unusual desert road, where he finds the prepared eunuch seeking understanding, and the eunuch demonstrating genuine faith through his proper response to Philip's presentation of Jesus.
The document discusses the spiritual warfare that Christians face. It describes how Satan rebelled against God due to pride, and led one-third of angels to join his rebellion. This ignited a war between God and Satan, in which Satan and demons battle God and his holy angels. On earth, this spiritual conflict manifests as a battle between godly and ungodly people. Paul wrote 1 Timothy to help Timothy prepare for battling false teachers in Ephesus who were undermining the gospel. Christians must be equipped as spiritual soldiers to fight against Satan, the world, and their own sinful flesh.
The document provides an overview and summary of the biblical book of Nahum. It discusses how Nahum prophesied the coming destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, around 650 BC as judgment for their sins and cruelty. Key points include: Nahum delivered a message of impending doom for Nineveh, unlike the earlier prophet Jonah who called Nineveh to repentance; Nahum described the siege and plundering of Nineveh in poetic and vivid detail; and the book teaches that God judges nations who act wickedly and oppress others, though He is also merciful to those who take refuge in Him.
The document provides an outline and summary of Romans 1:1-17 from a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. It discusses key points about Paul's introduction of himself and his mission, an overview of the church in Rome at the time, and explanations of several theological concepts in Romans 1:1-17 such as salvation through faith, the righteousness of God, and the gospel being for both Jews and Gentiles.
- The Lord's Prayer, also called the Our Father, is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray.
- It is composed of an opening invocation, petitions regarding God, and petitions for our needs.
- We pray "Our Father" because through baptism we have become children of God, and praying "who art in heaven" helps raise our minds to heavenly things and God, who is not contained by creation.
This document discusses different views of Jesus Christ held by Filipinos and examines how these views can be reconciled with the biblical presentation of Jesus. It outlines influences on the Filipino view including the Spanish Christ which emphasized his death, wounds, and agony. It also discusses the Latin American Christ focused on miracles and the "American" Christ focused on sin and salvation. The document provides solutions for developing a view of Christ based on the full portrayal of him in the Bible.
This document contains the text for a Bible study on the second Sunday of Easter. It includes the readings for the day from Acts, 1 Peter, and John and analysis and commentary on each passage. The commentary provides outlines and explanations of the key points in the readings, such as how the early Christian community lived according to Acts and how the resurrection of Jesus brings new birth, hope, and joy according to 1 Peter. It concludes by tying the main themes together and providing suggestions for developing a homily based on the readings.
PPT for a class conducted in Tapua Pa, Thailand in January 2020. Topics include basic Bible interpretation and seeing how the word "gospel" is a political statement.
Priesthood keys are the authority given to priesthood leaders by God to direct the use of his priesthood on Earth. According to Latter-day Saint belief, all priesthood keys from previous dispensations have been restored through heavenly messengers visiting Joseph Smith and conferring various keys and authorities, including: the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist, the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James, and John, the keys of gathering Israel from Moses, and the sealing keys from Elijah. All such keys are now held by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
This document provides commentary on Hebrews 3:1. It discusses Jesus being acknowledged as the apostle and high priest of Christians. It compares Jesus to Moses and Aaron, saying Jesus is a greater apostle than Moses and a greater high priest than Aaron. It encourages Christians to constantly consider Jesus in these roles as the ultimate safeguard against discouragement or apostasy. Fixing one's thoughts on Jesus in times of weakness, darkness, sin, or sorrow will bring strength, light, forgiveness, and comfort.
Salvation history is the progressive unfolding of God's plan to save humanity from sin and death after the Fall. This plan involves a series of covenants and promises from God to figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets, all preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. Key promises included preserving life (Noah), establishing a chosen people and blessing the world (Abraham), giving the law and bringing them to the Promised Land (Moses), and founding an everlasting kingdom (David). The deeper reason for these promises was to prefigure Christ, who would bring full and final salvation.
This is a study of Jesus as the one to keep our eyes on. Make Him the focus of our minds and be thinking of Him often and not just rarely as in church.
The document discusses Paul's second missionary journey where he established the church in Corinth around AD 51. It then discusses Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria who was instructed in the teachings of Jesus but only knew the baptism of John. When Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos speaking boldly in the synagogue, they further instructed him in the teachings of Christianity. The document then provides commentary on several verses from 1 Corinthians 1 regarding unity among believers, the message of the cross, and God's calling.
1. God called Israel to be a holy nation by keeping His covenant and commandments. He promised to make them His special people and kingdom of priests if they obeyed.
2. God emphasized His holiness and their need for holiness as His people. He established strict boundaries around Mount Sinai to demonstrate the separation between His holiness and their unrighteousness.
3. God's call to holiness applies to Christians as well. Believers are to pursue holiness and proclaim God's praises as His royal priesthood and holy nation.
The temptation to introduce "new" things into the work of God has always been too strong for some people to resist... Today this trend has accelerated beyond recognition despite A.W. Tozer's warning. Christians should be spiritually awakened so as to discern God’s original ways from man-made false ways in every area of Christianity.
This course will discuss the biblical concept of Marturia as being God's prophetic voice by engaging society with biblical truth. Marturia is advancing the cause of Jesus Christ by bearing witness to the transformation the Good News brings.
Session 1 - Truth-Telling in a World of Uncertainty
Session 2 - Hotel Rwanda: A Truthful Response
Session 3 - Truth Telling: Practical Matters
This document provides an overview and summary of Ephesians 2:11-22. It discusses how Jesus reconciles both Jews and Gentiles by abolishing the dividing wall of hostility between them. All believers from different backgrounds are now united as one new humanity in Christ. The foundation of this new community is Jesus Christ himself, who serves as the cornerstone.
The document discusses Mary, the mother of Jesus. It notes that she was chosen from the beginning to bear the Son of God, as foretold in the Bible and Quran. It also discusses the prominent roles of Mary in Christian doctrine and devotion, such as her Immaculate Conception and Assumption, as well as prayers and feasts in her honor like the Rosary and Angelus.
This document discusses Baptist beliefs about ecclesiology and the doctrine of the church. It covers several key points:
1) Baptists believe that Jesus established local churches, not a universal church hierarchy. Each local church is autonomous under the leadership of its own pastor.
2) Over time, some errors crept into the early church, including pastors assuming authority over each other, an emphasis on baptismal regeneration, and the incorporation of pagan practices. This led to the development of the Catholic Church hierarchy.
3) The primary purposes of the local church are to worship God, evangelize the world, and perfect the saints (mature believers in their faith). Church activities should prioritize soul winning and disciple
This document provides details from a church service, including the memory verse and topics that were discussed. It then describes the story from Acts 8:26-40 where Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah and explains the gospel of Jesus to him, leading to the eunuch's baptism. Key points include Philip obediently following the Spirit's prompting to take an unusual desert road, where he finds the prepared eunuch seeking understanding, and the eunuch demonstrating genuine faith through his proper response to Philip's presentation of Jesus.
The document discusses the spiritual warfare that Christians face. It describes how Satan rebelled against God due to pride, and led one-third of angels to join his rebellion. This ignited a war between God and Satan, in which Satan and demons battle God and his holy angels. On earth, this spiritual conflict manifests as a battle between godly and ungodly people. Paul wrote 1 Timothy to help Timothy prepare for battling false teachers in Ephesus who were undermining the gospel. Christians must be equipped as spiritual soldiers to fight against Satan, the world, and their own sinful flesh.
The document provides an overview and summary of the biblical book of Nahum. It discusses how Nahum prophesied the coming destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, around 650 BC as judgment for their sins and cruelty. Key points include: Nahum delivered a message of impending doom for Nineveh, unlike the earlier prophet Jonah who called Nineveh to repentance; Nahum described the siege and plundering of Nineveh in poetic and vivid detail; and the book teaches that God judges nations who act wickedly and oppress others, though He is also merciful to those who take refuge in Him.
The document provides an in-depth analysis of the Parable of the Mustard Seed told by Jesus. It examines the elements of the parable, including the small mustard seed representing the Word of God, and how it grows into the largest plant in the garden to represent the growth of God's kingdom/church. It explores Jesus' purpose in telling the parable to convey that the kingdom of God starts small but grows greatly, and that great things can come from small beginnings through faith in God.
The document provides a summary of a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi on living out one's faith based on a study of Hebrews 13. It discusses several practical applications and exhortations from Hebrews 13, including showing love to strangers, maintaining sexual purity, avoiding greed, imitating leaders, rejecting false teachings, and offering sacrifices of praise. It encourages Christians to submit to church leaders and live faithfully despite challenges, as this life is as bad as it will get for non-believers but only temporary for believers. The sermon concludes by explaining the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
This document provides an overview of a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi on December 2nd, 2012. The sermon focuses on examining the name "Yahweh" and what it reveals about God's character based on passages from Exodus 6, 15, and other references. Key points include that Yahweh means "I am who I am" or "I will be what I will be", and shows God to be sovereign, faithful to His promises, and the one true God. The sermon explores how God revealed Himself to the Israelites through delivering them from Egyptian slavery and establishing His covenant with them.
The document provides information about upcoming events at First Baptist Church, including a fall outreach program, concert series, and multigenerational lunch. It discusses the importance of not drifting away from God, entering into His rest through faith and studying the Bible, and having a compassionate High Priest in Jesus who understands human weaknesses. Believers are encouraged to help each other and not allow their hearts to be hardened by sin and unbelief.
- The document is a summary of a sermon given on Hebrews 6 addressing whether believers will receive rewards, or stars, in their crown in heaven.
- It discusses justification, sanctification, and glorification as the pattern of salvation and argues that while salvation is secure, believers can lose potential heavenly rewards if they are not fruitful or endure faithfully.
- The Judgment Seat of Christ is mentioned as the time when believers' works will be tested and their rewards determined, not their salvation. Crowns and treasures are discussed as some of the potential rewards.
The document discusses praying with dependency on God. It provides details from Acts 4:23-31 where believers in the early church gathered to pray in response to opposition. The summary is:
The document discusses how believers in the early church modeled dependency on God through prayer. When Peter and John faced opposition for preaching about Jesus, the believers came together to pray. Their prayer acknowledged God's power and sovereignty, quoted scripture to proclaim Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, and recognized God's control over historical events in accordance with his plan.
This document discusses the history and characteristics of religious revivals. It describes how revivals typically involve a deeper appreciation for God's holiness and conviction of sin. Revivals transform communities by restoring relationships and reforming behaviors. The Great Awakening of the 18th century is discussed, sparked by preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. Edwards emphasized that true conversions are evidenced by love for God and holy living, not just emotions. Whitefield's open-air preaching drew huge crowds and spread the revival throughout the American colonies and Britain.
1) Revivals are sovereign moves of God initiated by the Holy Spirit that result in spiritual transformation. They typically begin with a deeper appreciation of God's holiness and conviction of sin.
2) The presentation discusses revivals in the Bible and history, including the Welsh Revival of 1904. Key aspects of revivals mentioned are repentance, restitution, public confession of faith, and obedience to the Holy Spirit.
3) For revival to occur today, the presentation argues we must have a right view of God's holiness and wrath against sin, focus on obeying the Bible, pray repentantly, and seek Biblical reformation.
The document discusses the history and purpose of the Christian church. It describes how God had a vision for including all people through the establishment of the church. It outlines how Jesus built upon the Jewish tradition of sacrifice and forgiveness to found the church. Members of the early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and sharing with those in need. God continues to invite all people to join the church.
The document summarizes two strong prayers from Acts 4:23-31. It describes how the believers prayed for boldness to speak God's word despite threats. Their prayer was answered as they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke boldly. They also prayed for signs and wonders to be done through Jesus' name. In response, the place they were meeting was shaken as God granted more miracles through them.
The document provides an overview of Paul's first missionary journey according to Acts 14:5-23. It summarizes Paul and Barnabas' preaching in Lystra and Derbe, including Paul healing a paralytic man which led the people of Lystra to mistakenly worship Paul and Barnabas as the gods Zeus and Hermes. It then discusses Paul's efforts to turn the people from pagan worship to the living God, and their stoning of Paul which they believed left him dead.
This document is the 1934 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. It discusses the establishment of Jehovah's kingdom on earth, which has been the hope of faithful followers for centuries. It describes how a small group in the 1870s recognized the imminent second coming of Jesus and his kingdom based on their Bible study. This group formed the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society corporation in 1884 to oversee their work without dependence on any individual person.
The document discusses scriptural images of the church including the kingdom of God, the people of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. It notes that Jesus established the church by preaching about the coming kingdom of God. The church serves as the leaven, sowing the seed and casting the net to represent the coming kingdom. The people of God are called by God to be a chosen people who believe in Christ. As the body of Christ, the church has unity in diversity through different spiritual gifts from the one Spirit. The temple of the Holy Spirit dwells in Christians.
The document discusses the concept of "revival" from a biblical perspective. It argues that the widespread belief in an imminent, worldwide Christian revival is based on a false doctrine of "triumphalism." Specifically, it claims that triumphalism has been influenced by (1) Dominion Theology, which says the church should rule over the earth, (2) Replacement Theology, which says God has replaced Israel with the church, and (3) the Latter Rain movement, which predicts end-time revival through signs and wonders. However, the Bible portrays the last days as a time of deception, persecution and apostasy, not church triumph. It also suggests revival refers to God preserving a remnant
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 012: "Jesus is LORD!"BibleAlive
Jesus is understood as Lord in three sentences:
The early disciples came to understand Jesus' transcendent Lordship after encountering the risen Jesus, acknowledging his divinity and that he possesses absolute divine power and majesty as well as the right to unconditional human allegiance. As Lord, Jesus rules over all creation and history, and his Lordship is most clearly experienced in the Eucharist, where Christians participate in his body and blood and pray "Come, Lord!" for his return.
The document provides instructions for prayer, breaking it down into six components: petition, reverence, adoration, yearning, expectation, and requests. It emphasizes making time daily to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ and calls the reader to decay, die and destroy, though it is unclear what is meant by this. It ends by emphasizing the importance of praying in Jesus' name.
This document discusses the origins and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. It was founded in 1870 by Charles Taze Russell and further developed by Joseph Franklin Rutherford in 1917. Some key beliefs discussed are: they deny the deity of Jesus and the Trinity, deny that baptism remits sins, and teach that only 144,000 will go to heaven while others will live forever on earth after Armageddon. The document analyzes how these beliefs contradict biblical teachings.
This document is a theology of missions paper submitted for a class at Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary. It discusses several key aspects of mission theology, including the missional nature of God, examples of mission work in scripture, the relationship between mission work, ecclesiology and the Trinity, key themes like the Kingdom of God and shalom, and the roles of missionaries, church leaders and lay people in mission work. The conclusion emphasizes that worship of God leads to mission work, as the love believers receive from God spills over into love for others.
God is always just in how he judges people. The Israelites were wrongly claiming that they were suffering unjustly for the sins of past generations, but Ezekiel explains that each person is responsible for their own sins, not the sins of others. God judges each person based on their own righteousness or wickedness, not that of their ancestors. The passage teaches that individuals will face consequences for their own actions, not the actions of others, because God is fair and just in his judgments.
The document provides information about the history, demographics, beliefs, and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses. It details that the religion was founded in the 19th century and has grown to over 8 million members worldwide, with over 1.2 million in the US. Core beliefs include salvation through faith in Jesus alone, rejection of the Trinity, and an exclusive path to salvation involving faith and baptism into the Jehovah's Witness organization. Practices include door-to-door preaching, rejection of holidays and blood transfusions, and potential shunning of former members.
This document contains a prayer for grace from Paul in his letter to Philemon. It includes commentary on the meaning and significance of Paul's prayer for "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." The commentaries discuss how grace comes from Christ, its importance for Christian life and relationships, and how Paul's prayer models incorporating Christian sentiments into everyday interactions. The document also includes a comparison to a letter by Pliny requesting leniency for a freed slave, noting similarities in tone and style.
The document summarizes lessons from Acts about how the early church addressed internal conflicts. It describes personal, cultural, and doctrinal differences that arose and the solutions found. For personal differences regarding food distribution, the church appointed seven men to oversee the work. For cultural differences about accepting Gentiles, Peter submitted to God's vision and the Holy Spirit's work. For doctrinal disputes over circumcision, church leaders studied scripture and found salvation is through faith, not works. The early church acknowledged issues, heard all sides, consulted scripture, and sought God's leading to make decisions communicated to all.
Similar to 11 November 4, 2012 4;23-31 Praying With Dependency On God (20)
The document discusses prophecies from Isaiah about God restoring the heavens and earth and creating a new Jerusalem without weeping or crying. It then discusses passages from the New Testament about how believers should live in light of these prophecies, looking forward to Christ's appearing and purifying themselves. The document also provides summaries about the characteristics and features of Christ's future millennial kingdom based on passages from Isaiah, Psalms, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation.
The document discusses the future reign of Christ on earth based on passages from Isaiah, Psalms, Ezekiel, and Revelation. It describes the main features of the future millennial kingdom as an earthly kingdom where Christ will reign for 1000 years after His second coming. Resurrected saints from all ages will reign with Christ on earth and assist in His rule. The kingdom will be a time of peace and prosperity without evil or harm.
This passage from Isaiah 58 discusses God's condemnation of empty worship rituals among his people that are not accompanied by righteous living and care for the oppressed. God explains that true worship requires loosening bonds of wickedness, sharing with the hungry, and clothing the naked. The prophet Isaiah lived during a time of rebuilding after the exile when the temple had been reconstructed but the city walls remained in ruins. God promises blessings of light, guidance, strength, and renewal for those who repent from sin and pursue justice. The sermon references other passages emphasizing that God desires mercy over sacrifice and that true salvation will come through God himself acting as righteous judge and redeemer through the coming Messiah.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Isaiah 58:1-12. It examines God's condemnation of hypocritical worship among his people, who were going through the motions of fasting and prayer but without true repentance or care for the oppressed. God explains that true worship requires acts of justice, mercy, and humility. The document places this passage in historical context during the post-exilic period when the temple had been rebuilt but Jerusalem's walls remained in disrepair. It concludes by connecting Isaiah's prophecy to the ultimate salvation God provides through Jesus Christ.
1) The document discusses Isaiah 53, which prophesies the coming of Jesus as the suffering servant who would bear the sins of humanity.
2) It analyzes various verses from Isaiah 53 that describe Jesus' humble upbringing, rejection, suffering, and death on the cross in fulfillment of these prophecies.
3) The author argues that the chapter paints a clear picture of Jesus and his redemptive work, though some Jewish people did not accept that it referred to him.
This document provides an analysis and commentary on Isaiah 53:1-12. It discusses how this passage prophesies Jesus as the suffering servant who would bear the sins of humanity. Some key points made include: Jewish people historically did not believe Isaiah 53 referred to Jesus as they were expecting a conquering messiah; the passage depicts the servant as having no beauty or majesty and being despised and rejected; it describes how he would bear our sorrows and be wounded for our transgressions so that through his suffering we can be healed. The document analyzes various verses in depth to draw connections between the prophecy and Jesus' life and crucifixion.
The document provides an overview and analysis of Isaiah 49:1-13. It summarizes that:
1) The passage promises comfort for God's people and the coming of a Messiah who will be a servant and bring salvation to all nations.
2) Jesus fulfills the prophecies as the suffering servant who is called and named by God from birth to be a light to the Gentiles.
3) The passage prophesies that the servant will be rejected but later worshipped, establish a new covenant, and guide God's people to salvation.
1) The document provides an overview and analysis of Isaiah 49:1-13 from a Sunday school lesson. It examines how this passage prophesies comfort for God's people through a coming servant Messiah and how Jesus fulfills this prophecy.
2) Key points include how Isaiah 49 promises a Messiah who will bring salvation for Israel and all nations, depicted as a servant who is named and empowered by God.
3) The document analyzes how Jesus fulfills this prophecy by being God's chosen servant who is rejected by men but brings salvation, being made a light to the Gentiles and worshipped by all through his death and resurrection.
This document contains the summary of a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. It discusses Isaiah 46:3-13, focusing on God's care for his people and how he alone is worthy of worship unlike idols. It includes quotes from the Bible passage and hymns like "His Eye is on the Sparrow" to illustrate the theme that God watches over and protects believers.
This document provides a summary of a Sunday school class discussion on putting God first in all things and trusting in His care. It includes summaries of Bible passages from Isaiah, Psalms, and Matthew discussing not worshipping idols and trusting that God watches over His people. The hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow" is analyzed, inspired by verses on God caring for even sparrows. The class discussed how tragedies can humble us and that God saves those who recognize their need.
God instructs Isaiah to comfort God's people with three messages: 1) God is sovereign and in control, even during difficult times. 2) God will fulfill his purposes, such as forgiving Israel and sending a Redeemer. 3) God will sustain his people, though all humanity is transitory except God's eternal word. The prophecy looks forward to Israel's restoration after the coming exile.
The document provides an overview of a Sunday school lesson on Isaiah 40. It discusses the historical context during Isaiah's time, the message of comfort God instructed Isaiah to provide to Judah facing exile, and how this message still applies today. The lesson focuses on how Isaiah conveyed that God is sovereign, will fulfill his purposes, and sustain his people. It also provides biblical references on God's comfort and plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The document provides an overview and summary of Isaiah 34-39 from a sermon given at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. It discusses the historical context involving King Hezekiah of Judah rebelling against Assyria, the confrontation with Rabshakeh representing Sennacherib, Hezekiah's prayer to God, and God's response promising to defend Jerusalem for his own sake and for David. Key themes are God hearing and answering prayer, defeating the enemies of his people, and bringing hope and salvation.
The document provides a summary of Isaiah 34-39 from a Sunday School class. It discusses the historical context involving King Hezekiah of Judah rebelling against the Assyrian king Sennacherib in 701 BC. It describes the Rabshakeh threatening Jerusalem on behalf of Sennacherib, and Hezekiah praying to God for deliverance. God responds through Isaiah, promising to deliver Jerusalem and put a spirit in Sennacherib so he returns to his own land.
Isaiah 31 discusses God's promise to protect Israel and Judah if they trust in Him rather than forming alliances with other nations like Egypt. It warns that those who seek protection from Egypt will be put to shame, as the Egyptians are merely mortal while God is all-powerful. The chapter promises that God will come down to defend Jerusalem from Assyria, represented as a lion, and will shield and deliver His people. It calls the Israelites to repent and return to God to receive His protection.
The document provides an overview and analysis of Isaiah 31. It summarizes that the chapter warns Israel and Judah against forming an alliance with Egypt and relying on Egyptian horses and chariots for protection against Assyria. While Egypt can provide military strength, God promises to protect Jerusalem himself. The chapter exhorts the people to repent from idolatry and return to trusting God for their defense. It prophesies that Assyria will fall not by human hands but by the sword of God in response to their threats against Judah.
God will judge the earth and its inhabitants for their sins and breaking God's covenant. This judgement is described in Isaiah 24-27 and referred to as Isaiah's Apocalypse. However, God also has a plan for salvation and will deliver the remnant of people from the ends of the earth who worship him. Ultimately, God will reign eternally in Jerusalem and provide salvation for all people through his son Jesus Christ.
God will judge the earth and its inhabitants for their sin and breaking of His covenant. Isaiah 24-27 discusses this coming judgement, including how God will devastate the earth and punish both earthly kings and the hosts of heaven. However, it also promises ultimate salvation and a banquet for all people on God's holy mountain when He defeats death. The passage encourages believers that though judgement is coming, God has a plan for hope and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Isaiah 23:1-18. It discusses Tyre's historical relationship with Israel as an important Phoenician seaport city. God prophesied Tyre's destruction through Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great because of the city's pride. The prophecy warns that no place, including Cyprus, will provide rest for Tyre's inhabitants. It also foretells that Tyre will be forgotten for 70 years but trade will slowly resume. The document applies lessons about God's sovereignty over nations and his hatred of pride.
The document provides commentary on Isaiah 23, which prophesies the destruction of the Phoenician city of Tyre. It discusses Tyre's history and relationship with Israel, highlighting its pride and role in commerce and idolatry. The commentary explains how Tyre was destroyed multiple times according to prophecies by Isaiah and Ezekiel, and applies lessons about God's sovereignty over nations.
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The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
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It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
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11 November 4, 2012 4;23-31 Praying With Dependency On God
1. Pray With Dependency On God
Acts 4:23-31
November 4, 2012
First Baptist Church
Jackson, Mississippi, USA
Begin now praying for World Mission Week, November 7-11.
There will be an Adult Sunday School Rally for Young Married and Median Adults on
November 11th at both the 9:00 and 10:30 Sunday School hours.
Breakfast foods will be provided in FSHE.
You will hear testimonies from three missionary couples.
Focal Passage Passages:
Embrace God’s Plan (Acts 4:23-28)
Pray for God to Work (Acts 4:29-30)
Experience God’s Power (Acts 4:31)
What This Lesson Is About:
Praying with dependency on God to transform our lives (and other people’s
lives).
2. At times you may feel like that hapless sailor in a small boat tossed and
battered by the sea.
The desperate sailor ropes a rock.
The rock provides the needed security, stability, and hope for the helpless man.
When the rock is lassoed it’s not the man pulling the rock to the boat (though it
may appear that way); it is the pulling of the boat to the rock.
Christ is the rock; we throw the rope through prayer.
3. We desperately need to connect with God through prayer!
When we work, we work; when we pray, God works.
God has ordained prayer as a means by which He will work on earth and meet
the needs of His people.
God created us with needs so that we would need Him.
Too many Christians—and churches—have lost their sense of dependence on
God.
Do we not believe God can work as He did in the days of the early church?
Only God can transform lives and churches.
When we partner with Him, get on His agenda and follow His lead, no person
or society can stop God’s church.
Without God we are helpless and hapless, given to the whims of people and
the storms of circumstance.
But with God we lasso the Rock.
4. Throw your rope – pray!
God provides the strength we need 2 Peter 1:3
As He performed His wonders with the early church, He will do it for us today as
well.
Embrace God’s Plan
Acts 4:23-28
23 “After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything
the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they all
raised their voices to God and said, “Master, You are the One Who made the heaven,
the earth, and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You said through the Holy Spirit, by
the mouth of our father David Your servant:
Why did the Gentiles
rage and the peoples plot futile things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand
and the rulers assembled together
against the Lord and against His Messiah.
27 “For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the
people of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, Whom You
anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take
place.” Acts 4:23-28
Peter and John preached the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
They were tossed in jail by the Jewish authorities, then interrogated the next
day.
5. They spoke with compelling boldness and radical dependence on Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:13 is pivotal in this entire episode:
Acts 4:13
“When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they
were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that
they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
The Jewish leaders were captivated by Peter and John’s courage and
astonished by their insight for they had no formal training, but observed that
they were followers of Jesus.
Could this be the secret of Peter and John’s effectiveness?
Their association, their dependence, on Jesus was their source of strength
and security.
These men were on a mission, possessed by a great affection and an
overwhelming passion motivated by their experience with Jesus.
Someone, not just something, had happened to them.
They were transformed men.
Changed!
Electrified!
This is not the same Peter that we studied about last week who cowardly
denied Christ three times.
The authorities ordered them not to speak or teach about Jesus, threatening
further punishment if they did.
Opposition fosters dependence.
Apparently unafraid of their accusers, nothing stopped their quest to tell others
about Jesus.
They discovered a perpetual source of energy, courage, and power.
Their relationship with Jesus provided, and the community of believers
sustained, their spiritual vitality and courageous boldness.
Rather than despondency and defeat or fear and anxiety, over such dire news,
the assembled believers turned to God in prayer, not as a last resort but as a
first resolve.
6. Prayer should be our first step, not the last resort.
The believers embraced God’s plan.
They had comprehended that prayer was and is the indispensable and vital
function of a believer.
They united in prayer; they all raised their voices, though not a prayer in unison.
The believers joined together in prayer as one person spoke the words.
We often pray similarly today.
One individual will voice the prayer and the congregation will silently agree
with the spoken words.
As early believers modeled, we need to practice the discipline of praying
together.
The early church was birthed in praying together.
They coped with crisis and persecution as one body on their knees.
They trusted God for miraculous, divine interventions in times of extreme trouble
through united prayer.
The early church learned to pray largely by praying together.
Young Christians today learn to pray in community with mature believers.
Surprisingly, the believers did not pray for changed circumstances or personal
comfort.
They instead turned to God, recognizing His power and sovereignty.
They knew what we often forget: effective prayer is foremost God-directed.
How often have our corporate prayers been directed to the limited, listening
audience, rather than to omnipotent God Who can do something about us
and our circumstances?
Before any request, the believers focused on God.
7. They addressed Him as Master.
The Greek word renders “a ruler with absolute power/sovereign Lord”.
The term often referred to a master or to a king with unchallengeable power
over his subjects.
Here, it communicated God’s omnipotence, as “Lord Almighty.”
The believers distinguished that the Sanhedrin had influence and desired to
silence their witness, but the disciples knew the Jewish authority dimmed in
comparison to God’s rule.
We would be wise to remember such powerful truth in light of the opposition
Christians and Christianity faces in the world today.
Furthermore, they proclaimed God as Creator, “the One Who made the
heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.”
Steeped in Old Testament understanding of God, Scripture informed their
prayer.
In fact, prayer commences with God’s Word.
Just as the Bible informs our theology, our ethics, and our behaviors, it also
informs our prayer.
If we are always presenting God with a list of pleas, trying to talk Him into
granting our desires, it makes us a big mouth and God a big ear.
Praying Scripture turns God into the voice and us the ear, ready and willing to
respond to His plans.
Then, the believers accredited God as the Source of revelation.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God had spoken through David.
They quoted Psalm 2:1-4 in their prayer.
Psalm 2:1-4
Coronation of the Son
1 “Why do the nations rebel
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand,
and the rulers conspire together
against the Lord and His Anointed One:
3 ’Let us tear off their chains
and free ourselves from their restraints.’
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord ridicules them.”
Psalm 2:1-4
Peter and John, along with the assembled believers, interpreted the recent
events as proof God was working in their midst and that Jesus fulfilled David’s
prophetic word, regarding the coming Messiah.
8. In King David’s time, vassal rulers were required to submit to a newly enthroned
king.
When some refused, God laughed at such revolt (Psalm 2:4).
The believers recognized Jesus as God’s Anointed One.
They thus knew how foolish it would be for authorities to think they could stop
God’s plan and the proclamation of His message.
Did God laugh again?
The early believers applied this prophetic statement to their situation.
They filled supporting actor roles in God’s divine mission in the world.
It bestowed meaning to their persecution and harassment.
The unfolding events served to remind the church that they were in good
company, for God’s faithful people always have been under attack.
Persecution provided the acid test of obeying God rather than men.
They acknowledged God as the Overseer of history.
Verse 27 identifies historical figures and their plot against Jesus.
Acts 4:27
27 “For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the
people of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus,” Acts 4:27
The conspirators included Herod Antipas
(not Herod the Great) who corresponded
with the kings of the earth.
9. Then, Pilate related with the rulers.
The Gentiles were the Romans, sentencing Jesus to the cross and executing the
sentence.
The people of Israel represented the Jews, acknowledging their role in Jesus’
death.
All were united against Jesus; all were a part of God’s predetermined plan that
the Messiah must suffer and die.
These people raged and plotted against Jesus, God’s holy Servant, Whom God
anointed.
Rage depicted a neighing horse,
tossing its head, snorting, stamping its feet,
prancing in pride, but ultimately the stallion
would submit to the reins of the master.
10. Jesus, the incarnation of God, traversed among humanity.
He suffered the blows of humanity.
Jesus succumbed to the worst that humanity could unleash on a person, yet He
came out victorious.
In the end, God’s desire would prevail.
Acts 4:28
28 “to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place.”
Acts 4:28
God’s hand, a common image in the Old Testament, represented God’s power
and strength.
God’s plan revealed God’s will regarding Jesus through His death and
resurrection.
These vicious acts served God’s purpose.
His plans, His strategy, His power always accomplish His intended outcome.
Nothing would hamper God’s agenda.
This fact fueled the early believers’ courage.
They discerned that God could take the worst man could dish out and turn it
into something good.
God squeezed good out of evil.
His purpose exists in everything.
We never drift beyond His protection and His plan.
Perhaps you face a difficult situation.
God certainly has a purpose in allowing you to go through it.
Instead of backing down, reach up to God in prayer.
Recognize God’s sovereignty, revelation, and incarnation; these truths ground
Christian prayer.
Seek God to determine His purposes.
Look for ways in the midst of your situation to participate in His plan.
Live on His agenda and you will never be off course.
The early church recognized God’s “hand” and “plan” in the events around
Jesus’ death as well as the threats against Peter and John.
11. Which of the following best describes your reaction when your faith is
challenged or confronted?
___ I wonder why He let such a situation develop.
___ I lay low till the threat subsides.
___ I recognize that God is all powerful and ask Him to change the situation.
___ I recognize and embrace God’s plan and ask Him to accomplish His will.
Pray for God to Work
Acts 4:29-30
29 “And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your
message with complete boldness, 30 while You stretch out Your hand for healing,
signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
Acts 4:29-30
They requested courage that they “may speak Your message with complete
boldness.”
They sought bravery in the face of danger, boldness to proclaim the Gospel
without fear, and power to prevail in the midst of overwhelming odds.
The disciples’ boldness characterized, first, a spiritual virtue; as such, it can only
come from God.
Second, it revealed the believer’s courage in preaching the Gospel, their
unreservedness.
The word was used of citizens who had the freedom to say anything publicly
without fear of punishment.
Thus, for believers it communicated the freedom to speak the truth about
Jesus.
Third, it described the believers’ confidence to proclaim the redeeming work of
Jesus Christ.
Boldly the disciples shared their faith with conviction.
Did God answer their prayer for boldness?
The rest of the Book of Acts reveals God did, indeed, answer their prayer.
These once timid and frightened men, who had been in hiding, embarrassed
and ashamed, were altered.
God took weak, ineffectual, and insipid persons and transformed them into
bold, powerful and courageous warriors for Jesus.
12. Likewise, we should ask God for boldness to speak for Him.
Prayer carries an evangelistic component.
Worship leads to witness.
Prayer propels us into action.
Prayer advances God’s kingdom.
Prayer ignites a church to move beyond its walls.
They wanted God’s hand, (the second reference to God’s hand in this prayer),
which stands for His provision, His strength, His work, displayed miraculously in
their midst.
God alone, through His omnipotent power, could eclipse the laws of nature
and time.
They wanted God to demonstrate His power, thus affirming their message,
through healing, signs, and wonders.
The signs were visible demonstrations that pointed to God, the One Who has
ultimate and omnipotent power.
The wonders exposed spectacular events that punctuated the early church as
recorded by Luke in his writings.
The Book of Acts—often called the Acts of the Apostles but could be called the
Acts of the Holy Spirit—recounted God’s continual demonstrations answering
this prayer.
The validation of God’s answering their prayer for speaking with great boldness
was confirmed by the signs and wonders they saw in their midst.
Their prayer forces us to evaluate our prayers.
Do we pray for boldness to communicate God’s message?
13. Do we ask for power to do His work?
Do we seek confirmation to our answered prayers?
God’s will might not remove us from difficult situations or soften our trek through
life by delivering us from opposition, but when we pray God will strengthen us
and make us more effective for Him in those situations.
God furnishes courage to His people when they need it.
Honest prayer releases God’s power and invites God’s hand to work.
Look for it.
Seize it.
Know that it goes before you as you boldly serve and share about Him.
Let’s not forget the source of answered prayer: the name of Your holy Servant
Jesus.
In Biblical times, a person’s name represented more than an identification or a
handle; it revealed the essence of one’s identity, character, personality,
authority, and power.
Jesus is God’s holy (set apart) Servant.
In a real sense all prayer is ultimately a response to Jesus’ name.
Don’t we pray in His name?
Most often we conclude our prayers by saying, “in the name of Jesus, amen.”
In so doing, we are asking that our mind, our purpose, our desires, our hopes,
our longings be one with Jesus.
In essence, when we implore in Jesus’ name we seek to glorify God, soliciting
for what Jesus would pray.
We are urging that His will be done on earth, rather than our will be done in
Heaven.
Knowing yourself and your past responses to challenges to your faith, indicate
for each statement how likely you would be take a similar approach.
Indicate your answers in percentages such that the total for all statements
combined equals 100%.
Create and incorporate additional statements as desired.
___% I would ask God to get me out of that uncomfortable situation ASAP.
___% I would point out that I’m not really the best one to be in the situation, but I
hope He works in it anyway.
___% I would ask God to strengthen me for how He wants to use me in the
situation.
14. Experience God’s Power
Acts 4:31
31 “When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and
they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with
boldness.” Acts 4:31
God answered their implored entreaties by shaking the place where they had
assembled, filling them with the Holy Spirit, and empowering them to speak
God’s message with boldness.
Whether the shaking was physical or spiritual as God’s manifest presence
invaded them, we do not know.
It did, however, provide a sign of God’s omnipotent power manifested through
God’s divine presence.
The disciples had proof that God was with them.
They were all filled or controlled by the Spirit somewhat the same way a person
driving a car controls the car.
The Holy Spirit resides in believers as the driving force in our lives.
This experience indicated a special or fresh endowment of power for work and
witness.
When filled with God’s Spirit, we boast of a renewed awareness of God’s
power and presence in our lives.
15. One secret of the Christian life is that not only are believers with Jesus but He is
in them.
A Christ-captivated life enables us to live an extraordinary life.
“The Holy Spirit,” according to The Baptist Faith and Message, “is the Spirit of God,
fully divine…. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the
spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church.… His presence in the
Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the
stature of Christ.
He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship,
evangelism and service” (section II.C, 2000 edition).
Some people talk of the Holy Spirit as an impersonal power or influence.
They speak of the Holy Spirit as an “it.”
The Bible clearly refers to the Holy Spirit in terms that can only apply to a Person.
Since the Holy Spirit is a Person, we can have a personal relationship with Him.
Since He is God, His power is God’s power.
Therefore, in relating to the Holy Spirit, we come into personal contact with the
God of the universe.
Because of this infilling with the Holy Spirit, the disciples began to speak God’s
message with boldness.
Interestingly, these same words were verbalized in their request in verse 29.
The word boldness means telling all.
It occurs when one has had an experience based on undeniable truth and is
compelled to tell others about it.
Bold people are impassioned.
They formulate no apology.
They possess a great passion.
16. Their motivation originates from the indwelling Holy Spirit’s power and presence.
Their character matches their conviction.
People are drawn to them as bugs to light, captivated by their message when
they communicate.
God answered the believers’ prayer.
By the Spirit’s power, they continued preaching as though the Sanhedrin had
never made a threat.
They chose obedience to God rather than submission to men.
Boldness provided the outward sign of the Holy Spirit’s inward control of their
lives.
Christians overflowing with the Holy Spirit share the Gospel.
In fact, one filled with the Spirit declares the Gospel boldly.
Isn’t that what we want?
Courage?
Boldness?
Living obediently to Christ?
Dependent prayer fosters such a transformation.
This lesson embarks on the study centered on the theme “The Church:
Transforming Lives in a Changing Culture”—four lessons that identify elements of
transformational churches.
This first element concentrates on dependence on God as shown through the
church’s prayers.
Prayer was not the only thing the early church did, just the first thing the church
did. (1 Tim. 2:1)
Jesus thundered that His church was to be a house of prayer (Matt. 21:13).
17. Our class can set the example for our church by depending on God, uttering
prayers that seek God’s plan, desire God’s work, and long for God’s power.
Think of the most recent time you experienced God’s power.
Describe the experience
Biblical Truths:
Prayer always commences with reverence for God, acknowledging His
sovereignty.
Prayer compels one to act, moving out of the prayer closest and onto the
street through ministry and mission.
Prayer warriors don’t request a lighter load but a stronger back and the
courage to face daunting tasks with valor and dependence on God.
Prayer endows believers with boldness to share the Gospel message powerfully.
Prayer unleashes God’s Spirit within us as believers face obstacles and
opportunities.
Only God can transform the lost to saved, the intimidated to bold, the
persecuted to victor.
While depending on God, pray that He will transform your life and those of class
and church members, as well as the lost in the community.
Next week:
Sunday School Rally in Fellowship Hall East
November 18th:
Acts 13
Kingdom Building