THE MOVE

 

ACTS Chapter Two

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1. To carefully consider the events surrounding the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost
2. To examine Peter's first gospel sermon, and the evidence presented in it for the resurrection of Jesus Christ
3. To observe the response to the sermon, and what people were told to do in order to be saved
4. To note the establishment and characteristics of the church in Jerusalem

SUMMARY

Ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, on the Jewish feast day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured out as promised. With the sound of a rushing mighty wind, and with tongues of fire appearing above their heads, those filled with the Holy Spirit begin to speak in other tongues (1-4). Devout Jews visiting from other countries are attracted and amazed as they hear wonderful works of God proclaimed in their own languages (5-13).

Peter, standing with the rest of the apostles, explains that what has happened is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-32), who foretold that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days (14-21). He then preaches Jesus of Nazareth to the crowd, reminding them of His miracles, their involvement in His death, and proclaiming that God raised Him from the dead. As proof for the resurrection, Peter offers three lines of evidence: 1) the prophecy by David, who foretold of the resurrection (Ps 16:8-11); 2) the twelve apostles as witnesses; 3) the Spirit's outpouring itself , indicative of Christ's exaltation and reception of the promise of the Spirit from the Father. In conclusion, Peter pronounces that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ (22-36).

Cut to the heart, the people ask the apostles what they should do. Peter commands them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. With many other words he exhorts them to be saved, and about 3000 souls gladly receive his word and are baptized (37-41).

Thus begins the church in Jerusalem, which continues steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers. Signs and wonders are done by the apostles, while the believers display their love and devotion through acts of benevolence and frequent worship. They enjoy the favor of the people, and the Lord adds to the church daily those being saved (42-47).

OUTLINE

1. THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT (1-4)
1. ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST (1)
1. A Jewish holiday, also known as the Feast of Weeks and Feast of Harvest, one of three great annual festivals (cf. Lev 23:15-22; Exo 23:14-18; 34:22)
2. Fifty days after the Passover Sabbath, i.e., Sunday
3. They, most likely the apostles (cf. Ac 1:11,26; 2:7,14), were gathered in one place
2. WITH AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNS (2-3)
1. A sound from heaven
1. As of a rushing mighty wind
2. Filling the house where they were sitting
2. Divided tongues
1. As of fire
2. One upon each one of them
3. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (4)
1. Speaking with other tongues (known languages, cf. Ac 2:8,11)
2. As the Spirit gave them utterance
2. THE REACTION OF THE CROWD (5-13)
1. CONFUSED AND AMAZED (5-11)
1. The crowd made up of devout Jews visiting from other nations
2. The effect of what they heard
1. Drew the multitude together
2. Confused them, for everyone heard them speaking in their own language
3. Amazed and marveled them, for those speaking were Galileans
4. Yet were hearing languages of the countries of their birth
1. Parthians, Medes, Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia
2. Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia
3. Egypt, Libya, Cyrene, Rome
4. Both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs
3. Hearing in their languages the wonderful works of God
2. TWO RESPONSES (12-13)
1. One of serious questioning: "Whatever could this mean?"
2. One of mockery: "They are full of new wine."
3. THE EXPLANATION BY PETER (14-21)
1. THEY WERE NOT DRUNK (14-15)
1. Standing up with the eleven, Peter addresses the crowd
2. It was too early in the day ("third hour", i.e., 9 a.m.) for them to be drunk
2. THE FULFILLMENT OF JOEL'S PROPHECY (16-21)
1. The events were those prophesied by Joel (cf. Joel 2:28-32)
2. Which foretold of the outpouring of the Spirit
1. In the last days on all flesh
2. Leading sons and daughters to prophesy, young men to see visions, and old men to dream dreams
3. With signs and wonders in heaven above and earth beneath before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord
4. With salvation to those who call upon the name of the Lord
4. THE SERMON BY PETER (22-36)
1. PROPOSITION: GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD (22-24)
1. Jesus, a man attested to by miracles, signs and wonders
1. Done by God in their midst
2. Which they themselves knew
2. Jesus, crucified and put to death
1. According to the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God
2. Which they did by lawless hands (via the Romans)
3. Jesus, whom God raised from the dead
1. Having loosed the pains of death
2. For it was not possible that He should be held by it
2. EVIDENCE: THREEFOLD TESTIMONY (25-35)
1. The testimony of David
1. For David prophesied of Jesus (cf. Ps 16:8-11)
2. David could not be speaking of himself
1. For he was dead and buried
2. With his tomb for all to see
3. But spoke as a prophet
1. He knew that God had sworn with an oath that one of his descendants would be raised to sit on his throne
2. He therefore spoke of the resurrection of Christ, whose soul was not left in Hades nor did His flesh see corruption
2. The testimony of the apostles
1. They were witnesses
2. That God raised Jesus
3. The testimony of the Spirit's outpouring
1. Jesus poured forth what they saw and heard
1. Having been exalted to the right hand of God
2. Having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit
2. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but prophesied of the Lord (Ps 110:1)
1. Who would sit at God's right hand
2. Until His enemies became His footstool (cf. 1Co 15:25-26)
3. CONCLUSION: JESUS IS LORD AND CHRIST (36)
1. All the house of Israel were to "know assuredly" (i.e., believe with all their hearts)
2. That God made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ
5. THE CONVERSION OF 3000 SOULS (37-41)
1. THE RESPONSE OF THE LISTENERS (37)
1. They were cut to the heart
2. They said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
2. THE REPLY BY PETER (38-39)
1. Two commands
1. Repent
2. Let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
2. Two promises
1. For the remissions of sins
2. You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
3. The extent of the promise
1. To them and their children
2. To all who afar off, as many as the Lord will call
3. THE RESULTS RECORDED BY LUKE (40-41)
1. After Peter with many other words testified and exhorted them:"Be saved from this perverse generation"
2. Those who gladly receive his word were baptized
3. That day about 3000 were added (cf. Ac 2:47)
6. THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH (42-47)
1. THEIR STEADFASTNESS AND REVERENCE (42-43)
1. They continued steadfastly in:
1. The apostles' doctrine and fellowship
2. The breaking of bread and prayers
2. Fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles
2. THEIR CHARITY AND GROWTH (44-47)
1. Those who believed were together and had all things in common
1. Those with possessions and goods sold them
2. Dividing them among all according to their need
2. They continued daily with one accord in the temple
3. Breaking bread from house to house, eating with gladness and simplicity of heart
4. Praising God and having favor with all the people
5. The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved

What He Requires?

 

INTRODUCTION

1. In Mic 6:6-8, the prophet Micah raises and answers a question...
1. What does the Lord require of you

   WHAT DOES JESUS REQUIRE OF YOU?"

   ?
2. To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God
2. In this lesson, I would like to rephrase and answer the question...
1. What does Jesus require of you?
2. Letting the words of Jesus Himself to answer

[Beginning with Jesus' words in Lk 24:46-47, one can rightly say that Jesus requires you...]

1. TO REPENT OF SIN
1. THE COMMAND TO REPENT OF SIN...
1. Was proclaimed by Jesus during His ministry - Mt 4:17; Lk 13:3,5
2. Was preached by His apostles as they fulfilled His commission - Ac 3:19; 17:30-31
-- Jesus clearly requires people to repent!
2. WHAT IT MEANS TO REPENT...
1. Repent: primarily, to change one's mind - BDAG
2. To change one's way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness - Louw Nida
3. A decision prompted by godly sorrow for one's sins - 2Co 7:9-10
4. A decision demonstrated by fervent change in conduct - 2Co 7:11
-- Have you expressed godly sorrow for your sin, with a fervent desire to change?

[Turning to Mark's account of the Great Commission in Mk 16:15-16, one can rightly say that Jesus requires you...]

2. TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED
1. THE COMMAND TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED...
1. The command to believe is foundational to the gospel message - Jn 3:16; 8:24; 20:30-31
2. Likewise the command to be baptized - Ac 2:38; 10:48; 22:16
-- Jesus clearly requires people to believe and be baptized!
2. WHAT IT MEANS TO BELIEVE AND BE BAPTIZED...
1. To place your faith in Jesus, that He died for your sins - Jn 1:29
2. To place your faith in God, that in baptism He will raise you together with Christ, having forgiven you of your sins - Col 2:11-13; Ro 6:3-7
3. Consider the example of the Ethiopian eunuch - Ac 8:35-38
-- Have you placed your trust in Jesus, dying with Him to sin in baptism and rising with Him from baptism to a new life?

[From Matthew's account of the Great Commission in Mt 28:18-20, we learn that Jesus requires you...]

3. TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLE
1. THE COMMAND TO BECOME HIS DISCIPLE...
1. Was expressed earlier as a tender invitation - Mt 11:28-30
2. Begins with the act of baptism mentioned before - Mt 28:19
-- Jesus clearly requires people to become His disciples!
2. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HIS DISCIPLE...
1. Disciple: one who engages in learning through instruction from another, pupil, apprentice - BDAG
2. A disciple fully trained will be like his teacher - Lk 6:40
3. It requires abiding in Jesus' words, loving one another, bearing fruit - Jn 8:31; 13:35; 15:8
4. It requires denying self, forsaking all - Lk 14:26,33
-- Have you made the commitment to follow and learn from Jesus as His disciple?

[Turning now to the words of Jesus to the seven churches in Asia (cf. Re 2:10), we learn that Jesus requires you...]

4. TO BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH
1. THE COMMAND TO BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH...
1. Is necessary because Jesus knew some would fall away - Lk 8:13-14
2. Is necessary because one can develop a heart of unbelief - He 3:12-14
-- Jesus clearly requires people to remain faithful as His disciples!
2. WHAT IT MEANS TO REMAIN FAITHFUL...
1. To retain our "first love" - Re 2:4
2. To reject all false doctrines - Re 2:14-15
3. To maintain our zeal for the Lord - Re 3:15-16
-- Have you maintained that initial love and zeal you had when you became a Christian?

[Finally, again from the words of Jesus to the seven churches of Asia, we learn that Jesus requires you...]

5. TO REPENT IF NECESSARY
1. THE NEED TO REPENT AS CHRISTIANS...
1. Repeated by Jesus time and again - Re 2:5,16; 3:3,19
2. Expressed by Paul writing to the church at Corinth - 2Co 12:20-21
-- Jesus clearly requires His disciples to repent when necessary!
2. WHAT IT MEANS TO REPENT...
1. What we said before: a decision prompted by godly sorrow, demonstrated by fervent change
2. For the Christian it includes prayer, confessing one's sin - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9
-- If your faith and service ever wavered, have you repented with fervent zeal?

CONCLUSION

1. In our lesson we have come full circle (repent-repent)...
1. Jesus wants every lost soul to repent and obey the gospel in faith and baptism
2. Jesus wants every wayward disciple to repent and be zealous in their service to Him
2. Have you done what Jesus requires of you...?
1. If you need to repent and obey the gospel, let us assist you!
2. If you need to repent and return to the Lord, let us pray with you!

Surely the salvation of your soul and committed discipleship is what Jesus requires of you today...!

The power of the mission

 

The Eternal Word

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [acomprehend it.

God's plan was initiated from the very beginning. Normally plans are written out to inform others helping us HOW to fulfill that plan. When God speaks His Words are carried out by the Holy Ghost. It is the Holy Ghost that helps us to carry out the wishes of what is spoken by God. That which is spoken by God is the WORD OF GOD

What is the definition of pride?

Pride is an emotional response or attitude to something with an intimate connection to oneself, due to its perceived value.^{[citation needed]} Oxford defines it amongst other things as "the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's own importance"^[1] This may be related to one's own abilities or achievements, positive characteristics of friends or family, or one's country. Richard Taylor defined pride as "the justified love of oneself",^[2] as opposed to false pride or narcissism. Similarly, St. Augustine defined it as "the love of one's own excellence",^[3] and Meher Baba called it "the specific feeling through which egoism manifests."^[4]

Philosophers and social psychologists have noted that pride is a complex secondary emotion that requires the development of a sense of self and the mastery of relevant conceptual distinctions (e.g. that pride is distinct from happiness and joy) through language-based interaction with others.^[5] Some social psychologists identify the nonverbal expression of pride as a means of sending a functional, automatically perceived signal of high social status.^[6] In contrast, pride could also be defined as a lowly disagreement with the truth.

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Leviathan is not only a spirit but a mindset

 How many times have we had bad experiences dealing with people who are 'shifty'. 'Shifty' is the number one characteristic of Leviathan. 'Shifty' people normal are not truthful or honest in their dealings.