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Summary

In Acts 21-23 we see the costliness of following Jesus escalate for the Apostle Paul. If you trust and follow Jesus you will experience both deep joy and deep costs. But, it’s the costs that really challenge us. Is it worth it? Why endure amidst such difficulty? Here we learn that following Jesus can be costly, but he is worth it – infinitely worth it.  It’s costly, but He is worth it. Infinitely worthy it.

It’s costly, but He is worth it. Infinitely worthy it. It’s costly, but He is worth it. Infinitely worthy it.It’s costly, but He is worth it. Infinitely worthy it. It’s costly, but He is worth it. Infinitely worthy it. It’s costly, but He is worth it. Infinitely worthy it.

Introduction

We’re in the final stretch of our study through the book of Acts. From the beginning we have traced the explosion of the Jesus-movement, known as Christianity, throughout the Roman Empire, from Jerusalem to Rome. Along the way we have asked, “What is true Christianity?” We live in a world (and city) with many caricatures of Jesus, false gospels and misrepresentations of Christianity. Therefore, it is only wise, not only as a newly forming church but as humans, to explore the claims of this man, known as Jesus of Nazareth. This morning we’re going to work through Acts 21-23. With the exception of the first half of Acts 21, this passage describes the Apostle Paul’s last visit to Jerusalem. At this point, he has completed his three missionary journeys, he is done planting churches (as far as we know), and he is on his way to Rome (by way of Jerusalem) where he will eventually be martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. The last chapters of Acts, more than any others, highlight the costliness of following Jesus Christ. Is it really worth it? Why endure amidst such difficulty? Why should we, like Paul, do it? How?

Twin realities of the Christian life: Joy and Cost.
If you trust Jesus and follow him, you will experience both.

JOY: Trusting Jesus and living under his authority will result in deep, abiding joy. We are designed by God to be a dependent creature. We are created by God to live under God’s fatherly, loving, gracious, life-giving rule. Yet, sin separates us from him
Sin is not merely doing bad things, but the result of a great independent streak we all have. Thus, by nature and choice we want to get out from underneath His good, fatherly, loving care. Result? Our humanity is diminished. Given our diminished humanity, we suffer the consequences, guilt and emptiness that follow the decision to do life alone. But, trusting, embracing and following Jesus puts us back into the relationship with God we’re created to have. Thus, our humanity is restored and that brings great joy.

COSTLY: Trusting Jesus and following him bring deep joy but it is also costly. Internal costs: Sin is part of very nature, so things that are not good for us still sound and feel good to us. (pride, arrogance, impatience, lust, anger, jealousy, greed and so on) Things that shouldn’t seem normal and good for us, do in fact seem normal and good. Likewise, things God intends for our good – such as holiness and obedience – seem threatening to our freedom and comfort. External costs: Following Jesus also requires new ways of living that are very counter cultural. It may result in the loss of relationships, pro-longed singleness, your family not being excited about your faith, dealin with sinful habits, and fight temptation, etc.

SUM: If you trust, love and follow Jesus you will experience costly joy. It’s the cost that really challenges us, isn’t it? It’s the costs that get us to ask, “Is it worth it?” How do we deal with the costliness of following Jesus? This is the issue in DCC and Seattle. Apostle Paul experience this more than anyone: deep joy and deep costs. He gives us a summary of some of the costs he endured in 2 Cor 11:24-28.

“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers, in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on my of my anxiety for all the church.”

And, the amazing thing is that he keeps going. How many of you: “If it costs me anything, I’m out!” … “If Jesus starts getting up in my business, I’m out.” Ex. Sex life, singleness, marriage, money, how I live, addiction, be part of a church, etc. Going to see the costliness intensify for Paul. He never says I’m out. He never asks, “Is it worth it?” Why not? TODAY: We’re going to look at the costs of following Jesus for Paul (and their relevance for us) and why he did it (and we should too).

21:1-16 THE COST OF LETTING YOUR FRIENDS DOWN

21:17-26 THE COST OF BEING MISUNDERSTOOD

21:27-40 THE COST OF BEING FALSELY ACCUSED

22:22-29 THE COST OF LOOSING FREEDOM

22:30-23:10 THE COST OF BEING FALSELY JUDGED

23:12-30 THE COST OF BEING PLOTTED AGAINST

23:30-35 THE COST OF TIME

SUM: Following Jesus, though perhaps not in exactly the same way as Paul, may cost you upset friends, to be misunderstood, falsely accused, falsely judged, plotted against, lose time and more. Why go through this? Why endure? Why press on? What is driving Paul?

21:37-22:21 THE SOURCE OF PAUL’S JOY, ENDURANCE AND HOPE.  “I was like you, only more zealous, more educated, of a better lineage…I get it. I understand…But, then I saw him. The King. Righteous One. I saw I am not saved by sincerity, zealous, moral, education, family…but by the washing away of your sins, by calling on his name”. Paul calls this the “gospel of the grace of God” (20:24).

Washing away (ie forgiveness) sins is God’s way of removing great obstacle in our relationship w/ him. Through forgiveness God makes a way for us to see, now, love and enjoy him. The purpose of the gospel is a deep, soul-satisfying relationship with God. In other words, forgiveness is important because it gives us God. But, we’re often not impressed with that because our view of God is too small. We think he’s like us. He’s not like us.

He has unlimited power, unlimited love, unlimited grace, unlimited justice, unlimitedholiness, unlimited wisdom, and unlimited glory. He is incomprehensible and incomparable. He knows every fact of history, every inch of the universe, and every ounce of your being. You can’t hide from him. He is everywhere at all times. He is perfectly self-sufficient. He knows all, sees all and owns all. Nothing is impossible for him.
In justice, he punishes sin. In grace, through Christ, he forgives it. He alone satisfies the empty heart. 
By faith in X: forgiven, redeemed, adopted, sealed, new identity, new family, new hope, new purpose, new future.

This God offers to wash away your sins by calling on the name of Jesus Christ, and in so doing, restore your humanity. This is why Paul said:

Acts 20:24 “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish the course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Acts 21:13 “I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Phil1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

Phil 3:8 “I count everything as loss b/c of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all thigns and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ..”

What is he saying? Jesus is the person of supreme worth in the entire universe – and He knows him. Really? Better than friends, being married, playing w/ your kids, having all the money you need, comfort…life? Yes. Because we are created, no created thing or created person can satisfy the soul. Our souls were made to stand in awe of a Person and the only person worthy of that awe is Jesus Christ. God created us to live w/ a single, all-satisfying, passion to enjoy and display the infinite worth of Jesus. 1646 Westminster Confession of Faith “What is chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy him forever.”The source of Paul’s hope, joy and resolve was his confidence in this truth. Jesus is infinitely worthy.

Q: What is the one passion of your life that makes everything else look like garbage in comparison? We live for what we see as most valuable. Our time, treasure, and talent point to our object of supreme worth. Ask yourself, in the end, is that thing or person really deserving of the amount of worship you give it? Everything other than Jesus will fail you in the end. It won’t deliver on what it promises.

Christianity is a call to total devotion to Jesus because he alone is worthy of your total devotion. Have you come to that point where you have placed no limits on following Christ? That is a critical moment for every believer. Maybe not you’re not there, but do you want that? Have you made him your primary purpose in your life? The thing around which all else revolves? There is a power in Christian life that is only available for those that are surrendered to Jesus christ. The power is not something God gives us – like a shot of Red Bull – its Jesus himself. To surrender is to say everything I have, everything I hope, everything I will be all belongs to Jesus.

So, we asked in the beginning, why do Christians do things they do? Jesus is alive and he is infinitely worthy. Let’s seek the Lord together this summer. Ask him to teach us the power of absolute surrender. What would it look like for him to make us a people with no agenda, but Jesus Christ. Imagine what he could do through a church like that. How do I cultivate that?

BIBLE. Ask: “What does this say God is like?” Suggested read: Knowing God, JI Packer and Absolute Surrender, Murray
PRAY. Genuine-on-your-face-until-you-feel-the-hardness-in-your-heart-melting-away type of prayer.
BIOGRAPHY. Read about men and women that bleed Bible. Recommended reading list on our website.
CHURCH. Surround yourself with others that want to pursue Jesus in the same way. Be that person.
GO. Who is Jesus telling you to go to? If you’ve been made happy in God, you’ll want to see others made happy in Him too.

Surrender your life to Jesus this morning. It’s costly, but He is worth it. Infinitely worthy it. Call on his name and have your sins washed away.

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Summary

In Acts 20 we have Paul’s last recorded words to the pastors of the church at Ephesus. This is very instructive. What does he say? What does he emphasize? What does he leave them with? This passage is here to cause us to stop and consider what we want our life to be about, in the end, and start living that way now. The first day is important, but the last day is more important.

Introduction

This morning we’re continuing to work our way through the great book of Acts written by Luke, a doctor and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul. Acts is a fast moving account of the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire in the first 30 years following Jesus’ resurrection. The book is filled with real people, real cities and real churches being planted – albeit nearly 2000 years ago. Therefore, it is incredibly instructive to us as a newly forming, Jesus-following people in the great city of Seattle. Today we’re going to walk through the entirely of Acts 20. As far as we know, at this point, Paul is done planting churches and is on his way to Jerusalem where he will get arrested, shipped to Rome and placed under house arrest. History tells us that he was released for a short while, but eventually re-imprisoned and killed by the Roman Emperor Nero. He has roughly 10 years to live following this chapter.

Throughout the narrative of Acts, Luke periodically slows down and pauses in order to insert a particular story or speech. This is one of those instances. Given the fact that Paul goes to so much trouble to relay this message to the Ephesian pastors and that Luke pauses the story to insert this message, it must be important. What we have here is the last recorded words of Paul to the pastors of the church in Ephesus. It is the only speech aimed specifically at Christians in the entire book. In it, we get tremendous insight into the Apostle’s heart and life. What does he emphasize? How did he live? What does he encourage them to make their lives about? What do his last words encourage and move them to do? This passage is here to cause us to stop and consider what we want our life to be about in the end – and start living that way now. My heartfelt prayer for myself, my family and our church is that, in the end, we could say what Paul says here.

“You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time…” Acts 20:18

#1 Live your life in service to Jesus. vs18-19

“With humility.” Humility is a posture of heart and life birthed from the recognition that God has rights over your life. He is God, King, Almighty, Creator, Alpha & Omega, etc. To serve him with humility is to abandon yourself to his to authority, power, grace, oversight, love and truth. He is God. He knows best. 1Cor1:25 “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”  Some might object that the idea of submitting to God “sounds so oppressive.” It is oppressive to our natural selves. But, very interestingly, the Bible always connects our freedom to our submission to God. Jn8:32 “If you abide in my word…you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Mt11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me… and you will find rest for your souls.”

“With tears.” How do you serve the Lord with tears? What kind of tears is he talking about? He doesn’t say. Unbelievers (Phil3:18). Problems in church (2Cor2:4). Sincerity (31). Sad (37). What Paul is getting at here is more fundamental. Tears mean you are alive. Tears mean that you feel deeply. Tears mean that you are deeply involved in the lives of others. The reality is that the more involved in the lives of others, the more you will feel their pain and joy – and likely, cry.

“With trials.” The real test of service to Lord isn’t when things going well, but when things are difficult and dark. Paul specifically speaks of the “plots of the Jews”: Try to kill @ Damascus + Kill @ Jerusalem (9); Persecuted in Antioch (13); Attempted murder at Iconium (14); Nearly killed @ Lystra (14); Beaten and imprisoned in Philippi (16); Mocked @ Athens (17); False arrest @ Corinth (18); slandered in Ephesus (19). In other words, Paul has spent much of his ministry running for his life. What does this tell us about the God that Paul believes in? He must be pretty amazing. That’s how we serve the Lod in our trials – we show how good He is. Trials reveal how fragile life is and we are, while revealing how great he is in comparison.

#2 Live your life trusting and spreading the gospel of Jesus. vs20-21

“I did not shrink” Paul is saying that he has always said what needs to be said. Trust God’s Word, even if unpopular, not easy, others leave, etc He did so, “house to house” (for example, read 20:7-12; Eutychus = “lucky”) Q: What is the primary subject that Paul isdeclaring and testifying to? He tells us. Repentance (turning from) + faith (turning to) =gospel.

What is repentance?
Repentance is a broken hearted sorrow for sin, renouncing of it, and sincere commitment to leave it and follow Jesus. Intellect: “That is wrong.” + Heart: “Deep broken-heartedness” + Will: “forsake” + Faith “Trust Jesus” Biblical repentance is dependent on Jesus Christ for grace, forgiveness, power to change. Biblical repentance is NOT fixing ourselves, cleaning ourselves up, proving our worth, paying for our sin, getting ourselves ready to receive God’s grace. Repentance is NOT “Give me one more day, one more try, one more religious duty, different circumstances…will be better” Repentance IS “I have sinned, done what is evil in your sight. Broken your law and your heart. Please forgive me.”

What is faith?
Biblical faith is a living trust in living person of Jesus Christ for forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life. The popular notion of “faith” is that it is an irrational decision to believe something pretty sure is not true. That’s not biblical faith. Similarly, “belief” is commonly used in relation to something that requires no personal commitment or dependence on our part. That is not biblical belief. In our context, it is much more helpful to view faith as trust. The gospel requires not only repentance and not only faith, but repentance and faith. Repentance and faith are two side of the same gospel coin. ”uc” />

The Father promises to receive contrite sinners. No matter your sins, unlimited mercy is available in Jesus. Jesus cannot resist the broken-hearted. He will not stay away from repentant sinners. There are countless people around you need to hear this news. God wants you to speak for Him in grace and truth.
Self test: often lack joy? Consistently growing in maturity? Love for God lack passion? If so, there is a significant gospel disconnect in your life. A sure mark of authentic repentance is boldness and joy for the things of God. If we cultivate regular, humble, yet bold, confession of sins we will have greater freedom to confess Jesus before others.

#3 Live your life putting Jesus first in everything. vs22-24

What we see Paul doing here is placing Jesus first in everything, in the face of danger, disappointment and heartache…even death. What do learn from Paul here? Wjhy would Paul put up with such things? Jesus is better than life. Jesus offers more than this world could ever offer.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps73:26

“We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet alwaysrejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” 2Cor6:8-10

In Jesus, our identity, our soul, our future are secure. 
Take heart in singleness, chronic pain, cancer, unemployment, loneliness, struggle with sin. He is better.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up treasures in heaven…for where you treasure is, there your heart will be also” Mt6:19-21

“I don’t count my life as of any value.” Paul is not saying he’s worthless, but that “I am not here for me.” How often is the main problem in our life that the most important person in my life is “me”. Answer = Every day. The decision to be a Christian is a decision to follow Jesus Christ and the reality is that it is sometimes really hard. We all need to make a choice to follow Jesus even when it is hard. We all need to make a choice to finish, to the end.

You might think, “Sometimes I think it would be easier to give up.” There is some truth there. There will be relief, but it will be very short lived relief. That relief will be followed by waves of remorse, regreat and confusion. You’re heart will only be the worse after. Yes it is hard to be a Christian dad, mother, business man, single…” We all need to make a choice to be faithful. There is nothing back there for you or I. We need one another, we need to gather on Sunday in order to not lose sight of all the good things you have in Christ.

#4 Live your life with a clean conscience. vs25-27

Eze 33. Watchman on the wall. Ezekiel paints the picutre of a watchman on the wall, watching for the enemy. He is using it as a metaphor for delivering God’s word. If I’m playing Farmville and the enemy is coming and I don’t warn you…who’s fault is that? But, if you get warned, and you don’t do anything about it…then, who’s fault? Paul is saying, “I’m innocent…whole counsel of God.” I gave it all to you. I didn’t hold back. I have a clean conscience.

1Ti1:5 “[hold] faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith…”
1Ti4:2 “through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared…”
Tit1:15 “to the defiled and unbelieving… but both their minds and their consciences are defilbed”

Some of you don’t even know what it feels like to live with a clean conscience. You can have one through the exercise of faith and repentance.

#5 Live your life with careful attention. vs28-32

There are three groups that Paul speaks of here. Though he is talking directly to the elders/pastors of the church at Ephesus, they also apply to everyone of us:

#1 Yourself: Sometimes Christians presume on the grace of God, by receiving it and then go about doing whatever they want. That’s not Christianity. Your choices, life, body, words, actions matter. You can’t care for others if not first caring for yourself.

#2 Flock: The flock is the church, which God obtained w/ his own blood. The church is not ours, but his. The church is precious to him. We all have responsibility to the flock (ex. “one another’s”). It is also instructive to consider that sheep are NOT soft, cuddly, fluffy. They are in fact dumb, stubborn, easily wander, stuck on backs. They (and we!) need lots of help.

#3 Wolves: These wolves do not come from the outside. The wolves are an inside job. I hate the thought of someone arising from within and start teaching garbage.

#6 Live your life being a giver. vs33-35

Paul is saying “I was a giver. I was a contributor, not merely a consumer.” What are you? Which is a primary mark of your life – contributing or consuming? It is natural to think blessing comes from taking, but Jesus tells us the blessing comes from giving. Why do you think Paul talks so much about our stuff? Because our hearts get so attached to stuff. Stuff is stuff. God gives us stuff so we can live and give. So, are you a contributor or consumer? Who around you needs help? At work? Neighborhood? Community?

#7 Live your life cultivating gospel-centered friendships. vs36-38, 20:1-6

The gospel of Jesus Christ creates and calls us into gospel-centered friendships. The gospel doesn’t just send you deeper into heart of God, but also other followers of Jesus.Gospel-centered friendships are formed w/ people you have no natural affinity with, except Jesus. Ex. 20:1-6 > Berea, Thessalonica, Philippi, Derbe, Lystra, Ephesus – @ least nine men. The essence of friendship isn’t just whether you can find someone who likes you, as you like them. The essence of friendship is not to look at one another, but something you have in common: JESUS. There is no other religion believes that friendships last. Eastern: die = abyss; Secularism: die = rot. But, the Christian God is a triune that has forever existed in perfect trinitarian friendship. Genesis tells us that all of creation was birthed out of this friendship – even the creation of men and women (Gen1:27). We are made for relationship, because we were made by a God who has forever existed in perfect relationship. Friendships matter now because they matter for eternity. God’s purposes in world are to call out a redeemed people, redeemed friends – forever – better get used to it.We’re spoiled b/c in our context we have options – different churches, communities – not in early church. We often miss out on what God wants to do in and through us, by simply moving on and lookign for what is easy and more comfortable.

Jesus is the MEANS and MOTIVATION for all these things:

• We can give our lives to him in humility+tears+trials because he has given His life for us in humility+tears+trials
• We can graciously bring gospel to others because he graciously brought it to us.
• We can put Him first in everything, because on the cross he put us first by dying in our place.
• We can live with a clean conscience, because Jesus died to make that possible.
• We can give generously because we have been generously given everything, in Him.
• We can build forever friendships starting now, in Christ, because we are now forever friends with God in Jesus.

Downtown Cornerstone, let’s live our life well, for Him, with Him, until He returns or we see Him face to face. The first day is important, but the last day is more important. Let’s not focus only on what we do, but who we are – and who we are becoming. Together, let’s forget what is behind, and strive for what lies ahead.

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Summary

In Acts 18:23-19:41 we get to watch Paul plant a church in the great city of Ephesus. One of the major themes of this passage is that Jesus is absolutely unique. Jesus is infinitely better than sincere religion, stubborn unbelief, Satanic lies and the things of this world.Jesus is what every human heart needs and longs for – they just don’t know it yet.

Introduction

This morning we continue our study through the book of Acts, tracing the spread of the Jesus-movement from Jerusalem to Rome – to Seattle today. One question we’ve continually returned to during our study is, “What is true Christianity?” In a world with many counterfeits and much confusion, there couldn’t be a more important question. This morning we get a firsthand look at the absolute uniqueness of Jesus Christ. There is no one like him, whether Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius or others. He stands alone. He is like no other. He is incomparable. Today, in Acts 18:23-19:41, we get to watch Paul plant a church in the great city of Ephesus. Keep in mind these are real people, real cities and real churches. We will see that Jesus stands above sincere religion, stubborn unbelief, satanic opposition, and empty materialism. This is here to increase our confidence in Jesus Christ and his gospel of Grace. His purpose here is to make us a radically hope-filled, humble, courageous, Jesus-centered people. Let’s see what he has in store for us this morning.

Jesus vs Sincere Religion. 18:24-19:7

vs24-26 Apollos is mentioned 10x’s in the NT. This is our first introduction to him. He became a great ministry partner of the Apostle Paul, as evidenced by 1Cor3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Now if Paul was a George Constanza-type, then Apollos was a Brad Pitt-with-a-Bible-type. He was, we are told, #1 Eloquent #2 Competent #3 Instructed #4 Fervent #5 Accurate. But, amidst all of that, he was not a Christian. He knew about John, he knew Jesus was coming, he knew his Bible, he was passionate and sincer, but he was not saved.

There are many people today that are just like Apollos. They know about Jesus, know their Bibles, are very moral and sincere, but they are not born again, saved. They are simply sincerely religious. Religion is man reaching up to God (rules, pillars, path, hoops). Christianity is God coming down to man.
Religion “I obey, therefore I’m accepted.” Christianity says “I’m accepted in Christ, therefore I obey.” The essence of religion is that man saves man. The essence of Christianity is God saving man. Where does your faith and confidence rest? Is it in a past experience or list of behavior? Or is it in a living, vital relationship with Christ right now? The gospel of Jesus is a call to be broken-hearted over our sin (specific) and embrace Jesus by faith alone for forgiveness – every day!

In 19:1-7 Paul runs into a group of disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus. They are much like Apollos. Paul gets to the heart of the matter by asking, “Do you have the Spirit?” Why would he ask that. Because to be missing the Spirit is to be missing a relationship with Jesus. They say that they’ve never even heard there was a Holy Spirit. Don’t miss this!Their partial knowledge, like Apollos, is not enough for a genuine Christian experience. Everyone who gives life to Christ, gets Spirit. Otherwise, not born again, not saved.

1Cor12:13 “by one spirit we are all baptized into one body”
Eph1:14 “guarantee of our inheritance”
Rom 8:9 “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

The Spirit changes us; our desires, joys, hopes. Some things he changes immediately and some he works out over time.

2Cor5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…old has passed away; behold the new has come.“”uc” />

The Holy Spirit is a missionary spirit sent on mission into hard hearts to breathe in love for Jesus and others. There are numerous evidences of the Spirit’s presence  = Love for Jesus + a changing life + a hunger for God’s Word + a desire for worship + love for church. If you don’t see these things in your life you don’t have Spirit, just religion. You might know a lot about Jesus, but do you know Jesus? Follow him? Given your life to him? It doesn’t matter how sincere/devout, altar call, volunteered Young Life, memorized Bible, or religious family, etc. If you have not turned from your sin, embraced Jesus by faith you are just a religious person. If you leave this place and die, you will go into a Christ-less eternity unprepared to meet God.

It is possible to be deceived into thinking converted while you remain spiritually dead. Modern day, Western, evangelicalism has done a lot to promote “easy believer-ism” among many who want the benefits of Jesus – but not Jesus. This has resulted in many unconverted “converts” that end up undermining the gospel, reflecting poorly on Jesus, and confuse the watching world. It is biblical to examine yourself > “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” 2Cor13:5 My prayer, and I hope our prayer, is that God would protect us from being a religious place of religious people. May Jesus makes us repentant, not religious. The essence of Chrisitianty is that we repent of our sin + trust in Jesus + experience the presence of Holy Spirit + and be baptized as an external expression of new internal realities.

Jesus vs Stubborn Unbelief. 19:8-10

As is his usual strategy, Paul god to the synagogue and is described by Luke as “bold”, “reasoning” and “persuading”. Following Jesus is not checking your brain at the door. The culture describe such “persuasion” as just arrogant, but the reality is that we’re all being persuaded to something. The question is: What?  The response? Stubborn unbelief. Some of you were like this. “The last thing I would do is become XN” Some of you still are like this. You have to know that this is nothing unique to you.

The Bible tells us our main problem is not that we do things that are wrong. Rather, we are rebels against God. We sin and do wrong things because we are in rebellion. The issue is not just that we do things that are wrong, rather we are wrong at the very center of our being. “How can I be a rebel? I never think about God.” That’s proves my point. Sin is not just a sickness. Sin is symptomatic of our rebellion. We sin because we’re rebels. Only when see you’re a stubborn unbelieving rebel are you ready to receive salvation. At that moment, you go from being a stubborn rebel to a loved, forgiven child of God. Christian growth is then the process of the Spirit continuing to root out our rebellion as we daily repent and embrace Jesus.

Jesus vs Satanic Opposition. 19:11-20

Spirituality is very popular in our city. But, we have to be careful to distinguish between good and evil spirituality. Biblically, our three main enemies are the world, the flesh and the devil (often play off of one another).

Flesh: Our flesh is that part of us that is not yet surrendered God.
World: Corporate product of people living out of flesh: injustice, crime, greed, corruption, selfishness
Devil: Satan was originally was an angel who decided he wanted to be God. Eze 28. 
Satan (36x’s), Devil (34x’s), Evil One (10x’s), Adversary, Belial (worthlessness), Angel of Light, Accuser of the Saints, Father of Lies, Serpent, Dragon. 
He is also powerful. (1 Peter 5:8 “prowls around like a roaring lion”)
 His goal is to steal, kill and destroy life, singleness, marriage, family, joy and all the good things we find in Christ.

Q: Can a XN be demon possessed? Not biblical. Q: Can a XN be demonized, tempted, oppressed? Yes. Rom 6 says that if you are tempted and you give in to the temptation, you are a slave to the one you obey. Christians can be controlled in that sense. But, Christians cannot be controlled against their will. The only ground Satan has is what you give him.

Eph 4:27 “don’t give Satan a foothold”
2Tim2:26 “correct those who are in error…so that they may escape the snare of the devil”

“Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1Jn4:4 What does this mean? It means that in Christ we have ability to take ground back. It all comes down to who you know, not what you know. The Sons of Sceva were trying to turn Jesus name into a magic formula – a second hand usage. But, Jesus’ name only works on a first hand personal commitment and knowledge. Spiritual warfare is a question of where you are going to place your faith, ultimate trust and hope?

Q: Common demonic strongholds? These are areas of our life that we may let Satan take a foothold. They choke out life, joy, vitality of relationship w/ Jesus. That is Satan’s whole point.

1. Worldly entertainment. Entertainment is not wrong, but if feeding my flesh and cultivating sinful practices, it can be a stronghold. This is stuff that just doesn’t feed your spirit, but pleases your flesh. What is that for you?
2. Disobedience. This is just a stubborn refusal to do what God says. Thi sis a major satanic stronghold. There is no repentance, no brokenness. When is the last time you genuinely repented? .
3. Sexual Immorality. Junk drawer. Fornication. Adultery. Porn. Friends w/ benefits. Satanic stronghold.
4. Unforgiveness. Intentionally choosing not to forgive. Even if you’ve been horribly sinned against, the only way out is through forgiveness. 
“See to it…no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” He12:15
5. Finances. It is not wrong to have things, but it is wrong when things have you. Many Christians are in bondage to finances. 
 “Gain it honestly. Steward is wisely. Give it generously.” – James MacDonald.
6. Fear. Bondage to fear. Going to happen? Meet anyone? Kids? Job? Anxiety. Depression. Pills.
 Fear is not from God. “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, self-control” 2Ti1:7

Evidences that God is at work 19:17-20

Jesus vs Empty Materialism. 19:21-41

Demetrius pulls together a union meeting to attempt to prevent Paul (and the gospel) from ruining their trade. The Diana cult was probably the most lucrative business in city and they were likely thinking about the previous book burning and not wanting that to happen to their carefully constructed shrines. What’s going on here? Greedy, empty, materialism. “Eat, drink, for tomorrow we die.” Materialism is the belief that only stuff is what matters.

Here’s the thing. The things of the world don’t ultimately satisfy. No new job, more money, new home, new phone will make things better inside of you. It’s just stuff. Paper. Plastic. Metal. Ultimately its not about stuff, but how stuff makes us feel (e.g. Important. Comfort. Power.) Q: Have you ever wanted something + got it + gets old? We need a constant stream of stuff, but the steady stream never satisfies. Apart from Jesus, that will be your life; striving, but never ultimately satisfied.

You were created by God to find your ultimate satisfaction in God which is why nothing else works long term. What we all need is the forgiveness and love of God freely offered to us by faith in Jesus Christ – every day. To be near God and for God to be near us is the whole purpose of the human life. Repent: broken-hearted turning to Jesus for forgiveness and life. Complete surrender to complete savior. Repentance is not only once, but daily. Must be a daily conversion of the heart. (unbelief, pride, lust)

An unrepentant heart is a self-satisfied, proud, cold heart that opposes God. Where there is unrepentance there can be no relationship. Ja 4:6 “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble…” God is not indifferent. He opposes and gives grace. We choose. Which will you choose? Jesus is infinitely better than religion + hard-heartedness + Satanic lies + things of this world. Jesus is absolutely unique. He’s what every human heart needs and longs for – just don’t know it yet.
Jesus is the only one that if you get him he will never fail you; but if you fail him he will forgive you. Fly to Jesus today, right now, for forgiveness, life, joy. May Jesus be extolled and sin divulged and the word of the Lord increase in us and this city.

“As long as he retains externally the habits of a Christian he can still be made to think of himself as one who has adopted a few new friends and amusements but whose spiritual state [is the same as before]..And while he thinks that, we do not have to contend with the explicit repentance of a definite, fully recognized, sin, but only with his vague, though uneasy, feeling that he hasn’t been doing very well lately.”
- Uncle Screwtape to Wormwood (CS Lewis, Screwtape Letters)

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Summary

A survey of the book of Acts will reveal that God’s primary plan for the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ is through the multiplication of local churches (i.e. church planting). Acts 18:1-22 provides us a first hand look of Paul’s church planting efforts in the city of Corinth, a city much like Seattle. What is church planting? Why do it? What role do we all play in it? What should expect from it?

Introduction

The book of Acts records the spread of the Jesus movement, known as Christianity, throughout the known world – a movement that continues to this day in our city and the cities of the world. The last half of the book zooms in on the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ through a man, the Apostle Paul, from Jerusalem to Rome. Today, in Acts 18:1-34, we get watch Paul as he goes about the work of planting the first Christian (i.e. Christ-ian) church in the city of Corinth. Church planting is used to describe the process of the gospel taking root in a given location that results in a new, forgiven, redeemed people around the person and work of Jesus Christ.

In fact, a survey of the book of Acts will reveal that God’s primary plan for the spread of the good news of Jesus is through the multiplication of local churches (i.e. church planting). So, today we’re going to spend some time looking at church planting: What is it? Why do it? What role do we all play in it? What should expect from it? This passage is primarily descriptive of what happened during Paul’s time in the city of Corinth, but there are some incredibly helpful principles for us here. My prayer, hope and goal today is to bring everyone in on what Jesus has done, is doing and look to where He’s leading us as a newly forming Jesus-following people in the city of Seattle.

Corinth was located 40 miles west of Athens, about a two day walk. It was a major port and regional capitol, therefore very strategic and prosperous. It has a population of roughly 200,000+, making it a very large city for its day. It also has an interesting history. In 146BC it was destroyed because it revolted against Rome. It became a ghost town for 100 years, until it was re-founded by Julius Caesar in 44BC. By the time Paul walks in the city is relatively new – by city standards – only a 100 years old. Therefore it was a new city, with new opportunities, new money, and new hopes. It also happened to be very immorality. Much like the Las Vegas of our day. it was a highly ambitious, aggressive, bold, charismatic, competent, smart, pick-yourself-up-by-your-boot-straps-type of city. In some ways, like Seattle. Seattle is only 150 years old, highly innovative, ambitious, smart and has maintained its frontier/edgy character. So, we have much to learn from Paul as he goes about planting a church in Corinth. Today we’re going to get a first hand look at the anatomy of a church plant.

#1 Jesus-dependent messenger.

Church planters need to be thick skinned, soft hearted, determined, risk-taking Jesus followers. Paul fits that category, but may not be what you’d expect a church planter to be like. From what we can tell, he was not eloquent. Tradition tells us that he was a short, bald, unattractive man. He wouldn’t be the Corinthian type of guy – or Seattle for that matter. Corinthians would have wanted pastor that was smart, funny, eloquent, w/ big vision, and ambition. Paul would not have been a leader they would have naturally been  attracted to but Paul still has a fruitful ministry. How does he explain that?

1Cor2:1-5 “When I came to you brothers…” What is he saying in this passage? Paul wants the object of faith not to be in the preacher, but the power of God in the gospel. A Jesus-dependent messenger wants your faith to rest in Jesus, not in him or any other preacher. The point is the message, not the messenger. This is beautiful. God uses weak, Jesus-dependent messengers to display his power. Too we often think like Corinthians, looking for eloquence, humor, ear-tickling. Don’t get so caught up in yourself that you lose sight that its about message, not messenger.

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Cor 2:1-5

#2 City-focused.

Paul had an urban strategy. He moved city to city: Athens (intellectual). Corinth (commercial). Ephesus (religious). Rome (power) Why? Cities are hubs of influence. Whatever captures the city is what will capture culture. This is Christianity displaced Roman paganism. Early Christianty was primarily an urban religion that spread city-to-city. By 300AD 50% Roman Empire was Christian – the vast marjority of which was in the cities. 90% of the country were pagans.Paul knew if could get the gospel into life-blood of the city, he could reach the nation/province.
Why are cities important? Density. Diversity. Technology. Media. Arts. Sports. Education. Law. Politics. Literally, in nearly every way, to reach the city is to reach teh culture. Sociologists have noted that the early church grew in three primary ways: (1) culture makers, (2) transplants, (3) marginalized. i.e. avenues to alleyways.

Clearly, there is no biblical warrant for saying “Every Christian has to live in the city”. But, Christians should think, “I shouldn’t just live in place that makes me most comfortable but where i can do most good.” The problem is that most Christians move out of city and then complain about the culture, politics, etc. All the while refusing to move into the city where culture is shaped.

The role of the city is only growing in importance. In 1850 there were 4 cities of more than a million. Today there are upwards of 400. Today there are 21 megacities > 10million. The point is that there is an urgent need for Christian planners, architects, politicians, business, developers, community social workers. We need to move into cities to experience the pains and pressures of living there in order to connect city-dwellers to Christ.

Christian: Live where you live for Jesus’ sake. Not only b/c its comfortable, but b/c you can meet the most needs. If you can, consider moving to the city. it is important to point out that this work doesn’t happen overnight. Our hope is develop a long-lasting faithful presence of Jesus followers in the city.

#3 Faith-filled.

Aquilla and Priscilla were forced out of Rome by an edict of Claudius. Most historians agree the edict was a restul of riots among Jews over whether Jesus is the Christ. By God’s good providence they moved to Corinth where they got connected to Paul. The entire course and direction of their life was changed. This is why so many of you are here. Lost a job, transplanted to Seattle, don’t even know wbhy you’re here. God brought you here. This was a godly couple, risk lives, faithful, loving, sacrificial people, not ordained, not pastors, just faithful, dependable. Rom. 16:3-4 “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus who risked their necks for my life…” Our church is built on people Aquila and Priscilla.

#4 Generous-minded.

Paul was a bi-vocational tentmaker who worked in leather goods for military/commercial/industrial purposes. He would then teach on the nights/weekends. Then, Silas/Timothy brought support so Paul could be occupied w/ the Word full time. The point here is simple. Church planting requires a lot of time and energy. Thank you for those that are giving sacrificially, generously so that Jesus’ mission can go forward.

#5 Opposition-enduring.

To shake off your clothes is to shake off unbelief and blasphemy. Paul is saying that the decision is w/ the people to respond and to act. He is not completely abandoning them, but re-focusing his efforts. The responsibility is ultimately on the hearer to turn from sin, trust Jesus, join church, etc. There does come a time when you need to give folks space – loved, graced, patience, still resistant. Opposition comes in various forms. Q: Main opposition here in Seattle? Just not caring. Our city often just doesn’t care and that posture creeps into the church too. Unknowing, Christians can oppose the work of God in their own life and the life of the church by doing nothing.

#6 People-loving.

Paul gets kicked out of the synagogue and immediately goes next door. A church is a people, not a place. Early on, church plants need to meet wherever they can. Most churches start in houses or community rooms. You have to go w/ what you got. Ex. Community rooms, donated office, 33rd conference rooms, underground tour, apartments, cafes.

#7 Jesus-trusting

Jesus doesn’t have to say “do not be afraid” and “don’t be silent unless Paul is afraid and intimidated. Paul is probably considering leaving and getting out of town. He is not a weak and half-hearted man. But, in Corinth, it seems he hit the wall – Jesus shows up! Jesus gives him three promises: I am with you + No man shall harm you + I have many people in this city. What’s interesting is that these are common promises that God gives to his people throughout the Bible.

Jos1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened..for the Lord your God is w/ you wherever you go.
Mt 28:20 “I am with you always, to the end of the age”
Is 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers…shall not overwhelm you.”

In other words, Jesus is saying that there will be pressure and hardship…but there will be fruit. Paul needs courage to keep going because there is much to be afraid of: people will reject, run out of resources, unbelief, etc. But, Paul also needs love in order to keep sharing the gospel.

Jesus to DCC: “Don’t be afraid..don’t stop talking about me…many in Seattle belong to me…” There are many here that belong to him. Many who God has pre-destined, foreordained in this city. The way he brings that about is by you and I not being afraid and telling people that God loves them. Do you believe there are already people God is working on? Many people in this city reached thru us. We need courage to not be afraid.

We need love because the city needs us. The city will be a better city if people love jesus and live like him. We love the city. Not here to fight, but embrace. Not here to impose, but propose Jesus. Not refuge from, but mission to. We are here to make this a great city through the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. What the city needs is to see Jesus and we’re here to show and share about him.

This was a deeply encouragin word from Jesus because it was just about to get worse…

#8 Criticism-receiving.

Gallio. AD49-50. Roman law Jewish religion = legal religion. Christianity floated under the Jewish umbrella. The Jews were trying to get Christianity declared illegal. If they could do that in one region, it would likely become the precedent for all regions of the Roman Empire. Unknowingly, Gallio paves way for Paul preach and plant churches throughout Roman Empire for at least the next 10 years before Nero arrives on the scene.

We’re just starting, so no one cares about what we’re doing. I’m fine with that, but if God continues to move and work among us we will grow and attract attention – some of which will be critical. It will be crucial during that time to ensure that it is the Gospel that is offensive, not us. 1Peter2:12 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God…”

#9 Persevering.

Paul hangs in for another year and half, longer than any one single stay up to that point. As of vs22 he completes his second missionary journey. He perseverses. Our call is the same, to peresevere in the calling given to us by God in planting this church downtown.

Conclusion and Call

We have a strategic opportunity in a strategic city. Lord willing, I’m going to give my life to you and the city. Our hope and goal is to send out lots of church plants within this city and the cities of the world. Seattls is the 15th largest market in the US. We are a city full of creative, hip, cool, arty, educated people. Seattle is a city on the rise, just like Corinth.

Acts 17 “God determines times and place in which we live” This means that you and I are not here on accident. God is bringing together a talented, gifted, competent people  so we can help shape future of the city as we spread the message and mercy of Jesus. There are issues of the heart that can’t be touched by legislation or government programs. Nothing lifts up society more than a community of people whose hearts are right before God. We want to have as many people fall in love with Jesus, get connected, churches planted as possible. Seattle is in deep need of a fresh work of new churches.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Col 1:15-20

We are all broken people, in a broken city. Jesus came for broken people. In fact, he became broken, that we might be made whole, by forgiving our sin and bringing us to him. Let’s pray, be dependent, humble, serving, giving, sacrificing people – as Jesus has for us. Let’s be known in community, trust our Bibles, give our days, dollars and time – and multiply impact of our lives beyond our lives. There is a lot of work to do. Most of us are young w/ many years to love/serve Jesus. Together, let’s commit our lives to him again, today.

You might be thinking, “This is it, this is all we have to work with?” Yes. God loves to take was is foolish and shame the wise, what is weak and shame the strong. Today, ask yourself, “How will you serve? Spend time? Use your dollars? Steward your gifts? Live? What will you live for?” Jesus is with us too, just like Paul. There is a great harvest awaiting in Seattle. this morning he Invites all of us into the story of all stories. With Jesus, let’s build a great city through the gospel for the glory of God.

J. Hudson Taylor, “I find there are three stages in every great work of God: first its impossible, then its difficult, then its done.”

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Summary

One of the major themes of the book of Acts (and the Bible!) is that God wants all people, everywhere, to know, love, treasure, and worship him through Jesus Christ. He then sends those who have been gripped by the gospel to be the primary agents in spreading it. But, how do we best do that? We can learn much from Paul here in how contextualizes the gospel for those in Athens. What is contextualization? How do we do it?

Introduction

Last week we unpacked Acts 17 as part of our larger study through the great book of Acts, which was written to record the earliest days of the Christian church and expansion of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire. Specifically, we examined how the Apostle Paul proclaimed Jesus in three particular cities: Thessalonica (vs.1-9), Berea (vs.10-14) and Athens (vs.15-34). In each city we asked three questions related to his proclamation of Jesus: (1) What is the message of Jesus? (2) What is the method of delivering this message? (3) What should we expect as a result of proclaiming this message? Today we’re going to look at this passage again and focus in on Paul’s method. Last week we saw that he used words (vs. 2,3,13,17,22-31), scripture (vs. 2,11,13) and intellect (vs. 2,3,17). Yet, underlying these helpful principles, there is something else more fundamental that is crucial for us to grasp – especially as a newly forming church in the heart of downtown Seattle.

One of the major themes of the book of Acts (and the Bible!) is that God wants all people, everywhere, to know, love, treasure, and worship him through Jesus Christ.“[God] desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:4) The Bible tells us that we can know God through the gospel of Jesus Christ, by which our sins are forgiven, our guilt is removed, our shame is cleansed, our relationship is reconciled, and our worship is rightly aligned. This gospel message is then spread through those who have been gripped by its message. The question then becomes, how do we best spread, communicate, and articulate this news of Jesus Christ to all people, everywhere? If God wants all people, everywhere, to know him, how do we rightly participate with him? Is there a set formula that we are to follow? Are there specific principles to employ? We get insight into these questions in Acts 17, where we see the Apostle Paul contextualize the gospel to the story and dominant questions of the Athenian culture. What is contextualization and how do we do it?

Q: What is Contextualization?

To contextualize the gospel is to make it as culturally accessible as possible without compromising its truth. There is only one unchanging gospel, but there is not only one way to communicate it. Contextualization is not about making the gospel relevant, as some critics will argue. The gospel is relevant, but contextualization reveals its relevance. Paul could have stood up and said, “Men of Athens. You are sinners. Repent or perish. Love, Jesus. That is all.” True? Yes. But, he didn’t. What did he do?

vs22 “I perceive that in every way you are very religious…”
vs23 “I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown God’…”
vs28 “In him we live and move and have our being”
vs28 “For we are indeed his offspring”
vs29 “We ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image…”

Paul works hard to show God as self-sufficient, Creator and Judge, but he works equally hard to connect with the Athenians and compassionately connect the dots for them. In a sense he’s trying to get his hearers to say, “Oh, ok, you get me…I’ll listen to what you have to say”. In other words, he leverages aspect of the culture at hand to serve as bridges for delivering the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Two keys to contextualization:

#1 We must KEEP the essential elements of gospel: Jesus+Sin+Judgment+Repentance+Lost outside of Christ.
#2 At the same time, we must be FLEXIBLE with any non-essential elements that will confuse or offend those we’re trying to reach. The church has perpetually run into problems when it has made non-essential things, essential (e.g. music, instruments, clothing, pews)

Acts 13: Paul @ Antioch in Pisidia.
Acts 14: Paul @ Lystra.
Acts 16: Paul @ Philippi.
Acts 17: Paul in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as  a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law… that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law…that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Cor 9:19-23

Contextualization delivers Christian truth into a particular culture with a particular world-view in ways folks understand. As soon as we choose music, language, vocab, emotional intensity, illustrations, space, etc we are moving towards the cultural context of some, and moving away from others. This is one reason whe we believe, tangentially, that it takes lots of different kinds of churches to reach lots of different kinds of people.

Some will object and say, “All we need to do is preach the Bible”. I appreciate that, but our response should be, “Yes and no.” We forget that the Bible itself is an act of contextualization. John Calvin referred to it as God’s “baby talk”. In the Bible God accommodates himself to our finite thoughts so we can understand, in part, the infinit. Every book is written to be intelligible to specific people, time, situation, metaphors, images that applied Ex. Mt – Jewish; Mk – Romans; Luke – Gentiles; John – Greeks. In other words, God is the ultimate contextualizer.

Now there are certain dangers that we have to be aware of. One is over-contextualizing. The danger here is that, in attempts to reach the culture, the church loses all distinctiveness from the culture. Often, the gospel is lost and the primary message becomes social justice, community, etc. Those thigns are good, but not primary.

The equally dangerous, though opposite, danger is under-contextualization. Here, the culture is often viewed as bad and dangerous, to be avoided. This often results in the church retreating and isolating itself. The danger here isn’t in losing the gospel, but in hiding and hoarding it.

Q: How do we Contextualize?

GO. vs16 “while he was waiting…synagogues…marketplace…culture makers”

This is obvious, but needs to be said. It all starts here. Paul went into the synagogues, the marketplace and the areopagus. He went. Each audience he was going to was incredibly different, but they all needed the same gospel. Where has he sent you? Where are you to “go”? Religious types? Serious minded types? Pleasure-seeker types? Culture makers? How has he already positioned you to make that easy? What adjustments need to be made in your life to “go”?

SEE. vs16 “he saw the city was full of idols”

An idol is anything and everything that displaces the centrality of God in the human heart is idolatry. We’re not talking primarily about what Paul saw with his physical eyes, but with the eyes of his heart. He saw beyond the beauty to the brokenness. Rom 1:25 they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. What do you see in this city? Not just with your eyes, but with the eyes of your heart. Neighborhood, school, work? Do you pause long enough to see. Ask God to give you eyes to see? Do you study your city? A missional church is one that exegetes its culture so that we can enter into it and speak life by pointing to the person and work of Jesus.

How do people invest their time, money, energy, hopes, challenges, fears? Art, news, tv, theater? Common idols in Seattle; independence, beauty, music, sports, sex; pets, money; power, etc. Even in these, there are certain elements to affirm and certain elements to reject.

FEEL. vs16 “provoked”

What sort of a person will do this work of careful thinking about the spread of the gospel in their sphere? Only those whose hearts have been stirred, provoked. Unless God has stirred us, we don’t do anything. This is why the church tends to not be very stirred and therefore often ineffective in bringing the gospel. Have you been stirred, provoked?

ENGAGE. vs17-18

Paul didn’t just go, see and feel. He didn’t just consign them to hell and therefore isolate himself. What did he do? He entered into their lives. You might think, “Well, I’m no Apostle Paul.” Me either. But, can you talk to people? Can you love them? Can you build new relatinoships? Can you ask questions? Can you just be yourself and try to better understand those people that God has placed around you? Eventually it will get around to Jesus. People are more willing to talk, than we are willing to ask.

DISCERN. vs22,23,28,29

After going, seeing, feeling and engaing, Paul was able to discern ways by which to deliver the gospel in thoughtful, culturally sensitive ways – without watering down the truth of the gospel. So, for example, Seattle has a passion for outdoors, environment, social justice, community. The truth is that these are all biblical values. We can accept and enter into human desire to connect, serve, justice, etc. These can serve as great gospel bridges in the lives of others. What is it that stirs the human heart to enjoy the outdoors, fight for justice or long for community? Ask yourself, what are the gospel bridges in the life of those around me? Much of contextualization is graciously connecting dots for folks and showing how their hopes are only and ultimatelly fulfilled in Jesus’ person/work.

Conclusion

The gospel is the message or our mission, but contextualization is the delivery vehicle for the gospel. Who is our ultimate model in all this? Jesus Christ: God became flesh in the incarnation. Jesus learned a language, culture, customs, trade, clothes, sandals, etc. Jesus is ultimate missionary who became all things to all people, that by all means they’d be saved. If Jesus did that, so must His people, the church.

There tend to be two kinds of churches:

“You can come to us, learn our language, our interests and meet our needs.”
Or, “We will come to you, learn your language, learn your interests, meet your needs.”

Which one most mirrors the incarnation of Jesus?

Jesus did all this so that you can know him, love him, sins forgiven, adopted, made right with God. “I love you, but I lost you. I love you too much to allow you to destroy yourself. I’m coming to get you.” This is why we are here, DCC.

Christian: Now Jesus sends you to love, serve and pursue as you’ve been loved, served and pursued by Jesus.
NonChristian: Your heart will never be at rest until it finds its rest in him. There are no amount of god-substitutes can fill the eternity-sized whole in your heart that only God can fill.

“I haven’t lived right”…but he did, and perfectly.
“I feel like I should be punished”…you’re right, but he took your punishment on himself for you.
“You don’t know what I’ve done”…but he does and he’s already dealt with it.
“My sin is too big”…bigger than God?
“I’m very smart I could never believe such a thing”…but your brain weighs 3lbs.
“I don’t have the strength”….yes, I will fill you w/ my spirit and empower you

Together…let’s become all things to all people [in this city], that by all means [we] might save some..[and] do it all for the sake of the gospel, that [we might] share with them in its blessings.” 1Cor9:19-23

Quotes

“Contextualization is the dynamic and comprehensive process by which the gospel is incarnated within a concrete historical or cultural situation.” Flemming, Contextualization in the NT: Patterns for Theology and Mission, 19

“Every statement of the gospel in words is conditioned by the culture of which those words are a part, and every style of life that claims to embody the truth of the gospel is a culturally conditioned style of life. There can never be a culture-free gospel.” Lesslie Newbigin, the Gospel in a Pluralist Society, 306

“Contextualization is adapting gospel ministry from one culture into another culture by 1) changing those aspects of ministry that are culturally conditioned, and 2) maintaining those aspect of ministry that are unchanging and Biblically required. Contextualization ‘incarnates’ the Christian faith in a particular culture. It is the process by which we present the gospel to people of a particular world-view, in forms that the ‘receptor-hearers’ can understand.” Tim Keller, Contextualization: Wisdom or Compromise?

“There is no universal, de-contextualized form or expression of Christianity.” Keller

“No truth which human beings may articulate can ever be articulated in a culture-transcending way, but that does not mean that the truth does not transcend culture.” DA Carson, Maintaining Scientific and Christian Truths in a Postmodern Society

“We now recognize that Western culture is not the realm of Christendom that must be brought to the rest of the world as a part of God’s mission; rather, the gospel must be addressed in fresh ways to a Western culture that no longer understands or discerns God’s gracious activity in the world. “ James Brownson, Speaking the Truth in Love: NT Resources for a Missional Hermeneutic, 4

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Summary

The gospel of Jesus is the greatest treasure in the universe. There are amazing, too-good-to-be-true blessings that come with getting this message right. And, there are serious, grave consequences if we get it wrong. So, it is vital that we ask, how do we faithfully proclaim Jesus in our beautiful, sophisticated, highly educated but spiritually deceived city?

Introduction

This morning we are back in the great book of The Acts of the Apostles after two weeks away. Acts was written by Luke in order to record all that Jesus continued to do and teach through his apostles following his ascension into heaven (cf. Acts 1:1-2). It is the earliest authoritative, historical record we have of the early church and its expansion throughout the known world. Throughout our study we’ve been asking, “What is true Christianity?”, “How do we explain the rapid expansion of the church, that continues to this day?”, and “What difference does all of this make for us in modern day Seattle?” If you’re just joining us, you can find all of the related media from this series at our website (www.downtowncornestone.org) or via our iTunes podcast.

The central figure in the last half of the book of Acts is the Apostle Paul. Before becoming the Apostle Paul he was Saul the Pharisee, the primary enemy of the fledgling Christian church (Acts 8:1-3). But, after a personal encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, he converted to Christ and immediately began to proclaim the gospel (Acts 9:1-31). Years later, he embarked on what is known as his first missionary journey, along with Barnabas (Acts 13-14). Today, in Acts 17:1-34, we find ourselves in the middle of the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey, visiting three very different cities: Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.

The main theme of this chapter is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as King and Savior of all people, everywhere (Acts 17:30) for the forgiveness of sins and life with Him.There are roughly ten references to various forms of proclamation in this chapter (e.g. reasoning, explaining, proving, proclaiming, preaching, etc). The gospel of Jesus is the greatest treasure that God has given to us. There are amazing, too-good-to-be-true blessings that come with getting this message right. And, there are serious, grave consequences if we get it wrong. So, the main question in view today is, “How do we faithfully proclaim Jesus in our beautiful, sophisticated, highly educated but spiritually deceived city?”

We’re going to travel with Paul through three cities this morning. In each city we’re going to ask:

• What is the right message about Jesus?
• What is the right method for delivering that message?
• What should we expect as a result?

17:1-9 Proclaiming Jesus in Thessalonica.

Q: What is the message?
vs.3 “it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead…” = atonement. The atonement of Jesus puts us “at one” with God. The atonement is the doctrinal truth that the work of Jesus’ life, death & resurrection secures our salvation.

Jesus’ LIFE secures us a perfectly righteous record.

Phil 3:9 “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ..
Rom 5:19 “by [Jesus’] obedience many will be made righteous…”

Jesus’ DEATH secures our forgiveness from God for sin.

John 1:29 “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”
1Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree…”
Heb 9:28 Jesus was “offered once to bear the sins of many…”

Jesus’ RESURRECTION guarantees all of this.

Rom 4:25 [Jesus] was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”
1Pe 1:3 “he has causes us to be born again to a living hope through resurrection of Jesus”
1Cor15:17 “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”

So, why does this matter? The Bible tells us that we are born enslaved to sin, that results in a guilty record, a broken relationship God, and ultimately the wrath of God. The atonement addresses each one of these needs.

Jesus is our redemption.

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.
1 Tim 2:4 There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…

Jesus is our sacrifice.

Heb 9:26 “He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Jesus is our reconciliation.

2 Cor 5:18 “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself…”
Eph 2:13 “Now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Jesus is our propitiation.

1 Jn4:10 “not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Rom 3:25 “God put [Jesus] forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”

Therefore, in shorthand, to proclaim Jesus is to say:
Jesus died for your sins and rose from dead to prove he is God.

Q: What is the method?

Use Your Words. The gospel of Jesus must be proclaimed verbally. It can’t ooze out of you. You can’t rub it off on others. Proximityis not point; Hearing is point.

Use Your “Scriptures”. The Bible is God’s revelation of who He is, who we are, what He has done for us. Sin has so darkened our minds, that we need external truth to bring light and transformation. So, when it comes to proclaiming Jesus, focus on him and avoid secondary issues.

Use Your Brain (vs2-3) We are told that Paul “reasoned”, “explained”, “proved”. Reasoned: logically persuade. Explain: to make understandable. Proving: present argument w/ evidence. What does all this mean? It means that Christianity is not mindless. You don’t have to check your mind at door. God created your brain. Common cultural representations of evangelicals could not be more wrong. The biblical, historical, archaeological, sociological, personal support for Christianity is staggering. The answers are there. It is foolish to reject Christianity because you met a fe crazy Christians.

Q: What are the results?
Some believe and some are angry. Same today.

17:10-14 Proclaiming Jesus in Berea.

3 characteristics of hearts that are hungry for truth

• Noble: Open-minded. Rationally review the evidence.
• Eagerness: Expectancy. Interest. readiness.
• Examining: Searching scriptures themselves. That’s what you’re supposed to be doing.

Q#1 MESSAGE? Word of God.
Q#2 METHOD? Proclaimed.
Q#3 RESULTS? vs12 belief; vs13 unbelief

17:15-34 Proclaiming Jesus in Athens.

Athens has a 3,000 year history. It was the birthplace of Western civilization and democracy. it was the center of philosophy, arts, culture, intellectual pursuit and government. It had been the home to Aristotle, Plato, Socrates. It was a city of fierce individualism, religious pluralism, highly educated, center of culture and art; much like Seattle. And, it was totally  pagan.

Q#1 MESSAGE + METHOD?
vs 18 “Preaching Jesus and the resurrection”
Q#3 RESULTS?
Some mocked. Some said later. Some believed.

What does it mean to proclaim Jesus?

Get the MESSAGE right: Death of Jesus for our sins + Resurrection for hope of eternal life.
Get the METHOD right: Clear, direct, thoughtful words.
Get our EXPECATIONS right: Some will reject, some will passively wait, some will believe.

It’s hard to share a gospel that is not good news to you. Have you been gripped by it?

• Jesus was rejected, so you might be adopted.
• Jesus took your sin, so you might take his righteousness.
• Jesus bore your punishment, so you might bear his blessings.
• Jesus experienced God’s wrath, so you might experience God’s forgiveness.
• Jesus died, so you might live – now and forever.
• Cross is the focal point of the complex love of God.

Together, let’s proclaim Jesus.
Get message right. Get method right. Get right expectations.

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Summary

Beautiful things surprise us, take our breath away and send chills down our spines. Beauty can be visual, audible, or spiritual. We are fascinated by beauty. It captivates the human heart, mind and soul. But, we rarely stop to ask where beauty comes from. The Bible tells us that all beauty finds its origin in God – particularly in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Introduction

Today marks our first birthday as a newly forming, Jesus-following, Bible-believing, gospel-centered people in downtown Seattle. Happy birthday, Downtown Cornerstone!It was exactly one year ago this weekend we officially “launched”, marking our birth as a new church. Jesus has been exceedingly gracious to us in our first year. We’ve seen new faith, deepened faith and fresh faith. We’ve seen communities multiplied, the city served and souls soothed with the sin-shattering news of the gospel. We’ve seen sin repented of, relationships restored and addictions broken. We’ve seen disciples forged, the gospel spread and His church built. What a year! This morning we gather to thank Him for all He has done and ask Him to do even more in the year(s) to come. He’s only just begun His work in, among and through us.

This morning we’re going to look at a simple question: Why plant a church? In other words, what are we doing? Why are we here? Lets answer that by first answering a different question. What do you think of when you hear the word “beautiful”? One dictionary defines beauty as “the quality or combined qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses.” Beautiful things surprise us, take our breath away and send chills down our spines. Beauty can be visual, audible, or spiritual. We are fascinated by beauty. It captivates the human heart, mind and soul. But, we rarely stop to ask where beauty comes from.

The Bible tells us all beauty finds its origin in God. God is beautiful. Creation is a living exhibition of the beauty, splendor and excellencies of the Creator. The earth is the bowl into which God’s beauty is poured. The beauty of the world is intended to function like a big flashing neon sign to the beauty of God. In other words, beauty exists to point us to the Beautiful One. God has planted figments of his beauty in creation in order to stimulate our faith and draw us to Him. Have you thought of God as beautiful? Not only beautiful, but the origin of all beauty?

“The beauty of trees, plants, and flowers, with which God has [decorated] the face of the earth, is delightful; the beautiful frame of the body of man, especially in its perfection, is astonishing; the beauty of the moon and stars is wonderful; the beauty of the highest heavens is transcendent; the excellency of angels and the saints in light is very glorious: but it is all deformity and darkness in comparison of the brighter glories and beauties of the Creator of all…think of the excellency of God and the moon will not seem to shine to you, God’s excellency so much outshines it. “
Jonathan Edwards, Works 10, 421

All worldly beauty is an echo of God’s beauty, the source. My prayerful goal this morning is that we would be overwhelmed afresh by the incomprehensible and inexpressible beauty of God. He is bigger, better and more beautiful than anything you have ever imagined. Here’s the crux of the matter: We were created by God, for God, to delight in the beauty of God in Jesus Christ. This gets to the very heart of Christianity and why Downtown Cornerstone exists.

This morning we’re going to skim the surface of the beauty of God. His beauty is like a multi-faceted diamond of attributes in their purest form. Each attribute works in sync and symmetry with the others. Let’s think, consider, and reflect on the beauty of God together.

Self-existent, Independent, Eternal and Timeless

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” Acts 17:24-25

Everything begins, except God. Everything depends on something else for existence, except God. He created existence. He depends on no one and no thing. No beginning and no end. Perfectly content, perfectly happy, perfectly self-existing within a perfect, eternal, triune community. Everything else depends on Him for its being. The entire universe takes its queues from Him. All power, all wisdom, all excellency, all glory, all joy, all love, all goodness, all justice originate in Him.

Great, Powerful, and Omnipotent (i.e. all-powerful)

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” Ps 33:6-8

He is unlimited in power, strength and glory. There is nothing and no one greater. He isNOT weak, small, limited, impotent, shallow, dependent, needy, discouraged, distressed, or helpless. He created and sustains the universe with a word and without help. There is ntohing and no one bigger, stronger, faster, more beautiful, more powerful, more knowledgeable. He always wins. He holds absolute control over all things, everywhere, at all time. His will always comes to pass. His purposes are never frustrated. He never sweats. He’s never surprised. He never worries. He never ages. He’s never tired.

Wise, Brilliant and Omniscient (i.e. all-knowing)

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” Rom 11:33
Holy, Pure, Just and Righteousness
“Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy…” Rev 15:4

Wisdom, knowledge, intellect and brilliance originate in Him. There is nothing He does not know. He never makes mistakes. He never lies. He never needs to “think about it”. He never leads us astray. He is always right, always true. Wisdom of man is foolishness to God. Before him everything is exposed.
He knows the beginning, middle and end of all things – at the same time – becasuse he exists outside of time.

Holy, Pure, Just, and Righteous

“Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy…” Rev 15:4

He is perfectly pure with no spots, no darkness, no cynicism, no blemishes, no sin and no faults. He always does what is right, best, virtuous, just and beautiful. He does no wrong, ever. Therefore He hates and abhors sin, darkness, impurity because they are opposite to his very nature.

Loving, Good, Merciful, Gracious, Patient, Just, Personal and Faithful

“The Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” Ex 34:6
Unchanging and Omnipresent (i.e. everywhere)
“For I the Lord do not change…” Mal 3:6
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways…” Ps 139:1-3

He is the pinnacle of all that is good, loving and kind. He overflows in steadfast love. He has unlimited storehouses of grace and mercy that we will be unpacking forever. He delights in making his people truly happy. He knows you perfectly, personally, entirely, deeply. There is nothing he does not know about your past+present+future. He maintains all of creation by his goodness. Every single good thing in your life is from Him – every one of them.

Unchanging and Omnipresent

“For I the Lord do not change…” Mal 3:6
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways…” Ps 139:1-3

He is self-existent, independent, eternal, timeless, great, all-powerful, wise, brilliant, all-knowing, holy, pure, just, righteous, loving, good, merciful, gracious, patient, and faithful…and He has always been like that, everywhere, at every moment. He is unchaning and omnipresent.

All these attributes meet in the person and work of Jesus Christ – never has such a figure existed.

• In humility, God became man, in Jesus Christ.
• In holiness, he lived the perfect life that we should live but don’t and can’t.
• In love, he died for sinful rebels.
• In justice, he took the punishment we rightly deserve for our sin.
• In mercy, Jesus substituted himself as a sacrifice, in our place.
• In grace, Jesus extends forgiveness of sin, adoption as sons/daughters, life with God forever.
• In faithfulness, Jesus gave himself up to death, even death on the cross.
• In power, Jesus bore the sins of the world and defeated Satan, sin, evil and death thru resurrection.

“[Jesus] has true excellency, and such great excellency, that when [weary souls] come to see it they look no further, but the mind rests there … it sees that till now it has been chasing shadows, but that now it has found the substance; that before it had been seeking happiness in the stream, but that now it has found the ocean. The excellence of Christ is an object adequate to the natural cravings of the soul, and is sufficient to fill the capacity…Every new discovery makes this beauty appear more ravishing, and the mind sees no end; here is room enough for the mind to go deeper and deeper, and never come to the bottom… Christ’s excellency is always fresh and new, and tends as much to delight after it has seen thousand or ten thousand years…” Edwards

If this is what God is like, question not “Why plant a church?” But, “How could we not?”This is why we’re here! To spread the supremacy, beauty, glory and excellencies of God in Jesus Christ.

Five ways the beauty of God changes us:

#1 The beauty of God changes the source of our joy.
He wants our joy to be in something so much deeper, more rooted, concrete than our circumstances, relationships and possessions. Knowing, seeing and relishing in the beauty of God should make us a people marked by joy, awe, love.

#2 The beauty of God changes our definition of success.
Yes, we want to see God do something special, awesome, and previously unknown in Seattle. But, our primary goal has nothing to do with a number of people or programs. Jesus is the prize, goal, treasure, pearl of great price. It’s about Jesus and a earnest, unrelenting, soul-satisfying pursuit of Him. Jesus is our success.

#3 The beauty of God changes our hope.
“What we are doing is not just difficult, it is impossible.” (Schaeffer) There is no time in the Bible when God calls someone/group to do something that won’t be hard, require a lot of resources and take considerable time. That never happens. Abraham, Moses, Jonah, Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah to Jesus. What God has called us to is not easy. It won’t happen over night, but it will come at a very high cost. But, our hope is not in any of this being easy, but in Him, whatever happens. He is worth it.

#4 The beauty of God changes our mission.
When we are gripped by the beauty of God in Jesus Christ, our mission changes. When we see Jesus as beautiful, we want to share that beauty with others. He won’t come back meek/mild but as a conquering King. It is imminent. It could happen at any time. Until then, He sends us on mission to spread His message and mercy, calling the city to repentance and faith in Him.

#5 The beauty of God changes our people.
Jesus’ people, the church, is a thing of beauty. His church exists to reflect beauty, excellency, holiness, good of God. We are not a building but a glorious society, an outpost for displaying, exhibiting beauty of Jesus in dark world. Let’s display beauty in community, holiness, service, generosity, sacrifice, art. Let’s not concede art to the unbelievers in this city. Jesus does not down our imaginations, but fuels them.

Together, let’s spread the supremacy, beauty, glory and excellencies of God in Jesus Christ in our city and the cities of the world. Happy Birthday, DCC. May King Jesus give us many more.

Summary

In Acts 15:36-16:40 we witness the planting of the church in Philippi. It is hard to imagine a more diverse group: severely religious, severely enslaved and severely indifferent. These three are racially, socially, psychologically worlds apart. But, what we see in this passage is that Jesus is an all-sufficient savior that applies and appeals to all people, everywhere – even today.

Introduction

We’re continuing our study through the great book Acts of the Apostles this morning. Acts was written by a doctor, Luke, for Theolophilus (Acts 1:1) to provide an accurate account of all that Jesus continued to do and teach through His people following his ascension into heaven (cf Acts 1:1-2, Luke 1:1-4) Throughout our study, we’re tracing the expansion of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the known world and exploring the implications to us today. This morning we find ourselves in 15:36-16:40, which marks the start of the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey. Its important to continue to highlight that Christianity was born into a culture just as resistant, hostile and questioning as ours – even more so. So, there is much to glean from Paul and his traveling cohort as they seek to spread the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

Over and over again, we have seen that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, everywhere. Jesus makes no distinction. Nor is there one type of person, as is commonly believed, that Jesus is more natural to. Christianity is not for a “type” of person or for those who “like that sort of thing”. We see that come into clear view today as three very different people come to faith in Jesus Christ to form the launch community for a new church plant in Philippi (located in modern day Greece). This new church plant marks the first time the gospel is planted in European soil. The world would never be the same. Today we see the incredible versatility of the gospel and its application to incredibly different people in different ways.

God wants to do three primary things through this text this morning. First, he aims to deepen your love, trust and worship of Jesus Christ by displaying his all-sufficiency. Second, he wants to deeply embed within you hope for every person in your life, no matter how hard, distant or indifferent they may currently be. Third, for those of you that aren’t currently followers of Christ, he wants to challenge the thought, “I’m just not the Christian type.” What we’ll see today is that there is no such thing and we are all responsible for exploring and assessing the claims of Christ.

15:36-41 The Mission Begins.

We saw in 13:13 that Mark previously abandoned Paul on the first missionary journey. So, here, on the verge of the second missionary journey there is a huge argument. Luke, the author, is not trying to whitewash history. While he is not condoning the behavior, he is being very honest about what actually happened. If you look closely, though, Jesus even used this apparent inexcusable Apostolic blow-up. How? (1) God used this disagreement to form two missionary teams instead of one.  (2) After Mark was done with Barnabas, he went back home, became the apostolic assistant to Peter and eventually wrote the Gospel of Mark. This is incredibly encouraging for those that find themselves in similar seasons of unemployment, disagreement and discouragement. Though it is uncomfortable, God is working. We do know that eventually they were all reconciled. “Get Mark and bring him w/ you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” 2Tim4:11

16:1-5 Contextualizing the Mission.

Timothy is mentioned 26x’s in the NT, including in 10 of 13 epistles. Paul says of Timothy in Phi 2:20 “I have no one like him…as a son w/ a father he has served me in gospel” But, something odd happens. We are told that Paul has Timothy circumcised. What was going on here? Answer: Paul did not want to offend others, but he wanted to win to Christ. The gospel is offensive, but we shouldn’t be. As they went about traveling and visiting Jewish synagogues, Paul could have said “Get offended if you want! That’s your problem.”  But, he didn’t. There is a helpful principle here. What are freedoms you have but God may be asking you to give up for the sake of the gospel? As a newly forming church this is vital for us to work through. God loves us, no matter what, in the gospel. We could wear robes, play horrible music and not have a website. We have freedom to do that and our acceptance by God is not based on those things. But, those things to create an obstacle to the gospel. Therefore we are regularly working to grow in: Excellence (music, design, creativity, communication, etc). Authentic (being real about life, sin and suffering; not merely dispensing 20 minute sentimental talks). Inclusive (creating a culture that welcomes Christians and non-Christians alike.)

16:6-10 The Spirit of the Mission.

“Forbidden by the Holy Spirit” What is this? The simple answer is that we don’t know. It could have been a prophetic word, vision, situation, impression, etc. The principle at play here, though, is that there is a real, vibrant, personal ministry of the Holy Spirit – discernment, guiding, warning, convicting, encouraging, and more. Sin effects your spiritual sensitivity. Eph 4:30 “do not grieve”; 1Thess5:19 “Do not quench the Spirit” Spirit has a voice you grow accustomed to. But, it can be subjective, so its important to be in community.

16:11-15 Conversion of Lydia.

Paul’s common practice, when entering a new city, was to find a synagogue: Jews + God-fearers. But, there wasn’t one in Philippi so he goes to a known place of prayer where he meets Lydia. [Wealthy, business woman. Purple: Rare, precious, luxury, royalty. Fashionista. Successful professional. “Avenues”. Lives: Multi-million condo. Shops: Nordstroms. Drives: Beamer. HH@: The Met. Religious. Moral. Refined. Upstanding. Bible reader. Fashionable+connected+put-together]

We see that the “Lord opened her heart”. We see this as a recurring them in Acts. We must choose God, but his choosing always precedes ours. But, notice this. How does the gospel come to Lydia? The gospel is delivered in the form of a rational discussion. Paul speaks + Lydia listens = clicks. That’s it.

What do you think Paul would have said to these ladies by the riverside? It’s safe to say he would have said something like this: “Let me give you the interpretive key to the entire Bible…”

• Bible ≠ book of rules + people to emulate + random stories + random virtues
• Bible ≠ about you and what you should be doing.
• The Bible rather is one story about God and what God has done.
• Every King points to the One King who has come to rescue and redeem His people.
• Every Priest points to the One Priest who once and for all atoned for the sin of His people.
• Every Prophet points to the One Prophet who declares the Way to God.
• Every hero points to the One Hero who came from a far country to win back his lost treasure.
• Every story of redemption, every sacrifice, every suffering servant, every promised child. It’s Jesus.
• Jesus is the missing piece, lynchpin, interpretive key. Every promise of God finds its “Yes” in Him.

Lydia heard this and she was gripped by the good news. For her it was not a dramatic or sensational experience. Her life was not a mess. She heard the gospel and said, “Yes, that’s what I need”. It wasn’t a radical departure from her old way of life, but really a completion of it.

It’s important to see here that Christianity doesn’t make people religious. Christianity frees us from religion. Lydia was already a religious+moral+bible reader, BUT she still needed the gospel. Paul didn’t see these ladies and think “Well, they’re well on their way…I’ll let them be.” No, instead he thought “They’re religious and they need the gospel.”

Religion is outside-in: “If I please God, then he will be pleased with me.”
Gospel is inside-out: “God is pleased with me in Christ, therefore I want to please Him.”
Religion tells us that we should obey because he is useful, he can give us stuff (salvation, forgiveness, blessings, etc).
Gospel tells us that we get to obey because God is beautiful. I don’t need anything from God, because I already have everything I need in Christ.

Religious people often need the gospel more than anyone else because they think already have it together. Many of you may think that you have rejected Christianity, when you’ve actually rejected a religious version. That’s not Christianity. That’s not what Jesus came to do.

16:16-18 Conversion of Slave Girl.

Here we come across a demonized, clairvoyant, slave girl. We should never just assume psychics/palm-readers are just fakes – though they often are – there may be more going on there. Many people are skeptical of supernatural evil. But if there can be personal supernatural good in world; there can be personal supernatural evil. In Seattle, we tend to think everything that is spiritual is good. That’s not the case Luke is intentionally placing Lydia and the slave girl side by side so that we can see the great versatility of the gospel and its universal appeal.

L: wealthy/independent. Girl: poor/slave!
L: Moral/religious. Girl: Demonized.
L: Seeking G: Attacking
L: Powerful; Girl: Powerless;
L: Everyone would expect; Girl: No one would expect
L: Regional VP of purple w/ high-rise condo downtown; Girl: teenage, drug-addicted, prostitute on Aurora
L: Reached thru reason. Girl: Reached thru experience of power of Jesus.
L: Experienced the gospel as a natural progression. Girl: Experienced the gospel as a complete redemption and release from psychological, spiritual, physical slavery

Maybe this is you. Life is a wreck and you are enslaved by something. It may not be that you’re demonized, but there is something in your life that is eating you up. Destroying your life. Idol = building life on anything other than God. An idol is what you live for. We make idols when we take anything, even good things, and make them God things. Ex. Could be anything: Drugs+alcohol+pornography or family+career+personal agenda. Whatever thing is in the God-spot in our life is the thing you have put yourself under. IN other words you’re enslaved. The truth is that we all have masters, the question is “Who is your Master?”

You might say, “Slavery, really?” Yes. That thing (money, power, control, comfort, people, possessions, career, etc) will control your emotions, what you do with your money, how you spend your time, the direction of your thoughts — in the end it is the primary shaping influence of your identity (how you view yourself, where you get your sense of purpose, worth and value) Jesus is the good master. Freedom is not doing what you want, but entrusting your life to one who will love you, forgive you and shield you. That’s why Jesus says, “Come all who are weak and weary, and I will give you rest for your souls…for my yoke is easy and burden light”

So far, what we’ve seen, is that some meet Jesus thru bible studies and some because their life is a mess. Next, we meet a different person.

16:19-34 Conversion of Roman Jailer.

Here we meet a third character. Jailers were almost always retired soldiers. To be a jailer was to have a comfortable, early retirement gig. So, we can make some assumptions about his driving motivation for life: comfortable, quiet, middle class. His weekly rhythm was probably something like this: Work+home+eat+kids+watch game+fishing on the weekend.

In other words, he was just a blue collar, regular guy, man’s man. He was probably not very good, nor very bad, just spiritually indifferent. Life was not a success or a wreck. He was just comfortable, ambivalent. Not hostile = Just. not. interested. Not the religious type. He probably sounded like many Seattlites, “You do your thing. I’ll do mine…as long as there’s powder @ Stevens, what else could you want?“

Lydia: downtown condo.
Girl: Various motel rooms along Aurora.
Soldier: West Seattle or Ballard.

Amidst the beating and imprisonment, Paul and Silas are praying and singing. Notice, they aren’t saying “If God really loved us” or “We’re just trying to serve!” or “How do we deserve this?” No. Their backs are bleeding, feet are bound, located in the inner prison, probably can’t sleep b/c of the pain and…they sing.

How? Circumstances don’t define them. They trust and love their Jesus. They are safe in Him. Then, God creates an earthquake. Everyone is free. The jailer considers killing himself, as jailers received the punishment that any escaped prisoners were to receive. God moves the jailer from comfort to crisis in a second. The most gracious thing God could do for the jailer – and for us when caught in similar life patterns – was to turn his life upside down.

What does Paul do? Teach, like Lydia? Power encounter, like slave girl? No, he offers a tangible expression of the grace of God. He knew the jailer wouldn’t listen to him. What do you do when others won’t listen? Show them. Paul put his life on the line to save jailers life. Re-paid evil with good. Substituted his life for jailers.

The entire scene was upsetting the jailers comfortable, indifferent, ambivalent worldview. How could these guys be singing/praying – bleeding, beaten, in stocks? How could they suffer like that? They have no freedom, no dignity, no clothes, no comfort – still deep joy, overflowing in song at midnight!
AND how could then then substitute themselves like that? Repaying evil for good? Jailer never saw anything like it. Earthquake served as a spiritual defibrilator, alerting him to brevity and shallowness of his life. He takes in the whole scene and realized “I want the depth, joy, confidence you have…What must I do to be saved?” Begged for explanation.

16:35-40 The Mission Continues.

It is hard to imagine a more diverse group: Severely religious + severely enslaved + severely indifferent. We are not just dealing with one kind of person, but people who are racially, socially, psychologically worlds apart

• Lydia from Thyatira (Turkey), girl probably Greek, jailer Roman.
• Lydia upper class, girl lowest class, jailer middle class, government employee
• Lydia had intellectual need, girl had psychological need, jailer didn’t know what he needed.
• Lydia experienced gospel as fulfillment; girl as radical rescue, jailer as call to deeper comfort in Christ.

BUT each was changed by same gospel. Result? First 3 members of new church plant @ Philippi.

Application for us as a newly forming church:

#1 We should revel in our diversity, not lament it. Never say “But, people here are so different!” Why? Because that’s exactly the point.In Jesus, your identity NOT in race, background, past, season of life, or gender >> but the grace of God. Gal 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

#2 Consider others in your life right now that do not follow Jesus Christ and ask yourself: Need rational explanation, power encounter, tangible experience grace?

#3 Keep tabs on your hope for others. Christians are not allowed to lose hope! The gospel is for everyone, which means there is hope for everyone.

#4 If you’ve said, “I’m not XN type.” You’re not off the hook. If you’re human, you’re the Christian type. Jesus lived, died, rose for you too.

Do you see what an all-sufficient savior, Jesus is? He is not dry, detached, jaded, disinterested. Rather he is overflowing with life. There is no need he can’t meet, no person he will not forgive, no longing he can’t fulfill. He is a dynamic, living, active Savior. He is wholly other and entirely near. No matter who you are, what you’ve done, or what u lack. Jesus is sufficient. Jesus is for everyone, everywhere = All-sufficient savior.  “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved”
Make him yours, because he died to make you His – no matter who you are. Don’t miss this! The SAME gospel and SAME Jesus that created this church in Philippi is alive, working among us TODAY.

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Summary

In Acts 15:1-35 we get to listen in on the great Jerusalem Council. This episode is far from being an irrelevant 1st century debate. In fact, here we learn about the primary enemy of the gospel and the primary essence of the gospel. This is vital for us as we seek toincreasingly become a Gospel astonished church, filled with people who give everything they have because they understand that in Christ they already have everything the need.

Introduction

This morning we are continuing our study through the great book of Acts. Throughout our study, we’ve been asking big questions like, “What is Christianity?”, “What is the church?”, “How does all of this impact our everyday life in Seattle, today?” “Why difference does it make?” This morning we’re going to look at Acts 15:1-35. This particular section serves as the heart of the book (literally, the middle) and addresses the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In particular, this section gives us insight into the primary enemy of the gospel and the primary essence of the gospel. If you’re wondering, “What makes Christianity so different?” and/or, “Why am I not growing, maturing, experiencing greater vibrancy of faith?” Today is for you.

15:1-5 Primary Enemy of the Gospel.

The first Christians were all Jewish and some reasoned that for Gentiles (i.e. non-Jews) to become part of God’s people, they too must become culturally Jewish – Jewish Christians, as it were. Now, this isn’t as scandalous or strange as it may first seem. Throughout the history of Israel, the primary sign/mark that you are reconciled and saved as part of God’s people was that you were circumcised. This practice goes back to Abraham, nearly 2000 years prior to this story (e.g. Ge 17:10). Therefore, some of the early Jewish Christians reasoned that since Jesus was Jewish, they were Jewish, and Gentiles have always become Jewish (via circumcision) to join God’s people, therefore that must still be the case.

Not surprisingly, this resulted in “no small dissension and debate” (vs2) within the church at Antioch. In other words, there was a major disagreement. Why is that? Answer: The very essence of the gospel was at stake. The gospel message itself was being unwittingly threatened. By requiring circumcision, these Jewish believers were making circumcision a condition of salvation; i.e. salvation is achieved through Jesus and by becoming Jewish. But, Paul and Barnabas (and others) were arguing that salvation was from Jesus alone, apart from anything we do; i.e. Jesus is all we need. The tension is clear: Is salvation achieved through Jesus plus something else? Or, is salvation achieved through Jesus plus nothing else?

It’s here that we encounter the primary enemy of the gospel:
Jesus + something else = everything (salvation, life, joy, hope) If anything but Jesus is needed for salvation (including circumcision), the Jesus is not everything we need; then, he is not an all-sufficient savior. Inevitably, anytime we try to add anything to complete who Jesus is and what He has already done, the result is a Christless Christianity. This, of course, is why they are so upset.

You may ask? What does this have to do with me. This has everything to do with you. In fact, whether you know it or not, you experience this same tension in your soul every day. Throughout history, philosophers and sages alike have noted that every human being craves deep acceptance, deep favor, deep affection, deep approval, deep meaning, deep purpose. We have an insatiable desire for something bigger, better, faster, stronger, richer, happier…something more. In fact, whatever measure of happiness, relief, rescue and meaning we do have – it is never enough. We continue to hunger for what we don’t have.

“You made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Augustine

“All men seek happiness, this is the motive for every action of every man, even those who hang themselves…the infinite abyss can only be filled by an infinite and immutable object…God himself” Pascal

“Every human being is on a quest for God; the problem is that we don’t know that, and in our quest for stability, we attempt to stand on an endless catalog of God-replacements that end up sinking with us..there is an inner rest to be experienced that deeper than conceptual understanding, human love, personal success, and the accumulation of possessions. There is a rock that will give you rest even when all of those things have been taken away. That rock is Christ and you were hardwired to find what you are seeking in him.” Paul Tripp

Jesus is the only one who will ultimately satisfy, but we don’t naturally look to Him for all we need. Instead, we add to Him. “Christianity and…” was one of the main weapons recommended by Uncle Screwtape to Wormwood to use to cultivate distracted, powerless, and ineffective Christians (Screwtape Letters, by CS Lewis). Make sure, recommends Uncle Screwtape, that Christians never come to a place of believing that Jesus is enough; make them feel good about adding something to their faith, something other than Jesus.

What could that look like? Really, an infinite number of arrangements, such as Jesus and…our achievements, strengths, reputation, relationships, family, ambitions, personal preferences, spiritual growth, hobbies and recreation, entertainment, latest fad, particular cause, etc. What is that thing for you?

Often, that “something else” is our performance, also known as legalism. It is very subtle, but spiritually deadly. Performancism happens when what we do, not what Jesus has already done becomes our main focus, our main source of life, our main source of hope and joy. Inevitably, it leads to pride when we succeed and despair when we fail. Performancism is all about us, what we must do instead of resting in what Jesus has done and who we already are in him.Q: What gets greater attention in your life? Your performance or His performance for you, in your place?

“The great mistake made by people is hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in X alone.” AW Pink

The underlying assumption of “performancism” is that we believe that our performance for God will impress him to the point of blessing us or will provide us with more than He can provide us. We may easily say “salvation is by grace alone, not by works” but we often don’t live that way. There is not a Christian who doesn’t struggle with believing our good behavior is required to keep God’s favor, blessing and acceptance. Too often, Christian preaching reinforces our slavery to performance by telling us to “do more, try harder, keep rules”.

But, and this should really be no surprise, transformation and progress only happen when we realize God’s love for us does not depend on us. Heart of human problem is the problem of the human heart. (Tchividjian) Rules, behavior, performance are not the solution of the things we most deeply crave and long for – only Jesus is. That is why the primary enemy of the gospel: Jesus + something else = everything. But, the primary essence of the gospel: Jesus + nothing = everything.

Therefore, they head off to Jerusalem (300 miles) to settle this once and for all. 

15:6-21 Primary Essence of the Gospel.

Here we see the primary essence of the gospel:
Jesus + nothing = everything (salvation, life, joy, hope)

Peter, Paul and Barnabas, and James all chime in. What we have here is a condensed version of the entire debate and discussion. Luke provides us with the highlights. Peter begins by sharing his story of Cornelius, God’s vision to him, and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the Gentiles by faith alone. He lands on “grace”.

Q: What does it mean to be saved by the grace of God?

• By grace, in Christ, God freely, unconditionally, undeservedly forgives and makes us His.
• By grace, in Christ, He loves us because he loves us, not b/c we’re lovable, not b/c we perform well, not b/c we follow the rules, not b/c we manage our sin, not b/c we stay out of trouble, not b/c we obey, not b/c we caught him on a good day, not b/c we earned it.
• By grace, in Christ, there nothing we can do to make him love us more and there is nothing we can do to make him love us less.
• By grace, in Christ, he loves us no matter what.
• By grace, in Christ, we receive a new identity, apart from any identity we create on our own. We are forgiven + adopted + made heirs + eternal life + sealed w/ Spirit + part of His redeemed people.

God’s grace is a  one-sided divine rescue, based entirely on his initiative – not our own. The biggest lie about grace is that it needs to be kept in check. “We need to balance grace with law”. We think “well, too much grace and people will just take it for granted…and take advantage of God.” That couldn’t be more wrong. The only way we change is when we get a taste of God’s radical, untamable, unconditional acceptance of us, in Christ. In fact, the more we understand grace, the less we will see Jesus as an angry dictator, and more like a loving friend, savior, deliverer, rescuer, shepherd. In other words, the more you understand grace, the more your heart will be captivated by Jesus. The great irony here is that those who end up obeying more are those who realize their standing isn’t based on their obedience.

“The Reformation was a time when men went blind, staggering drunk because they had discovered, in the dusty basement of late medievalism, a whole cellar of fifteen-hundred year old, two hundred proof grace… one sip of which would convince anyone that God saves us single-handedly…. Grace is to be drunk straight: no water, no ice, and certainly no ginger ale…” Robert Capone, Between Noon and Three

James, Jesus’ half brother and leader of the church in Jerusalem, agrees and points the entire congregation to a prophecy of Amos. Amos declared there was coming a day when God will rebuild his people. James says, “That is happening right now! Jesus is the new king. His church is His new house, being rebuilt w/ Gentiles! It is a fresh work.” He recommends they “not trouble” the Gentiles by placing any unnecessary burden on them. In other words, he says, don’t make it hard for them, over-complicate the gospel. He says Jesus + nothing = everything. Salvation is not a matter of human works and performance, but the reception of Gods’ grace from first to last. To place your faith in something is to place your trust in something. Faith is trusting and relying on what God has provided.Faith is not merely acknowledging something exists. Faith is making it yours. Saving faith says “There he is…and I make Him mine because He has made me his.”

Don’t over-complicate the gospel. The essence of the gospel is that faith in Jesus is sufficient for salvation, reconciliation and more. If you follow Jesus, that is the thing you must keep clear, uncluttered and uncomplicated. If you don’t follow Jesus, that’s where to begin. Don’t merely acknowledge him, make him yours by faith.

vs20. BUT, then James goes on to list certain things Gentiles should avoid. Quite a strange list really:

• “things polluted by idols”: food sacrificed in pagan temples; sold in marketplace for profit; scandalous
• “sexual immorality” (porneia) = Any sexual immorality outside marriage. 1 man + 1 woman + 1 lifetime
• “what has been strangled”: animal killed by strangling, wouldn’t get all the blood out which was scandalous for the Jewish people.
• “from blood”: eating things that still have blood in them. The Jews associated blood with the sacredness of life.

Q: Why these things? These particular things were scandalous to Jewish people. In Lev 17-18 we are told that the practice of such things could get you “cut off from God’s people”. So, that should cause us to stop and ask, “What in the world is going on here?” So, do Gentiles need to follow law or not? Is salvation by faith alone or faith plus this list?

What James is saying is that Gentiles should be culturally sensitive. Gentiles should not needlessly or unnecessarily offend Jewish people so they don’t even want to hear the gospel. In other words, avoid creating obstacles to the gospel by needlessly slapping Jewish people in the face with your freedom in Christ. Ex. “If you live in Seattle…and start talking trash about dogs, recycling and baby seals you will create a stumbling block for the gospel.” James is asking, “Why make it so difficult for them?” Don’t create unnecessary stumbling blocks to the gospel. Primary essence of gospel is salvation by faith alone. Jesus + nothing = everything. But, we should be culturally sensitive so as not to create unnecessary obstacles to the gospel.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law…that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law…that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Cor 9:19-23

Here, Paul is saying I’m adaptable to the mission field that God has called me to, where ever he has put me. At the root, Christians love others enough to not demand our rights all the time. We are willing to give up what is permissible if it means that more people come to faith in Jesus and cultivates further unity in the church. Paul, above, is saying he would rather give up certain practices than be causing others to stumble or create obstacles to the gospel. That’s good practice.

So, they wrote a letter, sent a delegation and announced the news to the Gentiles in Antioch and beyond. For clear reasons, there was rejoicing. The message for us is same as the message was for them. Keep the gospel clear, uncluttered and uncomplicated. How? Being aware primary enemy to the gospel = Jesus + something else = everything. But,primary essence of the gospel = Jesus + nothing = everything. If we do this, it will cause us to increasingly become a Gospel astonished church that is filled with people who give everything they have because they understand that in Christ they already have everything the need.

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Summary

In Acts 13-14 Paul and Barnabas embark on the first of three missionary journeys.  The Christian mission is not merely to build houses and help people do a little better. It’s not less than that, but it is much much more. This is not merely the story of two guys walking around convincing others to believe something different. The Christian mission is to reestablish supremacy of Christ among all the peoples of the world, starting with us.

Introduction

This morning we are beginning a brand new section of the great book of Acts. Till now, in Acts 1-12, we have seen the gospel of Jesus Christ expand outward, from Jerusalem, tearing down every conceivable racial, social, and spiritual barrier. Jesus is calling out a new people of His own from every tribe, tongue, and nation. God’s promise to Abraham in Gen 12:3, “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” is being fulfilled. From here, in Acts 13-28, Luke (the author) will focus in on the three missionary journey’s of the Apostle Paul as the gospel makes its way to Rome. It is fascinating to consider that the entire western church rests upon these three journeys. We’re here today, in large part, because of them.

Today, we’re going to tackle the entirety of Paul’s first missionary journey in Acts 13-14. The entire journey took Paul and Barnabas the better part of two years. It will take us the better part of 50 minutes. If you’ve been looking for a reason to use your maps in the back of your Bible, you have one today (or look on the back of these notes). You might ask, “Why look at such a large section of scripture?” Because I want you to see the big picture that gets lost otherwise. As we walk through this, be asking two questions of the text. First, is there a pattern behind the mission? Second, what does all of this tell me about what God is like?

The Christian mission is not merely to build houses and help people do a little better. It’s not less than that, but it is much much more. If our understanding of Jesus’ mission is restricted to that, we’ll view the mission as fairly insignificant. In fact, the reality couldn’t be more different. God’s goal in history is to display his glory for the good of all people, everywhere, through Jesus Christ. God’s “glory” is a packed term. Honestly, we need to talk about it more. God’s glory is one word that is used to refer to God’s eternal beauty, immeasurable value, unparalleled joy, and matchless worth. What we need more than anything else is to be in deep, vital, real, abiding relationship with this God through Jesus Christ. To love others is to point others to this God. How could we not? That’s the heart of the mission of God: to spread the name and news of the supreme value, worth in the universe – Jesus Christ.

As we approach this, we could look at this section and say “Well, just looks like a couple guys walking around trying to convince others to believe something different.” Doing so would be to miss the point. God’s mission is to reestablish the supremacy of Christ among all the people of the world, starting in this room. That’s also the goal of all Christian preaching. We see God’s heart for the nations throughout the Bible:

Ps 97:1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice…
Ps67:4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy…
Ps 86:9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord…
Ps 22:27 All the families of the nations shall worship before you…
Ps 66:4 All the earth worships you, and sings praises to you…
Rev 5:9 …ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

What does this tell us? It tells us that our God is not aloof, ambivalent, disconnected, passive, indecisive, in maintenance mode, coasting, or drifting. Rather, Jesus is a searching, sending and saving God. The book of Acts is a description of God’s heart to seek and save the lost in narrative form. So, the big idea today is this: God sends His people into the world to spread the infinite value and worth of Jesus Christ to the nations. We are a part of that.

13:1-3 Antioch

Antioch is a diverse city which produced a diverse church, reflected in its diversity of leadership: Barnabas (Cyprus), Simeon (probably from northern Africa), Lucius (northern Africa), Manaen (elite, culture maker) and Saul (brilliant classically trained Jew converted Christian). God loves making diverse people family. Why? Because unity in diversity more powerful than unity of uniformity. Here they are worshipping together with the church. “They” is likely a reference to the entire church, not only the named leaders. This is my prayer for our church. We aim to focus on the depth of our work, while letting God take care of the breadth.

One thing I want to highlight here is the context that led to the first missionary journey, namely, worship. This presents an important truth. Mission is the overflow of worship. “Mission is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” Piper The secret to all mission is worship. Why? You can’t commend what you don’t cherish.
Where passion for God is weak, passion for His mission will be weak.

Also, don’t miss that the calling of Paul and Barnabas happened in the context of a worshipping community. Often, I get asked questions about calling, “How do I know if I’m called?” The passage provides a helpful principle: Get deeply involved in a worshipping community. Within that type of community you can be tested, qualified, discover your gifts, receive affirmation and have others who know you speak into your life. You might say, “Well, this is about the calling of Paul and Barnabas, not us.” Yes, but we’re all sent. John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Some of us are called to go across the world with gospel, everyone is called to go across the street.

13:4-12 Cyprus

Seleucia was 15 miles from Antioch. Cyprus was another 75 miles. They landed at Salamis, which was the largest city on island and proclaimed the gospel, east to west, across the island (about 100mi). Here Paul solidifies his pattern of first visiting synagogues. In Paphos, they encounter Bar-Jesus or Bar-Joshua, meaning “Son of Joshua. This was not a reference to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, but some other Jesus, as it was a common name. Elymas is described as a false prophet and seemingly served as a spiritual advisor to Sergius Paulos.

Paul, “filled w/ the Holy Spirit” gives him a strong rebuke. This is not an angry, flying-off-the-handle, unstable, unloving rebuke. Paul knows there are not many paths, but one path to God with many deceptive counterfeits. He is passionately opposed, as God is, to anything or anyone that serves as an obstacle to that truth. We see the same things with Jesus during his ministry. At one point he says, “You are of your father the devil…” (John 8:44). The most loving thing we can do is point people to Jesus Christ. The worst, most unloving, thing we can do it block someone from Jesus. Christianity is a faith system of truth and grace. Not merely truth (religion) and not merely grace (irreligion), but truth and grace. There is a significant place for truth-filled gracious words. Hard words produce soft people, soft words produce hard people.

The result of this encounter is the conversion of an intellectual Roman officer with no official religious background – very much like Seattle. Right out of the gate, Luke wants us to see that Christianity is not merely for religious types and unthinking spiritual seekers. Here was a brilliant man with no official religious background.

13:13-52 Pisidian Antioch

From Paphos, Paul and Barnabas sailed to Perga (112miles) and then continued on there way to Pisidia Antioch. Antioch was a civil/military center and the leading city of the region of Galatia. At this point John leaves. We don’t know why. What follows is the first recorded sermon of Apostle Paul and in it we get to see how he explains the gospel to Jewish people. The main theme of his message is that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s gracious promises. Israels’ history is one of God graciously initiating and Israel stubbornly refusing. Paul ends with a call to not repeat the mistakes of their forefathers.

Here, we also see four elements of every gospel presentation in the book of Acts:

#1 Jesus is the promised Messiah (Savior) in the scriptures.
#2 Jesus was wrongfully killed as foretold in the scriptures.
#3 Jesus was bodily raised from the grave as foretold in the scriptures.
#4 Everyone must turn from their sin and trust Him to be forgiven their sin.

vs38 “through this man, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you…by him everyone who believes is freed…” This means that every sin you have, you are or you will commit can be forgiven – if you trust Him. Every other religions is powered by rules. Christianity is powered by grace.
Rules can’t set you free. Only trusting Jesus sets us free.

vs46 “judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life…” Paul ends with a loving, but stern warning. We all have a choice between life and death. Everyone has a personal relationship with Jesus. Some are personal enemies. Some are personal friends. His offer of forgiveness, adoption, and life are freely and readily made available by him.

vs48 “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” Does the Bible really teach that? Yes. In fact, this is one of the clearest statements of predestination in the Scriptures.

Acts 16:14 “the Lord opened her heart…”
Rom 8:29 “those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
Eph 1:5 “he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ…”
Eph 1:11 “predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will
1 Peter 1:3 “He has caused us to be born again…”

This is an unbelievable truth. It means that you chose God b/c God chose you before foundation of the world. The only reason you believe is because God opened your eyes. Apart from his mercy, would never have known his mercy.

Q: Doesn’t Bible also teach that we need to choose? Yes.
Q: How do they work together? Mystery. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” Dt29:29
Q: How does this work our practically? You live like its all up to you, while trusting it is all up to him. Rather than creating laziness and slot, this doctrine brings great confidence and courage (as we see in the life of Paul)

Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. 2Cor1:20 “For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Jesus]” First, we see an intellectual Roman officer converted to Christ. Second, we see Jews and God-fearing Gentiles converted. Luke wants us to see that the Gospel is for all people, everywhere.

14:1-7 Iconium

They move to Iconium and experience great division, some believe and some do not. If the Apostle Paul couldn’t control the results of His ministry, neither can we. We can’t change someone’s heart. Our role is to be faithful and then leave results to Him.

14:8-21a Lystra and Derbe

Paul and Barnabas head to Lystra and Derbe. Here we have the only recorded address to illiterate pagans. So, its insightful. [Give background on Zeus & Hermes by Ovid.] Instead of appealing to the Scriptures, Paul appeals to general revelation and God’s fingerprints made evident all around us and inside us. (cf. Rom 1) The big idea here is that Jesus is the God who made all that is. We move from intellectual Roman officer, to Jews and God-fearing Gentiles to superstitious illiterate pagans.

14:21b-28 Return Home

Paul and Barnabas head back home, strengthening souls of disciples, encouraging them to continue in faith and expect there to be many tribulations. He also appoints elders in every town, telling us that church planting was his main missionary strategy. The entire journey was 895 miles. Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch for 2 months to a year. It was during this stay in Antioch that Paul writes his letter to the churches in Galatia. (i.e. Galatians)

Q#1 What is the pattern?

If we look over Paul’s missionary journey we can see a pattern begin to emerge that we can learn from today.

SHARE Paul and Barnabas embrace their identity and calling as missionaries and live sent-lives, speaking/sharing/proclaiming the gospel. The gospel must be spoken.

OPPOSITION Secondly, opposition is inevitable. We shouldn’t be surprised.

PERSEVERE The key is to not let the opposition cause you to quite, but rather, lean into Jesus, press ahead, trust him, if you do…

FRUIT You will see God work through you. There is no greater joy than seeing God work through you. In fact, it is the greatest thing that can happen to human being. We are made for partnership with God. Yes, thank God for your careers. But, know God put you there on purpose. That’s your mission field.
You are not where you are on accident, but by His perfect design. Take root and bear fruit where you are planted.

GLORY As you do that, God will be glorified. We will make God look as good as He is as we live our lives for him.

Q#2 What does this tell me about what God is like? What do we learn about heart of God?

Jesus wants everyone, everywhere to know him, love him, embrace him, bank your life on Him. That’s what underlies all mission.

In this section alone we see the gospel going to synagogue officials, Jews, God-fearers, devout women, leading men, elites, simple, Gentiles.

The same is true today. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere. Christ is the object of supreme worth and value in the universe and is for all people.

Smart+Simple. Soft+Calloused. Religious+ Irreligious. Literate+Illiterate. Close+Far. Clean+ Unclean.Asians+Latinos+Caucasians+Africans+Indians. Professional+Criminal.Lawyers+Bankers+Accountants+Teachers+Engineers+Administrators+Architects+Students. Strippers+Drug dealers+Thugs+SexOffenders+ Murderers+ Cheaters+Liars+Perverts.Rich+ Poor. Married+Divorced. Singles+Widows. Faithful+Faithless. Young+Old+Middle aged. Successful+Failures. Somebodies+Nobodies. Hopeful+Hopeless. Heterosexual+Bisexual+Trans-sexual+Homosexual.Broken+Disturbed+Addicted. Downcast+Downtrodden. Sci-fi fans. Country, rap, jazz and R&B fans. Nerds+Geeks. Cool+Hip. Self-righteous+Self-promoting+Self-confident. Ambivalent+disinterested. Wise+foolish. Jaded+Gullible. Weak+strong.

Jesus invites everyone, everywhere to put their trust in Him. To turn from self and bank your life on Him. He made you. Everything good in your life is from him. Your hunger for lasting satisfaction, real love, a faithful One, true freedom, adventure, true joy, eternal security, to be fully known, deeper purpose in life are all fully provided in Him, by Him, through Him.

He is the King of Kings. Lord of Lords. Rock of Ages. Alpha and Omega. Limitless in love. Perfectly steadfast. Unending in grace, power and mercy. God’s Son. Sinner’s Savior. He is unparalleled, unprecedented. He is entirely sincere. All things were created by Him, for Him, in Him. Centerpiece of civilization. All-sufficient savior. Supplies strength to weak. Hope to the hopeless. Faith to the faithless. Joy to the joyless. Forgiveness to unforgiven. Always ready, willing and able. He sympathizes and saves. Available to the tempted and tried. Sustains and soothes. Guards and guides. Forgives, heals, cleans, delivers and serves. Roadway to righteousness. Highway to holiness. Gateway to glory. His goodness is limitless. His love never changes. His grace is forever. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Indescribable. Incomprehensible. Irresistible. He is Supreme.

The Christian mission is to reestablish supremacy of Christ among all the peoples of the world, starting in this room.
Let him take your breath away – forever. Let your worship of Him overflow into mission with Him. Where passion for God is strong, passion for his mission will be strong. Let’s share this good news in this city and cities of the world; praying for open hearts, open doors, open mouths. We don’t know what He is doing, but we do know Its going to awesome.

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Summary

In Acts 12 is about the deep providence of God. The chapter opens with James dead, Peter in prison and Herod victorious. But, the chapter closes with Herod dead, Peter free, and the word of God victorious. This is the goal of all that God does, to spread the fame of Jesus, who saves sinners, and makes much of the Father. That’s our mission too.

Introduction

Over the last 11 chapters we have watched the gospel of Jesus Christ expand in concentric circles from Jerusalem, crossing every conceivable racial and social barrier. The good news of Jesus Christ is for everyone, everywhere. Yet, amidst this tremendous gospel expansion, there was also intense opposition (e.g. imprisonment, killings, persecution). Paradoxically, this opposition had the opposite effect for which it was intended, causing the church to grow more rapidly, not less. This caused the early church father, Tertullian, to famously note, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Yet, this shouldn’t surprise us. Jesus promised, “I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it…” (Mt 16:18). What Jesus is saying here is stunning. Even in the face of evil, Hell itself, He is in complete control. Let that sink in. Don’t miss the weight of that truth. The gates of Hell will not prevail against Him or his purposes for the church – or your life. That’s deep, hope-filled, good news.

What does this mean for you and I? We can rest deeply in the deep providence of God – even when life is at its hardest. God’s “providence” is a theological term that refers to God’s active leading, governing, and sustaining of all things, at all times, to fulfill his good and perfect purposes. The Bible is filled with countless testimonies of the providence of God.

Dan 2:21 “God changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings”
Heb 1:3 Jesus “upholds the universe by the word of his power”
Col 1:17 “in [Jesus] all things hold together”
Eph 1:11 God “accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will”
Ps 135:6 “Whatever the Lord pleases he does, in heaven and on earth…”
Pr 16:33 “The [dice are] cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord”
Pr 20:24 “a man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps”

Though you may feel small, insignificant, ill-treated, misunderstood, abused, ignored, hurt, betrayed, disappointed, and/or unknown, God is good and in control. As Christians, we do not believe in “good luck” but “good providence”. We can rest deeply in His deep providence, leaving the outcome of life to Him. This is a very timely word for us, as many are experiencing significant seasons of suffering, difficulty and hardship. Be encouraged and comforted.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to allow our circumstances to define God instead of allowing God to define our circumstances. When life is hard, we see God as hard. When life is disappointing, we see God as disappointing. When life is bad, we see God as bad. So, when we’re experiencing unemployment, prolonged singleness, loss of a baby, marriage problems, abusive relationships, addiction and more, we are prone to judge what God is like by our circumstances. But, over and over, the Bible shows us what God is like, regardless of our circumstances. You might say, “Ok, so where is He when things go badly? Why doesn’t He stop suffering and do something?” That’s where we’re going today.

12:1-5 God is good and in control even when things go badly.

At this point, the church is roughly 12 years old. Clearly, God is moving, people are getting saved, the Gospel is expanding. So, everything should be good from here on out, right? No.  Herod Agrippa is on the scene (cf. Herod the Great, Herod Archelaus, Herod Antipas, etc). Herod was a title, rather than a name. Herod Agrippa was the grandson Herod the Great (who killed the babies in Matthew 2, after Jesus’ birth). Agrippa rules over the nation of Israel as a puppet king for Rome. His job is to keep peace and please the Jews and the Romans – at the same time – which was no easy feat.

He realized that the Jews didn’t like Christians (because they claimed Jesus was long awaited Savior of Israel) and the Romans were distrusting of the Christians (because Christians claimed to worship the King of Kings, which sounded politically dangerous.). Therefore, he killed James with the sword (beheading). James was the brother of John. this is James as in Peter, James and John. This is the James who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration and accompanied him at the Garden of Gethsemane. James was an Apostle, one of the 12, and the first to die. Interestingly, James was the first to die and his brother John, was the last of the Apostles to die.

Point? God is good and in control even when things go badly.

No one is exempt from suffering, hardship, difficulty and trial. Not even Jesus’ inner circle. Not even Jesus. At times we assume that “God owes me because of my…service, sacrifice, sincerity, past, potential, fill-in-the-blank”. There is no exemption from suffering. We live in broken and fallen world, filled with broken and fallen people. Remember, all of this reflects the world’s brokenness, not God’s. God is neither broken nor fallen. What this means is that, amidst suffering, God is good and in control. He is not evil, nor the author of evil and one day he will end all evil.

Seeing the Jews were so favorable to the killing of James, Herod had Peter arrested and placed in a maximum security arrangement. There were no trials allowed during the Jewish feasts, therefore Herod would need to wait.

“OK, but what good could God possibly bring out of this suffering, difficulty, etc?” I’ll give you seven quick examples:

1. God uses suffering to form Christ in us, that is, to make us who we really are. 
2. God uses suffering in such a way that we can comfort others with the comfort we’ve received.
3. God uses suffering to highlight the brevity of life and drawing our full attention to what is truly important.
4. God uses suffering to reveals what we really worship and drives us to deeper trust and life in Him.
5. God uses how we handle suffering as a testimony to others who are observing our lives.
6. God uses suffering to highlight our weakness and His sufficiency.
7. God uses suffering to develop our God-trust, while also weaning us from self-trust

This is why there is a constant refrain throughout the scriptures along the lines, “do not despise the discipline of the Lord” (Heb 12:5) Why? Though he is not the author of evil, he specializes in redeeming it for his purposes. He wants to do a lot of good in and through it.

12:6-11 God is good and in control even when it can’t get any worse.

Luke here is ensuring the reader understands that Peter’s situation is absolutely bleak, hopeless, with no possibility of escape. It is Peter’s last minute. It is down to wire. The sword is being sharpened.

God wants us to see here that He is good and in control, even when it can’t get any worse. God is never late; though he is rarely early. Look at Peter. What is he doing amidst all of this? He’s sleeping! He’s not worried at all. God is good and in control, even when it seems like it couldn’t get any worse – and even beyond that.

Some, may object and say “Well, that’s what you believe, but I don’t think He will show up!” Fair enough. But, saying “God isn’t going to show up” is just as much of a faith statement as saying that “God will show up”. The only difference is that you pulled your statement out of the air or your own mind. We pull all of this out of the Bible. We all base our lives on fundamental faith statements. The question for all of is simple: Which will we choose? “God is able to do above and beyond, all that you ask, think or imagine.” Eph 2:20 May not turn out as you like, or expect, but God is still good and in control.

12:12-17 God is good and in control even when we lack faith.

At this point, you might thinking, “Do I have to be a super Christian to  believe this?” No. God is in control, regardless of the status of your faith. Let’s take a closer look.

John (Jewish) Mark (Roman) is a new guy to the story. He is the cousin of Barnabas, eventually becomes Peter’s assistant and goes on to write the Gospel of Mark. His mom, Mary, owns a home large enough for many people to meet in. This was common for the early church, as they couldn’t meet publicly out of fear of persecution, so they met in a network of homes.

Peter arrives but no one believe it. vs 15 “out of your mind!” Such prayer warriors! This is hilarious. Most commentators agree their lack of faith is showing through here. Isn’t this comforting? Early church was not filled with a bunch of heros, but muddled, faith-one-minute-and-doubt-the-next type of Christians. Do you know what this means? God is good and in control even when we lack faith. Our lack of faith does not diminish God’s providence. Faith is a factor, but not totally dependent on me. Our faith isn’t in our faith; our faith is in Him!  “My faith was small, but God was big any way?”

So, at this point, let’s look back. God didn’t spare James. God is good and in control. God did spare Peter. God is Good and In control. Hard to understand why God spared one guy and let the other die at hands of the enemy. Was Peter more useful? Did God love Peter more? Was God angry w/ James? No. What was it? God knows a better way – a better way to win, a better storyline, a better hope, a better way. Some of you will be like James, taken early; some of you like John, left till the end. Don’t put your hope in your years, but in the One who holds your years.

12:18-19 God is good and in control even when we don’t have all the answers.

If a guard allowed someone to escape, they received the punishment that the prisoner would have received.  I’ve always asked, “What did those 16 guards do to deserve that?” Why did Peter (one guy) get let go and these soldiers (16) get taken out. Answer: We don’t have all the answers, much like life. But, we do have some clues.

Ge15:16 “they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete…”

Jn 21:22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

God is good and in control, even when we don’t have all the answers. “Leave that to me! You follow me!” His purposes are deeper, more profound and mind-blowing than we could ever imagine. He may even tell you, but you still wouldn’t understand. So, you don’t understand, but he does. You have questions, but he has all the answers. Often, we want all the answers because we want to be God. Often, he withholds answers to remind us we are not. We can rest deep in His deep providence.

Your Heavenly Father wants your best. He will do anything for you – and has! You know you can trust, even if you don’t understand. You may not know this but most of parenting is convincing your kids they can trust you, no matter what. That’s an awful lot like the Christian life.

12:20-23 God is good and in control even when those who do wrong, do well.

Herod had everything. He was rich, powerful, affluent and elite status. Here, he goes to his beach side villa at Caesarea. It would be easy to look at him – and perhaps many others in our lives and ask – “Why God!?” Here, we have to know, God is good and in control even when those who do wrong, do well.

Luke records a big circus involves people from Tyre and Sidon, seemingly attempting to appease Herod in his anger. He doesn’t get far and God afflicts him. Josephus, a secular, Jewish historian recorded this event and tells Herod wore a big silver robe that reflected the sun. And that he did indeed become suddenly ill and died five days later. Here was a man—the most powerful ruler in region, had everything. Stopped dead in his tracks by God.

You may find yourself crying out “God you should stop this!” Know this. He will in his timing He is good and in control. It may happen today, tomorrow or next year. But, there is coming a day when God will judge the world, put all wrongs right.
Then, it will be clear, who has been serving God and who has been serving themselves. Unbelief is simply pride in the fact that you don’t need a Savior. Instead, you are your own Savior. God calls that rebellion. You can’t be devoted to Jesus and your own glory at the same time. It is Impossible. And if that is true of you, you are on a collision course w/ God.

God’s wrath is not God losing his temper temper. God’s wrath is his settled, calculated, measured opposition towards sin and rebellion. Wrath is God’s holiness on fire. God does not wink at sin and unbelief. Who would want a God that is pleased w/ sin? You may try to resist him now, but you will fail in the end. Please do not reject or refuse to follow Him. If it doesn’t bother you that God is angry with you, it should. It troubles me that it doesn’t trouble you. Bible says “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God…” and “our God is a consuming fire…” He may take you early, like James, or late, like John. Are you ready? This life is not the whole thing. No one will be able to shake fists in face of God and say anything but “You are right.”

God is good and in control even when it seems like those who do wrong, do well.

Herod is stopped dead in his tracks, but “the word of God increased and multiplied”. Don’t miss what God is doing here. The chapter opens with James dead, Peter in prison and Herod victorious. But, the chapter closes with Herod dead, Peter free, and the word of God victorious. This is the goal of all that God does, to spread the fame of Jesus, who saves sinners and glorifies the Father. That’s our mission too: to increase and multiply the word of God in city of Seattle and, from Seattle, to the cities of the world.

The cross of Jesus Christ shows us that we have a God that is not immune to suffering. There is no other God that knows suffering like our God. On the cross we see the suffering and brutal murder of an innocent victim? “Where was God in that”, you might ask. That was God! That was God taking our sin on Him, so that he might place his forgiveness on us. God took the worst evil ever committed in this history of the universe (the killing of God) and brought about the greatest news in the history of the universe (salvation, forgiveness, eternal life with Him). If God could do that with the worst evil, can He not do that with all “lesser” evils? The answer is clear. If you oppose Jesus, you will lose. If you trust Him, you win, even when life is at its hardest. You can rest deeply in the deep

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Summary

In Acts 11:19-30 we see five marks of Jesus’ mission for the church: method, message, character, people and the mercy. God calls us to Him, by faith in Jesus, but then sends us out with Him on mission. You’ve never really lived until you being to live for something bigger than yourself. Jesus invites you to do just that, in Him.

Introduction

Throughout our study of the book of Acts, we are watching the gospel of Jesus Christ spread across the known world. In Acts 1:8, Luke records Jesus’ commission of his disciples (and us), “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” These words function as the table of contents for Acts, charting the progress of the gospel to the end of the earth. In Acts 1-7 the gospel explodes in Jerusalem. In Acts 8, due to the persecution of the church following the martyrdom of Stephen, the gospel travels to Judea and Samaria. Last week, Acts 10, we saw the gospel spread to the Gentiles (i.e. non-Jews). The big idea emerging is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, everywhere. Going forward, this becomes Luke’s main theme. Increasingly, we’ll see that God has given His church a mission of spreading this gospel throughout the world. If we genuinely want to know Jesus well, we need to know who he calls us to be and what he calls us to do. The more we understand the church and the mission, the more we’ll understand Jesus. That’s where we’re going today.

Contrary to popular cultural opinion, the Jesus’ church is not merely an aggregation of saved individuals that randomly huddle together once a week. Our individualistic culture has played a significant role in shaping our modern day understanding of what the church is. So much so, in fact, that we tend to approach Jesus’ church asking “What’s in it for me?” or “Is this convenient for me?” or “How does this make me feel?” or “Is this something I have time for?” The biblical conception of Jesus’ church is far different. Biblically, the church is a kingdom people, a forgiven family, citizens of the City of God, etc. Salvation is not only individual, but corporate. In Christ, we are saved to belong to a new people. The great redemptive storyline of the Bible is that God is saving a people for himself, out of all nations, to serve as a foretaste of the world that is to come. We are a local expression of God’s people, the church, in Seattle.

It might surprise you to know that Jesus never says, “I wonder how that little group I started during my time on earth is getting along…I should check in on them.” Of course, that’s ridiculous, but that’s often how we view the church. Jesus’ view of the church is far different. Jesus came for the church. Jesus lived for the church. Jesus died for the church. Jesus rose for the church. Jesus continues to rule and reign for the church. The church is Jesus’ great redemptive masterpiece.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish…no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church…” Eph 5:25-27,29

The image couldn’t be any clearer. The church is Jesus’ masterpiece, His treasure, not an after thought, side-project or experiment. Sure, the church can do a good job of hiding these great realities, but that doesn’t change the reality of what the church is. Therefore, it is shocking to hear that 85% of Americans think that you can be a good Christian without being involved in the church. Really? How could that be? Jesus lives and breathes for the church. He gave himself up for the church, to sanctify and cleanse her. Even today, he continues to nourish and cherish her. The church is Jesus’ masterpiece, so we can’t say “Well, it’s just a big mess…and it conflicts with my schedule.” To understand Jesus, we need the Bible, we need to become an integral part of his masterpiece and to embrace His mission. Today, Acts 11:19-30, we’ll look at five distinct marks of the mission of Jesus’ church.

#1 The METHOD of Jesus’ mission. (11:19-21)

The first method we see here is that God is the divine orchestrator of His mission. (i.e. Preached “the Lord” + hand of “the Lord” + turned to “ the Lord”) The Lord is adding to the Lord. God is both subject and object, source and goal, method and motivation. He is always, forever, behind the scenes, writing His story. This should be faith stirring! Yet, there is also mystery here. Every Christian needs a conceptual category that unites God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. It is stunning to see that God used the persecution in ch8 (10yrs prior) for the massive revival of a major pagan Roman city in ch11. Only God could do that. Are you trusting in the Divine Orchestrator? What are you trusting Him for right now?

The second method of Jesus’ mission are “no names”. The Gospel goes to first major pagan city and…we don’t even know their names. There were two groups: “those who were scattered” and “some of them, men”. That’s it. This is important. God’s mission to the rest of the world is initiated by unnamed evangelists (11:19-21) Count Zizendorf (1700’s, pastor/missionary) once said, “Preach the gospel, die, be forgotten.” God uses nobodies to tell everyone else about the Somebody. That often confronts our pride, because we want to be somebody. But, the gospel tells us that we’re known by Him so doesn’t matter whether we’re known by others. We’re here for Him, with Him.
The third method of Jesus mission is that he he uses every day places, especially cities. This becomes a major theme throughout rest of Acts. Antioch, capitol of modern day Syria, was built in 300BC. It was the 3rd largest city of the Roman empire, behind Rome and Alexandria, with roughly 500-800k people. It was a cross between Las Vegas and New York. Immoral, yet sophisticated. Even today, God uses cities as unique springboards for his mission. Cities are strategic, diverse, and densely populated. Cities tend to hubs of culture making, media, arts, influence and entertainment. Therefore, if the gospel takes route in the city, it takes route in the wider culture.

#2 The MESSAGE of Jesus’ mission. (11:19-21)

Antioch was a deeply religious city, worshiping gods like Apollos, Artemis, Zeus, Poseidon and others. It would be easy for us to see that and say, “Oh, but we don’t do that any more…” Really?

• Apollos: Bisexual god of arts, medicine
• Artemis: goddess of environment (forest, hills, hunting)
• Zeus: lord of the sky (aka. rain god and the cloud gatherer), god of justice/mercy/law/order
• Poseidon: god of the sea.

Their gods required rule-following and sacrifice. If satisfied, then would deliver. That is the essence of every religion. That’s what Seattle believes regarding Christianity: “Be good, then you’ll be OK”. When Seattle here’s that, they say, “I can do that without Jesus.” That’s true, but that’s not Christianity.

But, the gospel is an entirely new message. It still is. If gospel was “Be good and Jesus will save you” then Antioch would’ve said “Our gods already say that”. But, the gospel of Jesus Christ is much more radical, saying “You’re made right with God in Jesus Christ, now you are free to good!” Astonishing grace!

The Gospel makes a serious diagnosis of our souls. We sin because we are sinners. Our sin comes from who we are. When realize you’re sinner, and you want to deal with your sin, you only have two options: try to do better (religion) or receive forgiveness (Christianty) Many say that what people need today are short, cute, warm, friendly, little self-help sermons. No. We need Jesus. That’s exactly what they gave them. See that? “Preaching the Lord Jesus” (v20) Jesus is the core. Bible is about Jesus. Church is about Jesus. Mission is about Jesus. Life is about Jesus. What you and I need is Jesus. That’s what we’re all about here.

• Gospel: Jesus came to destroy our lists of self-effort, self-improvement so that we could rest in HIS efforts.
• Gospel: Jesus didn’t come to tell us what to do, but to tell us what HE was doing, namely setting the captives free.
• Gospel: Jesus obeyed perfectly, so now by faith in HIM, we’re loved by God as tho we obeyed perfectly
• Gospel: Jesus died for the worst people to make them His people.

To be “preaching the Lord Jesus” is to continually be preaching the gospel about the person and work of Jesus, NOT our person and our work. There is nothing more difficult for us to believe than the grace of God, confronts our pride! Christianity isn’t a ladder, we climb through self-promotion. It’s a cross we cling to. Grace frees you to be OK with not being OK, because in Christ you are more than OK.

# 3 The CHARACTER of Jesus’ mission. (11:22-24)

The big idea here is to “remain faithful” or “full of faith”. Barnabas doesn’t call them to observe the rules, but to be faithful to the King. That is, to be steadfast in affection and allegiance to Jesus Christ. This is a frequent and common call throughout the scriptures:

Acts 13:43 “urged them to continue in the grace of God…”
1Cor15:2 [gospel] “by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word…unless you believed in vain.”
Heb 3:14 “we have come to share in Christ if indeed we hold our confidence firm to the end…”

Q: Why do you think Bible so repeatedly “continue”? Going to be hard. As Eugene Peterson as said, Christianity is about a Long Obedience in Same Direction. This is a call to set our affections and allegiances on Jesus Christ. Need to decide in advance that, by God’s grace, you’ll remain full of faith in good and bad.

Q: Are you saying I can lose my faith? No. But saving faith is always persevering faith. If your faith doesn’t persevere, you’ve never had faith that saves. This steadfast faithfulness is key to being a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. We take this seriously. We want as many people as possible to know and grow in depth of faith in Jesus Christ.

On the one hand, this means that we must faithfully persevere in sharing the gospel. We want the entire city to KNOW Jesus. We don’t anyone to be left behind.

On the other hand, this means that we are passionate about discipleship, growing and cultivating deep followers of Jesus. Jesus cares how you handle relationships, money, sexuality, time, and more. That formation takes place in community, meaningful relationships with others. Only in that form of community can you be challenged, encouraged, loved, listened to, etc. This means you should gather with the church weekly on Sundays and throughout the week. Your soul needs it. You don’t need to wake up in the morning on Sunday and ask “Hmmm, I wonder whether I should go and join the church this morning.” No. You already made that decision when you decided to be a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. In 100 years, what do you want to look back and see in your life?

#4 The PEOPLE of Jesus’ mission. (11:25-26)

Up till this point, followers of Jesus had been called: disciples, believers, servants of Christ, those who are “in Christ”, saints, followers of “the Way”. Yet, here for the first time, Jesus’ followers are called Christians. (cf Acts 26:28; 1 Peter4:16). Why is that? Antioch was a very multi-cultural city that encouraged immigration and offered Jews citizenship. It had very large and thriving communities of Jews, Greeks, Romans, Asians and Africans. On historian notes the city had 18 ethnic quarters. Literally, they would build a wall around the city and various walls within the city to separate these different groups. Why? Because every culture tends to think it is superior to others.

But, we see something amazing happening here. The gospel is preached and for the first time there is a common experience of God that brought together different cultures/groups. The city couldn’t point to Christianity and say “that’s Jewish..or Roman…or Greek…or Asian…” It was a completely new thing that wasn’t culturally defined. So, the city had to come up with a new name! This is fascinating. The entire urban plan of city based on idea there was no ultimate truth. Now that was being challenged at its very core.

This tells us that early Christian’s were very clear about what they were about. Christ. If Seattle was observing Christianity today, what would they call our belief system? Would they call us Christians or something else? Or, even closer to home, if people were to observe your life and words – what would they call what you believe?

#5 The MERCY of Jesus’ mission. (11:27-30)

Radical grace produces radical generosity. Radical grace always reveals itself tangibly, particularly with money. Our finances are the best gauge for how we understand the grace of God. This is entirely counter-cultural. In our world, everyone is looking our for #1. But, Christians have a new #1: Jesus. To often, Christians act like Jesus is #1 spiritually (to get benefits), but live lives demonstrating he is far from it.

Q: For you, what do your finances reveal about your understanding of the grace of God?

When we talk about extending mercy in the city, we’re NOT talking about the “Social gospel” which redefines the gospel in terms of social action, social justice, etc. The church has a history of over-correcting in defense of the gospel AND often doesn’t help anyone.

We believe in substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ for sinners. But, we also we believe that radical grace should move us to radical generosity, radical care/love for others. Why? Because the gospel tells us that when we were spiritually starving, homeless, addicts Jesus saved us – how could we not help others who are struggling and suffering with the same? We call this renewal – Giving/serving/sacrificing as we’ve been by Jesus – but the reality is that its just living as a Christian should.

Downtown Cornerstone, this is our call to embrace Jesus’ mission. We are Jesus’ method for the spreading of the gospel in Seattle. We are “no names” following the name above all names. He has entrusted us with His spectacular message of grace. Therefore, let’s be a people marked with steadfast affection and allegiance to Jesus Christ, knowing and growing in Him. We are a local manifestation of this great redemptive masterpiece, the church. He calls us to him, but he sends us to others with His message and mercy. Let’s preach the gospel. Die. Be forgotten by the world – but never by Him.
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“[An additional] reason for Christianity’s success is to be found in its inclusiveness. More than any of its competitors it attracted all races and classes…Judaism never quite escaped from its racial bonds…Christianity however gloried in its appeal to Jew and Gentile, Greek and barbarian. The philosophies never really won the allegiance of the masses…they appealed primarily to the educated…Christianity, however…drew the lowly and unlettered…yet also developed a philosophy which commanded the respect of many of the learned…Christianity, too, was for both sexes, whereas two of it main rivals were primarily for men. The Church welcomed both rich and poor. In contrast with it, the mystery cults were usually for people of means: initiation into them was expensive…No other [religion] took in so many groups and strata of society…The query must be raised of why this comprehensiveness came to be. It was not in Judaism. Why did it appear in Christianity?” – K.S.Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity vol.1 (Harper and Row, 1937).

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Summary

In Acts 10:1-11:18 we see that Jesus offers life for all people, everywhere, through the gospel. Jesus is out in front of us – initiating, moving, working, acting, redeeming, saving. Jesus wants life for all people, without partiality. Jesus is particularly concerned for “good” people, commanding everyone in love to put our ultimate hope in his goodness, not our own. Jesus chooses to use us to spread this gospel news to all who will hear, in our city and the cities of the world. The Gospel is for everyone.

Introduction

We are taking a better part of a year to study the book of Acts together asking, “What is Christianity?” As a newly forming, Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, Gospel-centered church it is vital for us to have a clear understanding of what Christianity is and is not. It might be asked, “Why spend so much time looking on this particular topic?” The reality is there tends to be a lot of confusion regarding what Christianity is, who Jesus was (and is!) and what we are to do with it all today. This confusion manifests itself outside and inside the church, in different ways. Too often, to become a Christian is likened to becoming moral, religious and conservative. But, the Bible is clear that Christianity is not a set of rules, nor a club, nor something for certain types, nor merely one option among many. In fact, Christianity is not something you pick-up. Rather, Christianity is a power that picks you up. That power is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul said as much, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Rom 1:16). We see this truth vividly displayed in Acts 10. Here we get incredible insight into the heart of God and his plan for the entire universe.

Acts 10:1-11:18 is a large section. Why take such a large passage at once? Simple. That’s how long the story is. In fact, it is unusually long given how other conversions are accounted for throughout the book of Acts. There are general conversion accounts, such as Acts 2:41, “there were added that day about 3,000 souls”. There are individual conversion accounts that take one verse, such as that of Lydia, Dionysius, Damaris and Crispis. There are other conversion accounts that take up more scriptural real estate, such as the Philippian jailer (8 verses) or the Apostle Paul (40 verses over three recordings). Therefore, it is particularly interesting that Cornelius gets 66 verses. Why would Luke, the author of Acts, give such prominence to a Roman soldier? Answer: He was a Gentile (non-Jew). The significance of that may not be immediately obvious to us, so we’ll need to unpack that a bit.

It is difficult to describe the massive, impassable gulf that separated the Jew from Gentile. It is important to note that throughout the Old Testament, God spoke of a day when his blessings would be extend to all nations. (Ps 2:7-8; 22:27-28; Is2:1ff; 42:6; 49:6; Joel 2:28ff) In fact, we get a glimpse of this through God’s promise to Abram, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen 12:3) Yet, Israel took their privileged position as God’s people and twisted it into a position of favoritism, causing them to look down on Gentiles (i.e. everyone else). This resulted in significant racial pride, hostility, tension, even hatred. Gentiles were considered “unclean” which is one reason it was common for them to be referred to as “dogs”.

“All familiar [communication] w/ Gentiles was forbidden…Milk drawn from a cow by [Gentile] hands, bread and oil prepared by them, might indeed be sold to strangers, but not used by Israelites…No pious Jew would of course have sat down at the table of a Gentile. If a [Gentile] were invited to a Jewish house, he might not be left alone in the room, else every article of food or drink on the table was to be regarded as unclean. (didn’t know what they touched)” 
Alfred Edersheim, Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ

Understanding this, it becomes clear why some have viewed Acts 10 as the most stunning and important chapter in the entire book. Luke seemed to think so – he tells the story twice in a row! God is tellings us a new stage in his redemptive drama has arrived. The good news of Jesus Christ is for everyone, everywhere.

We see a beautiful truth blossoming in this section: the gospel is for everyone. Everyone. No one is excluded from the great grace and mercy of God in Christ. With this passage, the church is becoming a multi-racial, multi-cultural people, centered around the person and work of Jesus. The big idea today should be obvious by this point: Jesus offers life for all people, everywhere, through the gospel.

We could spend a significant amount of time with this passage, but as time is limited, I want to highlight four observations about Jesus and how he relates to us.

#1 Jesus is already out in front of us.

God is clearly the divine first mover and primary initiator in this passage. He sends theangel to Cornelius, orchestrates the vision to Peter, the timing is perfect, the Spirit makes multiple appearances and more.This entire section takes place only because God got involved and starts making things happen. Nearly everyone who comes to faith in Christ looks back and has the same experience, “I thought I was searching for God, but now I see it was God who was searching for me.” CS Lewis, articulating his experience of moving from atheist to Christian, stated, “Amiable agnostics will talk cheerfully about “man’s search for God.” To me, as I then was, they might as well have talked about the mouse’s search for the cat.’

This good and helpful to know on multiple levels.

• Non-Christian: This means that you can search with confidence and ask your questions about Jesus without anxiety. You’re not even capable of desiring God on your own, that is, unless he’s already at work. The whole idea that “I gave Jesus permission to be Lord of my life” is silly, short-sighted and unbiblical. He is the One who gives permission. He is the divine mover. Cornelius and his household don’t even have a chance to say “We believe”.
• Christian: Sometimes we think sub-consciously believe that God was out in front of us prior to our conversion, but not afterwards. The truth of God is that he is continually out in front of us. If you’re worried about tomorrow, know that Jesus is already there, making way. Trust him. What is the thing in your life causing anxiety, stress, worry? Jesus is with you BUT he is also out ahead of you. He wants you to know that and trust him for that.
• DCC: This needs to be said. Jesus is already out in front us as a church and has been from the beginning. He’s out in front bringing about our new space, additional opportunities, more people, new leaders, and more. Encouraging!

#2 Jesus wants life for all people.

“Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Acts 11:18
“Preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ…” Acts 10:36
Pss. 29:11; 72:7; 85:8-10; Prov. 3:17; Isa. 48:18; 54:10; Ezek. 34:25-29

This is so small that it is easy to miss. But it is very important. When the Bible says that Jesus offers us “life” it is talking about a certain quality of life (meaning, purpose, joy, fullness), not merely existence. Eternal life is not eternal existence, that would be hell. Eternal life is eternal living with meaning, joy, purpose and passion – that begins now. Furthermore, Jesus also offers us peace (10:36). That peace is rooted in the OT idea ofshalom which means total flourishing in every direction (Pss. 29:11; 72:7; 85:8-10; Prov. 3:17; Isa. 48:18; 54:10; Ezek. 34:25-29) Do you have this life and peace? Are you existing or living?

Often we act like Jesus wants death for us, wanting to steal our joy and squash our fun. We turn Jesus into a God who dispenses duty, moralism, empty religion and ritual. But, know this. When he says “DON’T” do something, he is saying “DON’T” hurt yourself – not “DON’T” have fun. Jesus wants LIFE for you. Repentance is about LIFE. Holiness is aboutLIFE. Purity, humility and honesty are about LIFE. When he calls us to live for him, he’s calling us to better, fuller life; NOT less life.

Ps 16:11 You make known to me the paths of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

My main regrets in life stem from not trusting Jesus more, not wishing I had trusted him less.

• Non-Christian: You need to know this. You are settling for less than life without Jesus.
• Christian: Jesus wants more of this full life for you. There is a range of Christian experience, which is predominantly rooted in our trust of Him. Don’t you want more? He initially calls us to trust him for LIFE, then continues to call us to trust him for LIFE – every day.

Q: Who does he offer this to?
ALL people. 11:18, 10:34 “God shows no partiality”

2Ch19:7 “no injustice w/ the Lord…or partiality”
Rom2:11, Gal 2:6 “For God shows no partiality”
Eph6:9 “there is no partiality with him”

God shows no partiality. There is no unclean group. There is no measuring before him. We are all created in His image, all fallen, all in need of a radical redemption and rescue. May we be a church that shows no partiality!

#3 Jesus is concerned for “good” people.

Cornelius is “good person”. He’s educated, wealthy, leader, Roman citizen, gave alms (i.e. charity), vibrant prayer life, family man, and was very sincere. But, despite all of this, what does angel say when he shows up? Keep doing what you’re doing (?) You’re well on your way. (?) You’re living right (?)
No. The angel effectively says “You’re a really good person in the eyes of the world….and you need to be converted.”

Many will say, “Well, I understand that addicts, prostitutes, drug dealers need conversion, but my life is put together.” Others will say, “As long as you’re a good person, help others, do good things, you’ll be fine, go to heaven.” Look. Cornelius couldn’t be more pulled together! What does angel say? You need to hear the gospel.

Don’t miss!  No matter how good you are, you need to trust Jesus. There’s no other way. Until you understand the difference between GOOD AND GOSPEL, you don’t understand Christianity. The average person hears the call to trust Jesus as a call to become moral, religious, traditional, with a strong chance of voting Republican.

The Bible says problem with the human race is that we have substituted ourselves in the place of God. There are two ways to put yourself in place of God. (1) Break all the rules: Do, be, go, feel, say what I want, when I want, or (2) Keep all the rules: Be good enough that don’t feel any need God. They both look different, but both are ways of being own savior. Both are manifestations of pride and self-centeredness. The bigger problem, of course, is being a rule-keeper. Why? Because rule-keepers don’t recognize their need for God – they are are their own god – self-sufficient. This means that those who think “I’m spiritually OK” are NOT; but those who think “I”m not OK” are moving towards Jesus. In other words, Jesus is concerned for good people. He doesn’t want you to trust in your goodness, but his goodness.

#4 Jesus chooses us to spread the gospel.

If you think about it. Jesus is incredibly inefficient here. Instead of spreading the gospel through an angel or vision, he chooses people. We are God’s plan A.
What is that Gospel? We have it summed up here succinctly for us. God became man, lived our life, died our death and rose again for the forgiveness of sin.

Peter says “we are witnesses” (vs41) of these things. What does he mean by using that word? What he intends for us to understand is that what he is saying is historically true. He saw the risen Jesus Christ. He ate, touched, and talked to the risen savior. In effect, he says, “I’m not offering this because it might work for you…it will work for you because it is true.”

Q: What do witnesses do w/ the gospel? PREACH! vs42 (herald or proclaim) Why herald this message? Because it is the ONLY message that can give you LIFE, save, transform good/bad people, rescue from judgment. We see here that there will be a judgment day. None will escape. Outside of Christ, you will be judged. You may think you can get away with it now; but you won’t then.

Yet, the good news of the gospel is that the judge is also the savior. The judge became judged for us, that we might be set free. Therefore, in Christ, there is now no longer fear of judgement.

The gospel is for everyone, everywhere. The gospel is God’s one message for the entire universe. Every single person on the face of this planet is lost, destined to hell, apart from saving faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This includes every single human being in Seattle. That is, everyone at your workplace, on your campus, in your home, in every car on every street, in every cubicle, on every street corner, in every coffee shop, in every office building, in every alley and every avenue. Jesus is the only key, the only door, the only way, the only path, the only cure, the only map. Acts 4:12 “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Jesus offers life for all people, everywhere, through the gospel. Jesus is out in front of us – initiating, moving, working, acting, redeeming, saving. Jesus wants life for all people, without partiality. Jesus is particularly concerned for “good” people, commanding everyone in love to put our ultimate hope in his goodness, not our own. Amazingly, Jesus chooses to use us to spread this gospel news to all who will hear, in our city and the cities of the world.

“An emaciated gospel leads to emaciated worship. It lowers our eyes from God to self and cheapens what God has accomplished for us in Christ. The biblical gospel, by contrast, is like fuel in the furnace of worship The more you understand about it, believe it, and rely on it, the more you adore God both for who he is and for what he had done for us in Christ.”
Greg Gilbert, What is the Gospel?

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Summary

In Acts 9:32-43 we see Peter miraculously heal Aeneas and Tabitha. What is healing and is it for today? This week we look at six of the most common questions related to healing. What we’ll see is that Jesus is still at work, advancing his purposes, through his faith-filled people. Jesus is the same today as he was then and delights to give good gifts to his undeserving children. He is the Healing God.

Introduction

The books of Acts is the second volume of a two volume set written by Luke the physician, a close traveling companion and apostolic assistant to the Apostle Paul. He tells us in the beginning of his gospel account (Gospel of Luke) that, “it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account…” (Luke 1:1-3) Luke’s gospel records all that Jesus began to do and teach during his earthly ministry, while Acts records all that Jesus continued to do, from heaven, through his people. The book has traditionally been called the Acts of the Apostles. The next three chapters could rightly be called the Acts of the Apostle Peter, as the story zooms in on one of Jesus’ closest disciples, before the story turns back to the Apostle Paul in Acts 13.

Today, in Acts 9:32-43, we have two accounts of healing. You may be aware that the topic of “healing” is widely debated, frequently abused and regularly misunderstood. This often leaves the majority of Christians confused, and subsequently silent, on the issue. So, as a forewarning, this might stretch some of you in your thinking and understanding. We want to handle major issues with conviction, minor issues with grace and, in all things, exercise love. Healing is a minor issue, so we can graciously agree to disagree. Many love Jesus and land differently that we do. We still love and respect them as brothers and sisters in Christ. My only request is that if you do disagree, please do so graciously and  biblically. We want to interpret our experiences through the Bible, not interpret the Bible through our experiences.

The big idea today is that Jesus is still at work, advancing his purposes, through his faith-filled people. Jesus is the same today as he was then and delights to give good gifts to his undeserving children. Let’s look at the six most common questions about healing in the Bible.

Question #1: Is healing for today?

Cessationists believe the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit (tongues, healing, etc) ceased to function early on in church history. Continuationists believe that the miraculous gifts remain available to the church today by Holy Spirit.

• Both AGREE that God originally created all things good.
• Both AGREE that all physical sickness, disease and illness are a result of the Fall (Gen3) and the outworking of curse into creation.
• Both AGREE that Jesus will eventually bring about complete healing of our bodies and the world.
• Both AGREE that Jesus, the apostles and others had vibrant healing ministries.

The DISAGREEMENT arises when it comes to today. Is what we have here in Acts prescriptive or descriptive? is it unique or continuing? I believe the answer is “yes”, both. This passage is descriptive of a unique extra-ordinary outpouring of the Spirit on early church. It was as though God was pouring Gospel-gasoline to aid in the spread of the gospel and establishment of the church. Keep in mind they did not have the New Testament, at that point in time, so God used these supernatural acts to confirm His word through his people.

Yet, this passage is also prescriptive of what God is like and still able to do by the Holy Spirit today. Let’s look at four reasons to believe this:

First, in 1Cor 12, the Apostle Paul lists “gifts of healings” in his extensive list of spiritual gifts. Why would he say that if it was not going to be available? While there are no more apostles, there are gifts of healing operative in the church today. Does everyone have them? No, but everyone is a candidate. Isn’t is possible to overreact and believe there is no healing? I wonder how many sleeping gifts of healing are in our church right now.

Second, James 5:14 says that “If anyone among you is sick? Let him call for the elders of the church…” for healing. Why would he say that if it was only going to be a temporary thing?

Third, in Mt 6:13, the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells us to pray, “Deliver us from evil”. Surely “evil” includes sickness, illness and disease.

Fourth, God has not changed. God remains a merciful, gracious God who is willing and available to work in ways according to his sovereign will.

Question #2: What are God’s purposes in healing?

1. Healing is often used as a “sign” to authenticate the gospel and demonstrating that the kingdom of God has come. That’s a significant purpose here in Acts.
2. Healing serves as a foretaste of the perfect health that will be ours for all eternity.
3. Healing demonstrates that God is merciful towards those in need.
4. Healing enables people to serve, who would otherwise remain in state of sickness or physical impairment.
5. Healing creates a unique opportunity for God to be glorified, making him look as good, powerful and merciful as He is.

Question #3: What is normally involved in healing?

Healing often involves the laying on of hands. “[Jesus] laid his hands on every one of them and healed them” Lk 4:40

Healing also is said to involve anointing with oil. This is not a reference to magic oil, but a physical symbol of the Spirits presence and power. Mk6:13 disciples “anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them”Jas 5:14-15 “If any among u sick? Let him call for the elders of the church…anointing him with oil in name of the Lord”

Perhaps most crucial to healing is the role of faith. Not always, but in most cases Jesus healed people because of someone’s faith or the faith of family/friends. Generally speaking, the New Testament refers to three dimensions of faith, or three circumstances in which faith is exercised.

Conversion faith: This is faith/trust/confidence in Jesus Christ as savior. Every Christian has this kind of faith. (Eph 2:8,9)

Continuing faith: Continuing faith/trust is the faith that is exercised daily as we look confidently to God to work in and through us. Every Christian exercises this faith in various degrees. Some Christians are more/less confident in the goodness and greatness of God on a daily basis. Examples include the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5), Heb 11, etc.

Charismatic faith: This type of faith is what Paul refers to as the “gift of faith” (1Cor12:9). This faith is often a spontaneous, God-given trigger for other supernatural activities (i.e. healing, etc). Unlike the previous two, this is not given to every member of the body of Christ. However, any member is a potential candidate. Sam Storms defines charismatic faith this way:

“Gift of faith is that mysterious surge of confidence that rises within a person in a particular situation of need or challenge and which gives an extraordinary certainty and assurance that God is about to act through a word or an action.” 54,55

This is not a nebulous faith, but a faith/trust that Jesus is your soul’s only ultimate source of hope and healing. It is a faith/trust that God is able to heal, desires to heal and doesheal and can heal, right now.

Question #4: How should we pray for healing?

James 5 makes reference to calling on the elders of your church to ask for your healing. This involves a simple, faith-filled, humble ask. You don’t need to squint, yell or squeeze out a tear. Pray for God to be glorified, and faith deepened, whether he chooses to heal or not. All healing is subject to the will of God, not the one doing the praying for healing.

Errors to Avoid.

• Error #1 Not praying for healing at all. I believe that is unbiblical and out of line with the heart of God.
• Error #2 Believing God seldom heals today. Saying things like, “You should keep your expectations low.”
• Error #3 Believing God always heals if we have enough faith. That is just cruel and unbiblical. There is no guarantee.
• Error #4 Not taking medicine. It’s all God’s. Use it.
• Error #5 Always blaming sickness on sin or lack of faith. Some sickness is because of sin, but not all. We should ret rid of idea that if we get sick, we must be in sin. If it is due to sin, then repent, receive fresh grace and move on.

Jn9:1-3 Man blind from birth. “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind? It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him”

Jn11:3 Lazarus “One who you love is sick”

In the end it is best to believe it is very possible God will heal, but not guaranteed. Some will experience healing, some will experience continued illness. God is sovereign over both.

Question #5: What if God does not heal?

At times God will not heal because of his own sovereign purposes. In those cases, we have to remember Rom 8:28 “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…” Keep in mind that the Apostle Paul had a “thorn in the flesh”. We don’t know what it is, but God didn’t heal him. There are others we know were sick and Paul also wasn’t able to heal, such as Epaphroditus (Phi 2:25-30), Timothy (1Tim5:23), Trophimus (2Tim4:20).

Why does he allow sickness? God often uses sickness to draw us closer to him and increase our obedience

Ps 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word
Ps 119:71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”
James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

In general, the Bible encourages us to eagerly and earnestly seek God for healing. Then continue to trust him to bring good, whether he heals or not. Jesus healed people because he loved them and the Bible says that has not changed.

Question #6: What does healing tell us about God?

Yes, it tells us he is a God of love, mercy, grace and compassion. But, even more, it tells us that nothing is impossible for him. Nothing can stop his purposes – not even death. Jesus can do anything, anywhere, anytime to anyone. The Bible describes God as perfectly good, eternally happy, all-powerful, everywhere-present, holy, just, gracious and LIVING. He is alive. That means, as followers of Jesus, we get to live with the confident expectation that God can turns things around.

This is why cynicism is so devastating to the Christian life. It is a subtle admittance that God is not who He says He is. Cynicism or fatalism is often just unbelief masked as intellectualism. We often just use cynicism to justify our unbelief. We say things like, “The way things are is the way things are always going to be…life, spouse, kids, sin, life…that’s that” We’ll often take it a step further, “It will probably be this way forever, in fact it will probably be worse”

But, if you read the Bible at all, Acts in particular, there is no way you can come up with that as an application point. Jesus is NOT dead, distant, disconnected, silent, weak, disinterested or disheartened. He is bursting with life, creativity, passion, power and perfect promises. You can’t contain him, stop him, or go before him. He’s already there. You can’t hide. He knows where you are, what you are doing, at all time. He knows you entirely, even better than you know yourself. He can break into your life with heart-stopping suddenness and change you forever. Hope is never lost when Jesus is on the scene and he is always on the scene; He made the scene.

“Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.” Hab 1:5

Acts written to show us Jesus is still at work, advancing his purposes, through His faith-filled people. He can and does turn things around, globally and personally. The point of Bible, Acts and the Christian life is that Jesus is alive, in complete control, and able to do above and beyond all we imagine. The world is not a machine, but a drama that is written, directed, produced by Jesus Christ as lead actor. He has surprises stored up for you that you’ve never dreamt of.

Jesus’ gospel says that we are all spiritual Dorcus’. Spiritually dead, impaired and in need of intervention. Jesus is that intervention. Even as a Christian, you have points of spiritual deadness and paralysis. Maybe you’re gripped by fear, control, lust, anger, pride or despair. Whatever condition you are in today…he is willing to heal. Jesus came to make you whole. Trust him. Jesus is still at work, advancing his purposes, through His faith-filled people. Together, let’s pray expectantly and humbly to a merciful God who delights to give us what we don’t deserve. May all the residents of Seattle – like Lydda, Sharon and Joppa – turn to the Lord.
Related Scripture:

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the work of miracles…” 1 Cor 12:7ff

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:14-16

Quotes:

“If Jesus truly reveals the character of God to us, then we may cease speculating about and arguing over God’s will in sickness and healing. Jesus healed people because he loved them. Very simply, he had compassion for them; he was on their side; he wanted to solve their problems” Ken Blue, Authority to Heal, 72,78

“The fact that healing is an expression of divine mercy (Phil 2:27) means that it should never be viewed as a right. Healing is not the payment of a debt. God does not owe us healing. We don’t deserve healing. I believe w should have faith for healing. But there is a vast difference between faith in divine mercy and presumption based on an alleged right.” Sam Storms, The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts, 63

“Healing miracles of Jesus demonstrate that God at times is willing to grant a partial foretaste of the perfect health that will be ours for eternity.” Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 1063

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Summary

In Acts 8:9-25 the gospel faces potential distortions. What we see is that for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spread in our city, and in our lives, we must continually clarify it, confirm it and commit ourselves to it. Christianity is not an abstract theory, but the living work of the living God in the living Savior, Jesus. At its center is an incomparable Gospel.

Introduction

This morning, we continue our study of the book of Acts. From the beginning, Christianity was not a set of teachings or ethical behaviors that you took up. It was a power that took you up. That power has always been described as conversion, that is, to be transformed from the inside out. Every single person in this city has a particular worldview that serves to answer the deepest questions of life (issues related to our purpose, meaning, value, identity, etc). To convert is to shift your worldview. To become a Christian, is to be converted to the worldview where Christ is at the center.

Today, in Acts 9:1-31, we have a historical record of the most famous conversion story in church history. The conversion of the Apostle Paul. In fact, Luke is so impressed with this story that he includes it three times in Acts (Acts 8,22,26). But, before the Apostle Paul was the greatest missionary the world has ever known, he was the angry, violent, self-righteous, Pharisee Saul. What brought about this change? That’s our topic today.

Who is this relevant for? Many of you may say, “I already follow Jesus. How is the topic of conversion relevant to me?” That’s a good question. Clearly, this is relevant for those who do not yet follow Jesus and want to learn what it means to be a Christian. Yet, it is also relevant for those that already follow Jesus. How? The same things that bring you to Jesus are what continue to deepen your relationship with Jesus. In one sense you get converted in an instant. In another sense you spend rest of your life being converted.

From the beginning, Christianity has always been a converting religion. Christians have always believed that every single person has sinned against a just and holy God. Yet, God, being rich in mercy, grace and love, became man in Jesus Christ to die once and for all in place of sinners. Given that, anyone who repents and trusts Him will be reconciled to God, forgiven sin and given gift of eternal life. Those that don’t will perish. Countless Christians, throughout history, have believed that the most loving thing in the world is to pray, live, speak, serve and share the gospel in such a way so as to persuade as many as possible to become followers of Jesus (i.e. Christians). That’s the primary reason we are planting this church. We want to see as many as possible know and grow in Jesus.

When we look at Paul’s conversion it is easy to get distracted by the details and think, “well nothing like this ever happened to me…” But, don’t forget this isn’t the only conversion account that Luke records for us. The majority do not involve lights, voices and blindness. What Luke wants us to see is what is common to them all. We’re going to look at four common elements of every conversion.

#1 Untamed God.

Prior to his conversion experience, Saul thought he knew what God was like and not like. He believed that God could not become man, Jesus was not God, and Christians were heretics. Surely he thought, “God is not like this!” In many ways, Paul believed in a God that he wanted to believe in, a God that fit all his views, a God who he wanted to exist. Then, suddenly, he met a God that had his own reality, that didn’t fit Saul’s pre-defined boxes. He asks, “Who are you?” This God isn’t a tame God. He doesn’t fit into pre-defined boxes.

In Seattle, people often say, “I believe in a God that accepts everyone no matter what they believe….” But, we have to also ask, “Why do you believe God is like that rather than something else?” If we’re honest, the only answer to that question is, “I believe God is like that because I want to believe God is like that.” In other words, in so doing, we create a god that we’ve designed, that fits our views exactly. In the short run, this might buy us some time and get rid of some knotty theological issues. But, in the long run this self-made god can never change and transform us.

Why not? Because a god that is the product of your heart can never change your heart. It can’t change you because it is the product of you. This is the main issue with the self-esteem movement that has established the self as self-made god. Example. Psychology Today. Jan/Feb 2011. Boom and Bust Ego. The deepest need of the human heart is something outside of our heart. 1Jn3:20 “When our hearts condemn us, God is greater than hearts.”
If your god always agrees with you, you likely have a self-made god on your hands. It might be your creation, but not the Creator. If you think about it, this makes sense.  We have to let God tell us things we don’t want to be true, if we accept the things we do want to be true (forgiveness, love, grace, etc). The more you get to know this untamed God, the less it will matter what you think of him and the more it will matter what he thinks of you.

#2 Radical Grace.

One of the many things we see in this story is the absolute, stunning, unexplainable, radical grace of God. God takes a wealthy, educated, self-righteous, ambitious, violent man and makes Him his primary delivery vehicle of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. That’s how God works. God’s radical grace moved him to radical mission.

Prior to his conversion, you’d look at him and say “He’ll never get saved.” Yet, this is the very same guy that Jesus goes after with his radical grace. Do you know what that means? That means that no one, anywhere, under any circumstances is beyond the read of God. It doesn’t matter how wealthy, educated, religious, ambitious someone may be. God can reach anyone, anywhere with the good news of the gospel.

If you believe that God can and still does this, you will never look at people the same again!No one is too lost, too hard, too skeptical, too scarred, too violent for God to reach. Believing this will change the way we pray, speak, feel towards those around us.

Look closer at what Jesus says to Ananias, “rise … go … he is a chosen instrument of mine”. Jesus is saying, “I know what he was done. Remove that label. Give him a new one. He is now a chosen instrument of mine.” This is true of all who are in Jesus Christ. What label is attached to your life from the past? You have a new label now. You are not that person any more. You are not who your past or parents say you are. You are who God says you are. What label looms over your life? What label have you placed on lives of other people?

You cannot out-sin the grace of God. No one is too hard, too evil, too far from God for him to reach. Saul did not decide for Christ, Christ decided for him. This is the ultimate example of God’s initiative to save his enemies. No one, anywhere, under any circumstances is beyond the reach of the gospel.

#3 Historical Resurrection.

This is easy to miss. Paul did not have a subjective experience. His encounter with Jesus was real, physical, tangible, objective, historical. It is something that really happened and it is something that we all must make a decision about. He describes it this way in 1 Cor 15:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more that five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” 1Cor 15:3-9

Christian conversion is not merely a response to an experience, but an unyielding, stubborn, historical fact. Namely, that Jesus Christ raised physically from dead nearly 2000 years ago. 100’s saw him. His mother worshiped him as God. His half-brother James became an apostle and ultimately gave his life believing his brother, Jesus, was God.

But, note this. Did Paul have lots of objections to Jesus? Yes. Does the average Seattlite have a lot of objections to Jesus? Yes. But, when Paul encountered the resurrected Lord on the road everything changes. He sees Jesus alive. Guess what? Everything Jesus said and did must be true. He may not know the answers to all his objections, but there he is. If Jesus is risen there must be answers, he just doesn’t know them yet.

If you’re exploring Christianity, start here. Was Jesus raised from dead? If so, you have to believe. If not, you have other problems. Like, coming up with a historically possible explanation for all the witnesses and, ultimately, how Christianity started. You may not want to believe in resurrection of Christ. That is understandable, but you do have to somehow come up with an explanation. The point is this: There he is.

#4 Perfect Union

Jesus asks, “Why are you persecuting me?” It was a question that would forever alter how Paul understood God’s relationship with his people: perfect union. This gets to the very heart of what it means to be a Christian, to be in union with the living God, Jesus Christ.

Rom 6:4 “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Eph 2:6 “raised us up with him and seated us in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”

Col 3:3 “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…”

Christianity is not achieved, it is received. When you realize that it changes everything. What is true of him is true of you, in Christ. Do you understand the honor of being a Christian? You are personally, deeply united to the God of Universe. If you get that, you’ll never feel poor, ugly, worthless, lonely or insignificant. You’re in union w/ Jesus. Do you realize that this means Jesus suffers with you? How do I know he cares.  Do you see this is also a call to be deeply committed to a local church? If Jesus is that bound to us, we should be that bound to one another.

When you put these together you get the gospel message, in short. An untamed God, offering radical grace through the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ that results in a perfect union. As we believe and spread this news together, we too will experience peace, being built up, in the fear of the Lord, in the comfort of the Holy Spirit – and multiplying. (cf 9:31) Let’s do that and see what God will do, in our city, and the cities of the world.

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Summary

In Acts 8:9-25 the gospel faces potential distortions. What we see is that for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spread in our city, and in our lives, we must continually clarify it, confirm it and commit ourselves to it. Christianity is not an abstract theory, but the living work of the living God in the living Savior, Jesus. At its center is an incomparable Gospel.

Introduction

We are wrapping up the eighth chapter of the book of Acts today. If you’re just joining us, we are making our way though this great book, verse-by-verse, examining the early Christian church and asking “What does it meant to be a Christian?” As a newly forming church that’s something we want to nail down earlier than later. Today, in Acts 8:26-40, we arrive at the topic of conversion, specifically being converted to Christ. To convert means to have a change in beliefs and worldview. Not surprisingly, this is a controversial term – but it doesn’t have to be.

Often the the usage of conversion is assigned to “religious types”, while everyone else is portrayed as freely hovering over the vast sea of humanity, completely autonomous and independent. The truth is we are all converted to a particular worldview. To be a Christian is to be converted to the worldview where Christ is at the center, as opposed to the Western secularist worldview where self is at the center. The modern day Western worldview is rooted in Enlightenment thinking and summed up in Descartes’ famous cogito ergo sum, “I think, therefore I am”. That said, therefore, we’re going to take some time to unpack this important topic in the next three chapters of Acts.

The Bible uses very vivid words to describe our spiritual state outside of saving faith in Jesus, such as “lost”, “dead”, “sheep without a shepherd”, “without hope in the world”, etc. Similarly, the Bible uses equally vivid imagery to describe our spiritual state, in Jesus, with terms such as “found”, “forgiven”, “rescued”, “redeemed”, and “saved”. Your story of how you went from the former condition to the latter condition is the story of your conversion or testimony.

It is important to point out that if you’re a Christian you will have a conversion story. Your conversion is something that happens at a specific point in time, but your experience of that conversion may vary (i.e. may be immediate or it may be a process). If you don’t have a conversion story, you probably don’t have a conversion. That seems obvious enough, but that needs to be clarified. If you don’t have a conversion story, you may have religion or a Christian upbringing, but you don’t have Christ. To be a Christian requires a conversion to Christ. You can not become a Christian while you’re sleeping. Its not something that you inherit it. You can’t catch Christianity like a cold. Your mom can’t give it to you. If it happens, you know it.

So, we’re going to ask three questions of this section:

• What is the catalyst of conversion?
• What is the context of conversion?
• What is the content of conversion?

The answers to these questions are true of every conversion experience. Mine. Yours. Hopefully many more today. My goal today is to ensure that everyone here knows that they know they’re right with God through Jesus Christ. If you know that you know, I hope you are more equipped to help others know that they know too.

First, what is the catalyst of conversion?

This is obvious, but it must be pointed out. Some of the most profound truths of the Bible are the most obvious, therefore often the easiest missed. The primary mover of conversion in this section is God. He sent the Angel. The Spirit spoke to Philip. Philip arrived just in time. The Ethiopian was at just the right place in Isaiah. Philip just finished his gospel proclamation, when they arrived at a water source (in the desert!).

God is involved in every dimension and finest detail of this story. God is the ultimate catalyst of conversion, not Philip or eunuch. But, he is writing His story through them. There is mystery here. The same is true for Downtown Cornerstone. He is working through people, spaces, trials, joys, opportunities, and more. God is our primary catalyst for mission and conversion. God goes before working, stirring, convicting, and drawing. To what ends? To all the earth! (Acts1:8)

God is the chief catalyst of the Gospel around the world. The gospel is for all people, all races and all ethnicities. The Spirit said to Philip, “Do you see that sexually altered black African – who you’d never want anything to do with – Go to him!” That’s how God operated, he always says, “Go, cross that barrier, tear down that wall…befriend them…tell them about Jesus…” If there are people here in Seattle you look down on, you’re resisting the very heart of God.

This highlights an important principles: The Spirit works just as well in one culture as another. The Spirit of God created Christianity in a Jewish culture in Jerusalem. But, now it is doing it in an African. Why is this important? Because I’ll hear people say “You don’t want to convert people…you’ll destroy their culture…” I heard this all the time at the University of Washington as I was studying international development.There is a concern that if you impose your culturally laden values on another culture, it will destroy that culture. But, what’s the assumption that people have when they say that about Christianity? Their assumption is that Christianity is a product of Western culture – that it is a cultural creation.

But, the Bible says Christianity is not product of any particular culture. Rather the Spirit recreates Christianity within each culture. In Reason for God, Tim Keller, highlights a helpful case study. (Ex. Lamin Sanneh. African Christian Scholar. Yale School of Divinity.Whose religion is Christianity?)

When you become a Christian, you’re a Christian first, then African, Anglo, Asian, Latino. Christianity is not a European religion. Christianity is not a cultural product, but a product of Holy Spirit recreated within each culture afresh. It is true that people can use anything, even Christianity, to destroy another culture. But, Christianity itself does not destroy culture.

Therefore, the catalyst of conversion is this: God’s heart to bring the gospel to the nation, through normal, ever day people.

Second, what is the context of conversion?

Again, this is so obvious that it is easy to miss. The context always involves an obedient messenger and hungry heart.
No one has ever come to Christ w/out an obedient messenger. Never. Ever. God uses ordinary people as obedient messengers of truth. Philip was an obedient messenger.

Isa 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation…”

Do you know who the Ethiopian was. He was the finance minister of Ethiopia. Powerful. He can read, which is very rare. That means he has an Incredible education. He also owned scroll. People didn’t own Isaiah scrolls. They were incredibly expensive. Here is a man who is unbelievably able: educated, wealthy, affluent, and sophisticated.

Then, here comes this guy, running along side the chariot, middle of nowhere. “Hey do you need help?” Why didn’t the Ethiopian say, “NO, I don’t…if I do, I certainly wouldn’t ask random desert guy…” But, what does he say? “I need someone.” This is telling. We never would’ve heard of him if he said, “I can handle this by myself.” He likely never would have even been converted if he hadn’t asked for help and invited him in. Instead, he asks for help. He lets him in. He admits his ignorance. He brings him into his chariot, and in so doing, bring him into his life.

Seattle is a lot like this. Seattle is very smart, sophisticated, savvy. This often results in a spirit of independence. But, for us to experience God we too need to invite others in, admit we don’t have all the answers, ask our questions. The context for conversion, is community, in relationship, person-to-person.

But, also notice that he had a hungry heart. Do you know what that is like? You’re going through life, working, doing best, trying to be a good person and you start thinking, “There has got to be more to life than this…” That’s God trying to get your attention. If you are searching, wondering, asking questions…God is stirring faith within you.

Inevitably, as your hunger is satisfied by Christ, you become a messenger for other hungry hearts in the city. That is why we’re here in the city! There are a lot of hungry hearts here.
The context of conversion is honest relationships between real people, asking honest questions. That always involves obedient messengers and hungry hearts.

Third, what is the content of conversion?

Here is guy who made it to the top. He was a minister of finance, very wealthy, educated, successful. But, he paid a price. The price of a eunuch. You might say, “Well no one does that any more.” But they do. You can’t make it to top today unless you pay a price: family, marriage, relationships. Another late night. Another business trip. Another deal to close. Even today you have to be a eunuch.

He had made it to the top, but he was spiritually empty. How can we tell? He traveled five months to worship in Jerusalem. He left his job, home, responsibilities and friends. He is in serious search mode. He’s made it to the top, but he knows it is an illusion. Then, when he got to Jerusalem he would have been told that eunuch’s can’t enter the temple because he was perpetually in an unclean state, much like a leper.

Can you imagine? Five months of travel and rejected at the place of God. Imagine how deformed and rejected he felt.
The Jewish historian, Josephus tells us this about eunuchs: “Let those that have made themselves eunuchs be held in detestation; and avoid any conversation with them…let them be driven away as if they had killed their children…” This guy was spiritually searching. He was hungry. Maybe feeling rejected and here he is scouring Isaiah. Why? I think it was his favorite book. Why? Because of this verse.

Isa 56:3-5 Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say, ‘The Lord will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” For thus says the Lord: To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.”

Isa 53:4-6 “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

He’s reading all these verses. A picture is forming. Who is this that is substituting himself for me? Philip walks up at right that moment and asks, “Do you need help with that?” This is a classic God story. Therefore, Philip proceeds to explain the entire Bible in light of the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ.

Sin is you and me substituting ourselves for God. Being our own bosses. Acting like we’re in charge. Salvation is God substituting himself for us and ultimately putting himself in the place we deserve, on the cross. This means that Jesus was cut off, so that we could be brought in. He was made unclean, so we could be made clean.

For conversion to take place, you have to not only understand gospel but it has to melt your heart. The moment that happens the gravity of your life shifts from what you haveand what you do better than others to the free, unceasing, undeserved, immeasurable grace and love of God. That’s what changes you. It is the only thing that can.

The Christian gospel is not, “Live a good life and try to be like Jesus”. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about what we have done, but all about what he has done – for us, in our place. By nature and choice, we owe a debt that we can not pay, but God has paid that debt for us. The gospel is not about self-effort, self-help, self-actualization, self-maximization, self-compassion, self-salvation.

The Christian gospel is about being converted by God, in context of community by the power of the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In once sense you get converted in an instant. You do. But, in another sense, you spend the rest of your life being converted. Then, what happens? The Ethiopian rejoices and Philip continues on mission. That’s the drum beat of Jesus’ purposes in the world: mission and joy, mission and joy, mission and joy. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. There is none of this “us” and “you” and “we have it” and “you don’t”. The invitation is for all…

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourself in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live…” Isa 55:13

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Summary

In Acts 8:9-25 the gospel faces potential distortions. What we see is that for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spread in our city, and in our lives, we must continually clarify it, confirm it and commit ourselves to it. Christianity is not an abstract theory, but the living work of the living God in the living Savior, Jesus. At its center is an incomparable Gospel.

Introduction

We are about of a third of the way through our study of the book of Acts, which is the earliest authoritative historical account of the beginnings of the Christian church. We’re taking our time through this great book because as a new Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, Gospel-centered church it is crucial for us to understand the nature of true Christianity and our part in God’s continuing story, today. Last week we saw the church scattered, due to the stoning of Stephen (7:54-60), into Judea and Samaria, in fulfillment of Jesus’ promise (1:8). We then looked at, in Acts 8:1-5, five marks of effective gospel ministry: movement of missionaries, city-focused, gospel-declaring, gospel-displaying, reconciling.

Today, the story zooms into the city of Samaria, where Luke the Physician (author of Acts) records the encounter of Simon the Magician and Philip and the Apostles. Up to this point, the gospel of Jesus Christ has exploded like a bomb in Jerusalem and is now making its way to the world, via Samaria. Opposition began immediately, ranging from external persecution to internal hypocrisy. In this section, the gospel is potentially threatened with distortions. This is significant because when the gospel message is distorted it loses its saving and transforming power – and becomes like any other message. This is incredibly relevant for us today, as we living a city with many varying messages of hope, life and joy. For the Gospel to spread here, and for the sake of our own souls, we must continually clarify it, confirm it and commit ourselves to it.

By way of set-up, today we’re going to be talking about other religions and worldviews in relation to Christianity. That can inevitably cause tension b/c Christianity makes a claim to exclusivity. That is a cardinal sin in Seattle – if it believed in such things. One of the things I often hear is, “Who am I to judge someone else’s beliefs and tell them they’re wrong?” In other words, all paths must lead to the same place. That particular stance is called religious pluralism: all claims are equally valid. The implication here is that to be exclusive is to be arrogant and condescending. But, to be pluralistic is to be humble and loving. That is not true and we have to establish that from the beginning.

There are many people who have carefully considered the religions of the world, carefully searched for truth and humbly came to conclusion that Jesus is exactly who he said he is. That is not arrogant. Rather, that is being genuine. Insisting on what is true doesn’t make you arrogant, though there is an arrogant way to do that. Ironically, religious pluralism can also be arrogant by insisting that all roads lead to God – and there is no other way. That is an exclusive itself. The point here is simple. We’re all in the same boat. Let’s think through this together, humbly, and in pursuit of truth.

8:9-13 Clarifying the Gospel.

Here we meet Simon the Magician. His magic is not what is known as magic today, the art of illusion. Rather, he was utilizing occult practices to manipulate the spirit world with incantations, formulas and rituals. We’re told that everyone paid attention, from least to greatest. Not all spiritual power is positive. Simon can do amazing things – and amaze others – but the power is not from God. There are good and evil spirits. Meanwhile, Philip arrives and preaches the good news regarding the kingdom of God (God’s active rule and activity in forgiving, healing, reconciling, etc) and the name of Jesus. Those previously amazed by Philip’s magic are now more amazed by the good news of the gospel – including Philip. The one who amazed others is now amazed himself.

What can we learn from this?

You might object, “Well, no one gets that caught up in things like that today. Magic?” Yes we do. All the time. Look at the passage. The Samaritans went form believing magic to embracing the gospel. The principle here is that we are always believing something. We are always amazed by something. There is no neutral ground. Another way of saying this, is that we all believe a gospel, an ultimate good news. It is gospel news that gives us ultimate worth, value, meaning, purpose. If your ultimate happiness depends on something you can lose, you are trusting a magic gospel. It appears legit, but it is ultimately empty.

There is competition for our amazement. We are created to be amazed by God, but instead we are amazed by created things. Ro1:25 “[we] have exchanged the truth about God 4 a lie + worshiped + served the creature rather than the Creator” That is what sin does. It distorts. There’s truth there, but distorted. Result? “MAGIC” gospels. What is your magic gospel? What competes for amazement?

This same distortion happens within religion and other belief systems too. Some have estimated there are 20 world religions and 100s subsets within those. It can be overwhelming. One of the results of that is the prevailing view has become that they are all the same. They all deal with a higher power + spiritual cxn + various practices + afterlife.

But, there is another option. Maybe they’re not so similar because they’re all the same. Maybe one is true and the others are all distortions. Christianity claims to be THE truth; Not that others don’t have any truth, but its distorted truth.

You might say “That can’t be.” Let me show you how similar other religions are in the end…

• Islam. Muhammed. Revelations. 610-632AD. Re-wrote Bible. Jesus ≠ God. Saved = obedience/good.
• Mormonism. Joseph Smith. 1820’s. NY. XNty distorted. Bible + others. Jesus ≠ God. Saved = works Jehovah’s Witness. Charles Russell. Pittsburgh. 1870’s. Jesus ≠ God. Created own Bible. Saved = works
• Baha’i. 1800’s. Iranian business man. Bible only one of many sacred texts. Jesus≠God. Saved = works.
• Christian Science. 1860’s. Mary Baker Eddy. Jesus ≠ God. Bible filled w/ errors. Saved by works.
• Buddhism. Self salvation by following Middle Path, Four Noble Truth, Eightfold Path. Goal = Nirvana.
• Unitarian Universalism. Bible filled error. Jesus ≠ God. Save self through moral character = works.
• Scientology. L.Ron Hubbard. 1950’s. Bible = legend. Jesus = legend. Self-help.
• New Age. Man = divine. Bible one of many. Jesus ≠ God. Salvation = works and reincarnation. Grown in popularity, in particular, in the last 50 years.
• Atheism/Agnostics. This life all there is. Jesus≠God. Bible=book. YET, still moral, “good person”.

 
You can see why people say “They’re all the same.” They do sound similar, except Christianity which is the opposite. Initially it seems like there are a lot of options, but in the end there aren’t that many. CS Lewis noted during his journey from atheism to Christianity, that in the end Hindusim (polytheistic) and Christianity were the only viable options. Why? Because Hinduism absorbs all religious systems, and Christianityexcludes all others, maintaining the supremacy of claims of Jesus Christ.

One of the things that stood out to me during my preparation was how similar religious pluralism is to Hinduism. The Bhagavad Gītā (4:11) says, “As people approach me, so I receive them. All paths lead to me” The underlying assumption of Hinduism is that everyone worships the same God, whether they know it or not. That’s an underlying assumption in Seattle too. Seattle is very Hindu in its thinking – without knowing it.

But, the gospel stands apart from all others. It is incomparable.
Jesus is God in the flesh who came to seek and save the lost, because we cannot save ourselves (which every other worldview and religion maintains). We cannot save ourselves. But, God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes shall not perish. Therefore if we repent of our sin and trust Him, we receive forgiveness, grace, adoption, Spirit, eternal life and so much more (i.e. unsearchable riches of Christ). He is who is says he is. Other religions and worldview may have some truth, but He is the Way, Truth and Life. (John 14:6) We all believe a “gospel” – but is it this one? Is it the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you amazed by this gospel?

8:14-17 Confirming the Gospel.

This is passage causes more confusion and debate than nearly any other passage in the Scriptures, in particular vs 16, “[the Spirit] had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Does the Spirit come at conversion or at some point subsequent to conversion? Entire denominations have formed around various answers to that question. I will try to answer this as clearly and succinctly as possible. There are many passages in the New Testament that say you get all of the Holy Spirit at the point of conversion. (1Cor12, Acts 2:38-39, Rom 8:9, Rom 8:14-16, 1Cor6:19, Gal3:2,14;4:6) But, there are two places in the New Testament where they didn’t get the Holy Spirit at conversion, including Acts 2 (prior to Pentecost) and, here, Acts 8.

So, why was the Holy Spirit not given when people believed in Acts 8? Some will say that these two exceptions describe the normal experience. In other words, the normal experience is to trust Jesus and then receive the Spirit at some other point, like the Apostles (on Pentecost) and the Samaritans (here). But, the most natural explanation is that this is a unique instance as it is the first occasion the gospel is proclaimed outside of Jerusalem and inside Samaria. An unprecedented situation demanded exceptional methods. Since the church was breaking new ground, apostolic confirmation was required.
Relatedly, though clearly different, it is crucial for us to confirm the true (vs false) gospel today.

Relatedly, though different in obvious ways, it is crucial for us to confirm the gospel today within Christianity. False gospels always leave something out. I’ll give you some examples:

• “Be Good or Else Gospel” = Moralistic Gospel based on fear and rules in order to discourage sin and encourage holy living. This often results in self-righteousness for rule-keepers and despair for those unable to live up.
• “Give-me-something-useful Gospel” = Pragmatic Gospel. This focuses on techniques, principles, steps rather than pointing people to the only thing that has the real power to change hearts and lives – Jesus.
• “Let’s-git-er-done-Gospel” = Activist Gospel. This gospel’s center is a political party, platform, agenda or cause, not Christ.
• “I hope I don’t offend you gospel” = Careful gospel. This is the “I don’t want to upset you so I’ll share a bunch of stories” gospel. There is no urgency. Yes, be careful, wise, gracious and winsome, but not too careful. The gospel without urgency is not the gospel. God commands all people everywhere to be saved. Today is the day of salvation.

 
Admittedly, all of these start with noble aspirations to help people. But, if God is not the center of the gospel, you have a distorted gospel.

Three practical ways you can confirm the gospel:
#1 Listen. Is it all there?
#2 Scriptures. Does it line up with what you find there?
#3 History. The gospel is not changing. It should be the same until Jesus returns.

If you spend enough time with Downtown Cornerstone, you’re likely to hear about our desire to be a gospel-centered church. What does that mean exactly? Practically, this means that we’re committed to:

• Reading and teaching the entire Bible in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (i.e. who God is, what He has done in human history through His life, death and resurrection, who we are, how we can know him, how we are now to live, etc.)
• Preaching the Gospel to believers and unbelievers. The Gospel is how you being and how you continue the Christian life. You become a Christian by repenting of sin (turning from it in heart, mind and deed) and trusting Jesus. And, you continue to grow as a Christian by continuing to repent and trust Jesus, day-by-day.
• Cultivating a culture marked by increasing Gospel astonishment.
• Cultivating an atmosphere of grace and serving as a safe place for seekers, skeptics, and those outside the faith. This itself is rooted in the idea that even while we were sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)

 
Developing disciples who don’t just know the doctrine of the gospel but love the person of Jesus Christ.

8:18-25 Committing to the Gospel.

Here, things go poorly for Simon. He sees people receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit at the hands of the Apostles and requests to buy the ability to do the same. Peter responds quickly and clearly to this request. There is some debate regarding whether or not Simon was a true believer or not. Everything here in this passage suggests that Simon has not experienced the redeeming and transforming work of Jesus. How could this be? Jesus himself tells us that is possible to have a sort of cognitive faith but not saving faith.

“Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord, wIll enter the kingdom of heaven…on that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you…’” Mt7:21-23

No one can only rest their faith on a past public profession or baptism or church attendance. Simon had all those things. We need those, but there’s something more. We should test ourselves. In the end what matter is not appearance, but your personal knowledge of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Christianity is not merely about a cognitive faith, but a committed faith. Do you know him?

Some questions to ask yourself:

• What part does Christianity play in my life? Does it control me? Is it the biggest thing in life or add on?
• Am I giving Jesus the minimum or maximum? Christians do the maximum, at least desire to do so, even though they often fail. Cognitive believers just do the minimum.
• Have I changed? Do I love Jesus and others more? Increasingly hate sin and see need for grace?
• Can I give the reasons for my hope in Jesus?
• Am I persevering? Heb 3:14 “We have come to share in X if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” What really matters is not only when you start following Jesus, but do you ever stop?

 
In the end. what matters is not appearances, but your personal knowledge of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Christianity is not merely a cognitive faith, but a committed faith/trust. Are you committed to Jesus Christ, by grace through faith?

Christianity is not an abstract theory, but about the living work of the living God in the living Savior, Jesus. What is the primary gospel you believe? Is it a magic gospel or the gospel of Jesus Christ? Your work or His? God is concerned for your souls. That is why he came. You cannot work to him, so he came for you, to die for your sin, in your place.Jesus took God’s wrath so you can experience God’s love. There is no other news this good. All others say try harder, do more, be better. Jesus, “it is finished”. This is what makes it the INCOMPARABLE gospel!
For gospel to spread in Seattle – and in our lives – we must clarify it, confirm it + commit ourselves to it. If we do that, He will build His church, He will draw all people to Him and He will use us for His glory in our city. We will be a movement of missionaries, armed w/ good news of gospel of Jesus Christ. We will have the great privilege of watching him build a great city, through the gospel, for His glory – and our good.

“A great man knows he is not God and the greater he is, the better he knows it. The gospels declare that this mysterious maker of the world has visited his world in person. The most that any religious prophet has said was that he was the true servant of such a being. But if the creator was present in the daily life of the Roman empire, that is something unlike anything else in nature. It is the one great startling statement that man has made since he spoke his first articulate word. It makes dust and nonsense of comparative religion.” GK Chesterton

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Summary

In Acts 8:1-8 we get a glimpse into the marks of an effective gospel ministry. This word is at the very heart of the mission of DCC to build a great city, through the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God. This passage touches on why we are doing, what we are doing. If we do it well, there will be much joy in this city (vs.8)

Introduction

This morning we find ourselves in Acts 8:1-8. This is a particularly helpful, clarifying and insightful section for us as a newly forming church in the heart of downtown Seattle. It was exactly one year ago today that we soft-launched in what we affectionately called the “underground bunker”. In reality, it was a 100+ year old vacated antique mall located half-way underground, next to the world-famous Seattle Underground Tour. We used that season to prepare for our official launch, marking our birth as a church, last April.

Now, we find ourselves in a new year, with many new people and many new opportunities. One of the dangers that we face (and this will always be the case) is vision drift, also known as mission creep. What is that? Vision drift is failing to keep the main thing, the main thing. Being in the city there are so many opportunities to do many great things it is easy to get distracted from the main thing: spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. In God’s providence this morning we’re in a section that deals with the essence of why we’re doing what we’re doing. My prayer is that this will refocus our efforts and energies in this new year.

Last week we met Stephen, one of seven men (likely the first deacons) appointed by the Apostles to help sort out issues related to the daily distribution among the widows of the church community (Acts 6:1-7). It turns out he was a dynamic communicator of the gospel and worker of miracles in Jesus’ name. This eventually got him in trouble with the ruling Jewish council, the Sanhedrin. In short order, he was falsely accused, falsely arrested, falsely tried and ultimately killed by stoning. Stephen became the first martyr for Jesus.

We pick up the story this week. Stephen’s death sparked a city-wide persecution against the young Christian church, led by Saul (who will become the Apostle Paul in Acts 9). Saul tried to kill the church by killing and imprisoning those belonging to the church. The intense persecution forced the church to scatter (literally, thousands of people) into Judea and Samaria, thus also scattering the gospel. This is significant and marks a decisive turning point in Acts (cf Acts 1:8). The story then shifts from Stephen to Philip, another one of the seven (Acts 6:5) who takes the gospel to Samaria, likely the capital city, located 35 miles north of Jerusalem. There he proclaims the gospel, heals the sick, and casts out demonic spirits. The city, of course, is radically transformed and we’re told “there was much joy in that city.” (8:8)

What can we learn from all of this? Historians and sociologists have long debated how Christianity spread so rapidly, sweeping through the Roman empire without military force, power or coercion. We get insight into how that happened in this section. This is incredibly helpful for us as we seek to see the same thing happen in Seattle, and by God’s grace, many other cities of the world. Here we have five marks of effective gospel ministry. Let’s look at each one:

#1 Movement of Missionaries

After Pentecost, the early church exploded in Jerusalem going from 120 to well over 10,000. It was a big church, with lots of resources and (we can assume) great Apostolic teaching. Yet, persecution hits and the church – and the gospel – is scattered. Acts 8:4 says “those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” The word of preaching here is not what we typically envision “preaching” to be. It literally means to be a “bringer of good news”. God used this trial to turn the church into a movement of missionaries, “bringers of good news”.

God is a personal, loving, gracious God who invites us to know him, experience His forgiveness and life as it was intended to be. But, God doesn’t just call us in – he also sends us out. To Abraham he said, “I will bless you and make your name great”…but, in the same sentence he says “so that you will be a blessing”. Abraham was blessed to be a blessing. “God never calls you radically in w/out sending you radically out” (Keller).

God wants His people, the church, to be movement of missionaries, not a monument or museum. There is an inertia to stagnation and mediocrity in all of our lives, individually and collectively. It says, “I’m OK. You OK? Let’s take care of one another…forget world.” The result is inevitably an ingrown people that results in death. Unfortunately, some churches call this “Discipleship”. But, there is no godliness without God-likeness and our God is definitively a missional God.

One of the beautiful things here is that there is no Apostolic evangelism strategy; just ordinary believers sharing gospel wherever they went. Everyone owns the mission. Everyone is participating. Everyone is initiating. This is a HUGE part of what God is callingDCC to be in Seattle: a movement of missionaries.

#2 City-Focused

Amidst the persecution, notice where Philip decides to go – to a city. He could easily have chosen to run to the desert or suburbs of Jerusalem, but he doesn’t. Did you know that almost everything in Acts happens in a city? Nearly the entire book is about Christians in cities. In fact, almost every Christian we meet in the New Testament is a city-dweller. The entire history of the early church unfolds in cities. God is an urban strategist who, throughout the Bible and history, repeatedly sends people to cities. Why such a focus on cities?

Let’s look at six reasons:
1. First, the best way to reach a nation/province/area was to reach the key cities in that nation/province/area.

2. Second, the best way to reach the culture was to reach the cities.

3. Third, country/village/town/suburb people tend to be more conservative and set in their ways, unwilling to move. City-people, on the other hand, are more open to new ideas, discussion and debating – allowing for the best, most radical hearing of the gospel.

4. Fourth, country/village/town/suburb people tend to stay put and don’t move. City-people, on the other hand, tend to move often, helping further spread the gospel.

5. Fifth, country/village/town/suburb people tend to live further apart. City-people tend to live closer together, allowing more opportunities for relationship and gospel-sharing.

6. Sixth, villages/towns/suburbs tend to be more homogenous (same type of people), while cities are more diverse – providing an opportunity to reach more people.

#3 Gospel-Declaring

It would have been easy for Philip, and the rest of the scattered church, to keep the gospel to themselves in order to avoid further persecution. But, what did they do? They preached and proclaimed it. There are five references to this in chapter eight alone. Luke, the author of Acts, is careful to point out that what Philip proclaimed was not “be a good person” but “Christ” (vs5). This is significant. The Bible is not merely about various things to do and believe, but primarily about the person and work of Jesus Christ – and forgiveness of sin, salvation, and life with God forever.

#4 Gospel-Displaying

Yet, Philip’s work was not restricted to words alone. His ministry also included many works. We’re told that “crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.” (vs6) This makes sense. Others will be more willing to listen to our words of God’s love in the gospel, if they see our works of love in the city. The old saying is true, people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. God’s people give their local context tastes of the grace of God by demonstrating that grace in helpful, tangible ways.

#5 Reconciliation

The fifth mark of effective gospel ministry is reconciliation. The Jews and Samaritans hated one another. The Jews viewed the Samaritans as half-breeds, heretics, and unclean outsiders. Jews viewed them with deep suspicion and hostility. One of the most remarkable things we see in this short section is that Philip breaks right though hundreds of years of racial and social taboos for the sake of the gospel. True reconciliation is birthed from and empowered by the gospel. “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” (2Cor5:18)

Cities attract those who feel inferior everywhere else (poor, destitute, minorities, marginalized, etc). Why? Because they don’t feel like a freak here because they’re surrounded by people just like them. At the same time, cities also attract those who feel superior to others because of the jobs, influence, wealth, and opportunities that cities provide. At DCC we talk about these groups as the “avenues” and “alleyways”.

Only the Gospel works on your inferiority and superiority, it is the ultimate reconciler. The gospel says to the “avenues” that “You are a sinner, a spiritual loser, spiritually homeless and lost…you can only be saved by the grace of God.” That message destroys any sense of superiority.

But, the gospel says to the “alley-ways”, that “Jesus – Son of GOD! – came and give himself for you…” That message destroys any sense of inferiority. When you’re superiority is crushed and your inferiority is removed – then, you can truly reach out in freedom. The Gospel says to Christians, “How dare you feel superior to anyone? When you were a spiritual freak, Jesus came for you.”

That is great news. It is crucial for Christian church, especially in cities where there is so much diversity (racial, social, cultural). The Gospel destroys our superiority and inferiority. In so doing it brings people together as family who, outside of Christ, would never even know one anothers names.

FIVE MARKS OF EFFECTIVE GOSPEL MINISTRY:
Missionary movement + City-focused + Gospel-declaring + Gospel-displaying + Reconciling people. This is at the very heart of the mission of DCC. If you’re new, you need to know that. This is why we are doing, what we are doing. Our mission is to build a great city, through the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God. If we do this well, do you know what the result will be? There will be much joy in this city (vs.8). This is not talking about a few happy people. No. Joy swept through the city like a tidal wave.

Our example and power behind all of this is Jesus himself. Jesus came as a MISSIONARYto seek and save the lost, He was the ultimate PROVIDER and anti-consumer, giving himself up to death. Though born in the country, his ministry met its climax in the CITY of Jerusalem. He came DECLARING the good news that forgiveness of sin and life w/ God is found in him. He DISPLAYED this good news thru healing, signs, wonders and ultimately – by his death on the cross.
Achieved the greatest act of RECONCILIATION the universe has ever known, reconciling God and man. TRUST HIM AFRESH TODAY for forgiveness, life, joy…and ENTER INTOhis unfolding story.

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Summary

In Acts 6:8-7:60 we have witness the first martyr of the newly-forming early Christian church and the longest recorded sermon in the entire book. What we see demonstrated here is simple, but profound: God uses unlikely people, in unlikely ways, to achieve his unlikely purposes. He does that through His unlikely Gospel.

Introduction

Today we are back in the book of Acts after a short hiatus for the holidays. This book is the earliest record of the earliest days of the Christian church. You are likely well aware there are many differing, and at times conflicting, ideas and opinions about what Christianity is. Some of you have experienced this first hand. Fortunately, here in Acts, we have an accurate, reliable and authoritative account to take our queues from. This is important. As a newly-forming church it is vital that we understand the essence of Christianity and allow the truths of the Scriptures to shape and inform our understanding of who we are and what we are to do here in this city that we love. Therefore, we’re taking our time going verse-by-verse through this great book.

If you’re new to Christianity, you need to know that Christians do not study the Bible because we have an innate love for ancient documents. Few of us have time for such a hobby. Rather, we study the Bible because, though ancient, it is incredibly relevant for us today. Most of our lives, and the lives of those around us, are filled with some measure of confusion, guilt, problems, and trouble. And the one message that can best deal with our lives, and this world, is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel

The Bible refers to the Gospel as a treasure, referencing it 97 times in the New Testament. The term “Gospel” comes from the Greek word euangelion which literally means “good news”. Appropriately, it is also the term used to summarize the recordings of Jesus’ life and ministry in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It is not an overstatement to say that the news offered in the Gospel is the most amazing news that the human race has ever heard. It is the news that apart from God, we are lost. Yet, it is the good news that God loves lost people and that Jesus came to seek and save them. It is the news that by faith in him, our sin is forgiven and we are given the gift of eternal life.

Therefore, one of the primary roles of the church – that is, Jesus’ redeemed people – is to preach and spread this great Gospel. The tragedy, as we’ll see today, is that wherever and whenever the gospel is preached, there is always resistance. This is an important message for us as Jesus continues to establish us as a newly forming church in the heart of the city in 2012. Why are we doing what we’re doing? What should we expect? The primary burden of this lengthy passage today is that God uses unlikely people, in unlikely ways, to accomplish his unlikely purposes. The power behind all of this is His unlikely Gospel. It’s a beautiful, paradoxical truth. Let’s unpack it together.

Here, in Acts 6:8-7:60, the church again faces resistance. This time the resistance is aimed at Stephen, a lead servant, tasked with ensuring the Christian widows were well provided for during the daily distribution (see 6:1-7). Amidst this, Stephen was teaching and working miracles. Resistance and opposition arose. He quickly found himself facing false charges before the highest court and council, the Sanhedrin, just as the apostles had previously. The high priest, likely Caiaphas, asks him a simple question, “Are these things so?” and Stephen embarks on the longest recorded sermon in the book of Acts (52 verses!).

But, before we look at his response, we have to first ask, “Why were they so angry and opposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ?” Answering this will help us see why Stephen responded as he does and give us insight into the resistance to the gospel in Seattle.

Q: Why were the religious leaders so angry? (And, why do we experience the same in Seattle?)

First, they believed they were good people.

The religious leaders did not think there was anything wrong with them. They thought that they were living good lives and that there was no need for additional insight, wisdom or help. In essence they were saying, “I’m fine, I’m good enough, it’s not for me…others might need help, but not us!” They were completely self-satisfied. In other words, they were very Seattle-esque in their thinking. So, what made them so angry? The gospel confronted their way of life and said that there was something deeply wrong with them (and us!) that they can’t fix on own – BUT Jesus can. You would think this would be exciting to hear!  This was a message of freedom! But, they were furious. MAD! They hated idea anything was wrong with them and that Jesus alone could give them what they lacked.
Jesus warned them against this thinking during his earthly ministry by saying things like, “Tax collectors and prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” Mt 21:31

Second, they believed they understood things correctly.

They misunderstood their tradition. The religious leaders had a tradition – a set of answers – and they thought that was all they needed and were very proud of it. After all, they were Jews, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. For them, it was all about the lineage and that was the problem. They believed that what put you right with God was being from the right family line. That alone, made you a superior person and nation. John Baptist, leading up to Jesus, warned them against this thinking, “Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’For I tell you, God is able to from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.” Luk 3:7-8 The gospel confronted them here because it said that forgiveness of sin and relationship with God was freely and readily available forALL. This infuriated them.

They also misunderstood the temple. The temple was the place of worship. The leaders, of course, loved this. They gloried in being God’s people and the only true worshipers of God and ended up despising other nations for it. This eventually degenerated into mechanical worship. As long as you went to temple, gave offerings, made sacrifices, then all was well. Their focus shifted to external worship, buildings, forms, ceremonies, ritual and religious habits. We do this too, making our faith about building, budgets and Sunday churchgoing. Jesus warned them against this during his ministry when he said, “This people honors me w/ their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Mt 15:8 The temple was meant to point to Jesus, the true place where sin is forgiven, the true dwelling place of God. The leaders completely missed it.

They also misunderstood Moses and the law (torah – instruction; Genesis-Deuteronomy). They believed they were God’s special people because expressly spoke to them. They thought that this alone made them right with God, but no one else, not unless they joined their team. In fact, the called non-Jews “dogs”. Therefore they were saying, “Who is Jesus? Why do we need him? We have kept the commandments.” But the purpose of the law was never to enable us to say ““I have never done this, that or the other thing?” Bible is very clear that NO man or woman can save him or herself by being moral, good person. No, the purpose of the law is to show us that we can’t save ourselves.

Gal 3:24 “the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.”
Rom 3:20 “by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since thru the law comes knowledge of sin
Eph 2:8 “by grace you have been saved thru faith..this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works…”
Ex. 28:36-38 “You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it…’’Holy to the Lord’…it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts.”

God’s instruction was given to show us our sinfulness – to condemn us – and then drive us to christ for refuge and salvation. In other words, they had turned own religion into the exact opposite of what it was when it was given to them.

Third, as a result, Jesus didn’t make any sense.

They were so blinded, that they could NOT see the person they hated was the fulfillment of what they claimed to believe. If you believe you are a good person and insist that you have an accurate understanding of things, you will never understand the person and work of Jesus. You may say that he was a prophet or a moral man or a teacher, but you will never truly understand who He was (is!), why He came and what he offers.

Jesus, again, pointed this out to them during his earthly ministry, “You search the Scriptures b/c you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” John 5:39

For the same reasons, our city also misunderstands Jesus.

Most common misunderstandings of Christianity in Seattle, include:

• “For good people w/ predisposition toward that kind of thing” > False. No one is good, but Jesus alone.
• “For those who like that sort of thing” > True. Especially for those who like being forgiven, loved by God forever.
• “For Right-wing Republicans” > False. Surprisingly, Jesus does little political work during his ministry.
• “For those that think they’re better than everyone else” > False. Only Jesus is better than everyone else.
• “For those that read the Bible literally” > True. Just like every other piece of literature, literally.
• “For the weak that need a crutch” > True. The Christian crutch is the Creator, the non-Christian crutch is something created.
• “For the mindless and emotional” > True. AND the intellectual and academic.

The leaders were not just wrong in detail, but their entire outlook. The problem is same today. The last people to become Christians are those who think they are good people.We reject Christ because we think we are alright, saying “I’ve always been a good person…other people do terrible things, but not me…I’m alright.” But, if we’re honest, deep down we know we should be perfect, but we’re not. So, we just content ourselves with comparing ourselves to others.

Stephen knows where they’re coming from. So, he starts his response (which is the longest sermon in Acts) from the top. In essence, he says “If you listen to the story this way, you’ll see what I’m saying about Jesus and how it relates to everything else…”

Six Points of Application.

First, you must let the Gospel offend you before you let if forgive you.Christianity has highest and lowest standards of any religion. The highest because it says that God demands perfection and we can never achieve that. The lowest because it says that Jesus has done it for you. Others say, try your best and maybe God will let you in. Christianity responds by saying, “What? Best? Noone gets in like that. God is perfectly just, holy, can’t behold evil…But, there is a Righteous One who has fulfilled the law for us…and we can go in on Him.”

Second, God continues to rescue his people in fulfillment of his ancient promises. Your story won’t make sense until you let God’s story highjack your story. The ultimate plot twist within the most beautiful story ever told. He entered our story, in order to make us a part of His. Do you know what a relief it is to know your story is not the main story?

Third, if you stand for Jesus, Jesus will stand for you. When you share gospel of Jesus, you are speaking for God. When you speak for God, he will stand beside you. In Christ, the judge is also your ultimate defender. The verdict up there is more important than the verdict down here. So, don’t give up. Don’t quit. Press into Him and you will press through. He will stand for you. The beauty of the Gospel is that even when we fail to stand, he continues to stand for us. That should get us out of our seats.

Fourth, if you resist Jesus, you will not win. God is God and we are not. He always wins and His purposes endure – forever. This is not to mock anyone, but to warn everyone.If you stubbornly resist, ignore, and reject. You will lose now and in eternity. Fly to Jesus.

Fifth, don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Many people in your life may resist God, but you can still take them to Him in prayer. They’re remain in their blindness until the Spirit of God opens their eyes to see the beauty of the Son of God in all His fulness. Don’t neglect to pray for your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers that have yet to meet and embrace Him by faith.

Sixth, God uses unlikely people, in unlikely ways, to fulfill his unlikely purposes. Look closely at those God uses in here: Stephen. Abraham. Joseph. Moses. He uses unlikely people, in unlikely ways to achieve his unlikely purposes. That ensure the glory is all His. He is not restricted by time, place, buildings. No matter who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been, what you’re facing…it is not a mystery to him. Trust Him and ask Him to show you what He is already at work doing all around you.

Conclusion

We are not here to practice dead, empty ritual, or earn God’s favor by pretending to be good people. We are here to spread the knowledge of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ in this city. I do not care how low you have fallen into sin or how vile you are…OR how good, mature, and perfected you may think you are…the GOD OF GLORY is concerned for you and KNOWS you. Listen to him. Be ready for him. He is calling you this morning to deeper trust and faith in Him. Together, let’s repent of any mechanical formalism, self-rigteous, self-saving moralism. Together let’s be a people that honor him with our lips AND our hand and  our hearts. By faith alone in Jesus Christ, we are God’s people. We are not defined by a place, but the person and work of JESUS. He is still moving, saving, transforming…and he invites us to be a part of that.

Quotes

“Change is painful to us all, especially when it affects our cherished buildings and customs, and we should not seek change merely for the sake of change. Yet true Christian radicalism is open to change. It knows that God has bound himself to his church and to his Word. But God’s church means people not buildings and God’s Word means Scripture not traditions….we must not allow them to imprison the living God or to impede his mission in the world.”
John Stott, Acts, 143

“Reformed theology holds to what is called irresistible grace, which is something of a misnomer. Irresistible grace does not mean that we are incapable of resisting the grace of God; we do that every day. What is meant by irresistible grace is that despite our resistance, the power of the Holy Spirit vanquishes our sinful rejection of Christ and gives us ears to hear and hearts to embrace Him. However, that was not the response of those present, which is why Stephen said, “You always resist the Holy Spirit.” RC Sproul, Acts, 132-133

“It isn’t just that they rejected God’s Messiah, the Righteous One, and handed him over to be killed by the pagans. In doing so, they were simply acting out, at long range, the pattern of rebellious behavior set by their ancestors. Instead of the recounting of Israel’s history becoming a ‘story of salvation’, as so often, it turns out to be a ‘story of rebellion’. Stephen is claiming the high moral ground. He stands with Abraham, with Moses, with David and Solomon, and with the prophets, while the present Jewish leadership are standing with Joseph’s brothers, with the Israelites who rejected Moses, and with those who helped Aaron build and worship the golden calf.” NT Wright, Acts for Everyone, 119

Recommended Reading
God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible, Vaughan Roberts
According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible, Graeme Goldsworthy

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Introduction

This psalm of David is a song of thanksgiving for God’s protection, care and grace for people who trust in Jesus.  According to Theologian Tremper Longman III, “The Psalms inform our intellect, arouse our emotions, direct our wills and stimulate our imaginations. When we read the Psalms with FAITH, we come away CHANGED and not simply informed.”  Psalm 34 is no different and is a beautiful picture of David’s triumph amidst difficulty.

Believers and non-believers alike should be encouraged to run to God, who is both Big and Powerful while also Available and Personal.  At times God’s grace may not be seen as loving or caring, we are encouraged to see the big picture. Just as Jesus learned obedience through suffering (Heb 5:8) we too, learn to trust God through everyday trials and triumphs.

This psalm can be divided into four sections.

Psalm 34:1-3  Bless the Lord with Me.

David reminds believers to bless the Lord. This may include singing, kneeling or lifting of hands. Without doubt, though, blessing the Lord is posture of heart that submits to the Lord and trusts him implicitly.  Believers rejoice in BOTH trial or happiness because true satisfaction is not circumstantial. True satisfaction is in God. (Matt 13:44)  Question: Have you experienced the joy of the Lord that accompanies rejoicing amidst trial or happiness?  (Phil 4:4)

Psalm 34:4-7 He Answered My Prayers.

David shares the personal touch of God. God genuinely cares about everyone. He cares about our prayers, needs and wants.  Thankfully, God has our best in mind and will bless everyone according to his good will. (Eph 1:11-12) As David highlights in verse 4, “I sought the Lord” we too are seek out God’s good and perfect will. (Rom 12:2) Question: Do you seek after God? Do you believe that God has your best in mind? Do your actions reflect your responses?

Psalm 34:8-14 Oh Taste and See that the Lord is Good

David underlines the goodness of God by emphasizing the need to seek God. When a person “tastes” freedom and joy in God, they no longer desire anything else to fulfill them. The bible uses the metaphor taste as a way to accent an experience with God. Like fine dining or even coffee, a desire for such a love for God is an acquired taste, which generally takes place over time.  Question: What are you seeking out? Have you experienced God’s grace? (1 Pet 6:5, Ps 100:5)

Psalm 34:15-22 The Lord Cares for Those Who Trust Him

David reminds us that our righteousness does not come from anyone or anything outside of Jesus.  Regardless of how hard we try to pile up good works or deeds, they will never outweigh our sin. Thankfully Jesus absorbed all sin and guilt for those who trust in him. God uses everyday circumstances to show people that he is trustworthy. Question: Do you trust in Jesus as the Christ? Why or Why Not? (Isa 12:2, John 14:11)

Quotes

“For men have no taste for [God’s power] till they are convinced of their need of it and they immediately forget its value unless they are conditionally reminded by awareness of their own weakness.”

John Calvin

“An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as full as if there were no others.”

A.W. Tozer

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”

Saint Augustine

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Summary

Why did Jesus come? That question faces us every Christmas. It is one of the most important questions we can think about today, on Christmas, or the rest of your life. Jesus is undoubtedly the best known and most influential human being in the history of the world. Yet, there is a surprising amount of confusion about this God-Man, particularly when it comes to why he came.

Introduction

Why did Jesus come? That question faces us every Christmas. It is one of the most important questions we can think about today, on Christmas, or the rest of your life. Jesus is undoubtedly the best known and most influential human being in the history of the world. More books have been written about him, songs sung to him, and lives changed by him than any other human who has every lived. 2 billion people in the world identify themselves as his followers and an estimated 70,000 give their lives to him every day. No one has crossed cultural divisions and contexts more extensively than Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Yet, there is a surprising amount of confusion about this God-Man, particularly when it comes to why he came. So, I pulled together every verse in the Bible that speaks to that. What follows are the top six reasons why Jesus came.

“Never in the history…has this record ever quite been equaled. Never in so short a time has any other religious faith, or, for that matter, any other set of ideas, religious political, or economic, without the aid of physical force or of social or cultural prestige, achieved so commanding a position in such as important culture.” Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of the Expansion of Christianity.

Why did Jesus come?

#1) Jesus came from God and is God.

“Jesus said to them…I came from God and I am here.” (John 8:42)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…Word became flesh” (Jn 1:1)

Jesus made an astonishing claim, not only that he was sent from God, but that He was God. No other religion’s founder said such a thing. They (whether Muhammad, Buddha, Krishna or others) said “I am not the way, but I point to it.” Jesus alone said, “I am the way” (Jn 14:6)  As a man he identifies with us. As God he identifies with God. As such, he is the perfect mediator. (1Ti2:5) We may say he was just a man, but he didn’t say that of himself – so how could we? That is not intellectually honest with the data we have on hand. This is the meaning of Christmas: God came to be with man, as a man.

#2) Jesus came for sinners

“For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”” (Matthew 9:13, ESV)
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Biblically, sin is a condition of the soul (or heart). This condition causes us to live life centered on ourselves instead of god. Sin is not only what we do, it is what we are. The world sees sin only as what we do. But, what we do proceeds from what we are. We tend to look at those who are addicted, immoral and irreligious and say “They’re the sinners”. But, outside of Jesus, we are all sinners, even if your clean, moral, successful and well-liked. Jesus came for moral and immoral sinners; religious and irreligious sinners. Jesus came for the angry, sexually deviant, addicted, stubborn, gluttons, drunkards, prostitutes, greedy, nasty, and liars. Yet, Jesus also came for the self-righteous, rule-followers, moral, nice, put-together, and proud – that live apart from him.Our condition is so critical that God became man and came for sinners on a rescue mission.
This is the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus came to save sinners.

#3) Jesus came to give sight to the blind.

“I came into this world, that those who do not see may see…” (John 9:39)
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46)

Because our natural condition is what it is, we are by nature and choice blind to the things of God. Jesus is saying that we have two sets of eyes and ears (Physical/spiritual). Jesus came to give us sight, which is the ability to see our sin, see God, see our need for a savior. Jesus came so we can see. This is the meaning of Christmas: Jesus came to give sight to the blind – to see things as they are.

#4) Jesus came to bring salvation.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,” (Titus 2:11)
“When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, according to his own mercy” (Titus 3:4–5)

Salvation infers there a danger we must be saved from: Satan, sin, death, God’s condemnation. Let’s look at how Jesus came to save us from each of these:

Satan: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8; Heb 2:14)

Sin: “You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.” (1 John 3:5; Heb 9:26)

Death: “Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him (Ro 6:9)

Condemnation of God: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:17–18, ESV)

Jesus came to save us from Satan, sin, death and divine condemnation. These no longer have any claim on those who are in Jesus Christ. We were spiritual runaways, but are now brought home in him. Jesus saves us to be part God’s family. He lived a sinless life for us. He suffered as a substitute on cross for us. He satisfied the wrath of God for us. He defeated death for us. He, in all these things, secured salvation for us.

This is why the Bible says, if God is for us, by faith in Christ, nothing can be against us. But, if God is against us, nothing can save us. We need a savior and we have one. It is his arrival that we are celebrating today. Baby Jesus came to destroy Satan, sin, death and satisfy God’s condemnation. That is stunning news. This is the meaning of Christmas: Jesus came to bring salvation.

#5) Jesus came that we may have abundant life.

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9)
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

There is life, then there is life in Jesus. Everyone has a definition of what “living the life” looks like. Biblically, “living the life” is living in close, vital relationship with God in Jesus. That life is a forgiven life, a redeemed life, an adopted-child-of-God-life, it is a life-w/-God-now-and-forever-life, it is an infinitely-loved-and-graced-life, it is a sin-removed-life, and a life-under-the-promises-of-God-life. This is the meaning of Christmas: Jesus came to give us abundant life, now and forever.

#6) Jesus came that we might know him.

“The Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true” (1 John 5:20)

God became man, so we might know Him. This the result of points one through five and the best news of all. We can know and be known by God. He is the treasure worth selling all we have to get. Whatever it is in your life that competes for your highest affections and attention; Jesus is better. You can know God. This is the meaning of Christmas: Jesus came that we might know him.

This is what Christmas is about. This is why Jesus came. God became man for sinners, to give sight to the spiritually blind, to bring salvation, to offer abundant life, and, ultimately, knowledge of Him. Embrace Him this morning as your King, Savior, Lord and Chief Treasure. “The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth — the very thing the whole story has been about.” (CS Lewis) Make Him the very thing your whole story is about this Christmas. Merry Christmas. The King has come…and is coming.

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Summary

In Acts 6:1-7 the Enemy continues his attempts to sideline the newly forming early church, not by external persecution or internal hypocrisy, but by subtle distraction. The big idea here is that God wants us (individually and corporately) to experience healthy growth in Him, but distractions threaten that growth.

Introduction

Today we are looking at Acts 6:1-7. This is a very timely passage for us as a newly forming church in the heart of the city of Seattle. God knows exactly what we need to hear, when we need to hear it. That is true this morning. Over the last couple weeks we’ve seen the Enemy exercise various tactics to sideline the newly forming early church. In chapter four we saw the first external persecution in the imprisonment of the Apostles Peter and John. In chapter five we saw the first internal opposition when members chose to selfishly lie and threaten the unity of the young church. This week we see a third tactic: distraction. The Enemy attempts to distract the Apostles with work that is essential but not primary. This is helpful. If Satan can’t trip you up, he’ll keep you busy and distracted – even with good things. This is a very practical word for us. This morning we’ll be addressing questions such as, “How do we keep first things first?”, “How do we handle concerns with others and with the church?”, “What do we prioritize as a newly-forming church?”, “How do we handle the needs of others?” The big idea today is that God wants us, individually and corporately, to experience healthy growth in Him, but every day distractions threaten that growth.

#1 Growth Leads to Complexity.

The early church was experiencing phenomenal, supernatural, growth. Some estimate the church was over 10,000 at this point. People were trusting Jesus. Lives were being changed. A young, diverse, sacrificial, vibrant community of Christ-followers was emerging. They had favor with all the people of the city and many trusted Jesus daily (2:47). It was beautiful.  But, somewhere in the midst of all that, people were unhappy (“complaint” 6:1). This, unfortunately, is very common. More people means more needs which creates more complexity. Growth is not bad, but it does make things more complicated. With more people there is greater opportunity for misunderstanding, misinformation and miscommunication. Often, that expresses itself in “complaint”. If we’re not careful, our healthy concerns become unhealthy complaints. Criticism is not wrong, but we can handle it in the wrong way.

#1 Their healthy concern became an unhealthy complaint.
The complaint from the Helenists arose against the Hebrews. Healthy concerns are helpful, but not if they become unhealthy complaints. There is no indication here that they went to Apostles with their concerns. If our concern becomes a complaint w/out all the information, we’re in a dangerous place. They should have went directly to Apostles w/ their concerns before became complaints.

#2 They assumed the worst.
This is connected to the point above. We can know that ehy assumed the worst otherwise there wouldn’t have been a complaint. They weren’t saying, “Must have overlooked us. Can we help them?” No. Rather, they said, “What!?! It’s b/c we’re different isn’t it?” The human heart always assumes it is right and interpreting life rightly. But, it doesn’t, and that often leads to unnecessary conflict.

#2 Growth Leads to More Needs to be Met.

The more people there are the more needs there will be. What we see here, and throughout the Bible, is that meeting needs is important. The Apostles already have a “daily distribution” (6:1) instituted. The importance of meeting needs is assumed. When they are confronted with the issue at hand, the Apostles don’t rebuke anyone for helping. In fact, they do the opposite, and address the issue immediately. This reveals their heart was not to neglect anyone; there was just a lot going on. Ultimately, the needs of the church are the responsibility of the church body.

#3 Growth Leads to a Continual Re-prioritization of God’s Word & Prayer.

There are many important things the church can do and be a part of, but some are essential. Meeting needs of others is important, but God’s Word and prayer are essential. Pastors, in particular, should passionately give themselves to the priority of the Word and prayer. The Apostle’s are not saying they are too good to serve tables, but rather given their God-given role within the church it is inappropriate for them to serve tables. Though pastors aren’t apostles, their primary devotion is the same: Word and prayer. Pastors are to give themselves primarily to what everyone in the church is to give themselves regularly. This is the biblical model:

Acts 2:42 “devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching”
Acts 5:20 “Go…speak to the people all the words of this Life”
Col 1:25 “I became a minister….to make the word of God fully known…”
2Tim 4:1-2 “I charge you in the presence of God…preach the Word…great patience and teaching…”
Titus 1:9 “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught…rebuke those who contradict it…”

Q: Why is God’s Word primary?
Seattle will say “Be practical. Stop preaching. Put down your bibles. Just do good. Love others.” If Christianity is a human theory, then there is reason for less preaching and more meeting of needs. But, it is wrong to put “serving tables” before preaching of Word of God because it is wrong to put man before God. That is the real trouble with the world.

The big questions of life: “Where has the world come from?” “Human race?” “What is life?” “Mean?” “Purpose?” Cannot be answered unless you know about God, the Author of life, giver of all being, who reigns and rules over all. If you do not start with Him, you are bound to go wrong. That is why the world has gone wrong. The world puts man before God, the body before soul and the present before Eternity. Completely backwards. Only as we have a right view of God do we gain a right view of everything else.

God’s Word is primary because it is God’s revelation of Truth (about Him, about life, about us, about salvation in Jesus Christ). God, by definition, is beyond comprehension, but he has revealed himself so that we can comprehend him. The church has compiled that revelation in a book: the Bible.
That is why the Bible is called: Word of God. It is not human thinking, philosophizing. It is not research but revelation. No writer of the Bible says “You know, I’ve been thinking…and I have some idea…I’ve come to some conclusions…” Rather, “Thus says the Lord…” or “The Spirit of the Lord was upon me…” or “God says…” or ‘it has been written”. In the Scriptures, God draws back veil to let us in on reality:

2 Tim 3:16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, the the man of god may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:21 “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God gives the actual knowledge of him to us only in the Scriptures. Without Scripture, we fall into error. We are so effected by the condition of sin that we can’t think or see right apart from Him. “For errors can never be uprooted from human hearts until true knowledge of God is planted therein.” Calvin

This revealed reality is summed up in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Luke 24:27 “…beginning w/ Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
John 5:39–40 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”

This is some serious good news. That why the Bible says things like:

Jer 15:16 “Your words were found by me…and became to me a joy and the delight of my heart”
Josh 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”
Ps 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path
Isa 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Ps 19:7-11 “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

This is why the Word of God is to be preached. More important than the meeting of needs – and that is important – is the life-giving, soul-satisfying Gospel of Jesus Christ that promises forgiveness from sin and life with God.

#4 Growth Requires More Qualified Leaders.

More people leads to more needs and more complaints which inevitably leads to more complexity. Solution? More qualified leaders. Though there is some debate, this passage likely serves as the origins of what eventually became the office of Deacon. These seven men are not called Deacons, rather servants, but that is the essence of the office. For a full list of qualifications for the office of Deacon see 1Tim 3:8-13. With a twist in the story it seems the selected seven Greeks to address the problem of the Greek-speaking Jewish widows. They were men who had been faithful on the sidelines before stepping into greater leadership. They had not only natural abilities, but their lives demonstrated the presence of the Spirit.

#5 Growth, by God’s Grace, Can Lead to More Growth.

What happened? The Word of God continued to increase. The same can be true of us. The Word can’t spread when the Word is neglected. It’s God’s word, not the Apostle’s word, not my word, not our word – God’s word. They are not growing the church, God is growing the church. This is a great thing to pray for our church and city – may God’s Word continue to increase here.

Quotes:

“It is the first and great work of ministers of Christ to acquaint men with that God made them, and is their happiness: to open to them the treasures of His goodness, and to tell them of the glory that is in His presence, which all His chosen people shall enjoy…Having showed them the right end, our next work is to acquaint them with the right means of attaining it.” Richard Baxter

“In this new clerical order, technical and managerial competence in the church have plainly come to dominate the definition of pastoral service. It is true that matters of spirituality loom large in the churches, but it is not at all clear that churches expect the pastor to do anything more than to be a good friend. The older role of the pastor as broker of truth has been eclipsed by the newer managerial functions.” David Wells, No Place for Truth, 233

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Summary

Jesus’ fingerprints are all over Acts 5:12-42. In this section we see that God is working in human history, through His people, to bring about His unstoppable purposes. Our God is all-powerful, ultimately controlling our trials, our fears, our weaknesses, and our persecution. From beginning to end, God wins.

Introduction

Over the last two hundred years there has been much debate about the historical accuracy of various biblical accounts, such as the Garden of Eden, the flood and Jonah. (Note: We believe these are historical events as Jesus did.) But, what is historically uncontested is that for the first several hundred years, Christians suffered under intense persecution. Christians were imprisoned, executed, oppressed, tortured, killed, possessions were taken, buildings were burned, and families were torn apart.

It is interesting to note that historians have linked this persecution to the growth of the church, not its demise. Why? Because Christians died the best. Nobody died like them. They died asking forgiveness for their executioners. They sang hymns while being burned at the stake. They joyfully accepted the plundering of their property. Nobody dealt with persecution and death like Christians. The early church father, Tertullian, famously said, “Kill us, torture us, condemn us, grind us to dust…the more you mow us down, the more we grow; the seed is the blood of Christians”.

This is also the major theme of Acts 4-5 where we see the very first persecution and opposition against the newly forming Christian Church. The question we must ask is “Where did they get this boldness and courage to face such opposition?” Answer: They were absolutely confident God wins in life, in suffering, and in death. God wins. This God has acted definitively in history in the God-Man, Jesus Christ, to redeem a people. God is working in human history through His people to bring about his unstoppable purposes.

The theological concept in view here is God’s omnipotence (“omni” + “potens”), meaning God is all-powerful. God has all power, freedom, and ability to do whatever He wants according to His good purposes. Nothing is too hard for him. Nothing is impossible for him. Nothing limits him. There is no need too great, no temptation too strong, and no suffering too deep that He can’t handle. Earthly kingdoms will pass away, but He will reign forever and ever. He is, in the end, incomprehensible. Therefore he has revealed Himself to us in a person (Jesus) and recorded it in a book (Bible).

Q: “If God has all power, why is the world that way it is? Why is my life the way it is?” Here we are introduced to a second important theological concept, that of “mystery”. To say this is a mystery is not an easy way of saying “we don’t know”. Rather, it is saying that we only know what He has revealed. We don’t have all of the answers, but do we have some. For example:

• We know that God’s purposes in the world center around His glory. (1Cor 10:31; Rom11:36)]
• We know that His primary plan to bring that about is by uniting all things in Jesus. (Eph 1:10)
• We know that He plans to do that through His people, the church, which He promises to build. (Mt16:18)
• We know that, within the church, His primary work in us is forming us into the image of Christ. (Rom 8:29) He promises to bring that to completion. (Phil 1:6)

These things don’t change. Whatever happens in your life (i.e. the good, the bad and the ugly), in our church or in our world, God is doing these things. He uses every circumstance and situation of life to mysteriously bring out his eventual goal, in us, in the church and in the world. It may not look like it, but that’s what He is up to. We have another example of this in Heb 11:

“Time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy” Hebrews 11:32-38

God is writing His story in ways that are not always understood by us. This is His story, not ours. He is working in human history through His people to bring about his unstoppable purposes.

Today, in Acts 5:12-42, we get six examples of his power.

5:12-16 Jesus controls the physical and spiritual realms.

Miracles here have various functions.

#1 Miracles demonstrate that God is at work in forming His church. It is a God-thing, not a man-thing.
#2 Miracles verify authority of the Apostles; i.e. “hands”
#3 Miracles reveal the character of God in wanting to heal, restore and make right.
#4 Miracles point to the deeper spiritual healing offered by the Gospel.
#5 Miracles ultimately point to the eventual renewal of all things in the new heavens and new earth.

Q: Do miracles still happen? There are two camps on this issue: cessationists (miracles were limited to this particular time in church history, carried out by the Apostles) and non-cessationists (miracles continue). Both of these positions can be abused. But, the reality is that God can do whatever He wants. The problem is that often, no matter where we stand on the issue, we become functional cessationists – believing God won’t or can’t show up in our lives in supernatural ways.

Q: Are you trusting our All Powerful God to do what only He can in your life? Asking for it?

5:17-20 Jesus controls the outcome of our trials.

The leaders arrest all of the Apostles in an attempt to put the spread of the Gospel at a standstill. God uses trial to wean us off our self-dependency and increase our God-dependency. Sometimes that trial comes in the form of suffering and sometimes in the form of blessing. Both suffering and blessing are tests. He’ll do whatever it takes to form Christ in us, which tends to include exercise of his loving violence. He is loving, but he is also violent (at least that’s how it feels) as he carries out his discipline in our lives to make us who we were created to be. Heb 12:5 “Do not despise the chastening of the Lord”

An angel shows up, releases them from prison and tells them to “Go stand in the temple and speak .. all the words of this Life” (vs20). Some commentators believe Christianity may have been referred as “the Life”, in addition to “the Way”, early on. This is important. Christianity is not about being a moral and decent person. It is not an addition or little boost to make you better. Rather, it makes you a new person, a new creation, giving you a new life. By faith in Christ you get new forgiveness, new identity, new grace, new God, new Spirit, new start, new joy, and a new family. Christianity is not a superficial makeover – it is a life, a whole new thing.  “I came that they may have life, life abundant” Jn 10:10

Therefore, it is the greatest of lies that says Christianity turns you into a 1/2 person that lives a 1/2 life. Or, the false notion that Christianity is going to cramp your style, diminish your joy, ruin your life, or make you a smaller person. Life is what you need and the world cannot give it to you. The reality is that you can be moral, loved and well-known person w/ deep sense of satisfaction – but that is not the problem. The problem is how to know God, be in relationship with Him, harmony w/ Him, part of His story.

Q: Are you trusting in Jesus’ power amidst your trial? Are you letting him transform your or fighting?

5:21 Jesus controls our fears.

What did the Apostles do? They did what the angel told them to do even though it could have meant their death or further imprisonment. What would you do? The were not afraid. This is in line with the Bible’s teaching on fear. When we are rightly related to God, by faith in Christ, and have a right understanding of who God is – our worldly fears are pushed to the side.

2 Tim 1:7 “God gave us a spirit not of fear…”
Rom 8:15 “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear…”
Isa 35:4 “Be strong; fear not!”
Isa 41:10,13 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God…Fear not, I am the one who helps you…”

What would move them to such trust? They knew their God. Do you know your God like that?

Q: Does Jesus control your fears?

5:27-32 Jesus transforms our personal weaknesses.

Ever since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter’s character has been marked with boldness and courage. Why? He’s been changed by Jesus.

Acts 2:38 repent in the name of Jesus
Act 3 in the name of Jesus rise up and walk
Acts 4:10 “by the name of Jesus this man stands before you whole
Acts 4:18 “commanded to not speak in the name of Jesus…”

Q: Are you banking your entire life on the name of Jesus Christ?

5:33-39 Jesus has power over unbelievers.

Gamaliel was the most famous teacher of his day, and leader of the Pharisees. Even the Apostle Paul grew up under his mentoring and teaching. God, uses this unbelieving Jew to rescue the Apostles from certain death (see vs33). This is amazing and incredibly encouraging. No one exists outside the sovereign rule and reign of God, even unbelievers. God is working all things for his purposes, even in and through people that deny Him.

Q: Are you a God-fighter?

5:40-42 Jesus has power over persecution.

Instead of death, the Apostles are beat. We don’t know exactly what this entailed, but it could have been the famous 40-lashes-minus-one. (i.e. 39 lashes) This would entail them being bound to a pillar, receiving 2/3 on their back and 1/3 on their chest. This kind of physical persecution is still happening in the world today (www.persecution.org). We don’t experience this much in the West, b/c the church here is mostly in a state of spiritual slumber.

One of the striking things about this scene is that the Apostles don’t stop loving Jesus after the receive their beating. They don’t blame God. They don’t play the victim-card. They don’t talk about how hard it is. They rejoice. Suffering, trial and persecution typically reveal the world and life for what it is. The Apostles new that to live, was to live with Christ, and to die, was to be with Christ – which is far better.

Q: What would your life look like if you really believed that God wins, that he was already out ahead of you? How would you live? What risks would you take for Him? How would you spend time and money?

Live like that because our God is like that.

Quotes:

“The devil has never given up the attempt to destroy the church by force. Under Nero (54-68) Christians were imprisoned and executed, including probably Paul and Peter. Domitian (81-96) oppressed XNs who refused to pay him the divine honors he demanded; under him John was exiled to Patmos. Marcus Aurelius (161-180) believing that Christianity was dangerous and immoral, turned a blind eye to severe local outbreaks of mob violence. Then in the third century what had so far been sporadic became systematic. Under Decius (249-251) thousands died, including Fabian, Bishop of rome, for refusing to sacrifice to the imperial name. The last persecuting emperor before the conversion of Constantine was Diocletian (284-305). He issued four edits which were intended to stamp out Christianity altogether….he ordered churches to be burned, Scriptures to be confiscated, clergy to be tortured, Christian civil servants to be deprived of their citizenship…” Stott 119

“For men have no taste for [God’s power] till they are convinced of their need of it and they immediately forget its value unless they are conditionally reminded by awareness of their own weakness.” John Calvin

“But saints and angels behold that glory of God which consists in the beauty of His holiness; and it is this sight only that will melt and humble the hearts of men, wean them from the world, draw them to God, and effectually change them. A sight of the awful greatness of God may overpower men’s strength, and be more than they can endure; but if the moral beauty of God be hid, the enmity of the heart will remain in its full strength. No love will be enkindled; the will, instead of being effectually gained, will remain inflexible. But the first glimpse of the moral and spiritual glory of God shining into the heart produces all these effects as it were with omnipotent power, which nothing can withstand.” Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections

“My faith has no bed to sleep upon but omnipotence.” Samuel Rutherford

“There is no higher honor or glory for a human being to receive on this planet than that of partaking in the humiliation of Christ. That is only part of His glory He will share with us in this world. In heaven, the rest of His glory will be showered upon us, but now we glory in His cross.” RC Sproul, Acts, 122

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Summary

In Acts 4:32-5:11 we see that God’s great grace leads us to great generosity and great fear. When the undeserved goodness of God moves in our direction in Christ, we are left changed. What is blocking the flow of God’s grace in your life?

Introduction

We are spending the better part of a year walking through the book of Acts, verse-by-verse, learning what Christianity is and what it should look like. This is incredibly relevant for us as a newly forming Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, Gospel-centered church. One of the major themes of Acts is that when the good news of Jesus Christ (i.e. the Gospel) touches down in your life, you are made a new person (i.e. new forgiveness, new adoption, new Spirit, new redemption, etc.) and part of a new people (i.e. the church). This new family of forgiven rebels, in Christ, has always lived in a visibly different manner than the rest of the world in how they love, serve, care, invest, provide for, and speak truth to one another.

The result of this type of living, whether in large or small measure, is the creation of a radically different counter culture. Often, it was this counter cultural living that intrigued and confused the watching world. This is one of the reasons why whenever the gospel was preached, people responded. Why? Because the gospel was backed up by their lives. Today, in Acts 4:32-5:11, we have an example of this. Specifically, we’ll see that when the great grace of God touches down in your life it will result in great generosity and great fear.

What made these Christians so different? We get a hint in 4:33 “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus…” This is another way of saying they were proclaiming the Gospel, the good news that by faith in Jesus our sins are graciously forgiven and we are made right with God. The grace of God in Christ, results in a grace-filled people. The text tells us that “great grace was upon them all.” Every other religion will tell you to do better, be moral, apply greater self-effort. Christianity alone is a religion of radical, unreasonable grace and generosity.

First, God’s great grace always results in great generosity.

When the great grace of God touches down on the human heart it is moved to great generosity. If we claim to follow Christ, yet our lives are not characterized by this great generosity it is either because we don’t fully understand this grace (e.g. young Christians) or it is not present in our lives. The great grace of God changes how we view money and, in turn, what we do with it.

#1 Grace changes how you view money. (vs32)

Unless you understand great grace of God offered in the gospel of Jesus you will think of your money as your own. You’ll say things like “I worked hard for it…don’t have enough of it…and I deserve more of it…” But, if you’re a Christian you will inevitably view money differently. You’ll think “It’s not my money…it’s all God’s money…it’s for Him”. If you’re a Christian, you and have had a genuine experience of God’s grace you will want to help those in need in some way. Why? Because you know you’re spiritually bankrupt outside of Christ, yet God helped you.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mt 6:19-21

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2Cor 8:9

“to preach the…unsearchable riches of Christ” Eph 3:8

“the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” Rom 10:12

“as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing yet possessing everything” 2Cor6:10

“do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience” Rom 2:4

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” Rom 11:33

What is going here? All this means that you can have a lot of money, yet have nothing. It’s all going to burn up in the end. But, if you have Jesus you have everything. Jesus is your real treasure. When you start to grasp that, nothing will own you but God himself. Sure, you’ll have stuff (cars, house, job). There is nothing wrong with that. But, you will know that it is God’s, not yours. None of that is of ultimate value to you, because He is of ultimate value. You are His and He is yours, in Christ. That’s the ultimate prosperity gospel.

#2 Grace changes what you do with money.

As the great grace of God changes how we view money, what we do with it changes as well. Specifically, the great grace of God will move you to:

Practice Intentionality. “There was not a needy person among them…” 4:32

Trust your leaders. “laid it at the apostles feet and it was distributed…” 4:35

Don’t give to a church w/ no external financial controls (ex. accountant, lawyer, oversight board, audits, etc.)

Don’t give to a church where there isn’t a separation of the pastors from the money.

Don’t give to a church where the pastors know what people give.

Don’t give to a church where the leaders aren’t modeling healthy, sacrificial giving. This is the only exception to the above.

Don’t give to a church that isn’t giving to church planting, mission, needs of community, etc.

Test God.

“Put me to the test…if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need…” Mal 3:10

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2Cor 9:6-8

“Are you saying God will give money back, like some sort of pyramid scheme?” No, but maybe. The principle here is simple. If we are faithful with little, God will entrust us with more. But, we can’t determine what that “more” will look like. It may not be in ways you expect, like increased joy, deeper peace, increased health and strength. God is not limited! Amidst this, we learn that he loves cheerful givers. In the end God is not lacking anything. He doesn’t need your stuff. Giving is ultimately about what He wants you to do in you as you give to Him and others. Don’t miss this! Has God’s great grace moved you to generosity? Great grace always results in great generosity.

Second, God’s great grace leads to great fear.

Even amidst this great grace, we see the Enemy at work. Last week (Acts 4:1-22) we saw the first external opposition to the church through the Jewish council. Here, we see the first internal opposition to God’s work among God’s people. Satan uses the same tactics today. This is important for us to see as a newly forming church, as we are susceptible to the same threats. He works by getting a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, in the church to not trust God, not trust the leadership and take advantage of God’s grace. They act deceptively and selfishly. This kind of attitude is a cancer in the church and threatens to undermine all that God has done in forming a people of “one heart and soul” (4:32). This highlights the fact that there has never been a perfect church, including the early church. Let’s make four observations:

First, their sin was not holding back part of the money (“did it not remain your own…at your disposal?” vs4) or even lying to men (“You have not lied to men but to God” vs4), but lying to God. It is important to know that is how God sees it. When you hold back, you’re not lying to DCC or Pastor Adam, but to God.

Second, they saw Christianity as an empty religious ritual, to be manipulated. They tried to manipulate God and others by lying, thinking “God won’t do anything about it.” They saw it all as a game, as though they are at the center of the universe. But, God is not a game. He is not to be tipped. He is not to be simply “fit into your schedule”. He doesn’t wink at sin. Sin is not a trifle to Him. He hates sinful, proud hearts that are bent in on themselves. If you reject him, he will ultimately reject you.

Third, we learn here that God is jealous for the good of his people. This should be of incredibly encouragement. For those that love the Jesus and His people, know this: God is more concerned than you are. He will take care of it.

Fourth, great grace results in great fear. Since he has given you everything, he can ask anything. You owe him everything.

Quotes

We must have hearts that are harder than iron if we dare not moved by the reading of this narrative. In those days the believers gave abundantly of what was their own; we in our day are content not just jealously to retain what we possess, but callously to rob others…They sold their own possessions in those days; in our day it is the lust to purchase that reigns supreme. At the time love made each man’s own possessions common property for those in need; in our day such is the inhumanity of many, that they begrudge to the poor a common dwelling upon earth, the common use of water, air and sky. – John Calvin

We either chose to live in the presence of the God who made the world, and who longs passionately for it to be set right, or we lapse back into some variety or other of easy-going paganism, even if it has a Christian veneer to it. Holiness, in other words, is not an optional extra. How God chooses to make that point is in the last analysis up to him, since he is the only one who knows the human heart. NT Wright, Acts for Everyone, 80

Summary

Jesus promises to be with us as we boldly, yet humbly, proclaim His gospel in a world of unbelief. Unbelief is not a modern, intellectual or personality issue. It is something much deeper. This week we take a closer look at unbelief and Spirit-filled ways to faithfully face it – in your life and the lives of others.

Introduction

There are many books written today about what Christianity is. But, the best place to turn is to the original source. That’s exactly what we have in the book of Acts. This book is the first authoritative account of the early Christian church. Acts highlights what Christians believed, how they lived, what the gospel is, how the gospel spread, how the church grew, and more. As a newly forming church, this is incredibly helpful and insightful as we seek to follow Jesus’ lead in planting deep gospel roots in the heart of our great city. So far, we’ve seen the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the first sermon, the first church planted, the first worship gathering, and the first miracle. Today, we see another first – the first persecution – which goes on to become a major theme of Acts.

John 15:17,19 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you…A servant is not greater than his master…if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you…”

The big idea idea today is that Jesus promises to be with us as we boldly proclaim the gospel in a world of unbelief. This work isn’t only for apostles, evangelists and the like. Participating in the spread of the Gospel is for every person that follows Jesus. He promises to go before us at work, at home, in our neighborhoods, and out in the city. He promises to be present as we hold out the life-giving, soul-redeeming, heart-satisfying good news of the Gospel. But, to do that, we need a good understanding of unbelief. This section helps with that. There is more going on with unbelief that you may at first think. So, to do that, we’re going to unpack this section, and topic, by asking three questions: What is unbelief? How does it work? How do we face it?

Questions

Q: What is Unbelief? (Acts 4:1-8)

First, what unbelief is NOT.

Unbelief is NOT a modern issue.
There is nothing new about rejecting Jesus. Most people in our city think they’re not Christian because they’re “modern”. They’ll say things like “You still believe that? How can you be a Christian in these enlightened times?” The reality is that the century has nothing to do with it. Here, in Acts 4, these men are guilty of the same unbelief. They, like us today, not only refused apostles, but Jesus too. This means that unbelief is as old as the gospel itself. It has been present since the very beginning, making it ancient issue, not a modern issue.

Unbelief is NOT an intellectual issue.
Those who don’t believe may say they have an intellectual issue with Christianity, but ultimately it is not. In Bible and history, we see both intellectuals and ordinary people believing and not believing. Peter, for example was a simple, uneducated man (4:13) The Aposlte Paul, on the other hand, was raised a Pharisee, brilliant, educated, excelling among his peers and hated Gospel, until he met Jesus. Unbelief has nothing to do with intellect or with how much you know.

Unbelief is NOT a personality type
Some who don’t believe may say, “well, I’m just not the believing-in-Jesus type…”. Notice here that those who are opposing the apostles, and their message of Jesus, have nothing in common EXCEPT they hate Jesus (e.g. priests, captain of the guard, Sadducees, scribes, etc)

Second, what unbelief IS.

Notice 4:2 “greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” To be “annoyed” is to be greatly, troubled, disturbed or affected on a deeper level. (Ex. Pascal’s Wager)  What makes a person reject the Gospel? It is a condition of the heart, NOT mind, knowledge, understanding. It is something deeper, towards the center of the personality that causes this rejection. The Bible calls this blindness of heart that is a result of our sin-condition. Too often, Christians portrayed as emotional, living based on feeling, not wise or soberly assessing facts. While, those who do not believe are pictured as calm, unmoved, dispassionate, assessing the data of humanity. That is just not true. Unbelief in Jesus is deeply rooted in our natural condition apart from God. It is an overflow of our deep refusal to let God be where he rightfully belongs in our life – at the center. We might wish it was our intellect, or modern age but there’s something inside of us.

Q: How Does Unbelief Work? (Acts 4:9-12)

Though the idea of a “cornerstone” is not as common in modern architecture, in former times the cornerstone was the most important. It was the first stone. The lines and angles of the cornerstone set the lines and angles of the building (i.e. determined the reality of the building) It was also the biggest, strongest stone. Under weight, it couldn’t fall apart, crack or crumble. It had to be a perfect stone. Any flaws and the structure would fall apart. It was also the most expensive stone. Took as long to find the right cornerstone, as it took to build the entire structure. For all these reasons, it was the most valuable stone. It was vital, precious, valuable, irreplaceable. They are rejecting Jesus, the Cornerstone of the universe.

The bottom line here is that every human being has a cornerstone, the question is what is yours? We’re all builders and we all deem something to be ultimate value, basis for security, wisdom, comfort (e.g.  your education, your morality, your family, a political cause, a career). Our cornerstone is the thing that makes you feel good about self and able to look at world – and self – in the eye. Our cornerstone is the things that helps us know who the good people are who the bad people are.

“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Cor 1:22-25

For example:
Jews: Their cornerstone = morality + hard work. They tended to be un-sophisticated, with little education. Their confidence was in their work-ethic and morality. What is wrong with the world? People aren’t moral and hard working like me.
Greeks: Their cornerstone = sophistication + philosophy + education. Their confidence was found in their knowledge and know-how. What’s wrong with the world? People aren’t sophisticated and educated like me.

The gospel comes and points to every cornerstone, other than Jesus, and says “this is inadequate”. The Gospel, via Peter and John, is threatening their fragile cornerstones which is why they’re annoyed.

The Gospel says that all people are sinners; Jew and Greek alike.

Gospel to Jews: “Yes, you’re moral, but you’re not better off than the worst criminal. We’re all sinners…BUT, if you trust Jesus, receive his forgiveness, and become one of God’s people by grace!” That offended them! They would respond, “But do you know how hard I worked and how moral I am?!”
Gospel to Greeks: “Yes you’re educated but before God you are no better off than most ignorant person…doesn’t matter that you’re an enlightened liberal…you’re no better off than anyone else…BUT in Jesus Christ, you too receive forgiveness, you become one of God’s people by grace!” That offended them! They would respond, “But do you know how educated and sophisticated I am?”

Everybody, but a Christian, has cornerstones too weak to bear the weight of life. Every other cornerstone is unstable because it is subject to our performance. If you build on anything other than Jesus, you’ll be unsure about your life. This is what makes people hate Christians; they are sure about life, about God, about their standing, about Jesus, about acceptance, about grace.

Q: How Do We Face Unbelief? (Acts 4:13-31)

First, get to know Jesus well (vs 13). What specifically did they have in view here? Jesus’ boldness. Jesus wasn’t mean, unkind, but stood his ground. This causes the council to ask, ”When’s the last time we heard this? Ah, Jesus…” As we learn to trust, follow and love him, we too will become more like him.

Second, live a life worthy of the gospel (vs 14). The council has nothing to say in opposition to the miracle Jesus worked through Peter and John. (cf. 1 Pet 2:12 “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God…”) Even if those around you deny the Gospel, don’t let them deny the evidence of a life transformed by him.

Third, talk to others about what you have seen and heard (vs 5-20). When faced with the decision to obey God or obey man, we obey God. In particular, when it comes to sharing what Jesus has done for us, how he has changed our life, forgiven our sin, and given us a new life we formerly knew nothing about. We do this in a way that is real, not obnoxious. Be careful to not come down on others who don’t yet believe. You’re like a recovering addict talking to a present addict. They’re trapped. You were there once. Be patient and loving towards them as others were to you.

Fourth, Pray. The church doesn’t ask God to change their circumstances, but rather asks Him to change them. This prayer highlights the centrality of God’s mission for God’s people – and that unbelief is to be expected along the way. All prayer, including this one, is an expression of dependence. Though God is sovereign (i.e. in control) we are his chosen agents in working out his plan – so we need (and get!) to pray.

Fifth, Keep Going. Lastly, we see that the Lord answered their prayer to simply continue proclaiming the Gospel with boldness.

A Final Note to Christians regarding “unbelief”.

Do you know why you’re unhappy, angry, anxious? You don’t believe the gospel. You might say, “I believe the gospel.” The truth is that you don’t. The reason you feel that way is because you’re main reason for being happy is the world’s same reason for being happy. What is that? Performance. This means that inside your heart is unbelief. If you and I really believed the gospel we wouldn’t feel in those ways. (cf. 2 Pet 1:9,12) Part of our heart refuses to believe. That unbelief is still in you. If you’re not forgiving and singing with joy, then you’re forgetting what God has done and who you now are in him. This means that we all need the grace of God. It is not us (Christians) and them (non-Christians), but Him and us.

“For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins…Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.” 2 Peter 1:9,12

Quotes

“There is no tenet more basic to contemporary secular culture than that of religious tolerance. Our country was based on the principle that people of all religious creeds and backgrounds are welcome on our shores and are to be accorded the freedom of religious express so that all religions are equally tolerated under the law. Today, however, the assumption of the secularists is that all religions are not only to be equally tolerated under the law but are equally valid (or invalid). The American truth today is that what you believe does not matter so long as you are sincere, and there are many roads that go to heaven. Some go directly ad some by a more circuitous route, but in the final analysis, all that God is really concerned about is that we be people of faith. I cannot think of a principle more plainly and categorically opposed to the universal teaching of sacred Scripture – both Old and New testaments – than that idea.”
-RC Sproul, Acts, p92

“There is an exclusiveness to Jesus’ work that is not popular today. It is seen in our culture as a blow against religious diversity as well as the cause of great religious and political strife throughout history, especially in European history up to the Enlightenment. But a key point is often missed. It is when religion is imposed that it does damage. Here we see apostles making an appeal and leaving the decision and consequences to individual response. There is no effort to impose the faith, only to inform about it and to stress the responsibility every creature ultimately has to be responsive to the living God. In addition, the offer of Jesus is made to all without discrimination. The the exclusiveness of the benefit is directly related to one’s willingness or unwillingness to be connected to the benefits.  The church’s call is to be loyal to God in sharing the message and doing so in such a way that its impact on believer’s lives is evident. The call is not to impose the gospel on others. Some will not welcome such a testimony. They are left to go their own way with its tragic consequences. To others, however, the gospel will supply the sweet savor of real life and will open new vistas to how one can live and have fellowship with God.”
–Darrel Bock, Acts, p200

Recommended Resources

The Reason for God, Tim Keller
Mere Christianity, CS Lewis