Acts 2.38 - Are you Baptized?

The origins of Christian baptism are in the Old Testament. The Law dictated ceremonial washing for priests chosen to serve (Leviticus 14.8,9). John the Baptizer performed such washings as a rite of repentance (Luke 3.3). Pre-Christian baptism was preparatory, leading to faith in Messiah (Acts 19.1-7). The Risen Jesus instituted Christian baptism, “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28.18-20). Water symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s inward work. The qualification is discipleship – following Him. Baptism is a beginning; “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” is the life-journey. Baptism announces journey begun; Spirit-enabled obedience keeps us on His path “to the very end of the age.”  Baptism is a symbol of new life in Christ, a seal of the covenant of grace, and a sign of the forgiveness of sins. May Christ be exalted, and His Kingdom advance as more and more believe - and are baptized.

Acts 4.12 - Name Droppers

“It’s all in who you know!” That old doggerel is true for many things in life; even true for getting into the next life. God promised, “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations” (Malachi 1.11). And He kept that promise in a most surprising way by conceiving a baby in a poor Jewish girl and saying, “…you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1.31,32). His followers declared, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4.12). Those who held that Name dear ignored any abuse to their own. They went out, “on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name…” (3 John 6,7).

Acts 4.13 - I almost quit University…

Me and my buddy John, who just retired from many years of pastoring, found a verse we thought told us to quit studying and start preaching. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4.13). Back then Barry McGuire sang, “You can go to your college, you can go to your school, but if you don’t know Jesus you are an educated fool!” One of our wise professors reminded us we weren’t Apostles – context, context – we stayed! As God has since led, study has under-girded my service. Yet this verse does teach us all – students, graduates, drop-outs – “being with Jesus” is key to Kingdom advance. When our highest goal is His delight - not our degrees - people will see our boldness for Jesus.

Acts 4.32 - SEE the Gospel

Walk your talk! Practice what you Preach! From today’s text in Acts it is evident the early church did. As the pastor I am very proud to see many evidences of faith in the Risen Jesus here in ZGC:

- A brother who has just endured chicken pox and appendicitis said, “Thanks to all the love of the brethren, I have not felt alone.”

- A family who just came back from a time in their homeland found many of their belongings ruined by water damage. Their ZGC family quickly helped in many practical ways.

- A sister pregnant with her first child, whose husband is working on another continent, has found support in her time of need.

- As part of a BICF-wide offering we raised over 150,000 RMB for Japan!

- Dozens regularly show the love of Christ each Sunday – welcoming visitors, praying for everyone, teaching kids (not just their own!), and getting everything necessary ready for all who come.

Sometimes people have to SEE the Gospel before they can HEAR it! Bring them to ZGC!

Acts 5.3,4 – Holy Spirit: A Person who is God

To ‘keep in step with the Spirit’ we should know: 1) He Rules!  –The Holy Spirit is God. It took some time for the Church to grasp God’s tri-unity. ‘Trinity’ - not a biblical word – was coined to communicate Biblical truth - one God has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Spirit. He speaks with unrivaled authority. Ananias found that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God Himself (5.3,4). He is our dearest friend, but He is also to be feared!   2) He Reveals – God the Son came to redeem. God the Spirit came to reveal our redemption. So the Risen Lord sent the Spirit to His Church with the mission of making Him – Jesus the Savior – known to the world. The Spirit enabled prophets and apostles to proclaim and publish the Word of God. Scripture was breathed by the Spirit of God to broadcast the Son of God. The Spirit is the great teacher of the Church. 3) He came for Relationship – Right doctrine is just the start. The Spirit of God is a person; He can even ‘grieve’ and ‘rejoice.’ He is Emmanuel, God with us! He brings us every heavenly blessing. His baptism unites us to Jesus as one family of faith. His filling empowers us to live in the joy of His service every day. Jesus promises, “…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11.13). When was the last time you asked?

Acts 5.33-39 - “Oh, that’s Nice”

I often heard this polite blather when my mom bragged about her son the pastor. “Nice.” (i.e. But you better stay out of my face!) “I am happy for you.” (i.e. Glad you can be so easily fooled by that religious mumbo jumbo!) The great Jewish scholar Gamaliel gave this kind of lukewarm response; conceding that maybe there might be some truth to the claims of the Nazarene (Acts 5.33-39). He seems sophisticated, but the empty tomb just a stroll away shouts out his stupidity! People who think Jesus is merely nice are spewed out of His mouth. Tepidity will lead to terror. Gamaliel’s most famous student was hot with rage, proudly killing Christ-followers. And it was Saul of Tarsus, not his truth-avoiding teacher, who met the One he tried to destroy. Keep praying for your Gospel-angry friends! Their rage might just be prelude to their repentance.

Acts 8.35 - Five Gospel Truths

Philip’s talk with the Ethiopian is what many Christian’s pray for…and fear! What do we say? We need key truths in our hearts, ready to share! Sometimes fully on a long subway ride, other times over months of sharing coffee; God is the Evangelist, we are ‘mid-wives.’ A true Christian is:

God Delighting – It is not about us! We’ve found life makes sense when He is on the throne. Our joy is in His service - His Word our standard, and His glory our song. All things are from Him and for Him!

Sin Denouncing – For many today God is small, and they’re big! Self-centered godlessness puts them ‘in charge.’ This idol must be smashed.

Christ Declaring – Jesus came for sinners, those who are desperate. He is righteousness, redemption, and rule for His people. As God and man, He alone brings God to us, and us to Him.

Repentance and Faith Demanding – A decisive break from sin, and full dependence on the Savior is required. Repentance and faith are two-sides of the ‘coin’ of salvation.

Community Developing – Following Him joins us to His family – loving God and neighbor. We need each other to grow, serve, and witness to our needy world.   Get more at: www.christianityexplored.org