The Move

 

"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

Chapter Two

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

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

SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

OUTLINE

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

Family

 

"FAITH IN THE FAMILY"

INTRODUCTION

1. As Christians, we are privileged to be members of God's family...
1. With God as our Father in heaven
2. With Christ as our Elder Brother
3. With many fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters - cf. Mk 10:29-30
2. Even so, we also have duties as members of our human families...
1. As husbands and wives
2. As parents and children
3. As married and single

[What impact should our faith as Christians have on our physical families? What are our responsibilities as Christians who are blessed with familial relationships? Consider first...]

1. THE CHRISTIAN AS HUSBAND AND FATHER
1. DUTIES OF THE HUSBAND...
1. Husbands are to love their wives - Ep 5:25-29
1. As Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her
2. As their own bodies, nourishing and cherishing them
2. Husbands are to leave mother and father - Ep 5:31
1. Leaving parents to be joined to one's wife
2. The husband therefore gives his wife priority over his parents
3. Husbands are not to be bitter toward their wives - Col 3:19
1. "do not be harsh with them" (ESV)
2. "never treat them harshly" (NRSV)
4. Husbands are to be understanding and give honor to their wives - 1 Pe 3:7
1. Understanding their delicate nature
2. Honoring them as heirs together of the grace of life
2. DUTIES OF THE FATHER...
1. To provide the necessities of life - 2Co 12:14;1Ti 5:8
1. Parents ought to provide for their children
2. A man who fails to do so is worse than an infidel
2. Not to provoke the children to wrath - Ep 6:4; Col 3:21
1. That is, by unreasonable commands; by needless severity; by the manifestation of anger - Barnes
2. Lest, by your continually finding fault with them, they should lose all courage, and despair of ever pleasing you - ibid.
3. To provide for spiritual training of the children - Ep 6:4
1. Bringing them up in the training (discipline, ESV) of the Lord
2. Bringing them up in the admonition (instruction, ESV) of the Lord
4. To provide loving discipline as necessary - He 12:6-11; Pro 13:24
1. Even as our Heavenly Father disciplines His children
2. Though it may be unpleasant at the moment

[Such are familial responsibilities of Christian men as husbands and fathers. Now let's consider...]

2. THE CHRISTIAN AS WIFE AND MOTHER
1. DUTIES OF THE WIFE...
1. Wives are to submit to their husbands - Ep 5:22-24; Col 3:18; 1Pe 3:1-2
1. As to the Lord, as is fitting in the Lord
2. In everything, as the church is subject to Christ
2. Wives are to respect and love their husbands - Ep 5:33; Tit 2:4
1. Not just to submit, but to do so with respect and love for their husbands
2. Which older women should teach the younger women
2. DUTIES OF THE MOTHER...
1. To love their children - Tit 2:4
1. Which ought to be natural
2. Yet sin can lead to a lack of proper affection - cf. Ro 1:31
2. To manage the household - Tit 2:5; 1Ti 5:14
1. The primary responsibility of the wife and mother
2. Though a woman may also engage in activities outside the home - cf. Pr 31:10-31
3. To provide spiritual training when male leadership is lacking - 2Ti 1:5; cf. Ac 16:1
1. Timothy's mother and grandmother were believers
2. Evidently his father was not, which is too often the case today

[Such are the duties of Christian women as wives and mothers. Next let's take a look at...]

3. THE CHRISTIAN AS CHILD AND SINGLE
1. DUTIES OF CHILDREN...
1. To obey their parents - Ep 6:1; Col 3:20
1. In the Lord, for this is right
2. In all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord
2. To honor their parents - Ep 6:2-3
1. The first commandment with promise - cf. Exo 20:12
2. By providing for their welfare in later years - cf. 1 Ti 5:4,8,16
2. DUTIES OF THE SINGLE CHRISTIAN...
1. To utilize the advantage of being single - 1Co 7:32-35
1. Use your freedom to increase your service to God
2. Don't be selfish with the extra time and freedom you have
3. Don't begrudge others who may not do as much as you because of their other responsibilities (e.g., children, spouse)
2. To watch out for the dangers of being single - cf. Ec 4:9-11
1. Temptation - make an effort to develop a close relationship with the Lord
2. Loneliness - accept invitations to be with others, initiate opportunities to be with others
3. Self-centeredness - offer yourself in service to others; be flexible
3. To remember that you are in the family of God - Mk 10:29-30
1. You have many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children
2. Make the effort to develop and utilize these relationships

[Finally, some remarks regarding discipleship as it relates to our familial relationships...]

4. THE CHRISTIAN AS DISCIPLE
1. PUTTING THE LORD BEFORE THE FAMILY...
1. Of course, we are to love our parents, spouses and children
2. Yet our love for the Lord must come first - Mt 10:34-37; 12:46-50
1. Otherwise we are not worthy to be called His disciple
2. Only then will Jesus view us as members of His family
3. By putting God and His kingdom first, our families will benefit more - cf. Mt 6:33
1. God's providence will help provide for our families' needs
2. We will also be better parents, spouses and children by following Jesus
2. PRESENTING THE LORD TO THE FAMILY...
1. By way of example - cf. 1Pe 3:1-2
1. So wives were to influence their unbelieving husbands
2. So we can influence other unbelieving members of the family
2. By way of instruction - cf. Ep 6:4
1. So fathers were to instruct their children
2. So we can teach other members of the family

Eternal Word

 

The Eternal Word

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

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

What is Life?

 

Life is a characteristic that distinguishes physical entities that have biological processes, such as signaling and self-sustaining processes, from those that do not, either because such functions have ceased (they have died) or because they never had such functions and are classified as inanimate. Various forms of life exist, such as plants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea, and bacteria. Biology is the science that studies life.

There is currently no consensus regarding the definition of life. One popular definition is that organisms are open systems that maintain homeostasis, are composed of cells, have a life cycle, undergo metabolism, can grow, adapt to their environment, respond to stimuli, reproduce and evolve. Other definitions sometimes include non-cellular life forms such as viruses and viroids.

Abiogenesis is the natural process of life arising from non-living matter, such as simple organic compounds. The prevailing scientific hypothesis is that the transition from non-living to living entities was not a single event, but a gradual process of increasing complexity. Life on Earth first appeared as early as 4.28 billion years ago, soon after ocean formation 4.41 billion years ago, and not long after the formation of Earth 4.54 billion years ago.^[1][2][3][4] The earliest known life forms are microfossils of bacteria.^[5][6] Life on Earth is probably descended from an RNA world,^[7] although RNA-based life may not have been the first life to have existed.^[8][9] The classic 1952 Miller–Urey experiment and similar research demonstrated that most amino acids, the chemical constituents of the proteins used in all living organisms, can be synthesized from inorganic compounds under conditions intended to replicate those of the early Earth. Complex organic molecules occur in the Solar System and in interstellar space, and these molecules may have provided starting material for the development of life on Earth.^{[10][11][12][13]}

Since its primordial beginnings, life on Earth has changed its environment on a geologic time scale, but it has also adapted to survive in most ecosystems and conditions. Some microorganisms, called extremophiles, thrive in physically or geochemically extreme environments that are detrimental to most other life on Earth. The cell is considered the structural and functional unit of life.^[14][15] There are two kinds of cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic, both of which consist of cytoplasm enclosed within a membrane and contain many biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Cells reproduce through a process of cell division, in which the parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

In the past, there have been many attempts to define what is meant by "life" through obsolete concepts such as odic force, hylomorphism, spontaneous generation and vitalism, that have now been disproved by biological discoveries. Aristotle is considered to be the first person to classify organisms. Later, Carl Linnaeus introduced his system of binomial nomenclature for the classification of species. Eventually new groups and categories of life were discovered, such as cells and microorganisms, forcing significant revisions of the structure of relationships between living organisms. Though currently only known on Earth, life need not be restricted to it, and many scientists speculate in the existence of extraterrestrial life. Artificial life is a computer simulation or human-made reconstruction of any aspect of life, which is often used to examine systems related to natural life.

Death is the permanent termination of all biological processes which sustain an organism, and as such, is the end of its life. Extinction is the term describing the dying-out of a group or taxon, usually a species. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms.