Acts 1

Acts 1:1-11 – Jesus Prepares the Disciples

After Jesus resurrection and before He ascended to heaven He taught His disciples and prepared them for their work to come.  He offered many convincing proof that He was alive.  He talked with them instructing them through the Holy Spirit.  He appeared to them and others over a 40 day period.  (The number 40 is used several times in scripture - 40 days, 40 years, etc.)  He explained the scriptures to them and opened their minds so they could understand.  He told them not to leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift God promised - the Holy Spirit.  They would then be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (verse 5).  Then, when the Holy Spirit comes they are to be His witnesses in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:1-4, Luke 24:25-27, 36-53)

Why did Jesus spend 40 days with the disciples?  The main reason was to tell them they should wait on the Holy Spirit to come to them.  Then the Holy Spirit would empower them to be witnesses throughout the world.  I also think He spent this time with them so there would be no doubt that He was resurrected just as He had promised He would do and so they would be eye witnesses that He was alive.  This grew their faith.

Before He ascended they had Jesus to teach and guide them, but since He would no longer be there with them physically they needed the Holy Spirit to be their guide.  By being “baptized with the Holy Spirit”, the Holy Spirit would be “in” them and they would remain connected to Him. 

How are you being prepared to do the work of Jesus?

The Holy Spirit is “with” us all – even non-believers.  He’s convicting non-believers of their sins and to believe in Christ.  The Holy Spirit is “in” you when you accept Jesus and become a believer.  Being “baptized with the Holy Spirit” happens only once – at the time of conversion.  Baptism is an outward sign that you totally identify with Christ.   As believers we still need to be continually and repeatedly “filled with the Holy Spirit” as we mature as Christians, as we allow God to be in control letting Him work in our lives, and as we listen and obey yielding to Him.  We need the power of the Holy Spirit to live holy lives.  We need the Spirit’s power for witnessing and speaking boldly and clearly to others about the gospel.

Verse 8 tells the disciples were to be Christ’s witnesses.  Every Christian is a witness.  The word “witness” occurs 39 times in Acts.  Since this is God’s command and we can’t escape being a witness.  We are all a witness of some sort.  The question is “what kind of witness” are you?

What difference does the Holy Spirit make in one’s life?  He comforts and strengthens us in difficult times.  He shows us how to pray.  He intercedes for us when we can’t seem to find the words to pray.  He guides us and gives us wisdom.  We are not controlled by the sinful nature anymore (Romans 8:9).  He gives us the His seal of ownership guarantying our eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22).  He also produces in us the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.

It was necessary for Jesus to leave the apostles so the Holy Spirit could come and give them power and so they could be witnesses to the ends of the earth.  Jesus couldn’t be everywhere at the same time because He was limited in His physical body, but the Holy Spirit is not limited.

The apostles were ordinary men and were charged with an impossible task, but they were never asked to do it on their own and neither are we.  They were called just as we Christians are called. We have the Holy Spirit who empowers and encourages us.  We are sealed as His and He will never leave us.  Our God is unstoppable. 

Principles: 

God provides evidence for believing and serving Him.

When God gives a person a command, He always gives His power to perform it.

After Jesus command and promise to the apostles, He ascended into heaven.  He promised He would return in the same way.   An interesting fact is that the Lord’s return to earth is so important that one in every twenty verses in the New Testament refers directly to it.  Now the duty of all Christians is to look daily for Him to come and to live as we want Him to find us.

Acts 1:12-26 – Jesus Re-Establishes the 12 Apostles

Judas bought a field with the reward he received for betraying Jesus.  There he tried to hang himself, but apparently he failed and fell and was killed by the impact.  His body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.  The people called this field “field of blood”. 

Since Judas was no longer part of the ministry, they needed to replace him.  The disciples met together along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers.  The first thing they did was to pray.  Then they discussed it before making a decision and settled it by voting.  This shows they were in unity and willing to work together.  Our churches today should take a lesson from this.

This teaches us that we should gather together with fellow Christian and pray before selecting our leaders.  Titus 3:9-11 and 1 & 2 Timothy tell us to choose leaders who are kind, holy, honest, and teach God’s message accurately.  Even Jesus prayed when he chose His disciples – Luke 6:12-13. 

Do you pray as to who you should vote for in government elections? 

Do you look at the candidate’s loyalty to the people and not to personal or party priorities?

Are they for unity and not division of the country?

Do they hold to Biblical standards instead of their own personal gain or what is popular?

We are living in a time where there seems to be no unity.  Everyone seems to be for themselves.  Some of our government officials, those we elected into office are not looking to unite our country, but to divide it.  They vote on party lines, not what is best for everyone.  It’s all about power and making a name for themselves.  The words they use about others are mean, hurtful, hateful, and down-right evil.  They lie and some are caught in their lies, but still get away with it.  Satan is loving this!  We need to wake up and see what is really going on.  Satan is behind all the lies and deceptions.  He knows he’s running out of time and he’s working very hard to divide and conquer. 

Principle:  Prayer is important part of waiting for God to reveal the next step of obedience.

God wants us to know that our Christian faith is credible.  It’s not based on religious speculations, but on the historical resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  We know this is true because these 12 apostles said so as well as many others.  They didn’t profit from being witnesses, but laid down their lives for the sake of the truth.  Don’t ignore the evidence.  Don’t be like Judas and follow selfish desires that lead to destruction.  Accept and follow Jesus as your Savior and Lord.  He is waiting.

Have you come to know Jesus personally?

Has He changed your heart from being self-seeking to being subject to Him?

Are you welcoming the Holy Spirit into your life?

Will you ask God for a “filling of the Holy Spirit”? 

What might change in your life if you were filled with His Spirit?

 

Join me here next week for our study of Acts 2.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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How To Study The Bible

 Why should I study the Bible?

The Bible is God speaking to us.  It was written by 40 different people over a period of 1600 years.  No book has ever been more analyzed or criticized yet it has been preserved over 2,000 years.  No other book has been so consistently bought, studied and quoted as the Bible.  It is the most translated book in the entire world.  It is as relevant today as when it was written.  It is ignored by those who are uncomfortable with its teaching, but still it is the central book of Western civilization.  The Bible is the most important book we will ever read.

The Bible has a message for all ages from childhood to the aged and is for all classes of people.  It tells stories of many types of people - faithful and sinful.  It tells of the fall of man and how man can repent and get right with God.  It begins with God’s creation of the world and ends with Jesus’ return to judge the wicked and reward the faithful.  In the middle it tells of how God uses different people to bring about His divine plan for mankind.  It tells of God’s miracles and wonders with many, many lessons for us to learn.

The doctrine of the Bible is Jesus Christ.  Its subject is Jesus Christ.  Its object is Jesus Christ.  Its symbols are of Jesus Christ.  Its predictions are about Jesus Christ.  Its gospel glorifies Jesus Christ.  Jesus is throughout the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. 

To reject the Bible is to reject God Himself, His commandments, and His authority.  To accept the Bible and God’s Son, Jesus is to live a life eternal in heaven.

God gave us His Word to guide us as to how we should live.  2 Tim. 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

Where do I start?

So let’s get started studying.  First be sure you read it and study daily even if it is only 15 or 30 minutes.  Find a special place where you do all your studying.  It’s important to get away from distractions.  Turn off the phone and go to a quite place and shut the door.  Try to study at the same time each day.  Mark the day and time on your calendar and don’t let anything interfere with your appointment with God.  You make time to go to that hair appointment don’t you?  And you would never break that appointment so don’t break your appointment with God.  Pray before you begin and don’t forget to pray when you finish.  Ask God to help you apply what you’ve read that day.

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” – Joshua 1:8

Here are several ways to study the Bible that might interest you:

#1 – Start reading the entire Bible.  Start at the beginning and read straight through.  Read 1 or 2 chapters daily or a whole book of the Bible, but be sure you read it daily.  Then you can go back later and study a book in more depth. 

I find the best time for me to spend time with God and His Word is in the morning, before I get too involved with the tasks of the day.  Then it seems that the day runs much more smoothly.

#2 – You can start your study with a small book like James or Peter or even 1 John.  Spend a couple of weeks on it and be sure to pray before you start by asking God to help you understand.  At first just read through the book several times looking for themes throughout the chapters.  Then look for how you can apply what you’ve read to your life.  Then take it verse by verse and don’t be afraid to use highlighters to mark meaningful verses or phrases. 

Also try not to look at commentaries until you’ve finished your study.  You want God to speak to you, not get someone else’s interpretation.  The Bible is sufficient enough.  God will reveal to you what you need to understand.  So give God a chance before you look into commentaries. 

When reading, ask yourself who is speaking; to whom are they speaking; what is the context of the passage; and what is the purpose.  Look up any words you don’t understand in the dictionary.  I use the internet for a quick definition. 

#3 – There are small inexpensive study books on specific topics and on different books of the Bible that you can buy at a Christian book store.  They contain daily study questions that can help.  You can study these kinds of books in a group or do them on your own.  Some are very basic and some are more advanced.  Ask the store clerk to help you decide which one is best for you.

#4 – You can join a small group Bible study group at your church, in your neighborhood or start one of your own.  This is very helpful to be involved with others as you study.  You will gain new insights and be encouraged by them.  You will see that you are not alone in understanding the harder lessons.  You will also gain knowledge from others who are stronger in their walk with God and be an encourager to those who are weaker.

#5 – Join a BSF group.  I have been in several church Bible studies over the years and I have learned many things, but the best study I have ever been in is Bible Study International (BSF).  It is an in-depth study and is throughout the world.  This is a study in more than 1,100 classes of 400,000 people in 39 countries and it includes people of all ages, races, and cultures.  Classes are held in many cities and in many different churches, although BSF is non-denominational.  It’s for people who are discovering the Word for the first time or who have had many years of studying the Bible.  Every class around the world is studying the same book of the Bible. 

When you join a BSF, you will attend a class once a week.  There are daily questions for you to answer.  Then you attend a class where you will meet with others and discuss your answers.  After class you attend a lecture on what you’ve studied which helps you to understand it even more.  You will receive written notes on the same lesson.  This is a four-fold approach to your studying.  If you don’t understand it in your daily study questions, you probably will through the discussion, lecture or notes.  No one is ever put on the spot during discussion time, but you are encouraged to share. 

BSF is not based on any particular denomination or their beliefs.  It is based strictly on the Bible.  BSF Core Values are:  values dependence on God, a passion for Jesus Christ and His people, integrity, consistency without inflexibility, excellence with humility, and caring for other with Christ’s love.

To find a BSF class near you go to their website – https://bsfinternational.org

It’s a Process

I have studied the Bible for many years and I still don’t know or understand it all – and – I never will in this life.  But as the years of study go on, I learn more each time I read and study.  It’s a process.  Every time you study you will learn something.  When you discover its power and truth, you will begin to see changes in your life.  God reveals bits and pieces along the way and before you know it, you have more and more knowledge of the Bible and a better relationship with God.  You learn who God really is.  You learn His commands and His promises.  You learn what He expects of you.  You learn about His character and how much He loves you.  You learn many lessons for your life from the stories and characters in the Bible.  You learn how God uses all kinds of people to bring about His plan and how He uses even the worst of sinners.

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:20-21.

You will see through your study of the Bible that Jesus is woven throughout the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.  You will learn that God is the Creator of all things.  You will learn about the fall of man and how God provided a way for sinful man to reconcile to Himself by way of His Son, Jesus who died for all mankind.  You will learn how to pray and trust God in every part of your life. 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – Ps. 119:105

Are you too busy to study your Bible?  BUSY is “Being Under Satan’s Yoke”.  Satan will do everything he can to keep you busy so you think you don’t have the time to study God’s Word.  Satan knows his time is running out and he is working extra hard to keep you from Jesus.  You need to make a choice on how to spend your time.  Don’t let yourself be robbed from the lessons and blessings you will receive by reading and studying the Scriptures.

So get started now!  You won’t want to miss out on the blessings you will receive.  God is waiting to speak to you through His Word.

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Summary of the Life of Moses

What a great study we have had in the Life of Moses.  We saw all the stages of his life and how God was always with him growing him to be the man God wanted him to be.    Moses had status in Pharaoh’s place for 40 years, served the next 40 as a humble shepherd and then another 40 years as a prophet of God and leader of Israel.  Moses allowed God to work and shape his life as He will do ours, if we let Him.  Just like Moses we go through easy times as well as tough times, but God is always there shaping us into the person He wants us to be.

God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.  Moses definitely accomplished this.  Moses was the only man that God spoke to face to face. (Ex. 33:11)  There has never been a prophet risen in Israel like Moses. (Deut.  34:10)  Moses spoke with God in the burnish bush and when he received the 10 commandments.   Moses spent many hours in the presence of God.

Moses did 2 powerful things that dramatically changed the course of his life:  1. He followed God’s call and 2. He had an intimate personal relationship with God.  God can change the course of your life just like He did for Moses.  So God can do the same for you, if you are willing.

Are you a faithful follower like Moses?

Do you have a personal relationship with God?

How has God changed your life?

Moses didn’t start out as the leader of Israel.  In Exodus we saw that Pharaoh feared the Israelites, because there were so many of them.  He tried to control them with hard labor and when that didn’t work, he killed all the baby boys.  Moses escaped death when his mother hid him in a basket in the Nile for Pharaoh’s daughter to find.  She found him and raised him in the palace as her own.  There is stayed for 40 years.  One day he saw a fellow Israelite being mistreated by an Egyptian.  Moses came to his defense and killed him.  Of course Moses had to flee for his safety.

Moses then became a shepherd for the next 40 years until God called him to lead Israel.  God wanted him to go to Egypt and rescue His people.  Moses had several excuses not to go, but God had a plan and convinced him to go and the rest is history.  A baby was born to a slave couple in dangerous circumstances, but turned out to be the greatest human emancipator and law give the world has ever known.

Where has God called you?

What excuses do you make when God calls you?

The Bible says we are to be ambassadors for Christ.  We represent Him to the world.  We, like Moses must be faithful and loyal to God.  Moses had to put up with the Israelites who consistently complained even though God gave them everything they needed.  God gave them food, water, clothing, shelter, protection from their enemies, and was always with them.  Their negativity never affected Moses.  He stayed loyal, true, and on task just as God wanted him to do.  Moses even interceded for them, when God became angry with Israel for their rebellion.

When have you interceded for someone?

What were the results?

God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan, the Promised Land.  God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery and into the Promised Land.  He led the people for 40 years to the land, but he could not enter.  He didn’t complain.  He remained faithful to his people and to God and looked to his heavenly home.  During his last days he recounted their journey so the people would remember all God had done for them.  Even at his old age of 120 years, he was faithful and never stopped leading the people.  Before he died he blessed all the tribes.  (Deut. 33) 

Moses was a great man, but remained humble never drawing attention to himself.  He demonstrated an unshakable faith in the most shaking circumstances.  He prayed effectively and always interceded for others.  He showed great courage in his final hours.  He walked confidently up Mount Nebo and died after God let him see for the last the land Israel would inherit.  God buried Moses Himself.  No one knows where Moses’ grave is.  Maybe it’s because Israel is prone to idolatry.  If they knew where he was buried, they may have worshipped him.

Do you want to be like Moses?  To be like Moses you must have faith, be humble and courageous, intercede for others, spend time with God, keep your focus on God, be obedient, trust God, and tell others about the one true God.  Moses’ character points us to Jesus Christ, the one greater than Moses.

This finishes the study of The Life of Moses.  In the fall I will post on the book of Revelation.  You don’t want to miss that!  Throughout the summer I will be posting on various topics.  I look forward to sharing my thought with you.

Have a blessed summer and stay holy because God is holy.

Linda

NOTE:  If you want to do the study on Revelation with BSF this fall, check out their website for a class near you.  You won’t be sorry.  https://www.bsfinternational.org  If you decide to do BSF, let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

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