February 2, 2014

New Beginnings For All 

Acts 1: 1 - 5

Luke

Dear Theophilus:

In my first book I told you about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he ascended to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions from the Holy Spirit.  During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive.  On these occasions he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised.  Remember, I have told you about this before.  John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

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Thoughts....

I am so excited that we will be studying Acts!  Our eyes will be opened even further, our hearts will embrace the Trinity even tighter, our passion to share the Gospel will be increased many fold.  I cannot wait to get started! 

For the last nearly 2 years, we have been studying what Luke had to say about Jesus' life, and the early church, historically documented by him in the Gospel of Luke.  Luke also wrote Acts.  He may have written more, but, to date, such potential text has either not been found, or was possibly destroyed by the early Roman church, perhaps near the time of events in Nicea.  The Book of Acts is a continuation of the documented history of the early church and the teachings Luke and many heard from Jesus.  I hope you will choose to walk with me on the journey with Luke and others to learn more and be empowered to 'go forth'. 

As I indicated early on in our study of the Gospel of Luke, I chose Luke's book due to the fact that doctors seem to have an exactness, a precision in truth as they relate facts.  That is important to me as foundational content, and it should be to you as well.  So as we enter the Book of Acts, realize that same foundation exists for truth....as the telling of this documented history continues.

In the Book of Acts, which I will just call 'Acts' in the future, we will learn how the church carried on after Jesus' final resurrection and how Christians grew in their faith walk as they proclaimed the Gospel message throughout the world.  We'll see also how Satan attempted to close doors, but how 'God made a way where (it appeared) there was no way'.

Throughout Acts we will learn who Holy Spirit is by his nature, and how powerful he is through his actions.  And just like the early Christians, we, too, can ask him into our lives to live, reign, and have being.  He is available to us to share with us all God and Jesus have to teach us, and how to live our lives in such a way as to 'follow them more nearly, love them more dearly, day by day'.  Only with Holy Spirit will we be able to enter into God's loving arms at our lifes end and receive eternal life.  Pretty compelling reason to ask him into our lives and be willing to receive all he has to give, fruits and gifts alike.

Although this text was written between approximately 63 and 70 A. D.,  Holy Spirit came upon the believers in about 30 A.D.  This date can be confusing if you hold that Jesus died at approx. 33 years old, and he was on the earth for 40 days after he arose from the dead, at which time, Pentecost began, or, as we will discuss, Holy Spirit arrived.  I'm not a numbers person, so I trust, for the most part, when numbers are thrown around.  As I mentioned in a previous lesson, 'when' isn't as important as 'THAT' it occurred.  Daily time elements for this do not invalidate historical facts surrounding the event.   We KNOW it occurred [the arrival of Holy Spirit - Pentecost]after Jesus arose to heaven for his final resurrection, and that is an undeniable, indisputable historically documented fact. 

And I'm SO excited THAT he arrived!  And that Holy Spirit came to me and lives in me!  And he can come to you and live in you as well!  He stands by waiting, ready for a word from you.  Will you say "Come."?

I want to share with you what the intro says for Acts from the Life Application Bible.  I would not be able to say it any better.  So, from the Life Application Bible:

'Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, Acts is an accurate historical record of the early church.  But Acts is also a theological book, with lessons and living examples of the work of the Holy Spirit, church relationships and organization, the implications of grace, and the law of love.  And Acts is an apologetic work, building a strong case for the validity of Christ's claims and promises.  [Note:  I do not like the term 'apologetics' because, from the root word, there should be no apology for the life and breath given us.]

'The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit and the commencement of the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This Spirit - inspired evangelism began in Jerusalem and eventually spread to Rome, covering most of the Roman empire.  The gospel first went to the Jews; but they, as a nation, rejected it.  A remnant of Jews, of course, gladly received the Good News.  But the continual rejection of the gospel by the vast majority of the Jews led to the ever-increasing proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles.  This was according to Jesus' plan:  the gospel was to go from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (1:8).  This, in fact, is the pattern that the Acts narrative follows.  The glorious proclamation began in Jerusalem (chapters 1-7), went to Judea and Samaria (chapter 8 and following), and to the countries beyond Judea (11:19; 13:4 and on to the end of Acts).  The second half of Acts is focused primarily on Paul's missionary journeys to many countries north of the Mediterranean Sea.  He, with his companions, took the gospel first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.  Some of the Jews believed, and many of the Gentiles received the Good News with joy.  New churches were started, and new believers began to grow in the Christian life.

As you read Acts, put yourself in the place of the disciples - feel with them as they are filled with the Holy Spirit, and thrill with them as they see thousands respond to the gospel message.  Sense their commitment as they give every ounce of talent and treasure to Christ.  And as you read, watch the Spirit - led boldness of these first - century believers, who through suffering and in the face of death take every opportunity to tell of their crucified and risen Lord.  Then decide to be a 20th - century version of those men and women of God.'

Let's get started now to learn more about what happened historically, what God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit want us to know, and how we can transform our lives, as well as the lives of others, by receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit!

Theophilus may have been a friend, another Doctor seeking truth, a scribe, a leader of a local church, another brother in Christ traveling to share THE Gospel.  Whoever he was, he was important enough to Luke for Luke to write a couple books (at least) to help him understand God's saving grace through Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit's empowering indwelling inspiration.  Enough so to not just say, 'So, well, this happened and.... ', but to give factual, historical events, and quote those speaking, in a document that has surpassed time in memorial.  He could have just said, "Hey, man, this is wild.  Listen to this....".  But he didn't.  And Praise God(!) he didn't stop there!  Major thanks to him that he not only believed, and shared his belief and the truths therein of historical events, but documented them to preserve the history of them for the world to read, learn, receive and grow....and be given the opportunity to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

In the next few sentences, Luke goes on to essentially give a brief synopsis of what he shared when he wrote his previous book, the one we refer to as the Gospel of Luke, which we have studied for the last couple years.  Please feel free to check 'Scriptures Archived' if you missed any of that or if you want to recap any part.

Let's review, with him, his description a bit.  Luke says, 'In my first book I told you about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he ascended to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions from the Holy Spirit.'  In this sentence, Luke again gives testimony that Jesus ascended to heaven.  Luke further confirms that Jesus gave instructions to his chosen apostles which he received from Holy Spirit.  Remember, upon Jesus' water baptism from John the Baptizer, Holy Spirit descended upon him 'in the form of a dove' (Read from the Bible Luke 3:22, Matthew 3:16).

Luke goes on to say, 'During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive.  On these occasions he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.'  You can read about this in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20 and 21.  You can also read my 'Thoughts' for commentary on such from the last few weeks of 'Scriptures Archived'.

Essentially let me outline that, Jesus was born of God, lived, performed miracles by the grace of God, taught from the truths of God, healed with the mercy of God, and was persecuted by those who refused to believe he was the Son of God, Messiah, Savior born.  Then Jesus was nailed to a cross hanging until he died, bore our sins in the action, was buried, went to hell for 3 days, arose from hell, was so disfigured from such that he wasn't recognized when he arose from there.  He ascended to the Father, returned to the earth of the living, and spent 40 days proving he was eternally alive by eating with the disciples and performing miracles, while he gave further instructions about the Kingdom of God, teaching folks how to live their new life, and gave a directive to share the Gospel message with others that they can be forgiven of their sins, receive eternal life, and how.  All this given from God by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to all who believed/accepted/received/followed Jesus and worshiped him.  And then Jesus arose for a final time to heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God.     

Luke then tells Theophilus....and us....because Jesus and Jesus' message is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow....'In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he [Jesus] told them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised.  Remember, I have told you about this before.  John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."  We read prophecy of this in Matthew 3:11-12 where John the Baptist says, "I baptize with water those who turn from their sins and turn to God.  But someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am - so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  He is ready to separate the chaff from the grain with his winnowing fork.  Then he will clean up the threshing area, storing the grain in his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire."  [These last two sentences refer to John 15.]

Then John, the writer of the Gospel, also provides prophecy of what is about to occur: the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Find this documented in the Gospel of John chapter 1:26-36 which reads as follows:  'John told them, "I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not know, who will soon begin his ministry.  I am not even worthy to be his slave."  This incident took place at Bethany, a village east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look!  There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Soon a man is coming who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before I did.'  I didn't know he was the one, but I have been baptizing with water in order to point him out to Israel."

'Then John [the Baptizer] said, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him.  I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'When you see the Holy Spirit descending and resting upon someone, he is the one you are looking for.  He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'  I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Son of God."

'The following day, John was again standing with two of his disciples.  As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and then declared, "Look!  There is the Lamb of God!"'

Pretty compelling historically documented evidence to prove Jesus 'does exist' as the M & M commercial might denote.  With all the prophecy, and all the prophecy fulfilled up to this point, why should it deter and not be fulfilled from this point forward?  It shouldn't, it didn't, it won't. 

So standby, as we take this great ride with Luke and Jesus....oh.....and God and Holy Spirit.  It's going to be a blast....of fresh air....as we breathe in Holy Spirit and breathe out stress....and Satan....and his assigns....to make room for Holy Spirit and all he wants to give us to overcome Satan, his assigns, and the world!    

For those who have been taught there is only one baptism for the forgiveness of sins....you are right....that's a water baptism to show we have indeed asked forgiveness and believe in the one who forgives.  ['An outward expression of an inward confession.']  The baptism of the Holy Spirit is another baptism.  There is also a baptism of suffering....have you read about that?  Go to the Word of God....it never contradicts itself. 

'See' you next week, I hope, as we take another step on the journey.  Enjoy! 

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 Let Us Pray

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, what an embrace of warmth and love you are.  I am so excited to share who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are with the world, and all the excitement of the new journey with you, Holy Spirit, for those who choose to receive all you have to give them.  For those who enjoy thrill rides, I can assure them they are in for one.  Good and bad, up and down.  Up when Satan backs off, bad when he doesn't.  Just like Jesus was attacked and tempted by Satan once he had received Holy Spirit, I know from experience, to expect the fiery arrows, too.  However, let me say, I am pretty much tired of all of the shenanigans he is pulling right now and so, "I rebuke you and command you, Satan and all of your assigns to leave me, and my family alone on all levels....right now!  I am, as are my family, children of God and as such, Satan, you may NOT steal, kill, or destroy us, or our joy, or take us from the ministry you've given us, or take away anything God has given us!  We WILL go forth proclaiming "Jesus is Lord!"  Despite all odds of Satan being stacked against us, we believe and will continue to believe in YOU, Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and cling to you.  I heard you, Lord, when, as a child, you told me you would be with me til the end of time.  I believed you, I received you, and I will never let you go.  I share you every chance I get to all who are near and those who are far away.  If I can't speak about you, I write about you.  If I can't write about you, I live you with every breath, and every step I take, as I journey forth for and with you.  Let no one, Father God, ever come between us and the love we share.  I am in a battle right now, Lord God.  You know what is happening.  Lead me, guide me, and direct me, for YOUR name's sake, that you and I together may claim victory.  Thank you for carrying me when the going gets tough and for giving me strength for the battles of life.  Thank you also for folks who are in the trenches praying mightily for me and for you, Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  Just to know I have folks to call on to agree with in prayer means the world to me.  Thank you for loving me and my family, and for caring for us as you do.  We need a lot from you right now, Lord.  Thank you for being there, and here, and being willing to help us onward with our lives.  Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I, and my family, praise you, thank you, worship and adore you, and love you. In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

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Folks!  Great news for those in Tucson, Arizona, USA!  William Chandler, Author of 'The Lord's Prayer Unveiled' will be signing this latest book at Gospel Supplies this month around Valentine's Day.  Call Gospel Supplies for updated info on the exact date at 520-722-1441.  They are located at 5611 E. Speedway Tucson, AZ.  For those not in Tucson, and are seeking to purchase a copy, you can go to www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore.  You may also find his book, 'The Lord's Prayer Unveiled' on Amazon.  If you go to the signing, tell him Trinity Missions USA sent you and say hi from us, will you?  Thanks!               

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Praise for Merlin Carothers and his life!  His work is now done on earth, but carries on from heavens gate.  Thank you Merlin, and, thank you, God, for receiving him into your loving arms.  Be with his family in their loss.  I know you are thrilled to have him home, but those who carry on grieve greatly.  Embrace them, Father, as only you can.  Thank you.  Amen.

Visit www.foundationofpraise.org to learn more about his wonderful work on earth!  To further his work on earth for the Savior, donations can be sent to Foundation of Praise P.O. Box 2518 Escondido, CA 92033-2518.  Please tell them Church of the Holy Spirit and Trinity Missions USA sends our love, too.  Haven't read Prison to Praise or Power in Praise, or any of his other works?  You simply MUST!  They, as well as other works of his, are filled with unrestrained joy and praise!  Learn to praise the Savior in a new way today!

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More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

'All who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all Christians - you are ONE in Christ Jesus.'  Galatians 3: 27

  It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!

Teach tolerance....reach in acceptance....worship as one!

Embrace....Respect....Encourage!

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Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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There is no better time than now to let God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit know how grateful you are for them being there for you, all they have done for you and will do, and, show thankfulness for being fed the Word of God, so you can know and obey him.   

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  Our Continual Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart.  

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you ! 

BesidesBesid  ***

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, besides just reading straight out of the Bible and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!

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