Christian Life - Life Together - Acts 2 and Hebrews 10 - November 21, 2010

Bible Study – Christian Life – Life Together – November 21, 2010

This is lesson three (3) in our series of study entitled “The Case for the Christian Life.”

Our scripture is Acts 2:41-47; Hebrews 10:23-25.

Our lesson involves the gathering of Christians together for the purpose of ministering one to another and to others. Today, we call it going to church. In the formative days of Christianity, Christians gathered in synagogues and homes. Animosity developed between the Jews who rejected Christianity and as a result the Christians met in homes.

In the early days of Christianity, Christians were looking for the immediate return of CHRIST. New Testament scripture supports this. We are still waiting and when we read scripture regarding the days leading up to the second coming of CHRIST, it seems imminent to us. The point being whether CHRIST comes in the next second or in the next thousand years, every person is but one heartbeat away from eternity. CHRIST commissioned every Christian to go into all the world and present the Gospel. Every Christian, in essence, is a missionary because he/she is the light of the world and the salt of the earth.

So why do Christians need to gather together? In the early days, they shared provisions, prayed, encouraged each other and shared Spiritual insight to name a few things. The gathering of Christians has evolved into the brick/stone, mortar and wood structures we have today. The purpose of gathering is to be fed Spiritually, to fellowship with each other, reach the needy, both Spiritual needy and physically needy. This includes Christians as well as non-Christians.

Many Christians look at the church as a place where sinners go to get saved, which is okay. But the intent of church is that Christians are fed Spiritual food to energize them to go into the world they live in each day and lead others to CHRIST and minister to both fellow Christians and non-Christians. The church is a place where Christians go to learn more about CHRIST, get the Spiritual help and encouragement they need and to serve. The church provides the structure to train, equip and send Christians out into the world – local, state, nation and the world to tell others about CHRIST and make disciples. Many Christians are attending Bible studies weekly but the question is, “Are they putting into action what they are learning?” Most Christians are like sponges, they can soak up so much but then they need to be squeezed to get them to put into action what they are being taught. Mission trips - local, state, national and foreign as well as serving in the church can offer the opportunity to put into action what GOD, through the HOLY SPIRIT, is leading a Christian to do. Christians need to make certain that the LORD is leading them to a ministry or to serve.

The church staff is called to provide the structure to educate, train, equip, encourage and minister to the body of Christians to live each day as CHRIST leads them. We could go on and on about the purpose and role of the church but let’s move on. Basically, the church is not a showcase for the saints but a hospital for the suffering. Christians suffer along with non-Christians. The gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT are given to minister as GOD directs.


We are in the final study of apologetics and let’s consider some issues you may encounter when you speak with others about being a Christian. I have Catholic friends who were devastated when the church said that CHRIST had brothers and sisters. To me, the fact that HE did have brothers and sisters reveals that HE knew family life. The scripture reveals the attitude of HIS brothers toward HIM before and after HIS death and resurrection, which is significant. In HIS early ministry, HIS family thought HE had lost it mentally but how they saw HIM after the resurrection is vital.


Let’s examine the attitude of HIS brothers before and after HIS crucifixion. Before HIS crucifixion, they thought HE was doing what HE did for attention. But after HIS crucifixion and resurrection, their attitude changed as we will see in the following scriptures.


JESUS’ Family:
JESUS was the son born of the Virgin Mary. Mary had other children as stated in Mark 3:31-32 - 31 Then His mother and His brothers came, and standing outside, they sent [word]* to Him and called Him. 32 A crowd was sitting around Him and told Him, “Look, Your mother, Your brothers, and Your sisters[12] are outside asking for You.”


In Mark 6:3 - 3 "Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" And they were offended at Him.


John 7:1-5: Before JESUS’ Crucifixion.


The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers

1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the • Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles[1] [2] was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)


Acts 1:1-14: After JESUS’ Crucifixion and Resurrection.


Prologue (Dr. Luke wrote the Book of Luke and then followed it with the Book of Acts. He was commissioned by Theophilus to give an account of the earthly ministry of JESUS which produced the Book of Luke. Then Theophilus commissioned an account of what happened after JESUS ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of GOD, HIS FATHER. This resulted in the Book of Acts. We learn from Acts that JESUS was on earth in HIS resurrected body for 40 days before HE ascended into heaven.)


1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.


The Holy Spirit Promised


4 While He was together with them,[1] He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” [He said, “is what]* you heard from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, at this time are You restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends[2]of the earth.”


The Ascension


9 After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”


United in Prayer (Look at the list of those gathered, praying and waiting on the arrival of the promised HOLY SPIRIT, it was none other than HIS brothers. HIS brothers went from ridicule to believers after HIS resurrection.)


12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive Grove, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually united in prayer,[3] along with the women, including Mary[4] the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.


Acts 2:1-4: Pentecost


1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.

This is not a study of tongues but I will touch on this briefly. GOD in HIS wisdom allowed this event to be very graphic for the purpose of getting the attention of those who had come to Jerusalem to worship. It was time for the Gospel of CHRIST to be shared with the world. Jerusalem was teaming with local people and those from far away who had come to worship fifty (50) days after Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was the perfect time for the HOLY SPIRIT to come to earth because Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, was a time when a variety of people were invited to Jerusalem. They included servants, sons and daughters, Levites, the fatherless, the widow and the stranger (Gentile). The feast was also known as the Feast of Harvest and Pentecost. GOD is amazing. HE knew that those usually excluded from Jerusalem were included. It was the perfect time for the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell each new convert to Christianity and carry the message of CHRIST where ever they went. This was the launch of Christianity empowered by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

Let’s read Acts 2:41-42: A Generous and Growing Church


41 So those who accepted his (Peter) message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers.

The Apostle Peter was preaching to all who would listen. Isn’t it exciting that the very disciple who had denied CHRIST before HIS crucifixion was now preaching the gospel of CHRIST and about 3,000 people became Christians that day. The new converts were eager to learn all about being a follower of CHRIST. At the instant of their salvation, they were filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT indwells each Christian to reveal truth, empower, enlighten, instruct, train, ensure, encourage and caution.


Let’s read Acts 2:43-47:


43 Then fear (awe) came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 So they sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need.[14] 46 And every day they devoted themselves [to meeting]* together in the • temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity (sincerity) of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them[15] those who were being saved.


These new Christians were in awe of experiencing this new found faith in CHRIST. They wanted to learn all they could from those who had walked with JESUS during HIS earthly ministry. They were endowed with the HOLY SPIRIT and witnessed the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.


Many today believe that the empowering of the HOLY SPIRIT was only for that time period. I whole heartedly disagree. The HOLY SPIRIT is just as powerful in the lives of Christians today as the day HE arrived at Pentecost. The instant a person asks CHRIST to forgive him/her of his/her sins and to come into his/her life, he/she is filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. As Christians grow and mature Spiritually, I believe the power of the HOLY SPIRIT is manifested more. It does not mean a Christian has to be old in years but just Spiritually mature enough to allow GOD to manifest the gifts of the SPIRIT through him/her.


It is vital that Christians devote themselves to knowing CHRIST and then as HE thinks we are capable of handling the power of the HOLY SPIRIT then HE may choose to give us a gift or two. As Christians, we can get the big head very easily. In some churches we may hear, “I got the gift of ____!!! What is your gift?” All Christians have at least one gift. Salvation is a gift. Paul tells us that we should desire a gift but it is up to GOD to grant the gift. I am convinced that when the right moment comes and we need a certain gift, GOD will give it to us.


Christians should focus their attention on learning of CHRIST, getting to really know HIM, building an intimate relationship with HIM and obediently serving HIM. It will amaze you what GOD will do in your life. The point is when you are in the right relationship with HIM, you are satisfied to serve HIM as HE leads you because when you are in the right relationship with HIM, you are in the center of HIS will.


The new Christians at Pentecost were endowed with the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT. Do you recall the moment you accepted CHRIST as your SAVIOR? It was likely an awesome moment in your life. Not all Christians have this type of experience. Your experience may be like I heard a pastor say, “It may be like the rising of the sun in the morning. You know that light has dawned and it gets brighter with each passing moment but when did the sun actually rise?” The key point is that the sun rose.


CHRIST in you is just the beginning of an awesome journey.


Let’s read Hebrews 10:19-25: Exhortations to Godliness


19 Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that He has inaugurated for us, through the curtain (that is, His flesh); 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled [clean]* from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, 25 not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

The writer of Hebrews was reminding Christians of what CHRIST did for them when HE gave HIS life for them upon the cross. As a result of HIS passion Christians can:
- Approach GOD boldly because their hearts have been cleansed by the shed blood of CHRIST and because they have been cleansed by the ever flowing pure, living water of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

- Approach GOD as one of HIS children.

- Approach GOD directly, no longer having to go through an earthly priest.

- As a result of what CHRIST has done for them, they should love, encourage and reach out to each other. Christians should not isolate themselves from fellow Christians because it is important for Christians to come together for the common benefit that mutual support and fellowship produces. Separate a coal or ember from the fire and it soon goes out.

CHRIST gave HIS life by shedding HIS blood to pay the penalty for sin. GOD required the shedding of blood for the remission of sins. All who believe that HE died for them and ask HIM to forgive them for their sin are forgiven of their past, present and future sins. They are born into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth and nothing will ever change that.


Every human is the result of the union of a sperm and egg. A person can leave home and change his/her name but one fact remains, he/she will always be the son/daughter of their parents. Nothing that he/she will ever do will change that union. Some Christians who have been born into the family of GOD will make it into heaven by the skin of their teeth or “like an escape through fire” as described in 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, verse 15:

9 For we are God’s co-workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, 11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid—that is, Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day[4] will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.[5]

Paul is speaking of eternal rewards. How do you build with Gold, Silver and Precious Stones that will survive the test of fire? Commit your life to CHRIST and obediently serve HIM as HE leads and directs your life through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. Build a loving, intimate relationship with HIM.

CHRIST’S passion makes HIM our high priest. HE intercedes for us before GOD. Satan accuses Christians for their sins but CHRIST intervenes in our behalf. CHRIST shed blood covers all our sin. GOD will deal with HIS children as needed. Christians have a high priest that has been tempted in all ways, yet HE remained sinless but HE knows what it is like to be tempted. We have a high priest that understands what we are facing. Again, this is not a get-out-of-jail free card because we will have to face the consequences of our sin. As a child of GOD, our sin will not send us to Hell. As Christians, we have the privilege of having direct access to GOD as stated in the following scripture:

Hebrew 4:14:


14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession.[8] 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

Romans 8:15:


15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “• Abba, Father!”

Abba is like calling GOD daddy. GOD’S children are not to be afraid of HIM. HE is to be approached with reverence but with full confidence such that we can call HIM “daddy”. CHRIST in us makes that possible. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:21:


21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (Christians) might become the righteousness of God in Him.


CHRIST’S passion made all who believe in HIM righteous before GOD. That is awesome and it is free when we accept CHRIST as our SAVIOR. Plus, Christians receive eternal life, which cost CHRIST HIS life but it is free to those who believe in HIM.


Our lesson is on life together as brothers and sisters in CHRIST. GOD is our FATHER and CHRIST is our brother. If you have not been in fellowship with fellow Christians, then pray and ask CHRIST to lead you to the right church for you. Attend and listen and evaluate what you hear and see. Go to another one if you have any concerns about what you are hearing or seeing.


When you remove yourself from the coals of the Spiritual fire, it is easy to grow cold. Rekindle the fires that once burned in your heart so warmly. As a child of GOD, GOD has never left you, you have left HIM. So return, HE will welcome you with open arms. Blessings!!!