Bible Study - Name - YAHWEH Our GOD - Exodus 6 and 15 - December 2, 2012

Bible Study – Name – YAHWEH Our GOD – December 2, 2012

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled, “What’s in a Name?”

Our scripture for this lesson is Exodus 6:2-8; 15:1-3, 11-13.

Our series is entitled “What is in a name?” When I was growing up a person’s name was important. I have heard many times, “We may not have money but we have our name and that is more important than money, so do not do anything to ruin it.” There was great pride in being family. It is sad to say but in many areas gangs have become the new family.

So what is in a name? We can know someone by their reputation – good or bad. I recall, when I was a teen working at a gasoline station, the brother of a well respected man asked if I would cash his check. Knowing his brother as a very well to do man, I said yes. Only to learn in a few days the check came back “Insufficient Funds.” I tried to contact the man who had given me the check. I could not locate him. In checking, I learned that this man was writing bad checks all over town. I went to his brother who gave me the money with a stern warning, “I will cover his check this time but never accept a check from him again!”

It is important that we not just know about a person but to know that person. In our study, we will explore the nature, character and attributes of GOD as HE reveals Himself to others. Do we know about GOD based upon our own experience or is it head knowledge? That is where the rubber hits the road because it is easy to have false assumptions about GOD when we have head knowledge. Christians need to experience GOD through obedient service as led and directed by the Holy Spirit.

In our study, we will see some of the attributes of GOD as revealed in HIS relationship with those who follow HIM. In our lesson today, we will see that GOD told the Israelites what HE would do and HE did it.

The Bible reveals that Abraham had faith in GOD and obediently followed HIM by faith from the land of Ur to the land that GOD would show him. We know that Abraham did not always do the right things but we do see the patience and forgiveness of GOD. We see the Spiritual growth of Abraham as GOD challenged him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. We know that GOD was testing Abraham and he passed. Abraham believed in GOD to the extent that if Isaac had been burned to ashes, GOD would have raised him from the ashes. It is easy to read about various people in the Bible and study their journey and see how GOD interacted in their lives. It is often very difficult to relate to GOD’S interaction in our lives when HE is testing us but these are the times of Spiritual growth.

In this first lesson, we will see the character of GOD revealed through HIS interaction with Moses and the Israelites. Early in the learning process GOD revealed HIS name to Moses. HE confirmed the attributes of HIS name by action. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Exodus 3:1-18: (Background – Moses encounter GOD. GOD called Moses. Moses asked GOD HIS name. Moses had fled Egypt, after killing an Egyptian, to the land of Midian, where he shepherded sheep. GOD called to him out of a burning bush. GOD got Moses’ attention.)

Moses and the Burning Bush

1 Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 Then the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. 3 So Moses thought: I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up? 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!”“Here I am,” he answered. 5 “Do not come closer,” He said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then He continued, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of My people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I know about their sufferings. 8 I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the territory of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 9 The Israelites’ cry for help has come to Me, and I have also seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 Therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.” 13 Then Moses asked God, “If I go to the Israelites and say to them: The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ what should I tell them?” 14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the Israelites: •Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever; this is how I am to be remembered in every generation. 16 “Go and assemble the elders of Israel and say to them: Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to me and said: I have paid close attention to you and to what has been done to you in Egypt. 17 And I have promised you that I will bring you up from the misery of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey. 18 They will listen to what you say. Then you, along with the elders of Israel, must go to the king of Egypt and say to him: Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go on a three-day trip into the wilderness so that we may sacrifice to Yahweh our God.

GOD got Moses attention and spoke to him. HE identified Himself as the GOD of his father, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. GOD reveals what HE wants Moses to do. Moses asks GOD to identify Himself. GOD does so as we see in verses 14 and 15. GOD wanted the king of Egypt to know HIS name as Yahweh, the GOD of the Hebrews. Egypt had many gods and were considered the greatest of gods. GOD wanted all to know that HE was the true GOD and HE would reveal it by delivering the Hebrews. The Hebrews never lifted a hand. They obediently followed GOD and GOD delivered them. Let’s fast forward to Exodus Chapter 6. 

Let’s read Exodus 6:2-8:

God Promises Freedom

 2 Then God spoke to Moses, telling him, “I am •Yahweh. 3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as •God Almighty, but I did not reveal My name Yahweh to them. 4 I also established My covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land they lived in as foreigners. 5 Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are forcing to work as slaves, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 “Therefore tell the Israelites: I am Yahweh, and I will deliver you from the forced labor of the Egyptians and free you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am Yahweh your God, who delivered you from the forced labor of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you to the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you as a possession. I am Yahweh.” 9 Moses told this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their broken spirit and hard labor.

Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible referred to as the Pentateuch. GOD revealed the things that have been recorded in Genesis to Moses. In verse 2, we see that GOD spoke to Moses directly. HE told Moses that HIS name was Yahweh. The correct spelling of HIS name is YHWH but the Hebrew scribes considered GOD’S name so Holy and divine they would not write or say “YHWH.” Instead they placed the vowel from “adonai” in HIS name, which means Lord. The Hebrew text does not contain vowels and the correct pronunciation of “YHWH” is not known. Notice that GOD began and ended HIS message to Moses by telling him “I AM Yahweh” verses 2 and 8.

There are many names for GOD based upon the manifestation of HIS power. Yahweh is the name GOD used in reference to HIS chosen covenant people. Since the Jews have rejected GOD’S promised Messiah, JESUS, Christians have become GOD’S chosen people. One day the Jews will also be restored to being GOD’S chosen people because they will acknowledge CHRIST as the Promised Messiah. Messianic Jews today acknowledge CHRIST as their Messiah and Savior. I know this may raise questions in some of you.

GOD revealed that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did not know HIS name as YHWH but they knew HIM as “I am the LORD”, which means “I myself (am) Yahweh.” HE is the same GOD they worshipped. This reveals the eternal nature of GOD.

GOD keeps HIS promises and covenants that HE has made with HIS people. HE promised the Israelites that HE would free them from Egyptian bondage and slavery. HE would redeem them, which means that HE will purchase them back from the Egyptians by HIS power and mighty acts. When they witness HIS power and action, these manifestations will define Who HE is and see that HE is trustworthy. Once trust is established, those who have witnessed these things should willingly and freely honor and worship HIM with full confidence. Yet, when tough times came into the lives of the Israelites, we know they did not look to GOD and HIS ability to provide and care for them. Don’t we do the same today?  No matter how many miracles GOD does in our lives, when we get in trouble our first reaction is to reach out to something or someone other than GOD.

The Israelites knew the value in a name. GOD wanted them to know what HIS name meant as they encountered all of the activity during their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and slavery and journey to the Promised Land.

HE revealed HIS name. “I AM Yahweh”, which is HIS personal name and means “I AM THAT I AM” OR “I AM BECAUSE I AM” OR “I AM WHAT I AM AND WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” When I first read this scripture many years ago, I thought to myself, “Now that is total supremacy.” GOD is and will never be any different. What you see is what you get. There is no shadow of turning because HE IS and will always BE. Talk about being consistent and sovereign. GOD is consistent, sovereign, all knowing, present everywhere and all powerful.

Verse 5 reveals that HE knows what is going on everywhere, which is an attribute. HE is not confined to a certain locality therefore HE is not a regional or cultic god. HE is the GOD that knows what is going on in real time in every place.

GOD made it clear that HE would bring about all that HE had told them. Their ultimate destination for HIS chosen was the Promised Land, which HE had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. How could HE make such a promise? It was because HE was Yahweh. HE could not give them any better assurance than to certify what HE had told them than to use HIS personal name, YAHWEH. Through the deliverance of the Israelites they will witness first hand HIS power, protection and abilities.

GOD had opened the sea which allowed the Israelites to cross on the dry ground and escape the impending/pursuing Egyptian army. After the Israelites were safe, they saw the sea close-in on their enemy, killing their pursuers. This is captured in Exodus 14:30-31:

30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the power of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 When Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, the people •feared the Lord and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

This led into the song that Moses and the Israelites sang in our next scripture. When we witness the handiwork of the LORD it stirs our hearts into adoration, praise, respect, worship and thanksgiving.

Let’s read Exodus 15:1-3:

Israel’s Song

1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord. They said:
I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; He has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea.
2 The Lord is my strength and my song;a  Or mightHe has become my salvation.b  Ps 18:2; 59:17; Isa 12:2; Hab 3:18This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.c Gn 28:21; Ex 3:6,15,18; Isa 25:1
3 The Lord is a warrior;d Ps 24:8; Rv 19:11•Yahweh is His name.e Ex 6:3; Ps 83:18

 

Yahweh had done exactly what HE said HE would do. HE was faithful to HIS promises. HE is highly exalted above the notion that the gods of Egypt were the greatest. They saw GOD as the One true GOD and HE alone had delivered them. When we encounter GOD and take the step of faith to embrace HIM it is an overwhelming moment. Here is a critical moment. Is our encounter a moment of relief because we have been delivered from a situation or because we have embraced GOD?

When we are on the mountain top of a Spiritual experience we are excited about the handiwork of GOD. But be careful because often we go from the Spiritual mountain top to the Spiritual valley. They had just come out of the Spiritual valley such that they wanted to return to Egypt. When GOD delivered them from the pursuing Egyptian army, they were excited. It is in the Spiritual valley where our greatest Spiritual growth occurs. It is in the valley where trust and obedience is formed as we journey with GOD through the relationship we have with CHRIST.

 

Let’s read Exodus 15:11-13:

11 Lord, who is like You among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness,m  Dt 3:24; 1Kg 8:23revered with praises, performing wonders?n Ps 77:14; Isa 6:3; Rv 4:8
12 You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them.
13 You will lead the people You have redeemed with Your faithful love; You will guide them to Your holy dwelling with Your strength.o Ps 77:15,20; 78:54

The Israelites are upbeat on GOD and HIS faithfulness. They acknowledged HIM as being greater than any so called gods of the Egyptians. HE was greater than any spiritual power such as angels, authorities or heavenly powers. They acknowledged HIS holiness, which resulted in reverential honor and respect for HIM.

GOD knew that more was to be learned about HIM. HE is always in a teaching mode. Christians never arrive at final graduation until they depart earth to meet HIM in heaven. At the instant Christians see CHRIST, they will be like HIM because they will fully know HIM. 

Christians can think of their lives as being delivered from the bondage and slavery of sin at the instant they accept CHRIST as their Savior. They are on a journey to the Promised Land, Heaven. There will be many circumstances along their journey just as the Israelites experienced. It is through these circumstances that we build an intimate loving personal relationship with CHRIST. It is through our relationship with HIM that we move from having head knowledge about HIM to having heart knowledge of HIM. It is not easy but HE is always with us every step of the way. Our ultimate destination is to go to heaven, where GOD intended for us to be in the first place.

Sin separates us from GOD and that is why GOD allowed HIS Only SON to come to earth to be born and live as a human. HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted yet without sin. Living a sinless life made HIM the perfect sacrifice to pay in full the debt for sin. HE willingly and freely gave HIS life through HIS shed blood to pay in full the debt for sin. How do we know that HE paid the sin debt in full? It is because GOD raised HIM from the dead to live forever in HIS glorified body. HE is the example and the first to conquer death because HE defeated sin. It is impossible for any human to accomplish this but whereas we cannot do this for ourselves, faith in CHRIST accomplishes it for us. HE died in our place.

Do you recall our last lesson?  Paul was speaking in the Areopagus. In Acts 17:31 he stated - 31 because He (GOD) has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man (JESUS) He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”f

 

GOD will judge every person based upon the righteousness of CHRIST. We may think, “Oh my, that leaves me out.” Now, do you want the Good News?” Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:21 – He (GOD) made the One (CHRIST) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

This is why JESUS revealed in John 5:24 this fact:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life c Jn 6:53; 12:25; Ac 13:48; 1Jn 2:25 and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

 Do you want the security of eternal life? Ask CHRIST to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life. When you do, HE will and you will pass from sure death to sure eternal life with HIM. You will become GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth. Your Son-ship or Daughter-ship will never change. Salvation is GOD’S free gift to you through HIS Only Son, JESUS. Ask CHRIST into your heart now, eternity is only a heartbeat away. Blessings.  

Bible Study - Church - Transforming - Hit the Streets - Acts 17:16-34 - November 25, 2012

Bible Study – Church – Transforming – Hit the Streets - November 25, 2012

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “The Church: Transforming Lives in a Changing Culture.”

Our scripture is Acts 17:16-34.

As Christians we can go to church, Bible studies, conferences, have daily Bible studies and get the best training possible. But it comes down to us sharing the Good News of CHRIST with others as led by the Holy Spirit. Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world because CHRIST is in us and we are to share HIM with others as led by the Holy Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is a daily matter and that requires each Christian yielding his/her will to GOD. Christians read about the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Apostles and the lives of certain disciples of CHRIST and think that was for then or that cannot happen today. Many churches have failed to teach about yielding to and following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians believe that the Holy Spirit was for then and not now. But the Good News is that the Holy Spirit is alive and well and just as active and alive today as the day GOD allowed HIM to come to earth on the day of Pentecost. I believe we will see the resurgence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians in the coming years. It is time.

GOD provides the opportunity and the Holy Spirit empowers us and gives us the words to say when we hit the road as led and guided by HIM. Ask GOD to use you today to share with someone in need of Spiritual or physical needs. Notice how GOD used circumstances in Paul’s life to guide him to where GOD wanted him to be.

Let’s read Acts 17:13-15: (Background – Because of Jews accepting CHRIST as their Savior, the non-Christian Jews in Thessalonica got upset with the Apostle Paul and went after him. Fellow Christians took care of him by getting him out of Thessalonica. Paul went to Berea.)

13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that God’s message had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and disturbing the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul away to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy stayed on there. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.

A group of Jews from Thessalonica heard that Paul was preaching in Berea and they went there to cause trouble. The Christians in Berea scurried Paul away and placed him on a ship to Athens. Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.

Paul was in Athens waiting on Silas and Timothy to join him. He had time on his hands and Paul was not one to sit on his hands. Our next scripture revealed what he did while he waited.

What do we do when we wait? Do we look for opportunity to share the Good News of CHRIST? I know in my life, when I am some place and not upset with things not going according to schedule, I will utter a pray and ask the LORD to use me according to HIS will and purpose. Notice, when I am not upset with things not going according to my schedule. Satan uses our flesh nature to block the working of the Holy Spirit in and through our lives. That is why Christians must be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit.  

Let’s read Acts 17:16-21:

Paul in Athens

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was troubled within him when he saw that the city was full of idols.
17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.n Ac 9:20; 2Pt 2:8
18 Then also, some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers argued with him. Some said, “What is this pseudo-intellectualo Lit this seed picker; = one who picks up scraps trying to say?”Others replied, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign deities”—because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the Resurrection.p = Gk Anastasisq Ac 4:2; 17:31-32 19 They took him and brought him to the Areopagus,r Or Mars Hill, the oldest and most famous court in Athens with jurisdiction in moral, religious, and civil matters and said, “May we learn about this new teaching you’re speaking of?s Mk 1:27; Ac 17:22
20 For what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these ideas mean.”
21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new.

Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens. As he was killing time, the Holy Spirit was working within him and opened his eyes to all the idols in Athens. There were over 30,000 statues/shrines erected to various gods and goddesses. In case they missed a god, they had a shrine/altar representing the unknown god. This worked into GOD’S plan because it gave Paul an opportunity to talk about this unknown GOD.

The pagan worship of gods was in a city that boasted of great intellect, which troubled him greatly. It is sad but so often intellectuals find it difficult to accept CHRIST on faith. CHRIST and the working of the Holy Spirit defy human logic, until a person steps out in faith. The Good News is that after they step out in faith, their faith in CHRIST is confirmed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Their Spiritual eyes are opened and they see truth.

Athens was the cradle of Western civilization and the home to Greek mythology and philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus and Zeno. Even today, we attempt to intellectualize religion, especially Christianity. Christians must keep in mind that Christianity is CHRIST in them and not joining a certain church or becoming a member of a certain Christian organization. I have spoken to people that believe that since their parent or parents were Christian, that made them Christian. Christianity is having a personal relationship with CHRIST through the miracle of rebirth.

Paul being troubled in his Spirit had to take action. Now, when Christians are troubled in their Spirit, they have a choice. They can take action as led by the flesh or the Holy Spirit. It is vital that when we are troubled in the Spirit that the action we take is led by the Holy Spirit. Do you get troubled in your Spirit with the things that you see happening around you? Is our nation becoming more or less like CHRIST?

 

Paul “reasoned” with the Jews and non-Jews (others) who worshipped in the synagogue. The word “reasoned” carries the idea of discussing an important matter with reasonable confidence that you will win your point of view. Paul knew where the Jews were coming from because he had been trained under the best teacher of Judaism before giving his life to CHRIST. The other worshippers likely came out of a variety of pagan religions, which Paul could handle because he had encountered it all. Paul had given a great deal of thought to persuading both Jews and pagan worshippers into seeing the importance of them accepting CHRIST as the promised Messiah of the Jews and as their Savior. Paul also had taken the Gospel to those in the marketplace or the town square where he encountered many different religions and practices. He preached CHRIST and HIS resurrection to all he encountered.

Note verse 18. I think during his discussions prior to his dissertation at the Areopagus, he had covered and debated the details of the birth, life, death resurrection, ascension and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Notice, it is I think these fundamentals had been covered and either Paul did not go back to them or Doctor Luke chose not to put in those details in verses 22-31 because they were understood as basic to being a Christian.

Paul debated the Epicurean (EP ih kyoo REE uhn) and the Stoic philosophers. The Epicureans were founded by Epicurus (342-270 B.C.) who believed that gods were distant and uninvolved in human affairs. They did not believe in life after death. They believed that life should be enjoyed here and now. Their motto was “Enjoy Life!”

The Stoics were founded by Zeno (336-264 B.C.). Stoics believed in divine providence and that they were to live by reason – a mastery of feelings and actions formed high moral demands, which often led to pride or frustration. They believed at death, the spirit/divine spark of life, returned to the great world soul.

Neither of these groups was impressed with Paul or his message of JESUS and HIS resurrection. They considered Paul as a pseudo-intellectual or a babbler. They thought of him as someone who was not an original thinker but a person that stole ideas from others and then put his twist on the thoughts of other more enlightened people. The Greek word “pseudo-intellectual” means “seed-picker.” It depicts a bird picking up seeds or a vagrant picking up scraps of food that has been discarded. Paul being labeled as a “pseudo-intellectual” was not flattering. This same thing happens today. The intellectual community or famous people label people to discredit them. Many people are followers and adopt these false labels rather than thinking for themselves and reaching their own conclusions about a person or persons.

They thought that Paul was teaching about strange gods because he preached about JESUS and the resurrection. The philosophers likely thought that Paul was referring to two (2) gods – JESUS as the male god and “the resurrection” as the female goddess. The Greek word for resurrection is a female gender. Philosophers thought of male and female gods and goddesses such as Zeus and his wife Hera.

Although the philosophers and intellectuals were critical of Paul, they invited him to present his views in a formal setting. They took/brought him to the Areopagus (ehr ih AHP uh guhs) which was the meeting place of a council/court similar to the Supreme Court. It had authority over civic and religious matters in Athens; therefore, the philosophers were eager for fellow intellectuals to hear Paul speak about this strange philosophy. Areopagus means “the hill of Ares” the Greek god of war. In some translations it is translated as “Mars hill”, the Roman counterpart of Ares.

The bottom line was that the philosophers and others interested in probing the depths of something new and strange wanted to hear what Paul had to say. Curiosity can lead to good or bad things.

Let’s go back to consider all that had gone on with Paul to get him to this point. GOD knew the opportunity that existed in Athens. Paul had the message that those in Athens needed to hear. GOD knew that Paul could hold his own in presenting and discussing the Gospel with the intellectual community. GOD had to get Paul from Berea to Athens without Silas and Timothy, plus give him time to explore Athens to prepare him for the opportunity that HE would give him.

There are times when GOD has to move us to accomplish HIS will and purpose. GOD knew Paul and his nature which HE used to present the Gospel to those seeking truth in Athens, without them knowing it.

When all the people had gathered in the Areopagus to hear Paul, he stood and began to speak.

Let’s read Acts 17:22-23:

The Areopagus (ehr ih AHP uh guhs) Address

22 Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect.
23 For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.

Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, where all could hear him. GOD had been preparing Paul for this moment as he walked around Athens and spoke to the religious and non-religious people. He connected with the people and as such knew many things about the culture and their religious concerns.

This is helpful whenever Christians bear witness to others. It is always good to know something about the person or persons and their culture of those to whom you are speaking. It is good to build a relationship first, if possible. In Paul’s situation, GOD had been leading, guiding and preparing him for this moment.

When all had gathered, Paul stood and greeted them with a gracious opening. He complemented them on being extremely religious. The Greek word which has been translated “religious” can also be translated “superstitious.” They were religious but by the same token they were afraid to leave a god out, therefore, they had covered themselves by having an altar to “THE UNKNOWN GOD.”

When Paul began, he did not begin by condemning them but in a way he did, they just did not comprehend it. Because Paul, had time to explore Athens before he spoke, he saw many objects of their worship. They had over 30,000 idols set up to honor various gods. In particular, there was an altar that had an inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” That was Paul’s opening for him to speak about this unknown GOD. Since they knew nothing about this unknown GOD, they were all ears and eager to hear about HIM. Paul was the one to teach them about HIM.

People, even Christians, attempt to cover themselves today by embracing various superstitions and cult like activities. We read our horoscopes, carry our lucky whatever, put on lucky clothing and react to various superstitions e.g. black cat crossing in front of us, knocking over a salt shaker, not wearing a certain color, breaking a mirror and the list goes on. We do not want bad luck to come our way, so we do various things to ward it off. GOD is in control of all things and HE is protection.

Paul referred to something that most in his audience were eager to hear. They wanted to know about the “UNKNOWN GOD” and JESUS/resurrection. It is good to establish common ground or something to which most can relate when speaking to a group of people. The Holy Spirit was empowering Paul with the message GOD wanted him to deliver. GOD knows the hearts and needs of every individual. When a Christian speaks as led by the Holy Spirit, the message finds its targets. Paul revealed to his audience that the GOD he was speaking about is the GOD that made heaven, the world and everything in it.

Let’s read Acts 17:24-31:

24 The God who made the world and everything in itt Isa 42:5; Ac 14:15—He is Lord of heaven and earthu Dt 10:14; Ps 115:16; Mt 11:25 and does not live in shrines made by hands.v Ac 7:48
25 Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything,w Jb 22:2; Ps 50:10-12 since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things.x Gn 2:7; Jb 27:3; 33:4; Zch 12:1
26 From one many Other mss read one blood He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.z Dt 32:8; Jb 12:23; Mal 2:10
27 He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.a Dt 4:7; Jr 23:23-24; Ac 14:17
28 For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’b This citation is from Aratus, a third-century b.c. Gk poet.c Jb 12:10; Dn 5:23; Tit 1:12
29 Being God’s offspring then, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination.d Isa 40:18-19; Rm 1:23
30 “Therefore, having overlookede Lk 24:47; Ac 14:16; Rm 3:25; Tit 2:11-12; 1Pt 1:14; 4:3 the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent,
31 because He has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”f   

Paul began by giving some of the attributes of this unknown GOD with his goal of focusing upon JESUS and what HIS resurrection means to those who accept HIM as their Savior. GOD is the One Who made the world and everything in it including every human. HE is not only the creator of all things but HE is the LORD over both heaven and earth.

Being LORD over heaven would mean that HE was ruler over all their gods, if they existed. HE is the creator of mankind. Since HE is LORD, HE is not confined to shrines or represented by objects fashioned out of gold, silver and stone crafted by human hands and human imagination.

HE is the LORD of the heavens. HE does not depend upon people for HIM to exist. People are dependent upon HIM for their existence. HE gives everyone life, breath and all things. HE is not distant and hard for anyone to find. HE loves people and reaches out to everyone. HE dwells among people and is their provider. All any person has to do is reach out to HIM 24/7 and HE is there. Some of the philosophers believed that gods were fickle and aloof. This dispelled this concept by the true GOD and Father of CHRIST being readily available.

Paul goes into the origin of the human race.

From one man, Adam, GOD made every nationality. Adam is the origin of mankind. GOD is in charge of all life even to the point of determining when, where, to whom a person will be born and live. HE also determines the lifespan of the person. Paul was saying GOD is everywhere upon the face of the earth. In essence, you may think HE is confined to Athens but HE is universal because HE is omnipresent. Anyone anywhere can reach out to GOD in the name of JESUS.  

Paul quoted “we live and move and exist” from one of the Greek poets, Epimenides 600 B.C., who was from Crete. He then quoted another Greek poet Aratus of Soli (315-240 B.C.), “For we are also His offspring.” The poet’s references were likely to Zeus but we know that Paul was not talking about Zeus or any other god. He was speaking about the true GOD. Paul reminded his audience that the poets had acknowledged the existence of people was the result of being GOD’S offspring. If people were the offspring of GOD then we shouldn’t think the divine nature of GOD can be captured in objects made of gold, silver, stone and fashioned or crafted by human imagination or art.

Many of us recognize and acknowledge the existence of a higher being, who we call GOD. Our human nature tries to produce what we feel in our inner most being. GOD understands this and realizes that people do this through ignorance. But a new day has come into the world through GOD’S only Son, JESUS.

GOD commands all people everywhere to repent. Repent means to turn around and go in the opposite direction. People have been embracing various gods and pagan ideologies but now GOD has been revealed through HIS only Son JESUS CHRIST Who came to earth as a human, lived and dwelled among people. It is not clear whether or not Paul had already addressed the complete history of CHRIST and HIS passion.

Paul made it clear that GOD had set a specific day when all people will be judged. This will be everyone who has ever lived. Everyone will be judged in righteousness by the Man HE has appointed. This Man is JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S only Son who GOD allowed to come to earth to live as a human, to be tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. HE gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood, and paid pay in full the debt for sin. As proof that the Man in fact accomplished HIS purpose, GOD resurrected HIM from the dead. The resurrection confirms that HE was and still is the true SON of GOD.

CHRIST is the righteous standard by which all people will be judged because HE lived upon earth as a human and remained sinless. The beauty is that all who believe in the Man will not be judged but has passed from death to life. John 5:24:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

 Although all of this was not stated we know it is implicit in the reason CHRIST came to earth and gave HIS life to redeem all who will believe in HIM from sin and its consequence death.

We need to see the rest of the story.

Let’s read Acts 17:32-34:

32 When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him. But others said, “We’d like to hear from you again about this.” 33 Then Paul left their presence. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

When Paul’s audience heard about the resurrection, a number of them went into a frenzy, which broke up the session. Some wanted to hear more at another time and some believed. Dionysius was a member of the court and believed in what Paul had presented.

When Christians give testimony regarding CHRIST, they must not get discouraged if the message of salvation through CHRIST is not embraced by all hearers. We can rejoice in those who respond and we can know that GOD’S word never returns void. HIS Word will hide in a person’s heart until the right moment occurs for GOD to appeal to that person to make a decision to accept or reject CHRIST as his/her Savior. Salvation is the work of GOD in every life. Our part is to present the Good News as HE gives opportunity. Sometimes we have the joy of witnessing the results but often salvation may come later.

As we conclude this study, it is vital that all Christians yield their lives such that they are willing to be filled by the Holy Spirit and to be led as the Holy Spirit leads and directs them.

Our physical churches are made up of living stones crafted by the indwelling Holy Spirit. When Christians are in unity with the Holy Spirit they are in unity with each other and that unity can change the world because CHRIST is the head.

America, it is time for all Christians to place their hands on the plow and move as led by the Holy Spirit as we all march toward our final destination, which is heaven. We are all one heartbeat away from eternity.

Christians have the message of hope, forgiveness, joy and the love of GOD through CHRIST. The world is hungry and thirsty for truth and the message of salvation. Christians are to share the light they have with others and be the salt that GOD intended for them to be. Salt makes food more savory and it also makes one thirsty. May others see CHRIST in you and thirst for what you have in HIM!

Blessings to all and I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Bible Study - Church - Transforming Lives - Engage in Kingdom Building - Acts 13:1-4 and 14:21-28 - November 18, 2012

Bible Study – Church – Transforming Lives – Engage in Kingdom Building – November 18, 2012

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “The Church: Transforming Lives in a Changing Culture

Our scripture is Acts 13:1-4; 14:21-28.

The overarching theme of our studies is that Holy Spirit led churches transform and build the kingdom of GOD by making disciples. We, as disciples, must also be willing to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. It is through committed disciples that GOD has chosen to work and build HIS kingdom. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit that transforms the lives of Christians, to the extent they are willing. Those filled with the Holy Spirit and equipped with the gifts of the Holy Spirit reach out to those within the body of believers to build the body. In turn, the body of believers/the church as led by the Holy Spirit, reaches outside of the church to the community and world around them to build the kingdom. This is the ideal but anytime Christians offer a drink a cup of cold water, GOD acknowledges it.

Up to this point in our study, we have referred to Christians as followers of CHRIST. It was in the church at Antioch where followers of CHRIST were first called Christians as reported in Acts 11:25-26:

25 Then he (Barnabas) went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Doctor Luke wrote the book of Acts and referred to Paul as Saul and vice versa. Saul was Paul’s Jewish name and Paul was Saul’s Latin or Roman name.   

The Christian church at Antioch was the first Christian church to have the vision to reach out beyond their city to others with the Gospel of CHRIST. The Christian church in Jerusalem was the foundational base for Christianity but the Church in Antioch became the center of activity.

Let’s read Acts 13:1-4:

Preparing for the Mission Field

1 In the church that was at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of •Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to.” 3 Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

The Mission to Cyprus

4 Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

The church at Antioch was unique. It was the first missionary church. They crossed racial, geographical and ethnic barriers to evangelize Gentiles. It was an evangelistic church. The church began when some followers of CHRIST were being persecuted in Jerusalem after the stoning of Stephen and fled. They planted a church.  

The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas, the encourager, to Antioch. He encouraged members of the church to reach out to others with the Gospel. The ministry in Antioch was going great and Barnabas needed help. So he went to Tarsus in search of Saul and invited him to help him in Antioch.

Saul, who we know as Paul, had gone to Jerusalem after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. He met with the Apostle Peter and JESUS’ brother James. The Christian leaders in Jerusalem did not trust Paul because of his association with the Jewish religious leaders and the fact that he was responsible for killing Christians. But Barnabas took Saul under his wing and vouched for him to no avail. Saul was taken to the coast and placed on a ship to Tarsus, which was his home. After returning to Tarsus, Saul ministered to and evangelized Gentiles in that area for about ten (10) years. Brother Barnabas, the encourager, needed help in Antioch and went to Tarsus to find Saul and solicit his help in Antioch. 

The church in Antioch was an encouraging church, a teaching church, a giving church, a ministering church and a missionary church. They had quite a Christian legacy of being faithful and obedient to the call of GOD.

Doctor Luke reported that the church was led by prophets and teachers. Prophets and teachers are gifts of the Holy Spirit. This formed the foundation of the church. Luke listed the names of the leaders:

-         Barnabas, the encourager and a Levite. This is the same Barnabas we studied in our lesson last week. He sold a field and gave all the money from the sale of the field to the Apostles to be used as needed for the common good of fellow Christians. Cyprus was Barnabas’s home. Cyprus was under Roman rule but its culture remained Greek.

-         Simeon who was called Niger (NIGH guhr), which means black. He likely came from Cyrene or some place in Northern Africa.

-         Lucius (LYOO shuhs) the Cyrenian. He was from Cyrene the capital of Libya. Some speculate that this was Luke but most Bible scholars dismiss this.   

-         Manaen (MAN-uh-en), a close friend of •Herod the tetrarch. His close relationship with Herod is the likely source of intimate information on the Herodian family and came from a high social class.

-         Saul, we know as Paul. Saul was a Pharisee and trained under the best Jewish teacher. He considered himself a Pharisee of Pharisees. He is first mentioned at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He went on to persecute and have Christians placed in prison and killed until his conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus. As already mentioned, Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was his Roman name. He was born in Tarsus in Cilicia. He was a Roman citizen but raised in the Greek culture. It is believed that his father was a Roman citizen.

-         Prophets were GOD’S messengers. GOD spoke through them to reveal HIS will either positive or negative. GOD revealed something that HE wanted done or revealed when a rebuke was necessary because of sin. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. GOD’S desire is for our pastors, preachers and evangelist to reveal what HE has placed upon their hearts to others.

-         Teachers explain what GOD has revealed through prophecy and its application. Being a teacher is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

The church in Antioch had both prophets and teachers. When both are in a church we see the results, when all are in unity with the Holy Spirit. We see the results of church leadership being led by the Holy Spirit and this applies to churches today.

We see in verse 2, that the church was focused on being obedient to the will of the Lord. They sought to do HIS will and as such they were listening to and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The leadership received a clear message from GOD to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a special purpose. Setting apart for the special purpose and use by GOD is where we get the word “sanctification.”

We see that they were ministering and fasting when they received the message from GOD. They were seeking GOD’S direction for them as a body of believers. Fasting was not a routine part of the early church but it was when they were seeking the will and direction of GOD. Once HIS will was revealed to them, they implemented what GOD had revealed. They fasted, prayed and laid hands on Barnabas and Saul and then sent them out. GOD sent them on the first missionary journey to Cyprus.

The obedience of the church revealed the hearts of its members. Their desire was to obediently serve GOD as they were led by the Holy Spirit.

Antioch was a church united for the purpose of GOD. How often do our churches miss GOD given opportunities because its leadership does not have the vision or faith to obediently serve GOD? Often making excuses such as, we don’t have the money to do so and so or we have needs here at home that must be met first, then, we can go to other places. The key is, “What is GOD telling you to do?” There are times when we have to wait but GOD tells us to wait. It is vital not to get ahead of GOD.

In such situations, church leaders must have the gifts of discernment and faith. This is why church leadership must be led by the Holy Spirit. Work in and around our communities is important but it is also important to reach outside our boundaries when led by the Holy Spirit. It is also important not to reach until the Holy Spirit leads.

The church leaders in Antioch were fasting, praying and working locally until the Lord called them to reach further with the Gospel. It seems that Barnabas and Saul were being trained in the model church at Antioch to prepare them. When the time was right GOD called them to duplicate that model elsewhere.

Barnabas and Saul were commissioned for the calling of GOD. After fasting, praying and the laying on of their hands, the church sent them off. It was likely that the entire congregation fasted, prayed and laid their hands on them. It was a unified effort.

This may have had a two-fold purpose. When we consider that the congregation was in unity with the Holy Spirit, were they verifying the call of GOD before they sent Barnabas and Saul on their trip as well as commissioning them for the call? There is nothing wrong in making sure of GOD’S call when we are in right relationship with GOD through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

They went to Cyprus and after evangelizing there, they continued to evangelize as led by the Holy Spirit.  

Let’s read Acts 14:21-22:

Church Planting

21 After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,t Mt 28:19; Ac 13:51
22 strengthening theu Lit the souls of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faithv Ac 11:23; 13:43 and by telling them, “It is necessary to pass through many troublesw Lk 22:48; Jn 15:20; 16:33; Ac 9:16; Rm 8:17; 1Th 3:3; 2Tm 3:12 on our way into the kingdom of God.”

 

After Barnabas and Saul left Cyprus, they sailed to the country we know today as Turkey. They were proclaiming the Gospel and planting/establishing churches. After they had accomplished what GOD had led them to do in Derbe, the most distant point from Antioch, they returned to churches which had been established. They visited them and encouraged them because young churches are vulnerable. Doctor Luke listed those churches – Lystra (LISS truh), Iconium (igh (eye) KOH nih uhm) and Antioch (This was not the town that sent them but it was Pisidian (pih SID ih uhn) Antioch located in southern Galatia). Barnabas and Saul risked their lives by returning to these churches. In Lystra Saul was stoned and left for dead. In Iconium there were plots to stone them. They had been driven out of Pisidian Antioch.

Barnabas and Saul encouraged these new churches by encouraging them to stay focused on GOD’S word and the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Staying focused on the core beliefs regarding CHRIST is vital when difficult times come into either the lives of Christians or the life of the church body. This helped prepare the early churches for those difficult times which would come.

They told them that living the Christian life and obediently serving GOD was not easy. Often Christians attempt to sugar coat the Christian life. So often, Christians live in the power of their own strength and fail. Many Christians do not know the power and strength of the indwelling Holy Spirit which is vital as we journey as Christians and are building the kingdom of GOD. It is vital that Christians are empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which is accomplished by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct and empower their lives.

Barnabas and Saul knew the importance of structure within the body of the church. This could have come from Saul’s military training or the structure of the Jewish church. This leads us to our next scripture.

Let’s read Acts 14:23-28:

23 When they had appointed eldersx Ac 11:30; 13:3; 20:32; Tit 1:5 in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.
25 After they spoke the message in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
26 From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.y Ac 11:19; 13:3
27 After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with themz Ac 15:12; 21:19 and that He had opened the doora 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col 4:3; Rv 3:8 of faith to the Gentiles.
28 And they spent a considerable timeb Or spent no little time with the disciples.

Barnabas and Saul returned to the churches which had been planted. Whether a new church or a new Christian, it is vital that they not be dropped after being established or receiving salvation. Nurturing new Christians is often a failing in many churches.

Barnabas and Saul were planting churches whose members were most likely coming out of pagan religions. They were led to return to these new churches, not only to see how they were doing, but to answer questions. They also established organizational structure to the churches by selecting elders who were appointed by the church.

As mentioned earlier, fasting was not a routine practice of the early church. They fasted when they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to make a decision.

We see that Barnabas and Saul committed those chosen to fill leadership positions to the Lord. They appointed elders. The word “elder” was a Jewish term, whereas bishop was a Greek term used for the same office. As used here “elders” referred to mature believers. Notice that the plural for elder was used. Therefore, more than one elder was selected to lead the church, who, in turn, were appointed by the church.

The word “appointed” refers to the raising or stretching of the hand. This suggests a voting process. It is likely that those selected as elders were voted on by the church members. The church members fasted when they prayed. The selection of church leadership is serious business and our attention needs to be dedicated to selecting those called by GOD to serve.

Barnabas and Saul trusted the leadership of the Holy Spirit to lead them to choose the right leaders and they committed them to the Lord. They trusted the Holy Spirit would lead and guide them to do what was needed to be done.

Later in scripture, Paul made it clear that a new Christian should not be made an elder because he had not grown and matured Spiritually.

The word “elder” has different meanings in various churches. In some Baptist churches it means “pastor.”

Barnabas and Saul visited all the churches which had been established. They traveled to Pisidia (pih SID ih uh) a mountainous area, Pamphylia (pam FIL ih uh) the lowlands, Perga (PUHR guh) the capital of the Roman province of Pamphylia, where Mark had left them earlier, and Attalia (at uh LIGH uh) the seaport of Perga.

They committed the leadership, the congregation and their future, to the LORD. It was a commissioning and trusting of the new churches to the care of the LORD through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. They left these new churches full of confidence that they were in the hands of GOD. The Holy Spirit would lead, guide and sustain them. The elders, under the authority of the Holy Spirit, would shepherd and guide the congregation.

After revisiting all the churches which had been established, they returned to Antioch, the church that had commissioned them to go. They gave a report to the church at Antioch about their missionary journey. Bible scholars are not sure how long Barnabas and Saul were gone but speculation is they were gone one to two years.

This pattern is followed by most churches today. When a church sends missionaries out, they return to give a report to the congregation. A report reveals how the Lord worked in the lives of various people, their own lives and the life of the church or area they went to. In turn, such reports encourage those who remained behind and supported those who went with their prayers and money. It often revitalizes the members of the church that sent the missionaries or the teams and helps them to focus on the importance of both the Spiritual and physical needs of those locally in the church, their community and the world.

America is at a crossroads and we as Christians must be in much prayer about our future as a Christian nation. We must seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit and take a stand as led. As Christians, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit and obediently serve our LORD as led by the Holy Spirit. This must begin with me. As Christians, it is not something that we can delegate to others. Ground zero is each Christian. It is not you but me. Each Christian is accountable to GOD. When HE calls will we respond? Is the LORD building HIS kingdom through us or our church? Blessings!!!