Bible Study - God's Story - JESUS Commissions HIS Chruch - Luke 24 and Acts 1 and 2 - August 18, 2013

Bible Study – God’s Story – JESUS Commissions HIS Church – August 18, 2013

This is lesson twelve in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:6-8; 2:41-47

JESUS was crucified, buried, resurrected and had been on earth for 40 days. Over 500 people witnessed HIS presence in HIS new resurrected and Glorified body upon earth before HIS ascension into heaven. Our first scripture focuses on JESUS preparing HIS disciples for HIS return to heaven or HIS ascension because HIS mission up to that point had been accomplished.

Our scripture in Luke 24:44-49 was JESUS preparing HIS disciples for the coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Luke 24:44-49:

44 Then He told them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you —that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”

JESUS reminded HIS disciples of what HE had taught them regarding the scripture. The prophesy was recorded in the Old Testament scriptures. HE outlined three main divisions, which reflected the three main sections of the Torah and the Katibim, or the writings which included the remainder of the books in the Old Testament:

 - the Law of Moses. Known as the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible written by Moses,  

- the Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the 12 Minor Prophets

- and the Psalms had been fulfilled (This included the rest of the books in the Old Testament, including the Psalms.)

HE opened their minds to understand the scripture and revealed the parts of the Old Testament scripture that applied to HIM, the promised Messiah. The Jews often referred to the Messiah as the “son of David.” David and Solomon were the last kings to rule Israel as a united, powerful Jewish kingdom. That is why the Jews were looking for a political Messiah. They wanted a strong united, powerful kingdom and to get out from under Roman rule. However, GOD’S plan was to establish an even more powerful invisible kingdom of born-again believers by conquering the greatest enemy of all and that was sin and its consequence of eternal death. 

As a Christian, knowing and understanding the scriptures is very important but there is another very important factor. Scripture in its self has power and that is a good reason for Christians to memorize scripture. I am so glad I memorized scripture years ago because that is the only scripture that comes easily to my mind today. Christians worry about witnessing to others about receiving CHRIST as their Savior but if they will use scripture, the scripture is the power to bring understanding.

The message of salvation is repentance for sin and faith in CHRIST. CHRIST paid, in full, the price for sin, which was required by GOD. It took HIS only Son to pay that price for all who place their faith in HIM.  

The Holy Spirit could not come to indwell those who accepted CHRIST as their Savior until CHRIST returned to heaven and took HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, the Father. JESUS’ death and resurrection had prepared those who received CHRIST, by faith, to also receive the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul captured this in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

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

JESUS took the sin of those who will believe in HIM upon Himself and HIS righteousness was placed upon those who receive HIM as their Savior. Because of the cleansing, shed blood of CHRIST, the Holy Spirit can reside within the human body of those who place their faith in CHRIST. The Christian’s body becomes the temple of GOD, the Holy Spirit.

This is very hard to fathom because we, as Christians, remain in our humanness and many squelch the Holy Spirit, including me. Our vision of the Holy Spirit in our lives is often that of high emotion and outward expressions. It is often the still small voice and the quite leadership of the Holy Spirit that accomplishes GOD’S plan and purpose through those who yield their lives to HIM in obedient service. We must take steps of faith as led by the Holy Spirit and when we do, GOD will give us bigger steps of faith to take.

The Holy Spirit is the missing power in many of our churches and Christian organizations. We seek manmade ideas and leadership, when the power to change the world is embodied in the Holy Spirit and HIS leadership. HE has the vision and the vantage point from GOD’S perspective. Christians must first begin within themselves and seek the fullness of CHRIST in them and take steps of faith. When they do, GOD increases their opportunity to obediently serve HIM according to HIS plan and purpose.  

This leads us to our next scripture. Keep in mind that Doctor Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. In these first verses, we see Luke’s ending scripture in Luke as the lead-in scripture for Acts. The book of Acts could be titled “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” 

Let’s read Acts 1:6-8: (This is after the resurrection of JESUS and prior to HIS ascension into heaven.)

6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. (g)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends (h) of the earth.”  (i)

HIS disciples were assembled with CHRIST before HIS ascension. JESUS had spoken to them about the second coming and about the Kingdom of GOD and they wanted to know if this was the time when HE would establish HIS earthly kingdom and restore Israel.

JESUS made it clear that the future for establishing GOD’S Kingdom on earth was in HIS hands. A Christian’s role is to be obedient and trust GOD with the future because GOD is sovereign. Just as JESUS had revealed that prophesy regarding the Messiah had to be fulfilled to the letter, so would GOD’S full plan have to be accomplished before the end times. Until GOD says it is finished, the end will not come. Since, no one knows when that will be, we are admonished to be ready and stay ready for that instant. Eternity is but a heartbeat away and no one knows when it may beat its last beat or CHRIST will return. This is not to frighten people but it is just a fact.

JESUS told them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. When that happened, they were to witness to others about JESUS. They were to begin where they were, in Jerusalem and then spread the Good News in ever increasing areas as led by the Holy Spirit. It seems that the idea was as they spread the gospel, it would leave converts behind to grow and mature Spiritually. Those who are called would continue to go to the next area of opportunity and witness. As each expanded area presented the gospel, then those called were to move to the next area of opportunity and continue until the gospel reaches all people of the world.

GOD commissions Christians today to present the gospel wherever they are. They are to start with those closest to them – family, friends, fellow workers or anyone they come in contact with - and witness as the indwelling Holy Spirit gives them opportunity.

This leads us to the Day of Pentecost. The Apostle Peter was preaching. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and with the message of salvation. Peter, the very one who had denied CHRIST three times before HE was crucified, was preaching the gospel. Peter had repented and GOD had forgiven him, restored him and used him to preach salvation. GOD never gives up on HIS children. 

Let’s read Acts 2:41-47: (The Apostle Peter was preaching)

41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3, 000 people were added to them.

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, (y) to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. (z)

43 Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. (a)

44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. (b)

45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. (c)

46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the •temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, (d)

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them (e) those who were being saved. (f)

The Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, which was fifty days after the Passover. When the Holy Spirit came to earth to indwell those who placed their faith in CHRIST, physical evidence manifested HIS arrival. There was sound and what appeared to be tongues of fire. Fire generally indicates cleansing or purifying. GOD intended for this event to be heard and witnessed.  

The Apostle Peter preached and 3,000 people became Christians that day. These were 3,000 Christians filled with the Holy Spirit who would take the message of salvation to their homes, communities, towns, cities and various places. Where ever they went, they took the Good News of salvation. That is GOD’S plan. HE wanted to be an intimate part of HIS children’s lives. HE wanted them to have a personal relationship with HIM. When they have a personal relationship with HIM, they can be a witness of what they know and not what they think they know. HE wanted HIS children to have heart knowledge and not just head knowledge about HIM.

The word gospel means “good news.” When we accept CHRIST as our Savior and receive the Holy Spirit, GOD equips us, according to HIS plan for our lives, to witness and minister to others. Christians are equipped with various gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given according to GOD’S will, plan and purpose.

We often make salvation complicated but it is CHRIST in you that makes you a Christian. Christians today are truly blessed because we have the complete Bible, which the early Christians did not. We can read and study the Bible and read about the message CHRIST revealed to them when HE instructed them before HE ascended. As we ponder and explore the Scriptures for answers to Spiritual questions, we can and should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us and enlighten us. As we probe the depths of scripture we, in turn, can reveal what we learn to others.

Notice in verse 42, that the new converts were eager to learn from the Apostles. They even lived in a group and shared things in common so they could spend all the time possible learning from the Apostles. Learning is important but there comes a time when Christians must put into action what they are learning and being taught. We attend Sunday school and Bible studies but are we putting into practice what we are learning?

Verse 43 states that “fear” came over everyone. This was not fear as we know it. It was “awe.” When the Holy Spirit is working around us and through us, we stand in awe of HIS work. HE manifested Himself through many signs and wonders. HE still manifests Himself through signs and wonders today.

Why don’t we witness this today? Some do but many of us miss out because of our unbelief. We say, “Oh, that was for that day.” I don’t believe that for second. GOD is the same yesterday and today. HE is still all knowing, all powerful and in all places.

Christians believe in CHRIST and the presence of the Holy Spirit but they place boundaries and limits on what they think HE can do. JESUS told HIS disciples that the faith the size of a mustard seed will move mountains. But it is not our faith that brings it about or our ability but it is our faith in GOD because HE is the ONE Who does it. If we did it, we would get the big head.

Yes, GOD is at work today and is still in the mountain moving business. HE moves mountains of stubbornness, disbelief, disease, sorrow, hurts, strongholds and the list goes on. Yes, I believe HE can physically move a mountain or any other physical object that needs to be moved but the greatest miracle is salvation.

These Christians sold their goods and distributed them as others had need. Sharing the gospel and meeting the needs of others go hand-in-hand but a word of caution. There are scam artists who are eager to take advantage of Christians. I don’t mind helping but I do not want to be taken advantage of. Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Christian community of 3,000 grew because they were reaching out to the community around them. They were going to the temple every day to witness and worship. They came into contact with other worshippers who saw the change that CHRIST had made in their lives. They saw the unspeakable joy they had in CHRIST. The temple was the focal point for the community in Jerusalem, as well as for those coming from other areas to Jerusalem to worship. The Christians were eager to tell them that the Messiah had come and faith in HIM results in salvation and eternal life.

What was their message to others? All we have to do is read the New Testament. There was power in the name of JESUS. Oh, yes there were those who got very upset with the message of CHRIST because it threatened their position or business. The same is true today. Even in churches today there are those who want to define the activities of the church according to them and do not seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit. They do not want to give up their control or power. Tradition is a major stumbling block for many Christian organizations including churches and individual Christians.

In any community or city, the citizens of that community should know what is going on in the churches located there because the churches are reaching out to the community. If the church you attend would close its doors, would the community know it?

Christians get comfortable. We often question if we should open our doors and minister to those who don’t dress like us, act like us, speak like us or smell like us. That is why the community churches are the growth churches in many communities, because they open their doors to all. Even these community churches need to keep an eye on themselves and not become stuck in a rut. A rut is a grave with the ends knocked out. All Christians and those called to ministry must stay focused on CHRIST and be led by the Holy Spirit to remain fresh and refreshed.

If you are a Christian and have not been living the victorious life in CHRIST, yield your will and life to HIM and allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and control your life. Here I am LORD JESUS, take me as I am and make me into the Christian You want me to be.

If you do not know CHRIST as your Savior, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life now. HE will and if you did, then thank HIM for saving you and begin to read and study the Bible and pray. Ask the LORD to lead you to a church where you can grow Spiritually and obediently serve HIM. Welcome brother or sister to the family of GOD. Blessings!!!