Acts: When Church Comes to Life

Acts 1-2

(outline - Wed. Jan. 6)

Tonight I want to cover three areas:

First, I want to share some general introductory material that may help us put Acts in the proper historical context.

Second, I want to give you a brief outline on the first two chapters of Acts.

Third, I want to share a brief devotional challenge from Acts 1:14 that propels us forward toward the kind of commitment required for us to be an effective church.

Part I General introductory remarks:

1. Acts provides a great kickoff to our theme of new connections in 2010.

2. John Stott says Acts gives us a glimpse into the honeymoon period of the early church.

3. Luke 1:1-4 introduces us to Luke who is historian, diplomat, and theologian/evangelist.

4. Most believe the book was written between 60-70 AD. Others more specifically make a case for 63-64 AD.

5. The book of Acts seems to be organized around Acts 1:6-8 commission: Acts 1-8:5, centers around Jerusalem, 8:5 – 13:1 chronicles work in Judea and Samaria, and 13:1-28:31 involves the uttermost part of the earth.

6. Acts is a history book that contains 14 major sermons.

7. Acts 13 and following details 4 missionary journeys of Paul and teammates.

8. Acts includes accounts of spiritual intervention, unlikely conversions, ethical dilemmas, emerging leadership models, missional paradigms, personal transformation, intense persecution, and unexpected deliverance.

9. There are 4 major theological strands in Acts, each proposing a doctrinal framework and each debunking or subverting historical and contemporary myths.

a. soteriology- the doctrine of salvation in Acts is one of diverse encounters but a common experience.

b. pneumatology- the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in which a variety of phenomenon are experienced with common spirit but not common phenomena.

c. ecclesiology- the doctrine of the church as a movement, a network of believers who always stands at risk of legalism and institutionalism.

d. missiology – the doctrine of missional ministry which looks after the enrichment and expansion of the kingdom, a type of serving in Jesus’ name where nothing is expected in return.

Part 2 Outline

Acts 1-2:

1. Acts 1:1-11 Ascension and Commission

2. Acts 1:12-26 Replacing Judas

3. Acts 2:1-13 Notably grand entrance of the Holy Spirit

4. Acts 2: 14-41 Peter’s Passionate Gospel Sermon

5. Acts 2: 42-47 The New Testament church is born.

Part 3 Devotional: In This for Good

Acts 1:14 TM “They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers.”

I Corinthians 15:1 TM “Friends, let me go over the Message with you one final time— this Message that I proclaimed and that you made your own; this Message on which you took your stand and by which your life has been saved. (I'm assuming, now, that your belief was the real thing and not a passing fancy,that you're in this for good and holding fast.)

Keywords:

1. seriousness: Affirming they were in this for good, indicated the seriousness of their commitment.

2. sacrifice- Acknowledging they were in this for good implies that the believers were beginning to understand the sacrifices that would be required as they would “take up their cross” to follow the way of Jesus.

3. service- Assuring they were in this for good, prepared them to serve with consistency and accountability.

To make us more effective, God is leading us away from wavering commitments, and calling us to live in a way that others know we are “in this for good.”

The Church—Alive and Growing!

As I am preparing for our series in Acts I am reading the book of Acts in multiple translations and I am re-reading and researching numerous books that provide greater insight and understanding about this strategic book of the Bible. Those books include The Spirit, the Church, and the World by John Stott, The Book of Acts by Frank Stagg, the Acts of the Apostles by Charles Ryrie, and The Church—Alive and Growing by J. Terry Young.

The latter book, The Church---Alive and Growing, was written in 1987 by one of my seminary professors at New Orleans, Dr. J. Terry Young. Dr. Young begins his book with this assessment:

There are churches of all kinds, mediocre churches, indifferent churches, “average churches,” big churches, little churches. And then there are effective churches. Nearly any church can be an effective church if it will do three things:

• Maintain a vital, faithful relationship to its head, Jesus Christ.
• Have a proper self-understanding of what the church is, and what it is to do.
• Follow sound principles of conducting its ministry.

In describing what he means by effectiveness, Young contends that “size alone is a poor measure of effectiveness.” Rather, he says, Effectiveness is…

• Doing an excellent work of ministering in the community where the church exists.
• Adequately meeting the needs the church sees within its membership and its community.
• Doing well what that church ought to be doing. (For example, using our unique strengths and our gifts.)
• Producing a steady stream of converts who are guided into maturity and led into productive service in the work of the church.
• Make a telling impact on the community surrounding the church so that it is a better place because of the presence of the church.

I am excited about life and ministry at FBC Pensacola during 2010, not because we are doing all of the above to perfection, but because one by one our members are connecting with opportunities for effective ministry through Samaritan Hands, our Allie Yniestra Partnership, Bridges Out of Poverty, Angel Food Ministries, Health and Hope Clinic, and many others. Of course, to be truly effective, our most important connection must be to Jesus Christ. This year…once we are connected…our aim is to help people connect with God and others through Jesus Christ.

The book of Acts gives us a glimpse into the birth of the early church, a church that is alive and growing. This Sunday we are focused on When Church Comes to Life from Acts 2:1-4, 42-47.

As we continue our study of the book of Acts, I challenge each of us to do three things:

• Read the book of Acts in two or more translations.
• Bring your Bible and notepad to Bible study and worship.
• Be a faithful participant throughout our 13 week series.

First Baptist Church is a good church, a friendly church, a caring church, and welcoming church. Join me in praying that God will grow us into a more effective church in 2010.

(Check out www.fbcpnotes.blogspot.com for the notes and outlines from the Acts series.)

Connections That Are Central

(Jan. 3 – Sermon outline)

Acts 1:1-11

Introduction:

1. If you’ve purchased or received any electronics recently, …such as a tv, a dvr, a blueray disc player, or even a game boy… one of the most challenging tasks is figuring out the best way to connect the wires and cables. Most have more cable connections than Baskin Robbins has flavors. Our new TV has 9 inputs, and we only need one or two. So the question is, which ones are necessary for our usage?

2. It occurs to me that over the years, church has become like some of our electronics….we have multiple inputs and the challenge is to discover where you need to plug in.

3. Today we are starting a series on the book of Acts. Acts gives us historical examples of the good things that happen When Church Comes to Life.

4. During these 13 weeks, I want to ask you to read the book of Acts in at least two translations, to bring a Bible with you to worship and Bible study, and to aim for 100% participation during this series.

5. Highlights of this study include the birth of the church, the introduction of the Holy Spirit, the conversion of Saul, the launching of the first missionary movement, the conveyance of the gospel to non-Jewish people, and the emerging of the first church leadership model.

6. The book of Acts sets the stage for our theme for 2010….to help people connect with God and others through Jesus Christ.

7. Let’s begin in Acts 1: When the disciples asked Jesus, When are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?,

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:7-8 NIV

Outline: Remember and reflect on these three key words…

1. Vocation

a. Our primary vocation is to be a witness…a living example of God’s grace, a consistent conduit of God’s love.

b. Our secondary vocation is the career path you choose which enables you to best be a witness.

c. God is calling and has called some of us to be pastors, chaplains, and missionaries and some of us to be attorneys, medical professionals, business professionals, educators, and support personnel, just to name a few. Our primary vocation is lived out through our secondary vocation.

2. Location

a. Our primary location for being a witness is where we live, work, and serve.

b. Our secondary location is wherever we travel or invest ourselves recreationally, financially, and recreationally around the globe.

c. Wherever you are, you can be an authentic witness reflecting the love and grace of God.

d. As a church, we are to be engaged in missions and ministry in Jerusalem…our hometown, Judea and Samaria…our region or state, and around the globe.

3. Motivation

a. Our primary motivation for being an authentic witness is Jesus. No other motivational source is sufficiently consistent and dependable.

b. Our secondary motivation is the joy of serving in the body of Christ.

c. No one person…no mentor, no trainer, no coach, no counselor, no minister… is responsible for motivating you. Significant persons may inspire you, encourage you, and equip you, but Jesus is the ultimate motif of Christian living.

Conclusion:

As we begin a new year and a new decade, take the whole complicated maze of cables that represent the priorities of your life and start making your central connections. Start simple. Start by affirming your connection to Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior. And then develop stronger, more faithful connections to your vocation, your current location, and your ultimate motivation.

Celebrate the True Joy of Christmas

Christmas is a time for festive décor, bountiful feasts, family gatherings, joyful worship, and compassionate acts of caring. Although we enjoy many of the popular songs and stories of Christmas, the true spirit of the season comes from biblical stories that have been preserved and passed on to us across many generations, stories about the greatest gift ever given.

To celebrate the true joy of Christmas, many members of our First Baptist Family have been involved in projects of caring and sharing during the holidays. Whether at work, at church, or at school, all generations have been engaged in missions and ministries through Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan Hands, our Global Missions Offering, our Homeless Dinner, White Christmas, Angel Food Ministries, our Allie Yniestra Partnership, and numerous other local projects.

This Sunday we will meet for Bible study at 8:45. Our combined service of worship begins at ten o’clock in the sanctuary. The Choir of the Ages will lead us in music. Our pre-schoolers and children will enjoy a Children’s Christmas Feature. And Paul Hood-Patterson will share a message on Expectations from Micah 5:2-5. You are encouraged to dress casually in the colors of Christmas.

On Thursday evening December 24, we will meet at five o’clock for our annual service of Candles and Carols. As we celebrate the true joy of Christmas, invite a friend or neighbor to join you as we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Throughout Advent we have been reminded that “joy gives me strength.” My prayer is that the joy of knowing and following Christ will re-energize each of us and prepare us to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of 2010.

On behalf of our entire team of ministers, we wish for you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Search Me and Restore the Joy

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

-Prayer from Psalm 139 and 51

Advent is a great season to Discover the Joy of Christ-centered living. During the first two Sundays of Advent we have been challenged to re-discover the joy by (1) lightening our load and (2) coming clean with God.

This Sunday we are visiting Luke 3:7-18 where John proclaims God’s initiative as Swinging at the Root of the Problem.

In this season of Advent, we are re-energized with candles and carols, prophecies and promises, friendship and festivity. On the first Sunday of Advent, we lit the Prophecy Candle, reminding us of the messianic promises rendered by prophets long ago. Last Sunday we lit the Angels Candle, highlighting the angelic announcements to Elizabeth and Zechariah, to Joseph and Mary, and to Shepherds watching their flocks by night. This Sunday we will light the Shepherds Candle, a reminder of our responsibility to share the good news about the child born in Bethlehem.

Last Sunday morning, we were blessed as our Chapel Choir presented the Manger Suite. On Sunday evening, we enjoyed an energetic concert by our Melody Makers, Music Makers, Young Musicians, and Clarion Choir.

This Sunday evening, our Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present The Messiah at six o’clock. Invite a friend or neighbor to join you as we celebrate with the music of the season.

This week is our Week of Prayer for International Missions. In addition to our tithe, Amanda and I are writing our check for our annual Christmas Offering for Global Missions. We invite you to join us as we prayerfully and financially support the ministry of our mission partners around the world.

As our Advent journey continues and as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, ask the Lord to search your heart and restore your joy.

Getting Re-Acquainted with Joy!

(sermon outline for Wednesday December 2)

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

Introduction:

1. Joy is more than a fleeting emotion. Not to be confused with happiness, gladness, temporal gratification, or satisfaction.
2. NT word- charos- refers to the joy of pleasing God, delight in what is right, or the joy of a lasting promise.
3. Joy gives me strength.

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Outline:

1. Joy enables us to receive and share good news.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

2. Joy sustains us in times of suffering.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

3. Joy transforms us.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, Psalm 30:11

4. Joy motivates us to live and serve by faith.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

I Peter 1:8

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. III John 1:4

5. Joy restores our willingness.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

Conclusion:

Joy is tough. Joy is durable. Joy perseveres.

The lyrics of a favorite camp song we used to sing says, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart.” Why not let the joy rise to the surface?

What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket. Vance Havner

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Advent

It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent. Throughout this season of preparation for the coming of Christ, our campus is alive with prophecies and promises, trees and trimming, and candles and carols. Last Sunday in worship the Prophecy Candle was lighted, reminding us of the messianic promises rendered by prophets long ago.

This Sunday during each of our worship services we will light the Angels Candle, highlighting the angelic announcements to Elizabeth and Zechariah, to Joseph and Mary, and to Shepherds watching their flocks by night.

As we continue our Advent series, Discover the Joy!, we will explore Malachi 3:1-5 as we encounter “The God Who Scrubs.” In the Midmorning Service, our Chapel Choir will present The Manger Suite.

Also this week we will share in the Parade of Flags in each of our services as we kick off the Week of Prayer for International Missions. During this season, pray specifically for those who serve as our mission partners around the globe. And give a generous gift to our Christmas Missions Offering.

On Sunday evening, we will gather at six o’clock in the sanctuary for Children Rejoice, a concert of seasonal music presented by the Children’s Choirs. Then, on December 13 at six o’clock, our Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present The Messiah.

Our Children’s Ministry has done an excellent job of coordinating and preparing the 2009 Advent Devotional Book. This is a great resource for guiding your Advent reflections. Also, to enrich your devotional time, check out www.d365.org/followthestar, an online Advent devotional experience.

Advent is a great time to invite a neighbor to join you as we gather for worship to Discover the Joy of following Christ.