Conflict!

The Book of Acts =>growth of Christianity=>conflict with the Jewish community


Why?? 
Gospel is:  #1.  offensive - (sinners, separated from God)
                #2.  intrusive - (evangelistic - written into DNA of the faith)
                #3.  exclusive - ( the "only way"0 - if don't come through Christ, don't get there

Therefore: 
It challenged their 1) religious beliefs - (temple, Law)
                            2) social norms - (traditions, culture) - for the Jewish people, their religion was their way of life.
                            3)  political practices - (how things run, AND who's in charge!!) - challenged the high priest's authority.

So, Christianity was, at least, annoying, and maybe threatening!!!

IF it was accepted and practiced, it would TRANSFORM THE JEWISH CULTURE!
(ie:  the traditional, accepted, Preferred culture)

So, the growth of Christianity resulted in:
I.  Conflict with Jewish Community
and ALSO -
II.  Conflict with the Gentile Community as well!!

Why?  For the same reasons!!! - Acts 19:1, 8-20, 23-20:2 - Ephesus = city of magic, so God used extraordinary miracles.  Had a large temple to Artemis (Diana) - goddess of fertility.  Was a huge tourist attraction, and very important to the economy.

Offensive                Intrusive               Exclusive
Challenges             religious beliefs      social norms - the established leadership
Threatens               traditions              culture  (lifestyle)

Jesus' warnings:  Matt. 10:34-36 - this not His plan or heart's desire, but the natural outcome.
                         John 16:1-2

What's next?
III.  Conflict with the (Roman) Empire!!!  as Christianity continues to grow.
Two add'l. accusations:  (1)  atheism - (won't worship the gods of Rome)
                                     (2) sedition - (won't worship the emperor as Lord)
(Synonyms for sedition  - rebellion, defiance, civil disorder)   

And, next:

IV.   Conflict with other people groups, governments, belief systems
examples:  Communism (Soviet Union, Chine, North Korea)
                 Islam

Question:  If we had a nation formed MOSTLY by Christian people, ideals, morals, values, the result would lead to far less conflict.

Question:  If that nation gradually shifted to a different world view (secularism), the result would lead to increase in conflict.
Example:  IF Billy Graham was holding crusades today, in his former, younger self, do you think the media response would be positive and uplifting and accepting?  (not likely)

New Testament writers give additional reasons (beneath the surface, internal.
Christianity is:
#1.  Morally restrictive - Rom. 1:18 -has many restrictive guidelines.  The other gods didn't care about morality.

#2.  Personally restrictive - contrast:  submit to rules on paper vs. personal, living LORD!!
                                                        argue with written Word vs. Holy Spirit convicting within.
What if personal Lord wants to take us beyond the guidelines? 
John 20:28

#3.  Demonically opposed - example:  most are on board with a "benevolent God" but not an evil being!
Rev. 12:17

Satanic kingdom is opposed to the rise ad spread of Christianity. 

Anytime you have a large group of practicing, "living the life" Christians, and a large group of non-Christians, there will be conflict!!!

The Expansion Continues

Summary:  Resurrection in the Gospel accounts, then: 

Acts 1:8 - ->Great Commission & Ascension (40 days after resurrection) --> Pentecost (50 days after Res.) --> growth in Jerusalem --> persecution --> first martyr - Stephen

Acts 8:1, 4 -- gospel to Samaritans, Conversion of Saul, gospel to Gentiles (Peter & Paul)

Acts 11:19-26 - the growth, movement, expansion continues.

Observations:

Acts 11:19 - "scattered by persecution ... traveled ... telling"
Note:  persecution did not hinder the expansion of the church ... it promoted it!

#1.  Hard times fit well in God's toolbox.
God works through difficulties to accomplish His purposes.

Rom. 5:3                Rom. 8:28                  2 Cor. 4:16-18
Working in all these.  God is always at work!!

Acts. 11:21 - "God's hand ..... with them" - they did the work, but God was with them in that work.

#2.  Ministry is the result of our efforts coupled with God's Presence  (activity)

Col. 1:28-29    1 Pet. 4:10 (garden hose verse)
True individually (Christian)  AND  Corporately  (church)

Example:  often repeated phrase = "go ...... and I'll go with you"

Acts 11:23-24  with Acts 4:36-37 - Barnabas - his influence = huge 
                                                                         his gift?  = EnCouragement

#3.  A little encouragement goes a long way ... especially coupled with God's Presence
This tool is simple, portable, versatile, easily used, much needed
AND coupled with God's Presence?????

("not my gift" does NOT mean that it is beyond my ability and responsibility!!!)

Acts 11:26 - "the disciples were called Christians 1st. at Antioch."
This label - probably given by non-believers, and probably in derision.
Nevertheless = distinction

#4.  God intends His children to be different, distinct
How??  we're the same people?  clan?, community?,  culture? 
1 Pet. 2:9

Example:  Ed's hymnal - is different not because of the content or color.  Is different because of the writings within. 
Comparison:  God's handwriting on your heart.  That's what makes you different and distinct!

The Resurrection

What Happened???   Event of the Resurrection.
in short - Acts 3:15
       you killed
      God raised - literally, bodily
      we witnessed
This is the message throughout Acts.

But - the disciples experienced more than the miracle of the Resurrection.
They also experienced dramatic, personal TRANSFORMATION!
All were willing to go and follow this Jesus.  THEN He died, and everything was shattered.

After the CROSS = scattered, scared, confused
After the RESURRECTION = they are different people:  bold, confident, unmoving - even in face of death!!

Why the change?
Answer = They came to trust Jesus FULLY

Before the cross they trusted who they believed Him to be, what they expected and desired of Him.
After the resurrection they came to trust HIM and who He IS!!!

They were still confused, still didn't understand it all --- BUT they came to trust HIM fully - in spite of the mystery, confusion, unanswered questions!!

The Resurrection + 40 days more of teaching + the ascension + Pentecost solidified their faith!!!  They became fully confident of  Him, no matter what!!!

We can have these same things if we trust Him as they came to do.

They became Fully confident in:

(1)  His Authority
before the cross - they had seen His authority over:   walk on water, raise dead, heal sick, turn water into wine, etc.
BUT Then ---- arrest, trial, crucifixion ???
Example:  Resurrection + 40 days ==> Matt. 28:18 - His authority even exceeded death!!
Therefore:
(2) His Ability - all Authority leads to all Power!!  - Omnipotence = all power (omni-potent)

(3)  His Omniscience (all knowledge = No Surprises!!)

(4)  His Goodness - (ie:  His righteousness, commitment to what is good, righteous, just)

(5)  His Concern - (for them, us, people, individuals) - Rom. 8:31-32, 35,37-39

(6)  His Presence - example:  last words = Matt. 28:20, Heb. 13:5-6 - omnipresent - always with us.

(7)  His Involvement - Rom. 8:28  Phil. 1:6 - doesn't mean all things are good

(8)  His Return - (His coronation, His final victory)

Therefore:  Phil. 4:10-13 - vs. 12 -  secret  = trust Him

On one hand, none of this answered, satisfied all their questions, concerns
However, they (and millions since) have found it sufficient - until the answers come!!!

The Lord's Supper

 BRIDGE ILLUSTRATION:
                 
   
  (Animation from Bellsnwhistles.com)

Question:  What about before the bridge?  void?  temporary, partial bridge?  or - in place and not recognized?

Whatever is the answer, the Old Testament Sacrificial System - designed to enable man to (partly?) approach (in some way) an un-approachable God.

OLD TESTAMENT SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM
(1)  animal/blood for sin, trespass, burnt, peace (fellowship)
(2)  grain - cereal, drink offerings
(3)  daily offerings - (morning & evening)
(4)  festival offerings - Passover, Atonement
PLUS
(5) priesthood to stand between - a go between - to offer, facilitate, plead your case
(6) barriers - stop gates, boundaries for safety!  - to keep sinful man out of immediate presence of sinless, Holy God.

AFTER the resurrection - Apostles came to recognize these as
           (1)  Picture Prophecies - acted out - instead of spoken
           (2)  fulfilled in Christ - His life, work, death, resurrection, etc.
All fulfilled the sacrificial system.

Words used by Christ (Himself), later the Apostles, later yet - Theologians - to describe the work done by Christ on the Cross.

#1.  Ransom = purchase freedom - example:  kidnapped - Mark 10:45

#2.  Redemption = buy back as in a pawn shop.  BUT - WE sold ourselves!!!  - 1 Pet. 1:18-19

#3.  Substitution = in our place, stead - 2 Cor. 5:21 - swapped my sin for His righteousness
The punishment should have fallen on me.

#4.  Propitiation = to appease (satisfy) wrath, anger - 1 John 2:1-2 (KJV)  - God's wrath turned toward sinfulness

#5.  Justification = act by which declared "not guilty" OR "no longer guilty" (because we know we all have been guilty) - therefore, in right standing - Rom. 5:9, 4:25

#6.  Remission  and #7.  Forgiveness = a debt absolved, pardoned, excused, satisfied - wrote off, even though not paid for

#8.  Expiation - is more than forgiven = Removed!!  Example:  OT Scapegoat - removal of sin = taking away!

#9.  Salvation = A) to deliver from   (judgment, punishment)
                         B) to preserve into (security) - our saved state

#10.  Reconciliation = a relationship restored - 2 Cor.5: 17-19

#11.  Sanctification = separated, set apart - apart from    apart unto  Therefore, act like it!!

#12.  Glorification = the eventual and final state of the believer

All these a result of His sacrifice!

Two more words:

1)  Voluntary - He did it of His own accord - did not have to do it.

2)  Efficacious = having the power to produce the (desired) effects.  (fulfill what was meant to happen)

So ..... the Bridge is Built - by the works of Christ
What remains = is to cross the Bridge - (accept, receive what's offered, available)

Tonight we celebrate His work, death - the Cross.  with the Lord's Supper - 1 Cor. 11:23-26
"do this"  "in remembrance"  and so "declare, show"

Acceptance of the Gentiles

Today's sermon = Major Even in Acts, in Christianity
The Acceptance of the Gentiles into the church.

Definition and background of Gentile:
Gentile = a person of non-Jewish origin, ancestry - no Hebrew background of any kind
In Greek the word is ETHNOS (from which we get Ethnic).  This word sometimes translated "foreigner".

Often translated 'nation'(s)
BUT the focus = race/origin (social, cultural, racial background)  not government or country - a "People Group" - example:  Roma - ie: gypsy. Recognized as a distinct people group.

Jews recognized 2 people groups:  (2 ethnos)
   1)  descendants of Abraham, Issac, & Jacob
    2)  everybody else (non-Jews) => Gentiles

How that came about:
#1.  God's desire is to draw all men to Himself - 1 Tim. 2:4, 2 Pet. 3:9

#2.  He chose (selected) a particular people group (Ethnos) Through Whom He would  (a) Reveal Himself and (b) Bless all people

Gen. 12:1-3   Ex. 19:3-6 - holy nation (separate)

The Plan was NOT "YOU will be my people and no one else"
The Plan was "you will be my people and through you I'll Reveal and Bless" - Ex. 34:10

PROBLEM = the Jews not only separated themselves, BUT isolated themselves!!! - separation to an extreme.  They were to stand out, not stand apart!

So.... New Testament Clarification -- Mark 11:17, Matt. 28:19, and with Paul - Gal. 3:14

Up until this time, the church has accepted  (1) Jews   (2) Samaritans  (3)  Gentile proselytes (converts to Judaism) - example:  Ethiopian Eunuch

BUT - what about those people groups who accept Jesus as the Christ (Messiah), BUT are WITHOUT any previous ties to, adherence, acceptance of the Jewish Race??  or the Jewish FAITH??

Historically, this was very monumental.

TEXT:  Acts 10:1-48, 11:1-4, 11:15-18

THREE Relevant Questions:

#1.  Does God (therefore) accept and receive all people?
Acts 10:34-35
Answer = He accepts all who:  WILL come   TO Him  THROUGH Jesus Christ

On one hand:  Rev. 22:17   However, James 2:19
Universalism says Jesus Christ came and died for all our sins, therefore all are saved and going to heaven.

The gospel says Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin on the cross and we are saved by believing and trusting Him.  We come with a C A T - Content   Assent   Trust

#2.  Is God through with the Jews?  (as revealers, conduit)
Are 2 views:  no consensus - wait and see

Meanwhile,  
#3.  Has God chosen another people group?
Answer:  one sentence summary FROM Peter!!  1 Pet. 2:9

#1. "you are .... a chosen (elected) race, a holy people group
#2.  "so that... you may declare - reveal, bless

ADD:  1 Pet. 2:10 - The baton has been passed to the church!

Final Application:
(1)  Are you one of the people? - C A T
(2)  are you functioning as one of the People?  - Conduit - Are you striving to reveal God to other people

The Call of Saul (Paul)

Acts 9:1-31 - Saul/Paul probably in mid thirties, very influential, zealous supporter of Judaism, approving of Stephen's death.
Voice from heaven - others heard the voice (noise), didn't understand the words.  Personal message FOR Saul - he understood the words.  Question:  why are you persecuting me?  Was Saul persecuting God?  No, was persecuting the new believers (church).  But, Jesus equates Christians with Himself.

Acts 9:9 - Saul/Paul likely fasting and praying.  After all, he just met God on the Damascus road.

Compare above verses with Acts Chapter 22 and Chapter 26 where Saul, Paul now, retells the Damascus Road story - before the Jews and Roman Tribune, and then again before Festus and King Agrippa.

I.  Paul's call - (Not unlike yours and mine)
is a call to  1)  acknowledge Jesus as Messiah - the Christ, the Promised One.
                 2) serve Jesus as LORD
Paul's call was dramatic, incredible, even miraculous - but Paul was called to extreme ministry.

#1.  Acknowledge Jesus as Messiah
Paul had content - already but didn't accept it/
God gave a dramatic experience to move him
This is typical conversion, except the scope of the experience!!

So, in evangelism - 1.  offer content of the gospel - Rom. 10:14
                              2.  pray for (Holy Spirit) experience - to show truth of the gospel

#2.  Serve Jesus as Lord - (same as you and I except perhaps in different capacity!!)
Note:  Acts 8:16

On one hand, not called to suffer but to serve.  However, service = labor and sacrifice - therefore can lead to some degree of suffering!!

So, we are called to serve.  If it entails suffering, do it well - 1 Pet. 2:20-21

II.  Paul's Choice   Was he free to choose?  refuse?
Pastor's view - can always refuse or choose,
BUT not with IMPUNITY
Definition:  Impunity = exemption from punishment, harm, loss
Pastor:  immunity to consequence(s) - negative effects

Remember:  we live in a Cause and Effect world.
Example:  Paul's quote:  Gal. 6:7

III.  Paul's Commentary    - 1 Tim. 1:12-16
his commentary = 1) I acted in ignorance and unbelief
                            2) God made me aware of my sinfulness
                            3) now I'm a poster child for God's grace and forgiveness.

Issue here is not how much light you've received, as compared to Paul).  That = God's choice.
The issue = what you do with the light you have received.

IV.  Paul's Conclusion - 1 Tim. 1:17

Following Philip

Acts 8:25-30 - Philip = one of the 7 "deacons".  Eunuch = no Jewish heritage, but had either embraced Judaism or was on the brink.  Had been to temple to worship.  No more record of who he is, but according to the church fathers, he became the father of the church in Ethiopia.

Reading from Isaiah - scroll written in continuous script:  no spaces or capital letters or punctuation.  Therefore, read aloud.
Examples:
childrenslaughter
needsatan
opportunityisnowhere

With proper form should read:
children's laughter
needs a tan
opportunity is now here

Acts 8:30-36
Acts 8:37 - this verse not in NIV - it did NOT appear in oldest manuscripts.  Usually in a footnote.
Acts 8:38-40
Acts 21:8-10 - Philip now known as "the evangelist"

Acts = historical narrative, BUT, there are practical life lessons within the historical narrative -
1 Cor. 10:11-13

I.  Philip's instructions
The messenger = angel, Holy Spirit, Both!!!
The message - clear - specific - personal

Question:  How was the message relayed?  verbal?  visible?  Answer:  Don't know.  Doesn't say.  Compare with the prophets - messages received by various means

Question:  Is the same mode of communication available today?  to me?
Answer:  YES!!!  BUT....
1)  this is God's prerogative  (not our choice)
2)  this is the exception (not the norm) - God generally does not do it this way. 
Compare to miracles:    many back in early church days, not as prevalent now.

Our part = 1) be open (receptive)
  But          2)  be critical - don't be a stupid, naive Christian.   1 John 4:1   Matt. 10:16
                 3)  don't fear "I don't Know" - uncertain does NOT mean unfaithful!!!
                 4)  read and heed what He has already said.  (and IS saying ... through His Word and the Holy Spirit) - Heb. 4:12

II.  Philip's Message
On one hand - it's not recorded
BUT, Acts 8:35 - "Good news about Jesus"
The Ethiopian Eunuch needed more than "God loves you".  He needed a CAT
       Content - Rom. 10:14
       Assent - verbal
       Trust - internal surrender, submission - Rom. 10:9-10
On one hand, cannot Know his heart, However, he made the request!  Example:  Pentecost/Jailer

III.  Philip's Ministry  - "the Evangelist"
Philip clearly was Called - Gifted - Responsive - Successful

for which of the above is Philip responsible??? - His calling?  His gifts?  His success? 
Philip was responsible only for his RESPONSE!!

As with Philip, so with you and I.
IF you are a Christian, you have been:
1)  CALLED - to Christ to MINISTRY - Eph. 2:8-10
2)  GIFTED - enabled to perform ministry - 1 Cor. 12:7
Therefore:
3)  RESPONSE-ABLE
4)  SUCCESS - apparent effectiveness, visible, measurable outcome = God's business
Example:  Holy Spirit's work/ hearer's response.  It is clear that how effective our ministry is not up to us.  There may be no evidence at all.

Philip was called to a responsive people.  Contrast Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Moses!! - Preached for years to hard-hearted, stiff-necked people with no results at all.

Philip = open, submitted, responsive ..... FAITHFUL in whatever asked to do.