Christianity Spreads

Up to this time, Christianity spread by common people "as you go" method.  Took gospel with them wherever they went.
Acts 13:1-3 - missionary movement begins - missionaries sent and supported.  Vocational missionaries, preachers, teachers - called by God. 
Therefore, as a result, Christianity spread much more rapidly.

I.  The Growth of Christianity
Roughly 70 years after Christ's crucifixion - AD 100 -  360:1 - non-Christians to every self-described Christian
                                                                 AD1000 - 220:1
                                                                 AD 1500    69:1
                                                                 AD 1900    27:1
                                                                 AD 2000      2:1

Has the growth slowed?  in decline?  According to a 2015 Washington Post Article:  Not true - although may be true here in America.

USA ----- survey of American adults regarding religious "SELF-IDENTITY.
                                                 1990                          2008
                 Christian                    86%                          76%
                Agnostic/Atheist         0.7%                         1.6%
                 None                        8.2%                          15%

Observation:
(1)  there are far fewer atheists/agnostics that we're led to believe
(2) the 'nones' are the fastest growing category.
BUT
(3) the issue is NOT fewer believers, it is that it is more acceptable to say "I'm a none" these days.
(4)  the decline in church attendance is within main-line denominations which say "Christianity must abandon its historic beliefs to survive", and they die or are dying. 
In fact - the liberal churches are declining, while the conservative churches are growing both in the USA and around the world.  (AS Churches abandon Biblical views, they decline).

II.  The Influence of Christianity - practical change - example:  Book entitled "Under the Influence".  Christian influence on society as a whole is mind-boggling.

III.  Reasons for Growth and Influence
are many - some beyond knowing (assume the work of the Holy Spirit, BUT the Christians had large part in this.  Holy Spirit worked with them and through them!

Christians believed they were:
(1)  Compelled
           transformed => therefore motivated, driven, from within
Rom. 1:14-15, 1 Cor. 9:16 

(2)  Commanded  - Matt. 28:18-20   Sometimes compulsion dies but the command doesn't!

(3)  Commissioned     ie:  a command, charge BACKED by authority!!  "go....I'll go with you"

On one hand, God is capable of convicting, converting people without us.
However, He has chosen to include us, to use us, to work with and through us, and to back us!!!  Example: "I got your back".

IV.  The Future of Christianity?
All agree on His return at the End.  BUT, between now and then?  what to expect?

Are bookend views:
#1.  Pre-millennial view:  "it's gonna get worse and worse!"   Backed up by:
           A)  Scripture:  1 Tim. 4:1  Rev. 13:7-10
           B)  Experience:  WWI --> WWII --> today??

#2.  Post-Millennial view:  "it's gonna get better and better!"  Backed up by:
          A)  Scripture:  Dan. 2:34-35, 44-45       Matt. 13:31-32
          B)  Experience - Example:  "Under the Influence" - America's 1st. 200 years.

Conclusion?:  Don't know, but probably some of both.

V.  Our Current (contemporary) Responsibility:   Remain Faithful
           
Faithful to:  (1) Proclaim - the gospel whether it's popular or unpopular, accepted or unaccepted, whether we're criticized or not criticized, etc.
                  (2)  Promote - the gospel
                  (3)  Practice - the gospel - this is not just religious ideology - it is a lifestyle!!!!  Live it!!!
1 Cor. 15:58 - "not in vain" ==> will make a difference - an eternal difference.
     

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