Church, What’s the Point? (Acts 1:6-8)  

We gather together out of our need. This small band of believers had spent three years working with and following Jesus, and in verse 6 they are gathered together again, directionless, hopeless, and confused. I’m sure they had many questions. Did I waste the last three years? What am I to do now? They needed encouragement and direction, so they gathered together.

Gathering, or assembly, is the root meaning of ekklēsia, the word for church used in scripture. In my search for the purpose and relevancy of church, the study of Acts provides insight into its beginning. How did it work in its infancy? What can or do we do today in keeping with its original function? The usage of the word ‘church’ changed to include a local gathering of believers, as well as a term for all believers everywhere. I understand church to be a gathering of believers brought together by a common need. It could be a lunchtime prayer group at work, a support/recovery group, or soup kitchen as long as those gathering are believers. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”[1] What a great promise! As we gather together, because it is our need to do so, Jesus promises to gather with us. This is churching.

Another aspect of churching is training. As they gathered, they asked questions, sought directions and understanding. Because they didn’t comprehend their purpose or the kingdom of God, Jesus taught them and gave them a focus on their role. When we hear the words of God, we are trained and taught about our purpose and God’s kingdom plan.

The disciples demonstrated the ability to question God. We should have no fear in asking when we are seeking him. However, God reserves the responsibility to help us understand and function in our specific purpose, and teach us not to worry over other stuff. Much like a child needs to trust the knowledge of a parent saying, “Don’t put that paperclip in the electrical outlet.” God gives the knowledge we need to follow him and grow, and cautions us to trust him in the things we don’t need to know. In Genesis 3:5, Eve sought forbidden knowledge—being like God, knowing good and evil. Because of that, we suffer today. We may ask questions of God, but not question his authority. We must trust him in all things.

In verse 8, we have our purpose. It is to be testifiers or influencers, empowered by the immersion, the covering of the Holy Spirit, telling people everywhere about Jesus. I’ve heard it said, “Power equals influence and influence equals power.” We have a great amount of influence over those around us. Simply smiling often causes others to smile back. When God’s presence smothers us, comes upon us, we have a powerful influence for God and his kingdom. Living out our purpose makes us a powerful positive influence that starts at home and reaches far. We may never know for certain how many we influence.

If you’re a believer, will you share how you creatively church, seek encouragement and training?

Do you have an experience to share of trusting God and his authority while asking questions of him?

Considering our impact this past year, what are some practical ways to personally increase our influence?

[1]Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible : New Living Translation., “Text Edition”–Spine., 2nd ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004), Mt 18:20.

Finding God in Sequels, Unknowns, & Promises (Acts 1:1-5)

We’re left hanging at the end of the book and hooked before the first paragraph of the sequel. We have no idea how it all will pan out, but the author does. The author can be trusted to write out the middle as well as complete the perfect end. Luke is believed to be the man who wrote Acts. His first phrase alludes to a previous writing making Acts his sequel.

The sequel was written to Theophilus, a relatively unknown person. The fact is Luke mentions him here and in the first words of his previous book (Luke 1:3), but nowhere else is this man mentioned by Luke or anyone else in the Bible. It appears that he is a nobody. His name means ‘friend of God’ or ‘lover of God’ so Theophilus is no nobody to God. God knows no nobodies. All are somebody in his thinking. Even when nobody knows who we are, God knows us.

Luke’s given title to Theophilus as ‘most honorable’ in Luke 1:3 lends an assumption that he may have been a benefactor of Luke’s. In Dicken’s Great Expectations, Pip’s benefactor believed in Pip’s abilities, and supported him financially to help him accomplish great expectations. Theophilus may have supported Luke in numerous ways. Indeed, he was no nobody!

 According to these words in Acts, the first book was written to tell about all that Jesus began. Luke states that Jesus began to do and to teach, including instructions given through the Holy Spirit. The sequel was written because Jesus wasn’t through. He had only begun. The story wasn’t over and still isn’t. Some remains to be revealed. After God raised Jesus from the dead, he walked the earth for 40 days—the number of days for completion used often in scripture—proving himself alive and continued teaching his followers about the Kingdom of God. What Jesus began, he is continuing to do through the Holy Spirit. We are part of the sequel.

To play our part in the sequel, believers are given a promise. This is no lover’s “flowers, chocolates, and promises we don’t intend to keep.” You get more than a “You have my word on it.” or a signature on the dotted line. This promise is not only based upon character, but person as well. A person with outstanding character can still fail keeping a promise due to lack of ability, but God’s person has all the ability and character to fully keep his promise. We are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, a gift that allows Jesus to continue his sequel in and through believers.

Jesus used a word picture to help us understand this promise. He said my cousin John baptized you with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. To baptize means to immerse. I like to think of this as covered, permeated with, nearly smothered with. Just as what would happen if I was held under water ‘til I thought I was going to die. The Spirit should permeate the believer to the degree that self is denied as Jesus taught in Luke 9:23. “He must deny himself and take up his cross…” Cousin John also said, “He (Jesus) must become greater, I must become less.” (John 3:30) The gifted promise is the opportunity and ability to live dead to selfishness and alive to a higher purpose, God’s purpose.

Much more is found in Acts 1:1-5. Please make comments and share your insights and questions concerning this week’s thoughts.

1.       If Jesus began a work in you, please teach us how you allow the Author to continue writing the sequel in your life through the Holy Spirit and prove himself alive?

2.       Who are the ‘unknowns’ God has used in your life? Are you a nobody with a big impact in another’s life? I had Mrs. Darden, who loved me enough to faithfully teach a bunch of silly and ornery girls in Bible class.

3.       Share some practical ways to live a life that counts, to be immersed by the Spirit of God, and dead to selfishness?

Hello,

You are invited to join us on a journey seeking God through the book of Acts. It is God’s story about initiating the church age, forming the first church and his dealings with the religious and non-religious. We will examine Acts verse-by-verse with intentions to seek God and discover a relevant relationship with Him. Through uncovered truths and encouraged application of those truths, my prayer is that we spiritually experience God, and not only gain head knowledge about God.

The repeated request for my notes and wish for interaction prompted the establishment of this community discussion on a blog where you may read and make comments on the insights of others on a weekly stop. Join us to be both encouraged and to encourage others. You can subscribe to the RSS feed and it will prompt you of the new posted discussion. The link is www.RobinBryce.com/blog. The blog discussion will open after each Sunday. Check it out and invite your friends whether religious or non-religious.

I look forward to journeying with you into a deeper relationship with God, watching God work, and changing our lives.

Blessings,

Robin

PS – I may need to work out some glitches in the blog world in the beginning of this effort; therefore, I ask for your patience, please. If you have ideas or thoughts related to this, please leave a comment on the post.