Bible Study

Beginning on Sunday, December 8, 2024, our Pastor began using the LSB version of the Bible in all of his teaching and preaching. This is the newly updated version of the NASB, which he has been using for a number of years. Here is some information on the LSB for those who would like to learn more. It also explains why Pastor Alan is now using this version of the English Bible.

The Legacy Standard Bible has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek are the eternal Word of God. The Holy Scriptures speak with authority to each generation, giving wisdom that leads to salvation, that people may serve Christ to the glory of God. Because it is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16), every word of it is inspired, every word is true, and every word must be conveyed to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue (Rev. 7:9), so that every word can be taught and obeyed (Josh. 23:14; Mt. 28:20; Jn. 17:17).

THE FOURFOLD AIM OF THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION

1. These publications shall be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

2. They shall be grammatically correct.

3. They shall be understandable.

4. They shall give the Lord Jesus Christ His proper place, the place which the Word gives Him; therefore, no work will ever be personalized.

PREFACE TO THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE
In the history of the English Bible translations, the King James Version is the most well-known. This time-honored version of 1611, itself a revision of the Bishops’ Bible of 1568, became the basis for the English Revised Version, which appeared in 1881 (New Testament) and 1885 (Old Testament). Its American counterpart, a product of both British and American scholarship, was published in 1901. Recognizing the values of the American Standard Version, The Lockman Foundation felt an urgency to preserve the ASV while incorporating recent discoveries of Hebrew and Greek textual sources and rendering it into more current English. This resulted in the New American Standard Bible, a translation based upon the time-honored principles of translation of the ASV and KJV, along with other linguistic tools and biblical scholarship.

The Legacy Standard Bible reflects another iteration of such preservation and refinement. Worked on by a core translation team in conjunction with pastors and educators from different countries, it is designed to honor, maintain, and advance the tradition represented by the NASB.

PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION
Key Principles: The Legacy Standard Bible has worked to uphold the style and translational choices of the NASB as much as possible. Even more, it has endeavored to follow through on the NASB’s stated intent to be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. While the interpreter, teacher, and pastor have the goal of understanding what the text means, the translator is to provide them with what the text says. Consistently, the goal of this translation is to be a window into the original text. Within that goal, this revision has focused upon accuracy and consistency. It has checked that words and grammar have been carried over properly. It also established rules for the consistent translation of terms within their various nuances. This allows the reader to more easily reconstruct what the original texts said. It also helps the reader more easily trace the flow of argument within a text, identify when the same word is used in another passage, and make connections between texts.

There are limits to the application of this philosophy. In this edition, a word might not be translated consistently in order to maintain a highly familiar rendering of a text or to preserve a wordplay in the text that advances the inspired author’s message. Moreover, because Scripture is a literary masterpiece, some linguistic features could not be transferred to this translation, not even by a note. Nevertheless, ensuring that the original languages are precisely rendered paves the way for careful readers to discover these insights for themselves.

In this way, the LSB upholds the philosophy that a translation does not replace pastors or teachers but rather depends upon faithful believers and the church to study and live out what has been written (Acts 8:30-31). Translation is a tool for the church and must be done in that context so that each word of Scripture may be taught and lived.

Modern English Usage: The attempt has been made to render the grammar and terminology in contemporary English. When word-for-word literalness was determined unacceptable to the modern reader; a change was made in the direction of a more current English idiom. In the instances where this has been done, the more literal rendering has been indicated in the notes. There are a few exceptions to this procedure. Of note, while an effort has been made to incorporate conjunctions as much as possible, the conjunction “and” is occasionally not translated at the beginning of sentences because of differences in style between ancient and modern writing. Punctuation is a relatively modern invention, and ancient writers often linked most of their sentences with “and” or other connectives.

Alternate Readings: In addition to the more literal renderings, notations have been made to include readings of variant manuscripts, explanatory equivalents of the text, and alternate translations that may bring out a play on words difficult to maintain in the text. These notations have been used specifically to assist the reader in comprehending the terms used by the original author.

THE COMMITMENTS OF THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy preserved – to uphold the work and tradition that is found in translations from the KJV, ASV, to NASB.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy performed – to advance the commitments of past translations by bringing forth features of the original text relative to accuracy and consistency.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy passed on – to equip generations to study Scripture and continue the philosophy of being a window.
~ The Lockman Foundation

For additional information we recommend you contact The Lockman Foundation -- https://www.lockman.org/legacy-standard-bible-l

CHRISTIANS SCATTERED – GOSPEL SPREADS
(Part 2)

Text: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

Introduction: The early Christians were suffering severe persecution – even to death. They ran for their lives from their persecutors. But God was working. What the believers were experiencing would actually further the spread of the gospel and grow the church, not only into Judea and Samaria, as mentioned in Acts 8:1, but also beyond to the Gentiles as we see in Acts 11:19-21.

[READ Acts 11:19-21]

19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.

Persecution is real. In God’s goodness and sovereignty, He ordains persecution and uses it to grow His church and fulfill the great commission. It started in the first century, when the Christians were scattered and went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:1). And it continues today.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

God used the persecution of these early believers to get them to leave the comfort of their homes and the blessing of a thriving fellowship as they sought to avoid imprisonment, torture, and often death. As they fled, their faith was strengthened, and the truth of Jesus Christ went with them as they journeyed to distant lands. In this, God’s plan to preach the gospel to all nations was being carried out. The truth spread first into Judea and Samaria and, by the third century, had extended into what we know today as Western Europe, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Southwest Asia, Central Asia, and India.

Church history tells us of the journeys of the apostles and other church leaders as they endeavored to fulfill Jesus’ great commission. James, the brother of John, may have traveled to Spain and established churches there before returning to Jerusalem. Thomas is said to have traveled to India with the gospel. In fact, the churches of western India trace their origins to Thomas and refer to themselves as the Thomas Church. Thaddaeus is said to have ministered in Armenia. And others traveled far and wide with the life-giving gospel – all prompted by the persecution experienced in the first century.

Whenever persecution has come and God’s people have been scattered, the gospel has gone with them. In fact, it has been said that ease and comfort are enemies of the gospel more than need and persecution. We are witnessing this in our culture today as churches focus more on how large they can become and what innovative technology they can use to attract the culture, seeming to care less bout take the saving message of the true gospel to those who need so desperately to hear it.

Often comfort, ease, affluence, and prosperity cause terrible apathy in the church. Material blessings that should produce more personnel, more energy, and more funds for the cause of Christ and His kingdom often produce the exact opposite – weakness, indifference, laziness, self-centeredness, and preoccupation with security. The Bible has much to say about loving the world (1 Jn. 2:15) and building up for ourselves treasures on earth (Mt. 6:19). We are warned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils.”

Some might say we are too comfortable and too wealthy to understand the urgency of the gospel. Let’s examine our own hearts and ask ourselves some penetrating questions: Is the prosperity of our culture and our churches furthering the cause of Christ, or is it a hindrance to self-sacrifice in taking the gospel to other lands? How does our personal giving to missions and to the church compare with the rest of our spending? Does it reflect Christ’s command to preach the gospel to all nations? Are we prepared to suffer for Christ in order to grow His church?

II. PROVIDENTIAL OUTCOMES

As we see in the book of Acts, God providentially directs the events of man in a way that brings about His purposes on the earth. Sometimes those events are desirable, but God also uses what the Puritans called “bitter providences” to work His plans in the world. While we often think of Romans 8:28-30 as a passage that talks of overcoming personal trials, there is a much broader application to consider.

[READ Rom. 8:28-30]

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29 Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

* When we consider the persecution of the early church in Jerusalem, how do these principles in Romans 8:28-30 apply to what was happening?
There are two basic applications. First, God uses those things that seem bad to us to bring about good things in the end. The goal is the sanctification of those God is calling to Himself. God intends to make them more like Jesus, and He may use persecution to do so. Second, there must be a hearing of the gospel message (the call) so that those who are predestined can respond to the call. The persecution of the church in Jerusalem caused them to spread so that they could go “about preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). Those in the surrounding areas were able to hear the gospel as a result of the persecution.

Next, let’s consider these principles in light of Joseph’s words.

[READ Gen. 50:20]

20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to do what has happened on this day, to keep many people alive.

* How do Joseph’s words relate to our discussion? Joseph’s brothers had intended to harm Jospeh by selling him, but God orchestrated the events to bring about good by saving the lives of many from the famine, including the children of Israel who would later inherit the promised land. If this had not happened, the Messiah could not have been born of the tribe of Judah. In the same manner, the persecution from the evil Jews in Jerusalem was used by God to spread the message of the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Ethiopia) just as Jesus had directed them.

Now, let’s think about how the spread of the gospel through persecution connects to the Words of Jesus.

[READ Jn. 10:16]

16 And I have other sheep, which are not from this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

* What did Jesus mean? He knew that there would be many who would respond to the gospel outside of the Jews (“this fold”), who would be unified under the one Shepherd who died for all of them. These sheep from other folds would respond to His voice when they heard the call of the gospel.

[READ Jn. 10:25-30]

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish -- ever; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One.”

* As you consider all of the circumstances and all of the people involved in the different aspects of the spreading of the gospel in the early part of Acts, how does this help you to understand the sovereignty and wisdom of God? It may be helpful to consider how little control we have over the situations we try to direct in our own lives. Think about trying to direct a family of four with all of its variables, for example. We can’t actually consider ourselves as having control to direct things to ends we would like to see. Yet God can direct the interactions of billions of people and their circumstances to bring about the ends He intends – all according to the counsel of His will. God is awesome in His wisdom and sovereignty! Amen?

It is important for us to remember that God works all things according to the counsel of His will. Even through trials and persecutions, He is working out His plans, bringing about the ends He intends. For those of us who are in Christ and called according to His purpose, we can have absolute confidence that our all-knowing, all-powerful, all-wise God can bring about our ultimate glorification even though it may mean we personally face some bitterness in His providence.

III. APPLICATION

* Many people today believe that the gospel cannot be preached unless you first build friendships with people. How do the accounts of Philip we’ve been studying this week show this to be a false idea? While there is certainly nothing wrong with building relationships with the hope of sharing the gospel, it sometimes leads people to procrastinate in doing so. These accounts show that the proclamation, both publicly and personally, of the gospel is an appropriate method. Philip was able to interact with the Ethiopian with just a simple question, opening the door for sharing the truth. There are many people who believe in God, as they eunuch did, but have not had the gospel explained to them. We have the privilege and responsibility of carrying out that task.

CHRISTIANS SCATTERED – THE GOSPEL SPREADS -- Part 2

Answers (Lesson 156) - Dec. 11, 2024 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: The early Christians were suffering severe persecution – even to death. They ran for their lives from their persecutors. But God was working. What the believers were experiencing would actually further the spread of the gospel and grow the church, not only into Judea and Samaria, as mentioned in Acts 8:1, but also beyond to the Gentiles as we see in Acts 11:19-21.

Acts 11:19-21

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

God used the persecution of these early believers to get them to leave the comfort of their homes and the blessing of a thriving fellowship as they sought to avoid imprisonment, torture, and often death. As they fled, their faith was strengthened, and the truth of Jesus Christ went with them as they journeyed to distant lands. In this, God’s plan to preach the gospel to all nations was being carried out. The truth spread first into Judea and Samaria and, by the third century, had extended into what we know today as Western Europe, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Southwest Asia, Central Asia, and India.

Church history tells us of the journeys of the apostles and other church leaders as they endeavored to fulfill Jesus’ great commission. James, the brother of John, may have traveled to Spain and established churches there before returning to Jerusalem. Thomas is said to have traveled to India with the gospel. In fact, the churches of western India trace their origins to Thomas and refer to themselves as the Thomas Church. Thaddaeus is said to have ministered in Armenia. And others traveled far and wide with the life-giving gospel – all prompted by the persecution experienced in the first century. Whenever persecution has come and God’s people have been scattered, the gospel has gone with them.

Some might say that in America today, we are too comfortable and too wealthy to understand the urgency of the gospel. Let’s examine our own hearts and ask ourselves some penetrating questions: Is the prosperity of our culture and our churches furthering the cause of Christ, or is it a hindrance to self-sacrifice in taking the gospel to other lands? How does our personal giving to missions and to the church compare with the rest of our spending? Does it reflect Christ’s command to preach the gospel to all nations? Are we prepared to suffer for Christ in order to grow His church?

II. PROVIDENTIAL OUTCOMES

As we see in the book of Acts, God providentially directs the events of man in a way that brings about His purposes on the earth. Sometimes those events are desirable, but God also uses what the Puritans called “bitter providences” to work His plans in the world. While we often think of Romans 8:28-30 as a passage that talks of overcoming personal trials, there is a much broader application to consider.

Romans 8:28-30

Considering the persecution of the early church in Jerusalem, there are two basic applications of the principles found in Romans 8:28-30. apply to what was First, God uses the things that seem bad to us to bring about good things in the end. The goal is the sanctification of those God is calling to Himself. God intends to make them more like Jesus, and He may use persecution to do so. Second, there must be a hearing of the gospel message (the call) so that those who are predestined can respond to the call. The persecution of the church in Jerusalem caused them to spread so that they could go “about preaching the Word” (Acts 8:4). Those in the surrounding areas were able to hear the gospel as a result of the persecution.

Genesis 50:20

Joseph’s words relate to our discussion in that Joseph’s brothers had intended to harm Jospeh by selling him, but God orchestrated the events to bring about good by saving the lives of many from the famine, including the children of Israel who would later inherit the promised land. If this had not happened, the Messiah could not have been born of the tribe of Judah. In the same manner, the persecution from the evil Jews in Jerusalem was used by God to spread the message of the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Ethiopia) just as Jesus had directed them.

Now, let’s think about how the spread of the gospel through persecution connects to the Words of Jesus.

John 10:16

Jesus knew there would be many who would respond to the gospel outside of the Jews (“this fold”), who would be unified under the one Shepherd who died for all of them. These sheep from other folds would respond to His voice when they heard the call of the gospel.

John 10:25-30

Considering all of the circumstances and people involved in the different aspects of the spreading of the gospel in the early part of Acts, should help us better understand the sovereignty and wisdom of God. Consider how little control we have over the situations we try to direct in our own lives. Think about trying to direct a family of four with all of its variables, for example. We can’t actually consider ourselves as having control to direct things to ends we would like to see. Yet God can direct the interactions of billions of people and their circumstances to bring about the ends He intends – all according to the counsel of His will. God is awesome in His wisdom and sovereignty!

For those of us who are in Christ and called according to His purpose, we can have absolute confidence that our all-knowing, all-powerful, all-wise God can bring about our ultimate glorification even though it may mean we personally face some bitterness in His providence.

III. APPLICATION

Many people today believe that the gospel cannot be preached unless you first build friendships with people. How do the accounts of Philip we’ve been studying this week show this to be a false idea? While there is certainly nothing wrong with building relationships with the hope of sharing the gospel, it sometimes leads people to procrastinate in doing so. These accounts show that the proclamation, both publicly and personally, of the gospel is an appropriate method. Philip was able to interact with the Ethiopian with just a simple question, opening the door for sharing the truth. There are many people who believe in God, as they eunuch did, but have not had the gospel explained to them. We have the privilege and responsibility of carrying out that task.

PERSECUTED FOR THE GOSPEL’S SAKE
(Part 2)

Text: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

Introduction: On Sunday, we were learning about some of the persecution faced by the early church. This persecution would only continue to grow worse. But despite beatings and imprisonment, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40-41).

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

The history of the church is one of persecution and martyrdom. It has been customary for church historians to count 11 Roman emperors responsible for periods of severe persecution in the early church, beginning with the persecution under Emperor Nero in AD 54 and ending with Emperor Diocletian in AD 305. Christians were thrown to the lions, forced into gladiatorial battles, burned alive, and crucified. In fact, all of the original apostles, except John died unnatural deaths because of their faith. And John died while exiled to the island of Patmos. In the second century, one Christian apologist wrote the following:

“Though beheaded, and crucified, and thrown to wild beasts, and chains, and fire, and all other kinds of torture, we do not give up our confession; but the more such things happen, the more do others in larger numbers become faithful.” (Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho).

While we may be tempted to think that severe persecution is a thing of the past, the reality is that more Christians died for their faith in the twentieth century than in all of the previous centuries combined. By some counts, around 100,000 Christians are martyred for their faith each year, and there are currently over 100 million Christians being persecuted worldwide.

Indeed, the history of the church demonstrates triumph in the face of persecution and martyrdom. In many places around the world, as the persecution increased, the church grew. For example, under Chairman Mao and Chinese professing Christians in China grew from 1.5 million in 1970 to 65 million in just 20 years, even though foreign missionaries were severely restricted.

When we survey the Bible, we quickly see that persecution is a stark reality of the Christian life. The apostle Paul warned Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). Jesus told His disciples to expect persecution from the world. If they persecuted Him, they would persecute His followers (Jn. 15:18-20). Since the world is driven by the love of sin and self, it is no wonder they hate Christians who are called to be different and separate from the world. It is this very separation from the world and the world system that provokes hatred toward us.

As Christians, we must learn to recognize the spiritual value persecution offers and even to rejoice in it. Peter wrote that the church should not be surprised to come upon trials but should rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings. And, when the time comes for His glory to be revealed, those who suffered for His sake may also rejoice (1 Pet. 4:12-13). James instructed us to count it all joy when we meet trials, knowing that the texting of our faith produces steadfastness and maturity (Jas. 1:2-4). Jesus said that His followers would be blessed when people insult and persecute them and that we should rejoice at persecution, for our reward will be great in heaven (Mt. 5:11-12).

II. FACING PERSECUTION

I’ve already referenced it, but let’s look more carefully at 2 Timothy 3:10-13 in context.

[READ 2 Tim. 3:10-13]

10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

So, what about you? Do you pray for boldness? Are you ready to face a judge for the charge of preaching in the name of Jesus? Would that ever happen to you? Could someone in our country ever be called before a judge for preaching the gospel in public? These are some of the questions I want us to consider today.

[READ 1 Pet. 3:14-17, 4:12-16; Jn. 15:18-25]

1 Pet. 3:14-17 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
1 Pet. 4:12-16 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
Jn. 15:18-25 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 The one who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But this has happened so that the word that is written in their Law will be fulfilled: ‘THEY HATED ME FOR NO REASON.’

* How are you facing persecution based on what you found in these passages? Discuss various answers.

* If you are not currently facing persecution, does that necessarily mean that you are not living a life of godliness? Based on our particular cultural contexts, we may not face a lot of personal persecution. The amount of persecution we face will be shaped by many factors, only one of which is our faith in Christ and its expression. However, it is important to analyze our own hearts on this matter to be sure that we are not shrinking back from living out our faith and speaking of the hope of salvation found in Christ alone, asking God for boldness to speak in the name of Jesus. While the persecution that we face in our country may seem minor compared to what Christians in other times and places faced or dace, God has placed us in this place at this time according to His good pleasure (Acts 17:26), and we should not feel like we are sub-par Christians because no one is shooting at us.

* What is the difference between being persecuted for our beliefs and expressions of our faith before others and being persecuted for our attitude before others? It is a blessing to be persecuted for the name of Christ and righteousness’ sake, not for being obnoxious. We should be speaking the truth in love and sharing the hope that we have in Christ with gentleness and respect, but doing so boldly, knowing that the gospel is the power of God to salvation.

* How do your own attitudes about persecution compare to what is expressed in these passages? Discuss various answers. Let me offer encouragement to those who are fearful, but caution to those who are too sure of themselves.

* If persecution comes, do you believe you will be prepared to respond to it in a way that honors Christ? As we read about terrible forms of persecution faced by Christians around the world, it should encourage us to be praying for them and remind us that God’s grace is available to us when we need it, not before we need it. We can be preparing our own hearts for persecution by praying for others and acknowledging that God may send those trials our way at any time.

It is important for us to remember that we are called to take up our crosses daily to follow Jesus. If the world hated Jesus, and we are to be walking through this life in a way that people would look at us and see Him, then we should expect the world to hate us as well.

Let me close with Jesus’ own words from Matthew 5:10:

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

PERSECUTED FOR THE GOSPEL’S SAKE -- Part 2
Answers (Lesson 155) - Dec. 4, 2024 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: On Sunday, we were learning about some of the persecution faced by the early church. This persecution would only continue to grow worse. But despite beatings and imprisonment, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40-41).

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

It has been customary for church historians to count 10 major periods of severe persecution in the early church, beginning with the persecution under Emperor Nero in AD 64 and ending with Emperor Diocletian in AD 305.

While we may be tempted to think that severe persecution is a thing of the past, the reality is that more Christians died for their faith in the twentieth century than in all of the previous centuries combined. By some counts, around 100,000 Christians are martyred for their faith each year, and there are currently over 100 million Christians being persecuted worldwide.

The history of the church demonstrates triumph in the face of persecution and martyrdom. In many places around the world, as the persecution increased, the church grew.

When we survey the Bible, we quickly see that persecution is a stark reality of the Christian life. The apostle Paul warned Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). Jesus told His disciples to expect persecution from the world. If they persecuted Him, they would persecute His followers (Jn. 15:18-20). Since the world is driven by the love of sin and self, it is no wonder they hate Christians who are called to be different and separate from the world. It is this very separation from the world and the world system that provokes hatred toward us.

As Christians, we must learn to recognize the spiritual value persecution offers and even to rejoice in it. Peter wrote that the church should not be surprised to come upon trials but should rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings. And, when the time comes for His glory to be revealed, those who suffered for His sake may also rejoice (1 Pet. 4:12-13). James instructed us to count it all joy when we meet trials, knowing that the texting of our faith produces steadfastness and maturity (Jas. 1:2-4). Jesus said that His followers would be blessed when people insult and persecute them and that we should rejoice at persecution, for our reward will be great in heaven (Mt. 5:11-12).

II. FACING PERSECUTION

2 Timothy 3:10-13

Do you pray for boldness? Are you ready to face a judge for the charge of preaching in the name of Jesus? Would that ever happen to you? Could someone in our country ever be called before a judge for preaching the gospel in public?

1 Peter 3:14-17, 4:12-16; John 15:18-25

Based on our particular cultural contexts, we may not face a lot of personal persecution. The amount of persecution we face will be shaped by many factors, only one of which is our faith in Christ and its expression. However, it is important to analyze our own hearts on this matter to be sure that we are not shrinking back from living out our faith and speaking of the hope of salvation found in Christ alone, asking God for boldness to speak in the name of Jesus. While the persecution that we face in our country may seem minor compared to what Christians in other times and places faced or dace, God has placed us in this place at this time according to His good pleasure (Acts 17:26), and we should not feel like we are sub-par Christians because no one is shooting at us.

It is a blessing to be persecuted for the name of Christ and righteousness’ sake, not for being obnoxious. We should be speaking the truth in love and sharing the hope that we have in Christ with gentleness and respect, but doing so boldly, knowing that the gospel is the power of God to salvation.

As we read about terrible forms of persecution faced by Christians around the world, it should encourage us to be praying for them and remind us that God’s grace is available to us when we need it, not before we need it. We can be preparing our own hearts for persecution by praying for others and acknowledging that God may send those trials our way at any time.

It is important for us to remember that we are called to take up our crosses daily to follow Jesus. If the world hated Jesus, and we are to be walking through this life in a way that people would look at us and see Him, then we should expect the world to hate us as well.

Matthew 5:10

THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
(Part 2)

Text: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

Introduction: It had been prophesied by the prophet Joel that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

[READ Joel 2:28-32]

28 “It will come about after this
That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will have dreams,
Your young men will see visions.
29 And even on the male and female servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
30 I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth,
Blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
31 The sun will be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.
32 And it will come about that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
Will be saved;
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
There will be those who escape,
Just as the Lord has said,
Even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.

The future ministry of the disciples depended on them receiving the Holy Spirit and relying on His power (Acts 1:8-9). Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit of truth, the Helper, would abide with them forever. This Spirit, who had dwelt with them, would now be in them (Jn. 14:16-17).

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Jesus promised that His disciples, those who trusted in Him as Savior and Lord, would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

[READ Acts 1:4-5]

4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

In the same way, all believers at the moment of salvation are baptized in the Spirit. When we believe, we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

[READ Eph. 1:13-14]

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation -- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

This baptism of the Spirit is a one-time event.

[READ 1 Cor. 12:13]

13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

The New Testament does not command believers to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is not an experience we are to seek, but rather it is God’s action performed on the believer at the moment of regeneration. Believers are, however, commanded to be filled with the Spirit, which means to be controlled by the Spirit.

[READ Eph. 5:18]

18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit ….

To be filled with the Spirit involves confessing all known sin and dying to self. As we walk in the Spirit, we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

[READ Gal. 5:16-23]

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The fruit of the Spirit will show itself clearly as we live a life pleasing to God.

[READ Col. 1:10]

10 So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

We will also be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), and in a right relationship with those around us (Col. 3:16 - 4:1).

It is staggering to see God’s providence at work throughout the Bible, and Pentecost is no exception. God had providentially ordained that it would be during Pentecost, when men from many countries were present, that the Holy Spirit would descend from heaven. Acts 2 mentions Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, and Rome. This list of nations recorded in Acts reminds us of the list of nations in Genesis 10 at the tower of Babel. At Babel, God confused the language and dispersed the people around the world as judgment for their foolish pride. Now, at Pentecost, God reversed the confusion experienced at Babel with the miracle of speaking in tongues. Now people of all languages could understand! And God’s purpose that the gospel be spread to all nations was launched way beyond the borders of Jerusalem to many nations as the men in Jerusalem that day returned to their homes.

II. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT
If you are in Christ, you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers us to do many things, but we might not recognize all the things that Scripture teaches about the Spirit’s work in our lives.

[READ Eph. 1:13-14]

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation -- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

The Holy Spirit seals us as the guarantee that God will raise us to new life in heaven to His glory.

[READ Gal. 5:22-26]

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. 26 Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of righteousness in us, allowing us to walk in His power so that we do not fulfill the passions of our flesh.

[READ Jn. 14:15-18]

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; 17 the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

The Holy Spirit abides in us to help us obey Christ and be in fellowship with God.

[READ 1 Cor. 2:10-16]

10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
14 But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds to the spiritual truths that we were formerly dead to, helping us discern truth from error.

[READ 1 Cor. 12:4-11]

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer that he or she uses in serving the body.

[READ Rom. 8:12-17]

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh -- 13 for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

The Holy Spirit empowers and leads us to avoid the sins of the flesh and assures us of our adoption as children of God.

This is just a sample of all the Holy Spirit does! God the Holy Spirit is dwelling in us, empowering us to do all that God has called us to do. I would encourage you to spend some more time this week looking through these additional passages to develop a deeper understanding of the Spirit’s work (see 1 Cor. 12; Acts 7:51, 13:2-4, 15:28, 20:28; 2 Tim. 1:14; Jn. 3:5-8, 14:26; Eph. 3:16, 4:3-4, 4:30, 5:18; Rom. 8:9-11, 8:26-27, 15:16).

III. APPLICATION

* As you consider the work of the Holy Spirit, how has your thinking changed from the time that you were first saved (or even before your salvation)? Discuss.

* On Pentecost, Peter preached in power before the crowd, boldly proclaiming the truth rather than denying Christ. What changed between the night of Jesus’ arrest, when Peter denied knowing Christ, and his preaching at Pentecost? First, Peter had seen the risen Savior and had been restored by Him. Second, Peter had also been empowered by the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Spirit is the major reason that Peter could boldly proclaim those truths and continue to spread the truth of the gospel in the face of much persecution.