For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
—1 Corinthians
1:18
Key Verse Thought: Read
the Key Verse. Use the following definitions to help you understand the key
verse:
preaching means to speak
intelligently about the word of the cross
cross means the whole passion
of Christ and the merit of His sufferings and death
them that perish means exposed
to eternal death
foolishness means foolishness
or absurdity
saved means those who have
obtained salvation through Christ and are kept by Him
power means a person in whom
the power of God is manifested
In this lesson, we will see the “power of God” revealed as we
look at the promise of Jesus found in Isaiah chapter fifty-three.
Emphasis: We are
to recognize what Jesus did upon the cross for our sins, believe it, and then
tell others what Jesus did for us and will do for them.
Lesson Summary: In
this lesson, we begin with a couple of people in the New Testament who had
walked and talked with Jesus, yet did not recognize Him after his resurrection
– until He revealed Himself to them. We are to understand that they too, had a
hard time understanding Jesus’ death.
As we look back at Isaiah chapters fifty-two through fifty-three, we will understand the promise of Jesus that God gave to His people. We will compare those promises made in the Old Testament that Isaiah recorded with the truths revealed in the New Testament (we will only see a few in the New Testament – for there are so many!). As we read them, we too, are to understand just what Jesus had to do upon the cross because of mankind’s sin. When Jesus died upon the cross, God made salvation available to the entire world (not just the Israelites).
We will learn that it is a choice that each person must make for himself or herself – whether or not to trust Jesus to take away our sin. Once we understand why Jesus died upon the cross, we are to believe in Him. Then we are to share these truths to the entire world, so that they too, can know just what Jesus did for them upon the cross.
Why is it so important to study the books of History and the Prophets in the Old Testament, along with the New Testament? “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). As we remember the history of Israel and Judah, we are to remember that God always dealt with his people. He warned of discipline for disobedience and promised restoration of His people when they repented. God is the same today. God disciplines Christians to bring them back to Him when they are not living according to the Bible’s teachings. “5. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Remember, God loved us so much, He sent His only begotten Son to die upon the cross to pay for our sins. We are to show our love to Him by obeying His commands – remember Jesus’ words. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Recognize some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always
warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. “14. Enter not into the
path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it,
pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except
they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some
to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of
violence. 18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is
as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:14-19).
God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. “If my
people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and
seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
These were encouraging words for the Israelites in King Solomon’s day.
God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also warned
us in the following verses. “23. Keep
thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27.
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil”
(Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important
to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come
out. Avoid wickedness and evil.
Christians today are to recognize the destruction sin can do to a life.
Remember what James teaches. “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth
forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). Lust
means “to satisfy the carnal appetites.”
Christians are to choose to do what is right (what pleases God) over what we
want to do. When we choose our own pleasures over God’s plan, it is sin and it
brings death. Also, see the following verse. “As righteousness tendeth
to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death”
(Proverbs 11:19).
Christians must also be careful that something that has the appearance
of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power
of Jesus (never having known Jesus themselves). “Having a form of godliness,
but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). We are
to be cautious and make sure that what seems good is something that
is truly from God.
There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord. “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds” (Acts 19:18). Deeds means “an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.” They had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means “a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.” The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. It did not matter to them the monetary cost. They wanted to live a new life pleasing God. Once they did this, read what followed. “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.
Are you avoiding evil and eliminating wicked things from your life, choosing to obey Jesus’ commands?
“But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
Not many people today were born into a Christian family. What does this
mean? Most often, they do not understand or know God. How can one find God? How
can one know God?
In the life of King Hezekiah, we can read of a hope for someone whose
family does not know of God or the things of God. King Hezekiah was the son of
a terrible king of Judah, King Ahaz. King Ahaz had not only forsaken God, but
he also worshiped idols – even sacrificing some of his sons to the false god
Molech. Still through all of that, Hezekiah came to know God, and
he pleased God in all that he did. When Hezekiah became king, he removed all of
those high places where his father worshiped and even broke down all of those
images the people worshiped.
How was Hezekiah able to come to know God, knowing the family into which
he was born? Read the following verses: “But if from thence thou shalt seek
the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy
heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).
One has to seek God. Also read the following: “The LORD looked down from
heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and
seek God” (Psalm 14:2). God knows when someone
seeks after Him, for He is watching and waiting! Hezekiah opened the doors of
the house of the Lord at the beginning of his reign (see 2 Chronicles 29:2).
That was the place to begin. He then followed God’s Word.
According to the following verses, we can understand that King Hezekiah
took the time to seek God’s Word so he would know what God required to
reestablish the relationship that had been severed. “22. And if ye have
erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto
Moses … 24. Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without
the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one
young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, … 25. And
the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel,
and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: … 26. And it shall
be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel,
and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were
in ignorance” (Numbers 15:22-26).
That was what God required in the Old Testament times, while the kings ruled.
It is always important to know what God requires – and it is recorded in His
Word. As we read the New Testament, Jesus came to set us free from the rigorous
duties of the Law. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and
not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they
offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect”
(Hebrews 10:1). See simply what Jesus did: “8. Above when he said, Sacrifice
and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not,
neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9. Then
said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he
may establish the second. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the
offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:8-10).
Jesus came to set us free from the continual sacrificial system of the Law.
Read what God did for Hezekiah for seeking Him with all of his heart. “And
in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law,
and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart,
and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). Because King Hezekiah sought God, doing
just what God’s Word required, he not only found God, but God was honored. God then
caused King Hezekiah to prosper. God was then free to bless His people openly –
revealing Himself to not only Judah,
but also the nations around. King Hezekiah became one of the greatest kings of Judah.
Anyone who seeks God can know God. However, what does it take to know
God? “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). It takes faith.
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians
3:26). One can know God only by faith
in Christ Jesus.
King Hezekiah is a great example of one who can give us hope. A hope that when God is sought, He will hear – as long as one comes to Him with a repentant heart. God can forgive anyone who will ask. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation …For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:8-10, 13).
Have you come to know God, understanding knowledge of God only comes by faith in Jesus?
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The Gospel message began to spread out of Jerusalem
after Stephen’s death. This event let to the church being persecuted. One of
the great persecutors of the church, Saul, met Jesus and was saved on the road
to Damascus. There was a drastic
change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was later changed to Paul.
However, it took time for the Believers in the church to recognize and
understand this fact.
God gave a couple of men that helped during
that time. One was Ananias, whom God sent to speak with Saul first. This was
important. Remember that Ananias had a message from God that Saul was chosen by
God to “bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings,
and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Keep in mind that Saul had been one of
the religious leaders, a Pharisee, having been trained and taught in the Old
Testament Scriptures. Saul later declared before the council, “… Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a
Pharisee …” (Acts 23:6). He was a Pharisee, taught in the ways of
the Pharisees in the “Jews’ religion.” Although
he knew the Old Testament Scriptures, he needed to understand them anew after
having believed Jesus was a fulfillment of those Scriptures. It would take time
and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the
Apostle sent to the Gentile people. As we can read in Galatians, when he left Damascus,
there was a three-year period that Saul was taught by Jesus, enabling him to
preach the Gospel (see Galatians 1:10-19).
Those three years were very important. He had to know and understand the Gospel
message before he would be able to share it with others.
After those three years of learning from
Jesus, Saul returned to Jerusalem.
“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem,
he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him,
and believed not that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). Saul was an unusual case – for he had been a
viable threat to Believers, also called disciples of Jesus. Remember: he had
been on a mission to arrest and kill them. Because of this, most Believers were
afraid of Saul. Understand that they did not believe that he had become a
disciple. “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles,
and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had
spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus”
(Acts 9:27). Nevertheless, see that God gave Saul an ally, a friend, in
Barnabas. Do you remember Barnabas? He was one of the many Believers who sold
their possessions, lands and houses and brought the money to the apostles (see
Acts 4:36-37). The early Believers
helped one another. This is yet another opportunity that Jesus was able to use
Barnabas: he was a vocal friend of Saul’s.
Although the new Believers were going out
from Jerusalem into the surrounding
areas, they still only told Jewish people about Jesus. There was a report that
was sent back from Antioch to Jerusalem
declaring many believed and turned to the Lord. When the report was received,
they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
Recognize how Barnabas is described here: “23. Who, when he came, and had
seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of
heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and
much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23-24). He faithfully taught the people, and many more
believed in Jesus.
Read what happened next: “25. Then
departed Barnabas to Tarsus,
for to seek Saul: 26. And when
he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year
they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the
disciples were called Christians first in Antioch”
(Acts 11:25-26). Barnabas went and
found Saul. They worked together, teaching the people about Jesus. It was at
this time in Antioch that the
disciples were first called Christians.
Shortly thereafter, we understand that God
had a special job for Barnabas and Saul. “As they ministered to the Lord,
and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2). And the people sent them – just
as God wanted. When Saul begins his ministry to the Gentiles, he is no longer
known as Saul, but Paul. “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,)
filled with the Holy Ghost …” (Acts 13:9). This began the First Missionary
Journey of Paul and Barnabas.
It is very important for each person who becomes a Christian, to learn
the truths found in God’s Word – so they will be able to share those truths
with others (“Study to shew
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15). This takes time, and
much reading of the Bible. A good Christian friend helps tremendously! Just as
Barnabas helped Saul (Paul).
Are you one who has shown
yourself approved unto God, a workman, and even a friend, who will share the
Gospel of Jesus?
“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.” Psalm 64:1
Who is the enemy of a Christian? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The
devil (Satan) is the enemy. We can read from this verse that he attacks and
wants to destroy Christians. Why do we need to know about our enemy, Satan? “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us:
for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Before we continue, it
is important that we understand a few things about Satan:
He lost his position in heaven
because of pride: “12. How art thou
fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down
to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13. For thou hast said in thine heart, I
will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will
sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the
north: 14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like
the most High” (Isaiah 14:12-14).
He is the father of lies: “Ye are of your father the devil, and
the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and
abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a
lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it”
(John 8:44). This is what Jesus said
about the devil when He was speaking to the religious leaders. We are to
recognize that Satan is a murderer, there is no truth in him, he only speaks of
his own, and he is a liar. These religious leaders obviously were not in
righteousness – which is the distinction between those who belong to God
instead of belonging to the devil.
He tricks through subtlety: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the
serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted
from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
He appears as an angel of
light: “13. For such are false
apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of
Christ. 14. And no
marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2
Corinthians 11:13-14).
When
Jesus came to earth, He came to defeat Satan (the devil), once and for all. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for
the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was
manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John
3:8). Not only do we learn that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, but
we recognize just who belongs to the devil. (One who commits sin in this verse
is “one who practices or lives in a prolonged form of sin.”) How can you
tell the difference between those who belong to the devil and those who belong
to God? “In this the children of
God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not
righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother”
(1 John 3:10). There is a definite
distinction.
How do Christians defeat our enemy, the devil?
In the following verse, one can understand a warning:
departing from the truth of God’s Word, becoming a friend of the world, causes
one to become the enemy of God. “Ye
adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is
enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy
of God” (James 4:4). Adulterer means “apostate.” Therefore,
a Christian must resist the devil in the faith. “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter
5:9). If Satan can shake the faith of Christians and draw them into departing
from the truths of God’s Word, he can defeat them. Christians must stand fast
in their faith. “That your faith
should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1
Corinthians 2:5).
Christians must be humble before God. “6. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). It is important to humble a Christian life to God, understanding that He cares for those who belong to Him. How can this be done? “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Do you recognize your enemy, standing fast in your faith while fearing the Lord and departing from evil?
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Acts 6:8
In the early church, the new Believers were encouraged to
continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
However, soon there were thousands of new Believers, and they chose men to help
in the ministry of the church. Once they chose these men to be ministers, see
what we read. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem
greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith”
(Acts 6:7). God blessed, and more people were saved.
Stephen was one of the seven men chosen who stood out in his
service to God. “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and
miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). Recognize that when God begins to
work, Satan likes to stir trouble. “Then there arose certain of the
synagogue … disputing with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). The religious leaders began
to argue with Stephen. Understand something important. “And they were not
able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10). Consider what Jesus had taught his
followers. “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom,
which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist”
(Luke 21:15). Gainsay means “contradict.” They may not have received the truths that
Stephen taught about faith in Jesus, but they could not refute those truths
either.
Because the religious leaders did not like what Stephen was
doing, or what he was saying, read the following to understand what they did
next. “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak
blasphemous words against Moses, and against God” (Acts 6:11). Suborned
means “to introduce underhandedly; to
make a secret agreement; to suborn in the legal sense means to induce a person
to make a false oath; to commit perjury.” They not only stirred up all of
the people, but they set up false witnesses, erroneously accusing Stephen.
These men brought Stephen before the council and accused him of speaking
against the Temple and the Law of
Moses (see Acts 6:12-13).
When that happened, Stephen preached the Gospel message to
them, which in essence, was a fulfillment, or completion, of the Law of Moses.
He explained to them from the Old Testament Scriptures, in a review of their
history, a bold defense of the Christian faith. He offered to the religious
leaders a Biblical theology in his examination of the Old Testament in light of
Jesus’ coming. In his remembrance, he made it a point to remind them that
throughout their history, there was never a time that the entire nation
worshiped God – but there was always a remnant of true Believers.
Stephen began with Abraham, a true man of faith! For when God
told him to leave his family and walk with God, Abraham followed God’s Word.
When God told Abraham He would bring forth a great nation from him (even though
he was old and childless), Abraham believed God. God proceeded to give Abraham
a son, Isaac, who fathered the sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel.
Stephen reminded them of Joseph (who was initially rejected
by his brothers), and Moses (who was initially rejected by his people). Even
though both of these men were rejected at first, they were received as leaders
the second time. It was then that they were able to save God’s people in that
time in history.
Yet as Stephen reminded the religious leaders of these great men of their history, these religious leaders (who knew the history in the Old Testament) had rejected the greatest deliverer presented to them – Jesus. For Jesus had come to, “… save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Stephen rebuked these religious leaders for their unbelief. Remember, it was some of these same religious leaders who had not only rejected Jesus, but had demanded His death.
What was their response to Stephen’s presentation of Jesus? “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). These religious leaders were “cut to the heart,” but instead of repenting and turning to Jesus (as we saw many people had done), they ran upon Stephen and bit him with their teeth. Notice that Stephen did not fight back, but looked up and saw into heaven. When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus, “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord” (Acts 7:57). They put their hands over their ears and ran upon him, hostilely. They proceeded to stone Stephen. Yet Stephen had forgiven his enemies, and Jesus received him into heaven.
These religious leaders, who had studied the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they had not kept the words recorded therein – for they rejected Jesus, the One of whom it was all written. Remember what Jesus replied to the High Priest before His death. “… Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). Then, they will believe in Jesus.
Have you believed upon Jesus whom the Old Testament history presents as our Saviour?
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
In the very early days of the church, there
was a boldness of sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (His death,
burial, and resurrection). Peter was the first to preach to the crowds, calling
the people to a time of repentance and belief in Jesus. When he preached, many
people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus. Because it was the early
establishment of the church, the Apostles were able to heal and do many great
things. One of the first was when Peter and John went to the Temple
and healed a lame man in the name of Jesus. Not only was he healed, but this
man also praised God for this healing. When the people heard what happened to
the lame man, they came and heard a message from Peter where he said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19a). Repent means “to
think differently; to feel compunction (a feeling of guilt that follows doing
something wrong).” There had to be a change.
However, read the religious leaders’ reaction
to this preaching of Jesus. “2. Being grieved that they taught the people …
3. And they laid hands on
them, and put them in hold unto the next day…” (Acts 4:2-3). Because
the religious leaders did not like what Peter and John preached, Peter and John
were arrested. Nevertheless, recognize that many other people believed the
Gospel message. “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the
number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4).
When the religious leaders challenged Peter
and John, asking why they taught Jesus, read what Peter said. “10. Be it
known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even
by him doth this man stand here before you whole … 12. Neither is there
salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10,
12). (Remember that “this man stand here before you whole” was the man who
was previously lame that had been sitting at the Temple
gate.) When Peter and John spoke this boldly for Jesus, claiming there was no other
name by which anyone could be saved, see what the religious leaders who did not
believe in Jesus recognized. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and
John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled;
and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The religious leaders were amazed that
these men (remember they were fishermen) could speak like this. They recognized
that these men had been with Jesus. Moreover, because of the lame man that had
been healed, they could not deny the truths these men taught – but they did not
want the name of Jesus spread. Therefore, they commanded Peter and John not to
speak of Jesus any more. Their response? “For we cannot but speak the things
which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
They were going to continue to preach Jesus and His resurrection.
After being released from prison (see Acts 4:23), they returned to the other Believers,
praying and rejoicing, thanking God for what He had done. “… And they spake the
word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31b).
Take notice that these men were bold as they
taught the people of salvation that is only given by Jesus. They remembered
what Jesus had taught them. “Jesus
saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
After Jesus died, was buried, rose from the dead, and then ascended back into
heaven, they began to understand. They had witnessed these important events and
taught the people because Jesus told them to go and “… be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part
of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).
Does anyone share the Gospel message of
Jesus’ salvation in our world today? If the message of repentance is shared,
does anyone respond? What is a Christian to do in this world today? The Bible
message has not changed. The only way to have life is to believe in Jesus for
salvation. “For God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved”
(John 3:17).
Why do we not see many people saved? “18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:18-19). They do not believe.
Have you repented and then believed in Jesus for salvation? Have you told anyone about Jesus?
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” Acts 2:42
Shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter
preached the Gospel message of Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem.
One reason was because they had rejected Jesus, crucifying Him, and many of them
had witnessed that crucifixion. They were guilty for His death. “23. Him,
being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have
taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24. Whom God hath raised
up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he
should be holden of it (Acts 2:23-24).
Holden means “to use strength to hold or retain.” When Jesus could not be held by
death, He took the power of death that had previously been held
by the devil, Satan. See the following verse to understand this: “… that
through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the
devil” (Hebrews 2:14b). Understand that death could not hold Jesus, for he
conquered it. Jesus gave the power of life to any who would believe in
Him.
Peter continued to explain to the people that because Jesus could not “be
holden of it”, Jesus rose from the dead. And the people to whom Peter was
preaching, were witnesses of that fact: “This Jesus hath God raised up,
whereof we all are witnesses” (Acts 2:32). What were they to do with that
information? “Therefore let all the house of Israel
know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified,
both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
All of the house of Israel
should have recognized that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and
Christ. Christ means “the Savior of the world.” They were to believe
Jesus was the Savior of the world. After hearing that Jesus had died, was
buried, and raised again – conquering death once and for all, the people were
brought to a time of decision. Those people were given the choice to believe or
reject.
How did they respond? “Now when they heard this, they were
pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). When they heard the Gospel message preached, they
were “pricked in their heart.” Pricked means “greatly pained or deeply moved.” It is important that the Gospel
message had a movement in their heart. Sometimes we call this “conviction”
(which means “found guilty of an offense”). However, it is more important
what those people did with that movement. Peter told them what they must do. “38.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all
that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts
2:38-39). The people had to take action: repent. Repent means “to imply pious
sorrow for unbelief and sin, and a turning from them to God and the gospel of
Christ.” Repentance is a response between a sinful man and
God. Baptism is an outward testimony of what happened to that
individual’s heart. Notice that God “called” them. Call means “God’s call
through the Gospel message.”
The Gospel message is very simple: when one hears, feels the conviction
(that “call”), then one must just believe. In other words, simply believe and
receive without question. Jesus spent much of His ministry calling people to a
time of decision – to believe in Him, or choose to reject Him. When Peter
preached to the people, he preached the same message: God must call the
individual’s heart, and that individual must repent, believing in Jesus. Then
it is important to reveal to others just what God did (a testimony) by being
baptized before witnesses. What did the people do once they understood? Those
who believed and responded to God’s call were baptized, and there were three
thousand people who believed!
What they did next was very important. “And
they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Once there has been such a change in one’s heart and life, it is important to
learn how to live this new life. Continued
stedfastly means “faithfulness and
steadfastness in the outgoings of the Christian life – especially in prayer.”
They understood that learning from the Apostles was important (doctrine means “the teaching of the Apostles”
and we now find it in our Bible). These new Believers not only learned
the doctrine, but fellowshipped together. This is something important that
Christians should do even today: read their Bible, learn from Bible teachers
who know God’s Word, and fellowship with other Believers as opposed to the lost
world who have not given their hearts and lives to Jesus. Next, read of the
blessing for those who not only believed, but also shared the Gospel message
with others. “… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be
saved” (Acts 2:47b).
Have
you been called to repent from your sin and believe in Jesus?
“32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33
As you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), you learn of
Jesus’ Teachings. More than that, as you read of Jesus’ Miracles, one can see
the compassion of Jesus and the call to faith – to believe in
Jesus. In Jesus’ Parables, He specifically wanted to teach His followers about
heavenly things. However, more than that, in those parables, there was another
call for a time of decision – to follow Jesus and His teachings, or to refuse
them and thereby reject Him.
But did all believe? “But though he had
done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:37). Many did not believe though they saw
many great miracles. Often times, those who did believe were
afraid to admit that belief in Jesus. “42. Nevertheless among the chief
rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not
confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they
loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). Notice the reason those who believed
because of Jesus’ words but were hesitant to admit that belief. They were
afraid of their “friends” or “colleagues,” the Pharisees. It is important to
recognize that no one should be afraid to acknowledge their belief in Jesus –
no matter what one’s friends might say. (Remember what Jesus said in the book
of Matthew. “32. Whosoever therefore shall confess
me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny
before my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 10:32-33.)
See how Jesus responded to the lack of any of
the chief rulers to confess. (Confess
“means to agree with;confess publicly, acknowledge openly;
profess ‘the Lord being Jesus.’”) As you continue reading, see that Jesus cried
out. One can almost sense His frustration in consistently declaring the truth,
yet the refusal of most to act upon it. “44. Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him
that sent me. 45. And he that seeth me seeth him
that sent me. 46. I am come a light into the
world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him
not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” (John
12:44-47). Understand that Jesus
directed the people’s attention to God. When the people saw Jesus, they were in
fact seeing God – for Jesus had come to the earth to be revealed to mankind, as
the “light into the world” for He had the
words of life – if only one would hear them. However, if one refused, read what
He declared. “48. He that rejecteth me, and
receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken,
the same shall judge him in the last day. 49.
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting:
whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak”
(John 12:48-50).
God
knew their hearts. If they rejected Jesus, God would judge them
one day. Notice that Jesus declared that He spoke the words of God to the
people.
The following is a great example of one who heard of Jesus, went to see Him, and openly believed. We can read of this man, named Zacchaeus. Most people remember the children’s song that tells of him. And it is quite accurate with what the Bible teaches us. Jesus was passing through Jericho. “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich” (Luke 19:2). He was a short man who could not see Jesus as He passed because of the crowd. So, “he climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Saviour passed that way, He looked up in that tree, and He said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down. For I’m going to your house today.’” Jesus went to his house, and Zacchaeus believed in Jesus. We understand this because Jesus declared, “This day is salvation come to this house …” (Luke 19:9b). Jesus added something very important for all to remember. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Remember that this is why Jesus came into the world.
Have you openly believed in Jesus, or are you like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who were afraid?
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
Have events ever transpired that left you
uncertain of the future? Did you wonder what would happen next? Were you unsure
of where to go or what to do? Often times, one will just go through the motions
of everyday life, not sure what else to do.
Many of the disciples were fishermen when
Jesus called them to follow Him. While Peter, Andrew, James and John were
fishing (Matthew 4:18-22), Jesus
walked by the Sea of Galilee and called them to follow
Him. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”
(Matthew 4:19). To remember the full
circumstances, reread Luke 5:4-11. They had been fishing all night and caught
nothing. Jesus asked Peter to push his boat out so Jesus could teach the
people. When He finished, Jesus told Peter to “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets
for a draught” (Luke 5:4b). When Peter obeyed, he caught so many
fish that his net was breaking! He called for the men in the other boat to come
help him bring them into the boat. The fish filled both boats. It was then that
Jesus called them to leave fishing and follow Him. And they did!
Three years later, Jesus was crucified.
Immediately after Jesus died on the cross and
was buried, the disciples must have felt much uncertainty. They may have also
been in fear for their lives because they were followers of Jesus. Three days
after Jesus was put into the tomb, some women approached and saw that the tomb
was empty. Angels told them that Jesus was alive, and to go tell His disciples.
The women went and told the eleven disciples. Jesus appeared first to Mary
Magdalene. She went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus. He then appeared
to the other women who had gone to the tomb. Remember the guards were paid to
spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples had stolen His body. At this time, we can
understand most people did not know what to believe.
Jesus appeared to the disciples in a room
where the doors were shut, but one disciple was missing. They could not believe
their eyes. Jesus was standing before them – alive! Jesus explained to His
disciples what He had done. “44. And he
said unto them, These are
the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things
must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the
prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45. Then opened he
their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:44-45).
Jesus taught the disciples about Himself from the Old Testament: the Law, the
Psalms and the Prophets. Keep in mind that throughout the Old Testament the
promise of Jesus was given, and why He was to come. Now they understood what
Jesus had been telling them. Jesus then revealed the plans He had for them. And
the missing disciple (Thomas)? Jesus appeared again – just for Him.
Before we go any further, remember something
Jesus told them on that night He was arrested. “But after I am risen again, I will go before you
into Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32). Jesus
had appeared to them twice now. However, Jesus promised them that after He had
risen again, He would go before them into Galilee. What
were they to do? Having remembered this, it would only make sense that when the
disciples heard that Jesus was alive, they would go to Galilee.
It would be important for them to act upon the words that Jesus gave to them.
When Peter said he would go fishing, the
others went with him. They knew how to fish. The disciples fished all night and
caught nothing. When a man (Jesus) on the shore told them to cast on the other
side, they caught a lot of fish. It was then that they recognized Jesus. As
soon as Jesus was recognized, Peter jumped into the sea to swim to shore.
Recognize the blessing those who were fishing together on that day received!
They saw Jesus alive, again. Jesus once again went to the Sea of
Galilee to see them – just as He had told them He would. Before
this day ended, Jesus called Peter, again, to “Follow
me” (John 21:19b). Once again, they were reminded to continue with
the same mission – to follow Jesus.
Jesus often meets with His people as they are
about every day life activities – especially when they are where they supposed
to be. It is then that one can be encouraged through the turmoil of life’s
events and remember to “Follow Jesus!”
Do
you remember to follow Jesus, no matter what uncertain circumstances come into
your life?
