Pastor Neil’s Blog

Acts of the Apostles - or - “Modeling 101 ”
In Acts, we see:
•    the departure and promise of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ
•    teachings on the power to minister or witness that the Spirit gives to the believers
•    home missions
•    foreign missions

Comparison between Peter & Paul
Paul’s ministry as an apostle is validated in Acts by a comparison with the apostle Peter.
•    They both heal a lame man (3:1-10 and 14:8-10), and heal others.
•    Peter heals the sick with his shadow (5:15, 16) and Paul heals the sick with his handkerchiefs and aprons (19:12).
•    Both were recipients of jealousy from the Jews (5:17, 13:45)
•    Confront sorcerers (8:9-24, 13:6-11)
•    Raise people from the dead (9:36-41, 20:9-12),
•    and were imprisoned and miraculously delivered from jail (12:3-19, 16:25-34).

There are different ways to divide the book of Acts. It can be divided in half, Some believe that the first section shows the church as being bound to the law, while the second section portrays Christian Gentiles who have been freed from the law.
•    1:1-12:25 designating the Spirits work in and around Jerusalem
•    13:1-28:31 being focused on the Apostle Paul.

Acts reveals a progression of the gospel that divides the book into six parts. At the end of each section is a summary statement (6:7, 9:31, 12:24, 16:5, 19:20, 28:30-31). The progression:
1.    Begins in Jerusalem (1:1-6:7),
2.    Then extends to Judea, Galilee, and Samaria (6:8-9:31),
3.    Moves into Syria and Cyprus (9:32-12:24),
4.    Then Pisidia, Pamphylia, Lycaonia, and Cilicia (12:25-16:5),
5.    Next it continues to Asia and Greece (16:6-19:20),
6.    and Finally to Rome (19:21-28:31).
The Book of Acts can be divided into 3 major sections:
I. Their Witness in Jerusalem (1:1-8:3)
A. Preparation (1:1-26)
B. Establishment of the Church (2:1-47)
C. the Church in Jerusalem (3:1-8:3)
II. Their Witness in Judea and Samaria (8:4-12:25)
A. the Preaching by Philip (8:4-40)
B. the Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (9:1-31)
C. the Miracles of Peter (9:32-43)
D. the Conversion of Cornelius (10:1-11:18)
E. the Ministries of Barnabas, Saul and Peter (11:19-12:25)
III. Their Witness to the End of the Earth (13:1-28:30-31)
A. the First Missionary Journey of Paul (13:1-14:28)
B. the Issue of Circumcision and the Law (15:1-35)
C. the Second Missionary Journey of Paul (15:36-18:22)
D. the Third Missionary Journey of Paul (18:23-21:17)
E. the Arrest of Paul and Journey to Rome (21:18-28:31)

Text of chapter 1 with some of my observations:
Chapter 1 - The journey starts with the first step . . .
(1) In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach (2) until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. (3) After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (4) On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. (5) For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Observations
•    Some people need convincing proofs if they have seen contrary evidence with their own eyes.
•    Even after super-spiritual events, we still do normal things… like eating
•    They were already saved and sealed with the Holy spirit

(6) So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (7) He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Observations
•    It’s not about personal position, it’s about Kingdom Power
•    Be concerned about the present, and the future will be taken care of.
•    What are we going to model?

(9) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. (10) They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. (11) “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (12) Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.

Observations
•    God can do the impossible while you watch
•    Sometimes we get distracted by the impossible
•    Sometimes God sends us a messenger to remind us to be about His business

(13) When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. (14) They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Observations
•    Sometimes we need to get away to get proper perspective on God’s direction
•    Even though we’ve been told what to do, we still need to pray for wisdom, direction, strength, and courage.
•    The oneness and backing of family is important

(15) In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) (16) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus - (17) he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”  (18) (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. (19) Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) (20) “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms,
” ‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and,
” ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ (21) Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, (22) beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Observations
•    God always raises up someone to lead as a focal point
•    Just because a leader says so, does it make it so?
•    Even if we understand the scripture, that does not mean we are correct

(23) So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. (24) Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen (25) to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” (26) Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Observations
•    Sometimes we resort to propositions instead of God’s counsel
•    We need to keep our own hearts in check when we pray
•    If we don’t wait on God answer, it is always a gamble

Note: there is nothing more recorded in the scriptures concerning Matthias, but remember, silence does not mean disapproval on God’s part.

Finally done. here’s the results:
Theme:
• The gentiles by the law of nature, nor the Jews by the law of Moses, could obtain justification before God
• Both have to receive it from the free mercy of God by faith

True Path (outline)
Where We’ve Been    Chpt’s 1-3;    We have a problem
Where We Are    Chpt’s 4-9;    The Problem’s Taken Care Of
Where We’re Going    Chpt’s 10-11;    We’re Destined for Greatness
What it Looks Like    Chpt’s 11-16;    The Great Serve

Chapter 1: The True Problem
The Basis  for Guilt - Romans 1:18-23
The Results of Sin, Guilt and Foolishness - Romans  1:24-32
• God shows himself to everyone, and thus holds everyone accountable
• He Lets us Choose what to Believe
• Appropriate results will follow our choices

Chapter 2 - The True Condition: We blame others while ignoring our own shame & God’s scales are evenly balanced
2:1-3; The Law trumps Sin
2:5-20; Sin trumps the Law
2:21-26; Faith trumps Sin!
2:27-31; Faith trumps Works!

Chapter 3 - The True Guilt
3:1-8; Lack of faith does not nullify God’s faithfulness
3:9-20; Everyone is Guilty
3:21-26; There is a Universal Provision for Righteousness
3:27-31; The Law established the necessity for Faith

Chapter 4 - The True Faith That Works
4:1-8; We are Justified by Faith, not by Works
4:9-12; We are Justified by Faith, not by performance
4:13-17; We are Justified by Faith, not by DNA
4:18-22; We are Justified by Faith, not by what we see
4:23-25; It is God who credits righteousness

Chapter 5 True Salvation for All    ! ! ! !
5:1-5; We have Present Peace with God because …
5:6-8; In the Past, Christ died for all sinners so..
5:9-11    In the Future we will Escape from God’’s Wrath
5:12-17; Death came to all because all sinned, Christ died for all sin, for all man, for all time
5:18-20; The gift is not like the trespass. In Adam all die, in Christ all will be made alive

Chapter 6 - True Choices
6:1-7; The salvation legalities have been taken care of, We are no longer slaves to sin.
6:8-10; He died once for all, not for part or for part-time
6:11-14; We sin not because we have to, but because we choose to.
6:15-23; The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. . . . for all

Chapter 7 - True Struggles
7:1-6; The dead don’t struggle with sin
7:7-13; Ignorance is not bliss
7:14-20; We sometime struggle from what we were to what we are
7:21-24; The body and mind are at war

Romans 8 - True Freedom. Period.
8:1-4; The Law had/has no Power!
8:5-8; Even believers can live after the flesh and not please God
8:9-11; Even the disobedient are His children
8:12-17; We are obligated to righteousness (change in behavior)
8:18-25; Everything waits for us to “Get with it!”
8:26-27; The Spirit knows we’re not up to speed yet, and is helping us
8:28-38; God’s Love is more powerful than anything!

Romans 9 - True Sovereignty
9:1-5; Not that they would be “saved”, but that they would see.
9:6-14; God destined all to “Election”
9:16-18; Our Salvation depends on God’s mercy, not our effort
9:19-29; We are destined for glory
9:30-33; Trusting God does not lead to shame

Romans 10 - True Faith
10:1-4; Zeal is no substitute for faith
10:5-13; Your words confirm/reveal what’s in your heart
10:14-15; Faith comes by hearing preaching by those sent due to their calling
10:16-21; Not everyone who hears, gets it

Romans 11 -  True Remnants
11:1-10; We never fully see what God sees
11:11-16; The part reveals the whole
11:17-24; Grafting is intended to produce a “Better Product”
11:25-32; All (even Israel) will be saved
11:33-36; God Does what He does, for Himself

Romans 12 - True Sacrifices
12:1-3; You are the best you have to offer
12:4-5; Keep a proper perspective on who you really are
12:6-8; We are all gifted differently
12:9-16; Practice real love, and then . . .
12:17-21; Do what you can to practice peace

Romans 13 - True Submission
13:1-7; The problem is not Government, it’s us.,  Honor what God has established
13:8-10; Live and Love like you mean it.
13:11-14; Behave yourselves

Romans 14 - True Strength
14:1-12; Most things don’t matter, Lighten up,
14:13-18; Mind your own business and Let it Go . . .
14:19-21; Live Peacefully With Others, Regardless of What You Think
14:22-23; It Is Only God’s Approval That Matters

Romans 15 - True Maturity
15:1-13; True Strength and Maturity Makes Allowances for Others
15:14-16; We Need Constant Reminders
15:17-22; It is easier to disciple, when you don’t have to “undo” someone else’s mistakes
15:23-29; When your work is finished in one place, move to another
15:30-33; We Need to Pull Together to Accomplish God’s Will.

Romans 16 - True Friendship
16:1-2; God does not respect gender, neither should we
16:3-4; We should always place ourselves at risk for those we love
16:5-16; It takes many hands and hearts to accomplish what God wants.
16:19-20; We are to be wise and proactive concerning the safety of the saints
16:21-23; Even those in government can serve God.
16:24-27; God’s intent is that all nations believe and obey the gospel.

Jesus didn’t die to give us choice, we already had that in the garden… isn’t that what got us into trouble in the first place? Jesus died to give us something we didn’t have… forgiveness, mercy, and life. To be transformed from darkness to light; Resurrected from death to life; Freed from destruction, empowered to love.

All to often, we in the church place so much emphasis on the gift of salvation that we neglect the resulting expectation for Godly behavior known as righteousness. Yes, I know, we have status of imputed righteousness, but the underlying theme is that we can’t be good even if we’re forgiven. Au contraire.
Previously in chapter 5 we read Paul state that the sin problem was caused by one man, so the cure comes by one man. All sin, all die, so in Christ will all be made alive.
We are free. . . free to live, free to love, free to please God, even free to misbehave. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.
6:1-7 The salvation legalities have been taken care of, We are no longer slaves to sin, we should stop it.
6:8-10 He died once for all, not for part or for part-time
6:11-14 We sin not because we have to, but because we choose to.
6:15-23 We should stop sinning and the Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. . . for all

Because there was a universal problem of sin, God decided to provide a universal answer. Calvary.

One problem we, as students of the scripture, often bring upon ourselves is not relating scripture we read in it’s complete context. We divide dialog into chapters and verses whereas often the writer intended a continuous, clear, flow. Especially in Paul’s writings, later portions of scripture must be based on earlier statements to get what he’s saying or “windage” errors will occur.

Neither the gentiles by the law of nature, nor the Jews by the law of Moses, could obtain justification before God and that it was necessary for both to seek it from the free mercy of God by faith… and that God has an absolute right to show mercy on whatever terms he pleases, or to withhold it from whoever, again, as He pleases. Here’s what we’ve seen so far:
We should be concerned about the welfare of each other
Being pure in character is not a bad thing
We are to have a reputation for faith beyond our own borders
Having a relationship with Jesus is nothing to be ashamed about
Our lifestyle should reflect a relationship with Jesus
Guilt and judgement is not restricted to those who do not believe in God.
We blame others while ignoring our own shame, but God’s kindness should lead to repentance.
God’s scales are evenly balanced, He does not show favoritism.
God is more interested in actions than words.
God know all our secrets.
It matters what we do. . . Integrity is Key
If you lose integrity, your testimony is shot!
Who we are should determine what we see
The Law trumps Sin if we obey it
Sin trumps the Law because we can’t
Faith trumps Sin!
Faith trumps Works!
Lack of faith does not nullify God’s faithfulness
Everyone is Guilty
There is a Universal Provision for Righteousness
The Law established the necessity for Faith
We are Justified by Faith, not by Works
We are Justified by Faith, not by performance
We are Justified by Faith, not by DNA
We are Justified by Faith, not by what we see
It is God who credits righteousness

Romans Chapter 5 Jesus Paid the Debt for All ! ! ! !
5:1-5 We have Present Peace with God because …
5:6-8 In the Past, Christ died for all sinners so..
5:9-11 In the Future we will Escape from God’’s Wrath
5:12-17 Death came to all men, because all sinned
5:18-20 The gift is not like the trespass. In Adam all die, in Christ all will be made alive
This is an interesting statement. For most of Christianity, they translate this as meaning you have to accept Christ or spend eternity in Hell and the Lake of Fire. But in reality the gift isn’t like the trespass in that in sin we pass on the guilt to our offspring and subsequent generations because we start off condemned.
Psalm 51:5 “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”
We can’t pass on the forgiveness to anyone else. We can’t pass on the righteousness, we can’t pass on the relationship…

Based on Paul describing in chapter 1, describing what the decrepit condition of man looks like without a relationship with God; And that in Chapter 2 he reminds us that not meeting God’s standards is not confined to those who don’t believe in God and the problem is universal; and that in chapter 3 he affirms that all have sinned that all will die and there is none good, not even one the question is raised then “How CAN we be justified before God?”

The progression is logical and systematic… by faith, not by works. That’s how Abraham did it, that’s how his kids did it, that’s how we do it.

4:1-8    We are Justified by Faith, not by Works
4:9-12    We are Justified by Faith, not by performance
4:13-17    We are Justified by Faith, not by DNA
4:18-22    We are Justified by Faith, not by what we see
4:23-25    It is God who credits righteousness

After Paul’s opening in the beginning of chapter 1, he concludes the by describing what a decrepit condition of man looks like without a relationship with God.

Chapter 2 reminds us that not meeting god’s standards is not confined to those who don’t believe in God. The problem is universal.

Chapter 3 affirms (lest we ignore the fact) that All Sinned ;All Die; There is None Good, Not Even One.
3:1-8  Lack of faith does not nullify God’s faithfulness
3:9-20  Everyone is Guilty
3:21-26  There is a Universal Provision for Righteousness
3:27-31  The Law established the necessity for Faith

While we, as believers, try to get a handle on God’s Word, it is important to remember that Jesus died for all sin, for all man, for all time… and He reminds us that the believer & unbeliever both try hard, succeed sometimes, but ultimately fall short and blame others while ignoring our own shame. God’s scales are evenly balanced so here’s another way of looking at chapter 2 in Romans:
2:1-3 The Law trumps Sin if we obey it
2:5-20 Sin trumps the Law because we can’t
2:21-26 Faith trumps Sin!
2:27-31 Faith trumps Works!

Romans 2:17-29

• It matters what we do. . . Integrity is Key

• If you lose integrity, your testimony is shot!

• Who we are should determine what we see

It has been awhile, but here goes . . . Observations from Chapter 2

Guilt and judgement is not restricted to those who do not believe in God.

(2:1-4) We blame others while ignoring our own shame, but God’s kindness should lead to repentance.

(2:6-11) God’s scales are evenly balanced, He does not show favoritism.

(2:12-13) God is more interested in actions than words.

(2:14-16) Gos know all our secrets.

Those who believe don’t always please God, and those who don’t believe God, some times do please Him. bot both don’y please him completely. Jew or gentile, the problem of sin is universal, and needs a universal answer and solution. . . His nmae is Jesus