Bold Faith: The Early Church's Divine Mission

 

Summary

In the book of Acts, chapter 5, verses 29-32, we find a powerful declaration by the Apostle Peter before the Sanhedrin, emphasizing the divine authority and mission of the early church. This passage highlights the unwavering commitment of the apostles to preach the gospel despite opposition. The early church, as depicted in Acts, serves as a model for understanding the true nature and mission of the Christian church today. It is not about conforming to modern ideas or societal expectations but about adhering to the original message and purpose as established by God.

The apostles faced persecution for their preaching and miraculous works, particularly the healing of a lame man at the temple gate. Despite being ordered to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, they continued boldly, driven by their conviction that they must obey God rather than human authorities. This defiance was not out of rebellion but out of a deep understanding of the gospel's divine origin and its necessity for the salvation of humanity.

The gospel is not a human invention or philosophy but a divine revelation centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is about the historical events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which the apostles witnessed firsthand. The Holy Spirit, given to those who obey God, also bears witness to these truths, empowering believers and confirming the gospel's authenticity.

The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is a pivotal event, marking the birth of the church and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This event, along with the transformation of the apostles from fearful followers to bold proclaimers, testifies to the power and reality of the Holy Spirit's work. The church's survival and growth throughout history, despite challenges and corruption, are further evidence of the Spirit's ongoing presence and activity.

Key Takeaways:

- The early church's commitment to preaching the gospel, despite persecution, serves as a model for modern believers. The apostles' defiance of the Sanhedrin was rooted in their conviction that they must obey God rather than human authorities, emphasizing the divine origin and necessity of the gospel. [06:04]

- The gospel is not a human philosophy but a divine revelation centered on Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were witnesses to these historical events, and the Holy Spirit continues to bear witness to their truth, empowering believers and confirming the gospel's authenticity. [12:19]

- The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is a pivotal event, marking the birth of the church and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. This event demonstrates the power and reality of the Holy Spirit's work, transforming the apostles and empowering the church's mission. [17:03]

- The transformation of the apostles from fearful followers to bold proclaimers of the gospel is a testament to the Holy Spirit's power. This change is not explainable by human psychology but is evidence of the Spirit's work in empowering and equipping believers for their mission. [39:26]

- The church's survival and growth throughout history, despite challenges and corruption, are evidence of the Holy Spirit's ongoing presence and activity. Revivals and renewals throughout history testify to the Spirit's power in revitalizing the church and advancing the gospel. [54:11]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to Acts 5:29-32
[01:07] - The Early Church's Mission
[02:14] - Apostles' Persecution and Defiance
[03:28] - The Healing at the Temple Gate
[04:45] - Apostles' Boldness in Preaching
[06:04] - Obeying God Over Human Authority
[07:33] - The Divine Nature of the Gospel
[09:08] - The Role of Jesus as Savior
[11:30] - The Witness of the Apostles
[12:19] - The Gospel as Historical Fact
[17:03] - The Coming of the Holy Spirit
[23:37] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
[39:26] - Transformation of the Apostles
[54:11] - The Church's Survival and Growth
[57:00] - Conclusion and Call to Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 5:29-32
- Acts 2:1-4 (The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost)
- Joel 2:28-29 (Prophecy of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit)

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the response of the apostles when they were commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching in the name of Jesus? ([06:04])

2. How did the apostles explain the healing of the lame man at the temple gate? ([03:28])

3. What significant event marked the birth of the church and fulfilled Old Testament prophecies? ([17:03])

4. How did the apostles describe the nature of the gospel in their defense before the Sanhedrin? ([08:13])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why did the apostles prioritize obeying God over human authorities, and how does this reflect on the nature of their mission? ([06:04])

2. How does the transformation of the apostles from fearful followers to bold proclaimers serve as evidence of the Holy Spirit's power? ([39:26])

3. In what ways does the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies? ([23:37])

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming the authenticity of the gospel message? ([11:30])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to conform to societal expectations rather than adhering to your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? ([06:04])

2. The apostles were witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. How can you bear witness to these truths in your daily life?

3. The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach boldly. What steps can you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit for courage in sharing your faith? ([39:26])

4. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more attentive to His guidance and presence in your daily decisions? ([11:30])

5. The early church faced persecution but continued to grow. How can you contribute to the growth and vitality of your church community, even in the face of challenges? ([54:11])

6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to obey God rather than human authorities or societal pressures. What practical steps can you take to align your actions with God's will? ([06:04])

7. The sermon emphasizes the historical reality of the gospel. How can you deepen your understanding of the historical foundations of your faith to strengthen your witness to others? ([12:19])

Devotional

Day 1: Obeying God Over Human Authority
The early church's commitment to preaching the gospel, despite persecution, serves as a model for modern believers. The apostles' defiance of the Sanhedrin was rooted in their conviction that they must obey God rather than human authorities, emphasizing the divine origin and necessity of the gospel. This defiance was not out of rebellion but out of a deep understanding of the gospel's divine origin and its necessity for the salvation of humanity. The apostles were driven by their conviction that they must obey God rather than human authorities, emphasizing the divine origin and necessity of the gospel. [06:04]

Acts 4:19-20 (ESV): "But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to conform to societal expectations rather than God's commands? How can you take a step today to prioritize obedience to God?


Day 2: The Gospel as Divine Revelation
The gospel is not a human philosophy but a divine revelation centered on Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were witnesses to these historical events, and the Holy Spirit continues to bear witness to their truth, empowering believers and confirming the gospel's authenticity. This divine revelation is not just a set of beliefs but a transformative truth that changes lives. The apostles' firsthand experiences with Jesus and the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in believers' lives affirm the gospel's authenticity and power. [12:19]

1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."

Reflection: How has the gospel transformed your life? Identify one area where you can allow the Holy Spirit to further reveal the truth of the gospel to you.


Day 3: The Power of Pentecost
The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is a pivotal event, marking the birth of the church and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. This event demonstrates the power and reality of the Holy Spirit's work, transforming the apostles and empowering the church's mission. The transformation of the apostles from fearful followers to bold proclaimers of the gospel is a testament to the Holy Spirit's power. This change is not explainable by human psychology but is evidence of the Spirit's work in empowering and equipping believers for their mission. [17:03]

Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life and community? How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance and empowerment?


Day 4: Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
The transformation of the apostles from fearful followers to bold proclaimers of the gospel is a testament to the Holy Spirit's power. This change is not explainable by human psychology but is evidence of the Spirit's work in empowering and equipping believers for their mission. The Holy Spirit's presence in believers' lives brings about a profound change, enabling them to live out their faith with courage and conviction. This transformation is a powerful witness to the world of the reality of the gospel. [39:26]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to act boldly in your faith. How can you cultivate a greater reliance on the Spirit's power in your daily life?


Day 5: The Church's Endurance and Growth
The church's survival and growth throughout history, despite challenges and corruption, are evidence of the Holy Spirit's ongoing presence and activity. Revivals and renewals throughout history testify to the Spirit's power in revitalizing the church and advancing the gospel. The church's endurance is not due to human effort alone but is a testament to the Spirit's sustaining power and guidance. This ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit ensures that the church remains a vibrant and transformative force in the world. [54:11]

Isaiah 59:21 (ESV): "And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the Lord: My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring, says the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore."

Reflection: Consider the ways in which the Holy Spirit has sustained and grown the church throughout history. How can you contribute to the church's mission and growth in your community today?

Quotes



The apostles are in trouble and have been arrested because of their preaching and because of the miracles the kind miracles and deeds which they have worked the peculiar special cause of their being in trouble was that Peter and John were going up to the temple one afternoon to pray. [02:14]

The Apostles have become the symptom of great interest and everybody is listening to them rather than to these great Jewish teachers the Pharisees and scribes and Sadducees and doctors of the law and there of course infuriated by this their jealousies of rivalry and they arrest the Apostles once more and throw them into the common prison. [05:03]

We preach this because it is God's plan of redemption we are too how can you listen in to God rather than entombed in the preaching of the Apostles was not an expression of their ideas of their thoughts that which claims to be gospel which is nothing but the ideas and theories and suppositions of men there's only one thing to say about it it is a lie. [07:33]

The gospel is God's the god of Our Fathers raised up Jesus it isn't what a man thinks with his modern knowledge and ideas no no if this old message God not men and anything that purpose of claims to be gospel which is nothing but a human authority behind it is of the Nile of the New Testament message doesn't matter who preaches it whatever his position may be in the church it is a lie it is God's and not men's. [08:03]

The god of Our Fathers has raised up Jesus and made him a prince and a saviour the message about the son of God the only begotten Son of God the great message of the Incarnation the miraculous attestation of his deity his death upon the cross and its meaning the glorious of resurrection here it is the person of Christ he does the saving he doesn't teach us how to save ourselves he saves he's the prince the governor of the universe he is the savior of mankind. [08:39]

We are witnesses of these things there is no greater denial of the gospel than to represent it merely as a philosophy as a collection of ideas as one view amongst others and to put the Lord Jesus Christ into the category of Socrates and Plato and Aristotle and the great prophet no no it's not a teaching it is a series of Acts of events these things that have happened they say we are witnesses of these things. [12:39]

The coming of the Holy Ghost upon the early church from the day of Pentecost is the most crucial event because when you go back to your Old Testament you find that all this have been anticipated are you in trouble about your Christian faith do you get shaken by the modern criticisms here's the answer to it all you see the New Testament is the fulfillment of the own it's all been foretold and that's the amazing astounding thing there is nothing more staggering then verified fulfilled prophecy. [24:44]

The descent of the Holy Ghost is the only explanation of these people you can't explain them in any other terms and that's why the Holy Ghost is a witness even through them and their witness to the truth of these particular things now you know people today in their cleverness and suppose it wisdom they try to persuade us that they can explain the whole of Christianity and the favorite explanation of course in this present century has been the psychological wall can be explained so simply psychologically. [42:08]

The Holy Ghost alone can save a soul no man and his speaking and his argumentation can ever convince anybody of sin and righteousness and judgment become the Holy Ghost alone can do it and on the day of Pentecost even through the mouth of an ignorant fisherman like Peter he did it as he was preaching we are told they were pricked in their hearts and they cried out saying when and brethren what should we do wasn't Peter it was the Holy Ghost and thus he bears his witness and testimony to the truth of these things. [50:23]

The revivals of history the repetition if you like of what happened on the day of Pentecost and this is the amazing thing about did you read the story of the Reformation Zand revivals this is what you'll find the church has become weak become ignorant become worldly become more even become almost dead then suddenly and in an utterly inexplicable manner God again since pours forth your spirit retsina men perhaps on a company MJB shall arrive and they renew and they're filled with power their world becomes irresistible and the church goes on to a new period of revival. [54:56]

The spirit that came upon these apostles came upon them my dear friends this is how all the different parts of the Christian churches ever come into being they've all started in revival but then they become respectable and lose their power and there's only one hoop still and there is that the early spirit is still there and he still witnesses to these things we are witness of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost which God has given to them that of bacon. [56:20]

Whatever you have been in your past life however much of a failure whether greater sinner if you bet see tonight that that is your condition that you have nothing to expect but the punishment that you so richly deserve if you but repent and acknowledge and confess that and believe this witness and this testimony that Jesus is the Son of God who has come out of the eternal glory into this world in order to save us and redeem us and that he did it even by dying on us on the cross and he's risen again and will give you a spirit and give you a new life new power and ultimately receive you into the everlasting glory with himself. [57:44]

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Transcript
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