Sermon Notes from December 27, 2009...

On Sunday, I preached from Romans 5:1-5. In this chapter, Paul looks beyond being made right with God to explain the blessings of a right standing with Him. Below is the outline of Sunday's sermon.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING RIGHT WITH GOD

I. Believers have peace with God
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. v 1

Paul is saying that those who have seen their need of Christ and have trusted in Him for salvation are no longer enemies of God, but are at peace with Him. I think that Christians often fail to appreciate this benefit because they do not realize what has been prevented by trusting in Christ for salvation. Prior to being saved, believers were enemies of God (Romans 8:7; James 4:4). Those who remain in this condition until death face God’s eternal wrath.

As believers, we must praise God for what we have been saved from and for the fact that we are now presently and eternally in right standing with Him. This fact should strengthin our faith in Christ and our service for Him.

II. Believers have access to God
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. v 2

Paul is saying that God is made reachable to anyone who is in Christ. Before Jesus’ death, the Jews were kept from God’s presence by a veil that hung in the Temple. History tells us that the Gentiles (all non-Jewish people) were also separated from God's presense by a wall outside the temple with a warning on it saying that any non-Jewish person who went beyond it would be killed.

Jesus’ work on the cross ended this separation. As a result, the veil was torn and the walls of division were broken down (Lk. 23:44-45; Eph. 2:14). Today, no matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, if you are trusting in Christ for your salvation you have access to God. You can hear from Him by reading His word and can speak to Him through prayer.

It is also important to know that this access is unending. The phrase “in which we stand” carries the idea of permanence. The reason this access is lasting is because God is keeping believers in right standing with Himself by His grace.

III. Believers have the hope of glory
We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame. vv 2-5

"Rejoicing in the glory of God" introduces a major reversal of fortune for the readers of Romans. In Romans 1, Paul speaks of those who scorn the glory of God and in chapter 3 he addresses those who have fallen short of God's glory. Now those who have scorned and have fallen short of God's glory through repentance and faith in Christ are promised a share in His glory.

This benefit is a bit different from the previous two because it has not yet been experienced in its fullness. It refers to a time when the work being done in believers will be completed. There will come a time for believers when sin will be removed, and pain and heartache will be no longer because Christians will be made like Christ.

More great news about this benefit is that it isn’t something that might be but what will be. The word “hope” expresses an emotion of desire, but also that of confidence. John MacArthur says that a believer’s hope in the glory of God is a “divinely-secured hope” (Commentary on Romans 5).

Another wonderful thing about this benefit is that although it has not yet been fully experienced, this hope enables Christians to endure trials in this life, not matter how difficult, without losing the lasting joy that comes in a relationship with God. Paul also affirms that these trials are not difficulties one has to simply "grin and bear," but are experiences God uses to grow Christians in godliness. That is why Paul tells his readers to “rejoice (in) suffering.” That word “rejoice” is the same word used when he says “Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Paul's point is that in the same way one rejoices in the future salvation, they should also rejoice in suffering.

"Quote" of the Week

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4).

A continual theme throughout Scripture is that God uses unlikely people for extraordinary purposes. This is one of the lessons learned from the story of “The Shepherds and the Angels” in Luke 2. Even though we hear it every year at Christmas, we often fail to understand how strange it was for God to use shepherds to report the good news of Jesus' birth to others. According to R.C. Sproul,

“Shepherds were a despised class because their work prevented them from keeping the ceremonial law, and as they moved about the country it was common for them to be regarded as thieves. They were considered unreliable and were not allowed to give evidence in the courts” (1457).

These shepherds were not the only unlikely witnesses chosen during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Prostitutes, lepers, tax collectors etc. were also used by God to be witnesses of Christ. This undeserved treatment was criticized by the self righteous scribes of the Pharisees who said, "Why does (Jesus) eat with tax collectors and sinners?" to which Jesus responded, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17).

This theme of God using unlikely people is also true today because God expects all believers to represent Him to the world. Paul tells Christians in Ephesians 5:1, “Be imitators of God.” This Christmas, may you be reminded and humbled by the fact that God uses unlikely people like you and me to represent Him. May we also not fail to share with others the importance message of God taking on flesh, dwelling among us and accomplishing our salvation.

Sproul, R.C. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries. 2005. 1457.

"Quote" of the Week

"For some reason, shepherds were not permitted to testify in court, but God used some humble shepherds to be the first human witnesses that prophecy had been fulfilled and the Messiah had been born...Telling others about the Saviour is a solemn obligation as well as a great privilege, and we who are believers must be faithful." -Warren Wiersbe

Someone told me recently about an elementary teacher who allows her students on their birthday to be king or queen for a day. For the entire day this child wears a crown and has special privileges. These privileges include, being first in line and leading the class to recess, lunch, the library, P.E. etc. These privileges also include taking attendance and sitting with the teacher at her desk for the entire day. This observer also mentioned that many of the kids were often envious of the king or queen and looked forward to the day when they could wear their crown.

Many of us have grown up thinking that this is what is meant to be king or queen. This, however, is not the example Christ left for us. Before His birth, the Jews were anticipating a Messiah who would come and rule and reign in a physical, political and immediate way. Being convinced of this made it difficult for many Jews to accept a Messiah who had been born in a barn and raised by a carpenter in Nazareth who taught that the greatest individuals will be those who consider themselves "last of all and servant(s) of all" (Mk. 9:35).

Christ was a different kind of King. Though He is rich beyond measure, He became poor. Though in deity He is lacking in nothing, he took on flesh and dwelt among us. Though he is the King of Kings, he came not "to be served, but to serve" (Mt. 20:28). According to R.C. Sproul, "Jesus humbled Himself, relinquishing His heavenly status" (1720). Paul said it in this way, "Though (Jesus) was in the form of God, (He) did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:6-8).

Spoul, R.C. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries. 2005. 1720.

"Quote" of the Week

"The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many"(Mt. 20:28). -Jesus

Jesus was a man who convinced those closest to Him that He was also God; His humanness is not in doubt...The Gospels show Jesus experiencing human limitations (hunger, Matt. 4:2; fatigue, John 4:6; ignorance of fact, Luke 8:45-47) and sorrow (John 11:35, 38). Hebrews stresses that if Christ had not shared all these facets of human experience-weakness, temptation, pain-He would not be qualified to help us as we face such trials (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15, 16; 5:2, 7-9). As it is, His full human experience guarantees that in every moment of our relationship with God we may go to Him, confident that He has been there before us, and is the helper we need.

Christians, focusing on Jesus' deity, have sometimes thought that it honors Jesus to minimize His humanness. For example, it is sometimes suggested that Jesus was always consciously omniscient, and only pretended to be ignorant of facts. Or it might be thought that He only pretended to be hungry and weary, because as a kind of superhuman He was above the needs of daily existence. But the Incarnation means that the Son of God has only one Person, existing in two natures, and there is nothing lacking from His human nature, sin only excepted.

Jesus could not sin, but he was able to be tempted. Satan tempted Him to disobey the Father through self-gratification, self-display, and self-aggrandizement (Matt. 4:1-11), and the temptation to retreat from the Cross was constant (Luke 22:28; cf. Matt. 16:23; and Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane). Being human, Jesus could not conquer temptation without a struggle, but being divine it was His nature to do His Father's will (John 5:19, 30), and therefore to resist and fight temptation until He had overcome it. Since His human nature was conformed to His divine nature, it was impossiblee that He should fail in the course of His resistance. It was inevitable that He would endure temptations to the end, feeling their entire force, and emerge victorious for His people. From Gethsemane we know how acute and agonizing His struggles were. The happy result for us is that because "he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" (Heb. 2:18).

Sproul, R.C. The Humanity of Jesus. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries. 2005. 1836

For the month of December, our kids will be hearing the stories of Christmas and important truths learned from these stories in Scripture. This Sunday I am teaching on the importance of the Incarnation from Mt. 1, Lk. 1-2, and Jn. 1.

When Gabriel appears to Mary in Luke 1, he tells her that her son is to be named “Jesus”, which means “God is Salvation.” Jesus’ birth also fulfilled the words of Isaiah, who said, “‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)” (Mt. 1:23). These two names are significant because they indicate that God has taken on flesh and has come to live on earth for the purpose of accomplishing our salvation.

Believer’s often fail to focus on the significance of this event. According to J.I. Packer, “The Incarnation…makes sense of everything else that the New Testament contains” (54). He also says, “The crucial significance of the cradle at Bethlehem lies in its place in the sequence of steps down that led the Son of God to the cross of Calvary, and we do not understand it till we see it in this context” (58).

It is also important to mention that Jesus’ arrival on earth was not an unanticipated occurrence, but the fulfillment of numerous prophesies throughout the Old Testament (Gen. 3:15, Isa. 7:14, 53, Micah 5:2 etc.). The Incarnation was not a result of the Father acting on impulse or executing a “plan B.” There is what theologians call “The Covenant of Redemption,” which took place in eternity past that speaks of the agreement between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that the Son would take on flesh and be our representative, perfectly obeying the father on our account and paying the penalty for sin that we deserve. According to Wayne Grudem,

“On the part of the Son, there was an (eternal) agreement that he would come into the world as a man and live as a man under the Mosaic law (Gal. 4:4; Heb. 2:14-18), and that he would be perfectly obedient to all the command of the Father (Heb. 10:7-9), becoming obedient unto death, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:8). The Son also agreed that he would gather for himself a people in order that none whom the Father had given him would be lost (John 17:12)” (518).

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 1994. 518

Packer, J.I. Knowing God. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. 1993. 54-58.

"Quote" of the Week

"It is here, in the thing that happened at the first Christmas, that the profoundest and most unfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie. 'The Word became flesh' (Jn. 1:14); God became man; the divine Son became a Jew; the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. And there was no illusion or deception in this: the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation." J.I. Packer

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1

Faith is the means or instrument by which a person is saved. Christians are justified before God by faith (Rom. 3:26; 4:1-5; Gal. 2:16), and by faith they live their lives (2 Cor. 5:7) and sustain their hope (Heb. 10:35-12:3).

Faith cannot be defined in subjective terms, as a feeling or optimistic decision. Neither is it a passive orthodoxy. Faith is a response, directed toward an object and defined by what is believed. Christian faith is trust in the eternal God and His promises secured by Jesus Christ. It is called by the gospel as the gospel is made understandable through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit. Christian faith is a personal act, involving the mind, heart, and will, just as it is directed to a personal God, and not an idol or an idea.

It is usual to analyze faith as involving three steps: knowledge, agreement, and trust. First is knowledge, or acquaintance with the content of the gospel; second is agreement, or recognition that the gospel is true; and third is trust, the essential step of committing the self to God. These steps go together in the since that there can be Christian faith only when the gospel is known and its truth is accepted (Rom. 10:14).

Through faith we receive Christ, who satisfied the law on our behalf. In this way we are justified through faith alone, without doing the works of the law. But since faith unites us with Christ, it cannot be lifeless. Directed toward God and resting in Him, it is active, "working through love" (Gal. 5:6), seeking to do all the "good works, which God prepared beforehand" for us (Eph. 2:10). Justification is by faith alone, but justifying faith can never be alone.

When James says that faith without works is dead, he is describing a faith that knows the gospel and even agrees with it, but has fallen short of trust in God. Failure to grow, develop, and bear the fruits of righteousness shows that the free gift of God in Christ has never been received. The answer for those with such a faith is not to save themselves by establishing a righteousness of their own, as if they could create faith by their own efforts, but to call on the name of the Lord (Rom. 10:13). God alone can save those for whom it is otherwise impossible (Mark 10:27). Paul shows that good works cannot break this impossibility; James shows that the faith required is faith that rests in the living God.

Even when we have believed, the good works we do are never perfect. They are acceptable to God only because of the mercy of Christ (Rom. 7:13-20; Gal. 5:17). We express our love for God through doing what pleases Him, and He in His kindness promises to reward us for what we do (Phil. 3:12-14; 2 Tim. 4:7, 8). In this we are not making God our debtor, any more than when we first believed in Him. As Augustine noted, God in rewarding us is graciously crowning His own gracious gifts.

Sproul, R.C. Faith and Works. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries. 2005. 1804

"Quote" of the Week

"(Faith is) a firm and sure knowledge of the divine favor towards us, founded on the truth of a free promise in Christ, and revealed to our minds and sealed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit." -John Calvin, Institutes 111.2.7

Lesson 8: THE TRUTH ABOUT CONSTANTINE

Last Sunday, I taught our youth about how the persecution of Christians had finally come to an end with the help of Constantine. When asked why he acted under the banner of Christianity, some have answered that it was because he was a believer, while others argue that he was trying to gain the support of Christians. Below I discuss why I think both of these views are wrong and discuss Constantine's true motivation.

1) THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT HE WAS A CHRISTIAN

There is actually sufficient evidence to suggest that he was not. He never placed himself under the direction of Christian leaders or bishops. Christian Historian Justo Gonzalez explained, "Constantine reserved the right to determine his own religious practices, and even to intervene in the life of the church" (121).

He was also known for blending the beliefs of paganism and Christianity and for repeatedly taking part in pagan rites, in which no Christian would participate. According to Gonzalez, "During most of his political career, Constantine seems to have thought that the Unconquered Sun (of paganism) and the Christian God were compatible-perhaps two views of the same Supreme Deity-and that other gods, although subordinate, were nevertheless real and relatively powerful" (122).

2) HE HAD NO REASON TO GAIN THE SUPPORT OF CHRISTIANS AT THIS TIME BECAUSE THEY HAD NO INFLUENCE

When Constantine took power, persecution was taking place throughout the empire and many Christians had been removed from military and government positions due to the policies of Diocletian and Galerius (see previous post). According to Gonzalez,

"If Constantine had been such an opportunist, he chose a poor time to seek the support of Christians...He was preparing to go to battle for the city of Rome, (the) center of pagan traditions...Christians were stronger, not in the West, where the battle was to be fought, but in the East, to which Constantine would lay claim only years later. Finally, it should be pointed out that whatever support Christians could give Constantine was of doubtful value" (121).

3) CONSTANTINE BELIEVED CHRISTIANITY TO BE A POWER THAT COULD BE CONTROLLED.

It is probably correct to say that Constantine believed in the power of Christ. The problem is that he wrongly assumed that this power was his to use as long as he supported Christians. He thought that by appeasing the Christian God, he could gain the power needed to rule the empire. Gonzalez stated,

"For (Constantine), the Christian God was a very powerful being who would support him as long as he favored the faithful...What he sought was not the goodwill of Christians, but rather the goodwill of their God" (122).

Scripture, however, clearly opposes this reasoning. Daniel 4:35 says,

“(God) does as he pleases with the powers of heaven. He does what he wants with the nations of the earth. No one can hold his hand back. No one can say to him, ‘What have you done?’”

In other words, "God does what he wants without anyone forcing His hand.

Although Constantine had a distorted view of God, many, however, would argue that he received the power he pursued. Unfortunately, he settled for far less than what God intends. As discussed last week, all those in power eventually lose it and empires rise and fall. Only ones position in Christ as an adopted child of God is permanent. J.I. Packer asserted, “God’s adoption of us (believers) makes us his heirs, and so guarantees to us, as our right (we might say), the inheritance that he has in store for us” (217). Although Constantine gained an earthly inheritance he missed out on a spiritual and eternal inheritance that is better by far (Rom 8:16-17; Gal 4:7).

Gonzalez, Justo. The Story of Christianity: Volume 1 The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. San Francisco: Harper Collins. 1984. 121-122.Packer, J.I. Knowing God. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. 1993. 17.

IS THE STUDY OF THEOLOGY NECESSARY?

Many view the study of theology as solely an academic and impractical exercise that is optional for followers of Christ. I recently ran into a well-known minister from the United States in an airport in Nicaragua. We talked for a bit about our mission trips in the country. After I told him that we spent the week teaching pastors about the Doctrine of God, he responded by saying, “I hope you did not simply leave them with doctrine.” As I left that conversation I began to think, “What else would we have left them with?”

Although he did not come out and say it, it was communicated to me that he viewed the study of theology as being an insufficient academic exercise. If this was his point, which I hope it wasn't, nothing could be further from the truth. Theology is extremely practical--one of the simplest reasons being that right thinking about God leads to right living for Him. According to theologian Wayne Grudem,

"The Bible often connects sound doctrine with maturity in Christian living: Paul speaks of 'the teaching which accords with godliness'(1 Tim. 6:3) and says that his work as an apostle is 'to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness' (Titus 1:1). By contrast, he indicates that all kinds of disobedience and immorality are 'contrary to sound doctrine'" (1 Tim. 1:10).

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 1994. 29.

"Quote" of the Week

"The more we know about God, about his Word, about his relationships to the world and mankind, the better we will trust him, the more fully we will praise him, and the more readily we will obey him. Studying systematic theology rightly will make us more mature Christians. If it does not do this, we are not studying it in the way God intends." -Wayne Grudem

Lesson 7: THE LAST AND WORST OF ROMAN PERSECUTION

Early in the fourth century, the last and worst persecution broke out. Diocletian was the reigning emperor at the time and wanted to bring stability to Rome by reorganizing the empire and placing the government on the shoulders of four emperors. The emperors appointed were Galerius, Diocletian, Maximian and Constantius Cholorus. Diocletian hoped that this division would avert the frequent civil wars that were taking place.

Several of these leaders, like those in the third century, felt as if Christians were hindering the reestablishment of a strong and stable government. Galerius was one of the strongest supporters of this reasoning. His way of thinking was based upon their attitude toward military service. He condemned many believers to death for either refusing to join or for trying to leave the military. Galarius saw this refusal to serve as a serious danger for Rome because it made their armed forces appear unstable. As a result, Galerius convinced Diocletian to remove all Christians from the military.

This removal was not peaceful. Many officers, who removed Christians from service, also took it upon themselves to force believers to denounce their faith and executed those who did not. Galarius also saw to it that Christians were removed from government positions and had their meeting places and literature destroyed. Those who resisted were put to death.

Diocletian also became convinced, probably with the help of Galarius, that Christians were conspiring against him. This resulted in severe persecution against the church. Diocletian demanded that Christians abandon their convictions and make sacrifices to his gods. Those who refused were killed in a variety of horrible ways.

This persecution and push for the restoration of paganism, however, would soon come to an end. The first change came when Galerius became ill with a painful disease. Sources say he was convinced that he was being punished for his treatment of Christians. Whatever the reason, he put an end to one of the worst persecutions in Christian History. Galerius would die only five days after changing this policy.

The second change came when the Empire was divided amongst a new group of leaders. Constantine, who was the son of Constantius Chlorus (one of the four originally appointed emperors), was one of the newly appointed emperors. Unbeknownst to the rest of the leaders, Constantine had a hidden longing for absolute power. Shortly after being appointed to this group, he began a campaign that would make him the sole ruler of the Empire. When least expected, he gathered his army and crossed the Alps to invade Rome. On the eve of battle sources say that Constantine received a vision from God and responded by putting a Christian symbol on the shield of his soldiers. He then went out and defeated Maxentius. Because of this victory, Constantine became ruler of the entire western half of the Empire.

Constantine continued to act under the banner of Christianity. When he took Milan, he forced an agreement that ended persecution and said that Christian churches and other properties were to be returned. This agreement is known as the Edict of Milan.

The question of whether this was a great victory for Christianity or the beginning of greater difficulties to come will be discussed in later lessons. The one thing that is clear, however, is that the Roman persecution of Christians was over.

Diocletian and Galerius failed to realize that God is at work in the world and no matter the amount of force; his purposes will prevail. All those in power eventually lose it and empires rise and fall, but God’s message and mission continues and his purposes never fail.

Nebuchadnezzar, who also misunderstood God’s power, was restored to his throne when he finally acknowledged God’s sovereignty. He rightly confesses about God in Daniel 4:35, “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. (God) does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand.” Daniel 4:35

"Quote" of the Week

"God's dominion is total: He wills as He chooses, and carries out all that He wills, and none can stay His hand, or thwart His plans. He exercises His rule in the normal course of life, as well as in more remarkable interventions or miracles." -R.C. Sproul

Lesson 6: CHRISTIANITY IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO BUT THE ANSWER FOR SOCIETY

Throughout human history, people have been opposed to Christianity arguing that society would be better off without it. Today, prominent atheists like Richard Dawkins argue that Christianity, like all religions, is bad for society because its beliefs and practices lead to violence. Alister McGrath explains, “(Atheists believe) wherever religion exercises power, it oppresses and corrupts, using violence to enforce its own beliefs and agendas” (29). Roman rulers in the third century also viewed Christianity as a hindrance to the stable society they longed for, which resulted in persecution.

PERSECUTION UNDER SEPTIMUS SEVERUS

During the third century, Severus worried about civil war due to the existence of various rebel groups within the empire. In an attempt to promote unity, he encouraged religious harmony by pushing for all people to join together and worship in the same manner. As a result, people were persecuted for converting to the Christian faith, for refusing to turn from their system of belief and for proselytizing. This increase of local persecution for Christians was similar to what took place in the second century. Severus claimed to do this for the good of the empire believing Christians to be lawbreakers who were a threat to stability because they opposed religious harmony.

PERSECUTION UNDER DECIUS

Decius had a deep desire to restore Rome to her ancient glory. He thought that one of the reasons this glory had been lost was because many had abandoned the ancient Roman gods. He truly believed that because the gods had been neglected, Rome had provoked them to anger. Under Decius’ reign, Christians who refused to worship Roman gods were accused of high treason. He believed that forcing Christians to recant would be a needed step toward the restoration of paganism. He used a combination of promises, threats, and torture to force worship. Origen was tortured so severely for his faith under Decius that he died shortly after his release in AD 254.

Those who stood their ground in the midst of opposition were known as “confessors” and were highly respected by other Christians. The boldness of these believers greatly strengthened Christians of the third century.

CONCLUSION

As stated earlier, many have argued and continue to believe that Christians are troublemakers and are to blame for the evils in our society. The truth, however, is that our society would be far more miserable were it not for Christ. In a book entitled “What if Jesus had Never Been Born” author James Kennedy discusses all the wonderful contributions Christianity has made to society.

For example, Christianity is known historically for its compassion. Without Christianity there would be no YMCA, no Salvation Army, fewer orphanages and hospitals etc. There would also be no Christian mission organizations, which provide shelter, food and clothing for those in need around the world.

Christianity has also done great things for education. The idea of education for everyone grew directly out of the Protestant Reformation. Harvard, Yale, William and Mary, Brown, Princeton, New York University, Northwestern University, and others have thoroughly Christian roots. Harvard, for example, got its start from Rev. John Harvard.

Christianity has also played a significant role in furthering people’s civil liberties. William Carey went to India and put a stop to the horrible practice of Widow burning and pushed women’s rights in that area of the world, while William Wilberforce was responsible for the abolition of slavery in most of the British Empire.

Although all of these are important, the most significant contribution is the life change that occurs when one trusts in Christ for Salvation. Relationships have been mended, killers have repented, alcoholic/drug addicts have been rehabilitated because they have been forgiven and restored to a right relationship with the one true God.

Society is not better off without Christianity. Christianity is what society needs the most. Many are searching and investing their lives in things that will not satisfy. Only Christ can gratify our souls and fill the void that we all have. Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

McGrath, Alister. Challenges from Atheism. Beyond Opinion. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 2007. 29.

"Quote" of the Week

"Had Jesus never been born, this world would be far more miserable than it is. In fact, many of man's noblest and kindest deeds find their motivation in love for Jesus Christ; and some of our greatest accomplishments also have their origin in service rendered to the humble Carpenter of Nazareth." -Dr. James Kennedy

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY

Today is the anniversary of the day when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. This event took place on October 31, 1517 and launched the Protestant Reformation. Christians should be thankful for the way God used Martin Luther. The two most popular doctrines of the Protestant Reformation that became the battle cry for Protestants are sola scriptura and sola fida, which teach that Scripture alone has the authority to bind the consciences of believers and that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

The doctrine of justification, the storm-center of the Reformation, was for Paul the heart of the gospel (Rom. 1:17; 3:21-5:21; Gal. 2:15-5:1), shaping his message (Acts 13:38, 39) and his devotion (2 Cor. 5:13-21; Phil. 3:4-14). Though other New Testament writers affirm the same doctrine in substance, the terms in which Protestants have affirmed and defended it for almost five centuries are drawn primarily from Paul.

Justification is God's act of pardoning sinners and accepting them as righteous for Christ's sake. In it, God puts permanently right their previously estranged relationship with Himself. this justifying sentence is God's bestowal of a status acceptance for Jesus' sake (2 Cor. 5:21).

God's justifying judgement seems strange, for pronouncing sinners righteous may appear to be precisely the kind of unjust action by a judge that God's own law forbids (Deut. 25:1; Prov. 17:15). Yet it is a just judgement, for its basis is the righteousness of Jesus Christ. As "the last Adam" (1 Cor. 15:45), our representative head acting on our behalf, Christ obeyed the law that bound us and endured the punishment for lawlessness that we deserved, and so "merited" our justification. Our justification is on a just basis (Rom. 3:25, 26; 1 John 1:9), with Christ's righteousness reckoned to our account (Rom. 5:18, 19).

God's justifying decision is in effect the judgement of the Last Day regarding where we will spend eternity, brought forward into the present and pronounced here and now. It is a judgement on our eternal destiny; God will never go back on it, however much Satan may appeal against the verdict (Zech. 3:1; Rom. 8:33; Rev. 12:10). To be justified is to be eternally secure (Rom. 5:1-5; 8:30).

The necessary means of justification is personal faith in Jesus Christ as crucified Savior and risen Lord (Rom. 4:23-25; 10:8-13). Faith is necessary because the meritorious ground of our justification is entirely in Christ. As we give ourselves in faith to Jesus, Jesus gives us His gift of righteousness, so that in the very act of "closing with Christ," as older Reformed teachers put it, we receive the divine pardon and acceptance we can find nowhere else (Gal. 2:15, 16; 3:24).

Historic Roman Catholic theology includes sanctification in the definition of justification, considered as a process rather than a single decisive event, and affirms that while faith contributes to our acceptance with God, our works of sanctification and merit must contribute too. Catholics see baptism as conveying the sanctifying grace that first justifies us. Afterward the sacrament of penance allows supplementary merit to be achieved through works, securing justification if the grace of God's initial acceptance is lost through mortal sin. This supplementary merit does not oblige God to be gracious although it is the normal context for receiving it. On the Roman Catholic view, believers effect their own salvation with the help of the grace that flows from Christ through the church's sacramental system. The Reformers pointed out that this view of salvation undercuts the sense of confidence that only free grace can provide to those who have no merits. Paul had already showed that all people, of whatever piety, are without merit, and need a free justification if they are to be saved. A justification that needs to be completed by the recipient is no resting place.

Sproul, R.C. Justification and Merit. The Reformation Study Bible. Orlando: Ligonier Ministries. 2005. 1695

"Quote" of the Week

"A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." Galatians 2:16

LESSON 5: THE BATTLE AGAINST HERESY

As Christianity grew during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, various groups broke from the church and altered the orthodox teachings of the Christian faith. Below are three of the most prominent heretical belief systems from this time period.

i. Gnosticism

Gnosticism was a large movement that gained a lot of ground in the early centuries of the Christian faith. Gnostics believed that they possessed a mystical knowledge that was reserved for those with true understanding. They believed that this knowledge was the key to salvation.

They also believed that matter is evil and spirit is good. Therefore, the goal of Gnosticism was to escape from the body and material world to which one was exiled. As a result, they denied the incarnation, that teaches that Christ came to earth and took on flesh.

ii. Marcionism ( AD 137)

Marcion, whose father was a bishop, was familiar with the beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. He, however, developed an understanding of Christianity that was both anti-Jewish and anti-material. In an attempt to make Christianity more acceptable with Greek thought, Marcion rationalized it cutting it loose from its Jewish heritage. He also started a church with his own bishops that taught from his own version of Scripture. His church rivaled many orthodox churches.

Marcion believed that because the world is evil, its creator must also be evil. He also taught that Jehovah, the evil creator and God of the Old Testament, disobeyed the Father who wanted a strictly spiritual world. Jehovah’s disobedience involved creating a world made up of human beings and matter. Marcion also believed and taught that against Jehovah and far above him is the God of the Christians who is a loving God not seeking strict obedience from his followers but desires for his love to be reciprocated. Marcion often spoke against judgment and wrath because he believed God to be a loving God who would simply forgive all injustices.

He also believed that because the Old Testament contained the words of an inferior God, it must not be read, nor should any other Jewish book in the New Testament. This resulted in him compiling his own list of books. His list included the epistles of Paul and the Gospel of Luke, although he omitted any reference made by Paul or Luke from the Old Testament claiming they had been added. He also either rejected or radically reinterpreted the doctrines of creation, the incarnation, and the resurrection.

iii. Montanism (AD 170s)

In the AD 170s, a Christian leader by the name of Montanus claimed to have new revelation from God. He and his followers claimed that their teachings and prophesies either fulfilled or superseded that of the Apostles. This group also had an unorthodox view of the Trinity. Montanists were modalists, meaning that they did not believe that God was one in essence and three in person, but one in essence and in person who existed in different manifestations throughout history.

THE EVANGELICAL RESPONSE

These controversies forced the church to clarify its beliefs. The two primary ways the church did this was by forming the cannon and writing the “Apostles’ Creed."

i. The Formation of the Canon

Against Marcion and the Gnostics, the church reaffirmed the books of the Old Testament and what should and should not be included in the New Testament. They also wanted to demonstrate to the Montanists that biblical revelation is closed. Although Marcion's list was the first, it is important to understand that there were a large number of books already circulating that were believed to be inspired by God. In other words, the books of the Bible are not given authority from the church, but are recognized as authoritative by the church. Evidence for this is the fact that Marcion had to omit books from his list, which made him an extremely controversial figure.

ii. The Writing of the Apostles’ Creed

The writing of the “Apostles’ Creed” was another way the church responded against heresy. This profession of faith set the church apart from heretical groups like the Gnostics, Marcions, and Montanists. This Creed was written from a list of questions that would often be asked to candidates for baptism. Below is a sample of what might be heard prior to baptism in the second and third century.

Do you believe in God the Father almighty?
Do you believe in Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was born of the Holy Ghost and of Mary the virgin, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and died, and rose again at the third day, living from among the dead, and ascended unto heaven and sat at the right of the Father, and will come to judge the quick and the dead? Do you believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy church, and the resurrection of the flesh?

DEFENDERS OF ORTHODOXY

Because the church was facing false accusations and persecution by the pagans and due to the growing popularity of these various heretical groups during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, many believers felt a need to defend the Christian faith. Various apologists (those who explain and/or defend Christianity) from the 2nd and 3rd centuries are shown below.

i. Justin Martyr (AD 100-165)

Justin taught Christian philosophy in Rome and addressed the ridiculous accusations made by Pagans against Christianity. A couple of these accusations were that Christian gatherings included sexually immoral practices and cannibalism taking literally the wording used during the Eucharist. Justin's boldness resulted in him being arrested and killed by Marcus Aurelius in AD 165.

ii. Iranaeus of Lyons (AD 140-202)

Iranaeus was a pastor who believed his primary role was to equipp believers and refute heresy. When refuting Gnosticism, he taught that God is a loving being who does not create the world and humankind out of necessity nor by mistake— as Gnostics claimed—but out of a desire to have a creation to love and to lead. He also repeatedly taught that God is in the process of redeeming humanity and making his people more like himself.

iii. Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215)

Clement was born in Athens and was raised by pagans. He was not a pastor, but rather a thinker and a searcher. He said that what the Old Testament was for the Jews, Greek Philosophy was for the Gentiles. He believed that partial truth could be found in the Philosophical teachings of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Clement created a Christian philosophy of such depth and detail that many pagans had difficulty refuting it.

iv. Tertullian (AD 160-225)

Tertullian believed, unlike Clement, that pagan philosophy and Christianity were completely incompatible. He taught that pagan philosophy is the source of all kinds of heresy. He thought that if a philosopher was to come to Christ, he would have to completely abandon his old beliefs. He also thought speculation was a waste of time. In fact, he taught that a Christian who is still searching for further truth lacks faith.

v. Origen (AD 185-254)

Origen was Clement’s greatest disciple, and also believed that philosophy and Christianity were compatible. He taught many pagans and was thought to enlighten them. He was very aware of the danger of abandoning Christian doctrine in favor of the teachings of the philosophers. He taught, “Nothing which is at variance with the tradition of the apostles and of the church is to be accepted as true.” He was tortured so severely for his boldness that he died shortly after his release in AD 254.

“NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN”

Just because Gnostisim, Marcionism and Montanism are not currently threatening the integrity of the Christian faith, does not mean that there are not similar heretical and anti-Christian beliefs that presently exist. King Solomon once wrote, “There is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, ‘See, this is new?’ It has been already in the ages before us” (Ecc. 1:9-10).

Below I have listed several general characteristics of cults that currently exist and have shown how the three main heretical groups of the 2nd and 3rd century also match these descriptions. The outline I use can be found in Dr. Stan May’s (Professor of Missions at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary) notes on The World Religions.

1) Charismatic Leader-Sole Authority Figure
- Marcionism and Montanism
2) Extrabiblical Revelation
- Montanism
3) Criticism of others
- All three think their way is right and all others are wrong.
4) Redefinition of terms
- All three use biblical language but differ from the Christian faith when defining these terms.
5) Deny the Biblical View of Christ and/or bodily resurrection
- Gnostism and Marcionism
6) Reject parts or the whole of Scripture
- All three (Parts)
7) Salvation is works-based
- Montanism
8) Deny the Biblical View of the Trinity
- Montanism

Today many people are being led away from churches into the hands of anti-Christian cults because they are ignorant of the biblical and historical teachings of the Christian faith. As a result, they are unable to differentiate between orthodox Christianity and anti- Christian beliefs and practices.

May our church leaders become more like that of Iranaeus who devoted his entire ministry to equipping believers and refuting heresy. Also, may we as believers learn the biblical and historical teachings of the Christian faith to avoid being carried away by any and every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14).

"Quote" of the Week

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." Ephesians 4:11-14

LESSON 4: GOD'S GLORY IS NOT TO BE GIVEN TO ANOTHER

Our God is a jealous God who alone is worthy of our worship. God is clear when He says, "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isa. 42:8). Because God uses people to accomplish His purposes, we too are not to give His glory to another. Every believer should have this growing desire within them to bring God glory and to make His glory known no matter the cost.

That was the attitude of many Christians in the second century. Their actions resulted in them being persecuted and even put to death. My prayer is that their stories would convict us of how little we risk for the glory of God and motivate us to bring Him glory no matter the cost. Below I have summarized two periods of persecution and two prominent Christians, from the second century, who suffered for the cause of Christ.

PERSECUTION UNDER PLINY AND TRAJAN

Pliny the Younger was appointed governor of Bithynia in AD 111. He did not approve of the Christian faith because it was negatively affecting the proceeds from paganism. The Pagan temples were becoming deserted and the sellers of sacrificial victims were finding few buyers. Pliny began to gather up all the so-called Christians and commanded them to pray to the pagan gods, burn incense before the image of the emperor, and curse Christ, because he had heard that this was something true Christians would never do. If they refused, he would execute them.

Considering himself a just man, however, Pliny began to question whether Christians should be arrested simply for calling themselves “Christian.” After seeking the council of Trajan, Pliny reasoned that since they were not committing any crime against society or against the state, the resources of the state should not be used to seek them out. However, if they were arrested for another reason and refused to recant, they were to be executed. This resulted in pagan mobs forming and falsely accusing prominent Christians of crimes to have them tried and executed.

PERSECUTION UNDER MARCUS AURELIUS

Marcus Aurelius became emperor in AD 161. He found the stubbornness of Christians most offensive. He respected those willing to die for their beliefs if they were reasonable, but believed that the Christian faith was illogical and viewed Christians as being motivated by irrational stubbornness. Many Christians died for their faith during Aurelius’ reign. We do not know how many died, but are told that at one place the number of Christians being held awaiting execution was so numerous that many died of suffocation before the executioners could get to them.

THE MARTYRDOM OF IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH

One of the first known martyrs of the second century was Ignatius of Antioch. He was well known in the Christian community because he was the bishop (second after the apostles) at Antioch (the prominent church from the book of Acts). He was sentenced to die by Trajan and was killed in AD 107. Before his death, many considered rescuing Ignatius, but he wrote and told them that his purpose was to be an imitator of the passion of Christ. He said, “When I suffer, I shall be free in Jesus Christ, and with him shall rise again in freedom.” He was sentenced to die in the coliseum and was eaten by lions.

THE MARTYRDOM OF POLYCARP

A younger friend of Ignatius and another disciple of John was Polycarp. He was another well known believer who was targeted by the pagan mob, arrested and brought to the coliseum. The account of Polycarp's death is well documented.

He was brought before the people and the pagan mob began to shout “Out with the atheists.” In response, Polycarp points to the crowd saying, “Yes, out with the atheists!” The judge then commanded Polycarp to swear by the emperor and curse Christ and he would be free to go. Polycarp said, “For eighty-six years I have served him, and he has done me no evil. How could I curse my king, who saved me?” They then threatened to burn him alive to which Polycarp responded, “(My) fire will only last for a moment, but the fire of judgment will be eternal.” He was burned at the stake, but before he died, he prayed, “Lord Sovereign God…I thank you that you have deemed me worthy of this moment, so that, jointly with your martyrs, I may have a share in the cup of Christ…For this…I bless and glorify you. Amen.”

APPLICATION FOR TODAY

First, we as Christians should not view the deaths of Ignatius and Polycarp as tragic. These men lived full lives for the cause of Christ and their eternal reward is great. We often equate a good life with a long life, which is not true according to Scripture. The fullest life ever lived was that of our savior Jesus Christ. The true tragedy in the second century were the actions of the emperors and the beliefs and practices of the pagans. Polycarp made this point by stating that his physical death would not compare to the spiritual death that awaits all the unregenerate. May we seek not a long life, but a full life like our Lord.

It is also important for us to understand that the actions of these early Christians were not motivated by irrational stubbornness like the second century emperors claimed. The faith that the Bible teaches isn’t opposed to reason and isn’t ignorant belief in something that has been proven false. Faith in Jesus Christ is a thoughtful, passionate, and moral commitment to a truth that stands up under the scrutiny of the mind, the heart, and the conscience.

Lastly, because these Christians were convinced of the truthfulness of the Christian faith, they put their life on the line because they knew, from God’s word, that His glory is to be valued more than life itself. A problem in our country is that we tend to risk very little for the glory of God. Our lives are not on the line, but we still refuse to make His glory known for the sake of family ties, friendships, social status etc. Like I said before, as believers we should have a growing desire within us to bring God glory and to make His glory known no matter the cost.

Do you mean what you say when you tell God that you want Him to be glorified in you more than anything? My prayer is that what you do for God will give validity to what you say about him and to him.

"Quote" of the Week

"Man's chief end (the purpose for which man is made) is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever." -The Shorter Catechism

LESSON 3: THE COSTLY CALL

Being a follower of Christ has never been easy. During His earthly ministry, Jesus assured His disciples that they would be persecuted for His sake. He says,

"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name...You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death" (Lk. 21:12-19).

This hostility toward Christ and His followers is an important element of Christian History. Below, I have listed two groups who were responsible for the persecution that took place in the early church.

PERSECUTION BY THE JEWS

Even though the earliest Christians were Jewish, they often suffered imprisonment and death by their own people because their belief system was thought to be in conflict with what was taught by the law and the prophets. What the Jewish Christians taught, however, was that Christ was the fulfillment of what was promised to Abraham in Genesis 12. During His earthly ministry, Jesus assured his hearers that he did not come to introduce new ideas that were contrary to Scripture. Jesus teaches, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them (Mt. 5:17).

Although the Jewish people held the Scriptures in high regard, they believed that within them was a formula for achieving salvation. What the Jewish Christians taught, however, was that the Scriptures demonstrate the sinfulness of man and the need for a Savior. Jesus also criticized this reasoning saying, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me” (John 5:39).

The early Christians did not call for Jews to abandon their beliefs, but to embrace the fact that Jesus is the Messiah promised from the Old Testament. This was a "stumbling block" to the Jews (1 Cor. 1:23) who could not accept the fact that the promised Messiah came from humble beginnings, was crucified and had come under the divine curse for mankind.

PERSECUTION BY THE ROMANS

i. Nero

Nero began his rule in October of AD 54. He had dreams of greatness, but was despised by his people. On June 18, of AD 64, a great fire broke out in Rome. Rumors began to circulate and still exist to this day that Nero made an attempt to burn Rome to the ground so he could rebuild it the way he wanted.

At this time, there were a large number of Christian communities that had not been affected by the fire. Nero placed the blame on these Christians, which was well received by many Romans who thought Christians hated mankind. Nero had Christians killed by dogs, crucified and even had many set on fire in the evenings to illuminate the city. Both the Apostles Peter and Paul were thought to be killed during Nero’s reign.

ii. Domitian

It is not clear why Domitian persecuted Christians, but many think it was because of their rejection of the Roman god’s and the Roman traditions that were mixed with pagan worship. During Domitian’s reign, John was persecuted and exiled to Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. Like Nero, Domitian was seen as a tyrant. His enemies ended up conspiring against him and murdering him in his sleep.

Whereas the Jews persecuted Christians due to their misunderstanding of the person and work of Christ; Romans persecuted Christians because they misunderstood the rationale behind the actions of believers. Christian activity remained separate from Roman activity, not because of hatred toward mankind but out of obedience to God’s word. For example, Christians could not worship Roman god’s because God clearly says in His word, “Do not turn to idols or make gods of cast metal for yourselves. I am the LORD your God” (Lev. 19:4).

APPLICATION FOR TODAY

There are two important points of application that should be made when discussing the costly call of following Christ. First, is the fact that even though God's opposition is always present, He works within seemingly tragic circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Although God was not responsible for the persecution of His own people, He knew it was going to happen, to whom it would happen (Luke 21:12-19) and what He was going to do about it.

After Stephen was stoned, persecution intensified forcing believers out of Jerusalem. Luke then records in Act 8:4, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" (Acts 8:4). God used this persecution to force believers to go out from Jerusalem and make Him known. Roman persecution had a similar result in that it did not stop Christianity, but helped it spread.

The second point of application is that in order to be Jesus' disciples we have to be willing to follow Him no matter the cost. Jesus said in Luke 14:27, "Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Although many of us in this country will never have to experience the kind of persecution we have discussed, the willingness to endure sacrifice for the sake of Christ should never be far from our thinking. No cost is too high in the service of the One who laid down His life to purchase our eternal salvation.

Although this Christian journey is challenging, the present difficulties do not compare to the blessed hope that awaits every believer. Paul affirms, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:16-17).

"Quote" of the Week

"Christians are the possessors and heirs of something real, substantial, and worthy to be called riches. The things they possess are excellent, more precious than gold and rubies. All the desirable things of this world cannot equal them." -Jonathan Edwards

MARKS OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN

If any believer thinks they have mastered the Christian life, they have not studied the marks of a true Christian given by Paul in Romans 12:9-21.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Scottish pastor Maurice Roberts once said, "The best believers find their (growth in godliness) slow and their attainments meager." What's important, however, according to author Donald Whitney "is not the speed but direction" (44). Ask yourself today, "Am I making convincing progress in my growth in godliness, however slow, or am I regressing?"

Whitney, Donald. Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health. Colorado Springs: Navpress. 2001. 44.

LESSON 2: AN IMPORTANT COUNCIL

If the first church was in Jerusalem and was made up of Jewish Christians with Jewish beliefs and practices, then why are there so many non-Jewish Christians in our world today who do not strictly adhere to these beliefs and practices? The answer is found in Acts 15. In this chapter, Luke tells of a meeting between the church leaders in Jerusalem who have gathered to discuss whether or not non-Jewish Christians have to "follow the (Jewish) customs taught by Moses" in order to be saved (Acts 15:1).

In Luke's account, Peter spoke first and shared with the council about his encounter with the Gentiles. He asserted that God showed His acceptance of the Gentiles by indwelling them with the Holy Spirit (v. 8). He also affirmed that like the Jewish Christians, these Gentiles were made right with God by their faith in Christ alone (v. 9).

Paul and Barnabas spoke after Peter and shared how God had blessed their message and ministry to the Gentiles and explained how He had been working in and through these people for His purposes. After hearing this report, James also shared a word from prophets Amos, Jeremiah and Isaiah who all foretold of God's favor that would be shown to the Gentiles. He concluded by stating, "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God" (v. 19).

APPLICATION FOR TODAY

This council publicly affirmed two essential truths of the Christian faith. The first is that God wants to be known and worshipped by all peoples. Peter asserts, "God, who knows the heart, bore witness to (the Gentiles), by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith" (vv. 8-9).

God’s desire to be known and worshipped by all peoples can be found throughout Scripture. The Abrahamic Covenant clearly stated that through Abraham, all nations will be blessed (Gn. 12:1-3). This covenant is fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. During His earthly ministry, He taught that the salvation He provides reaches far beyond His immediate audience. In John 10:16, Christ explains, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

The second significant truth learned from the Jerusalem Council is that the only requirement of salvation for both Jew and Gentile is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. This is voiced by both Peter and Paul. Peter asserts, “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we (Jews) shall be saved in the same manner as they (the Gentiles)” (Acts 15:11).

Paul asserts that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone numerous times throughout the Scriptures, but never more clearly than in Romans 3. Throughout this chapter, he repeatedly reminds his reader that because God is one and is the God of both Jew and Gentile and because both Jew and Gentile are equally sinful and guilty before Him, they both must be made right with Him in the same manner. He asks, "Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—(He) will justify the circumcised (Jews) by faith and the uncircumcised (non-Jews) through faith" (Rom. 3:29-30).

It is rare today, especially in Christian circles, for a council to find common ground when resolving a conflict and make a decision that has a positive and lasting impact. The Jerusalem Council is unique in this way. F.F. Bruce explains,

“The Jerusalem Council was both a theological and a practical success. The concessions it called for were not ‘compromises’; indeed, they reaffirmed the integrity of the gospel of salvation by faith alone...The first great threat to the unity of the Church brought rejoicing and encouragement instead (Acts 15:31)” (656).

Bruce, F.F. New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 1995. 656.

"Quote" of the Week

"If the (Jerusalem Council) had decided that circumcision is necessary for anyone to become a Christian...such a decision would have been disastrous. It would have forced a condition that would have been unacceptable to the Gentiles. The missionary efforts would have become more difficult, and Christianity, would have become nothing but a sect within Judaism. Furthermore, the truth of the gospel would have been compromised. Instead of a gospel based on salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, it would have become one based on salvation by works (the Law). -F.F Bruce

Jesus is enthroned at God's right hand, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. It is a profound political reality that Christ now occupies the supreme seat of cosmic authority. The kings of this world and all secular governments may ignore this reality, but they cannot undo it. The universe is no democracy. It is a monarchy. God himself has appointed his beloved Son as the preeminent King. Jesus does not rule by referendum, but by divine right. In the future every knee will bow before him, either willingly or unwillingly. Those who refuse to do so will have their knees broken with a rod of iron.

At present the kingship of Christ is invisible. We as Christians live somewhat like Robin Hood and his merry men of Sherwood forest. Robin and his cohorts were disenfranchised by wicked Prince John. But John was a usurper. The throne belonged to Richard the Lion-Hearted, who was absent from the realm while on a spiritual crusade. We do not want to push the analogy too far, nor do we want to identify the condition of the church in this world with a myth or legend.

Our King is not visibly present in his realm, but his reign is real. No usurper can snatch it out of his hands. We live in this world as outcasts, but we must remain loyal to our King, who has ventured into a far country. We await his return in glory, seeking to give him reality in his absence. Our mission is to bear witness to his reign, which he instructed us to do just moments before he departed for heaven.

Sproul, R.C. Grace Unknown. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. 1997. 97-98.

"Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne. Hark how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. Awake my soul and sing, of Him who died for Thee. And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity." - Crown Him With Many Crowns, Lyrics by Matthew Bridges

LESSON 1: GOD WORKS IN HISTORY TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES

This year the youth of Fellowship Bible Church in Fort Smith are studying "The Story of Christianity." They are learning about key events and people in Christian History that have greatly influenced the present state of the Christian faith. I began our study by sharing several reoccurring themes. I have listed them below.

KEY THEMES

(1) God is at work in history
(2) God's purposes are accomplished through people

(3) People are flawed

(4) God’s opposition is always present

(5) God’s purposes always prevail

UNDERSTANDING CHRISTIANITY AS HISTORY

After describing these themes, I explained how many fail to see Christianity in the proper light viewing it as a philosophical belief system, when in fact it is a major part of our world’s history. The Christian faith has influenced every area of life, from morality to politics, from art to literature, and from science to philosophy.

Jesus, the central character of the Christian faith, is a historical figure who was born and lived over 2000 years ago in the Middle East. His death and burial also occurred in real time, at the hands of real people and in a real place.

If you travel to the Holy Lands, you can visit the places where he ministered and the place where he was crucified. His disciples (also historical figures) not only acknowledged that Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate (historical figure), but claimed that he was resurrected on the third day and appeared to them on numerous occasions. We also learn from history that most of the disciples gave their lives for the cause of Christ.

THE HISTORICAL SETTING OF THE EARLY CHURCH

In order to understand the history of the early church, one must begin by looking at the world in which it evolved. Notice 3 Influencers

Jewish Influence: The first Christians were first century Jews and Palestine was the land where Christianity first appeared. The first Christian church was a Jewish congregation in Jerusalem.

The earliest persecution of Christians was at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders. The earliest martyr was a Jew named Stephen whose death was approved by Saul of Tarsus, who would later be converted to the Christian faith and become the most influential Christian in history.

Greek Influence: Alexander the Great was responsible for pushing back the Persian Empire and expanding Greece. He wanted to solidify his power so he decided to unite people under a common culture.

Hellenism, a word used to describe the spread of Greek Culture, would greatly influence the Christians of the first century. The early manuscripts of the New Testament were written in Greek and the Christians who first ministered to the Gentiles had to understand and address belief systems that were greatly influenced by philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

Roman Influence: The Roman Empire emerged in 63 BC and from 30 BC to AD 180 Rome was at the height of its prosperity. Their beliefs and practices clashed with the Christian worldview, which would result in severe Christian persecution.

APPLICATION FOR TODAY

My hope is that as we study the early church, our youth will be encouraged in their faith as they learn that the God whose purposes prevailed through unlikely people, in the midst of severe opposition and across culturally diverse landscapes, still rules and reigns in our world today and will for all eternity.