THE THIRD DAY OF MAY, IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN Evangelism that is Spirit-powered and Spirit-led testifies to what Jesus did and what he suffered--the perfect doing and dying that set us right with God--instead of what we do in response to that work. We see more evidence today in Acts chapters 8-20. The gospel message goes beyond the Jews through Philip, whom Luke says "went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ" (Acts 8:5). The Spirit then sent Philip hitchhiking down the Jerusalem-Gaza Highway on which a pious government official from … [Read more...]
SPIRIT SPOTLIGHTS JESUS, NOT US (1)
THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF APRIL, IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN In his Gospel, Luke relates Jesus' teachings and doings while in person on earth. In Acts, his second volume, Luke describes Jesus' work accomplished from heaven and performed through his Spirit on earth (Acts 1:5). The word "Spirit" appears 70 times in Acts, almost twice as many as in the New Testament book with the second-highest number. Throughout the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is busy, either bringing together a gospelizer and a ready hearer, or filling the gospelizer with boldness to speak the word … [Read more...]
EVANGELISM WITHOUT EVANGEL IS AN ISM
THE NINETEENTH DAY OF APRIL IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN My late friend J. D. Clanton faithfully attended the opening Sunday morning service of his congregation's annual "Gospel Meeting," but he also held them to their advertising. Each year the visiting "gospel preacher" decried the evils of sin, the horrors of hell, and the list of things an "alien sinner" must do to be saved. J. D. knew that the New Testament word for "gospel" meant "good news," and he knew that the sermon he just heard would never be mistaken for that. So every year, as J. D. shook the "gospel … [Read more...]
IS THIS EVANGELISM?
THE TWELFTH DAY OF APRIL IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN Today we are accustomed to hearing the gospel presented as if it were addressed to one person at a time, assuring him or her of Gods provision for sin through Jesus death and resurrection, and urging that person to make a decision for Christ, to profess faith in him, to be baptized and begin to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The payoff or reward for this will be to escape the punishment that awaits the unredeemed, and to enjoy eternal life with God and with his people forever. It is not that those details … [Read more...]
INVITATION TO PENTECOST
Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010. Today much of the Christian Church remembers and celebrates Pentecost, the day when Jesus began to baptize in the Holy Spirit as predicted by his prophetic forerunner John the Baptist. A cross-section of the population were listening when John made that promise, and he addressed it to them all (Luke 3:10-16). This baptism in the Holy Spirit was not limited to Jesus' apostles. It is for people in every country throughout all generations (Acts 2:39). The events of that first Christian Pentecost signalled the beginning of the Last Days -- a time of salvation and … [Read more...]
WHAT ORDINARY CHRISTIAN PROPHECY IS (Prophecy – 6)
We have seen that ordinary Christian prophecy does not result in new Scripture, new doctrine or new commands from God. It does not necessarily mean foretelling the future. It is not an infallible word from God. It is not the same ministry as preaching or teaching. If it is not all these things, just what is ordinary Christian prophecy -- that gift which Paul says we should especially desire and which Peter says God gives to his people in general during this era of messianic salvation and the Holy Spirit? As presented in the New Testament, ordinary Christian prophecy is a message that … [Read more...]
WHAT PROPHECY IS NOT (Prophecy – 5)
According to both the Old Testament (Joel) and the New Testament (Peter), one manifestation of God's Spirit in this messianic era is the widespread gift of prophecy -- not through a select few as in past ages but through God's children in general -- men and women, young and old, servant and master alike. Because God bestows this gift so indiscriminately, I refer to it as "ordinary Christian prophecy." Before we try to describe ordinary Christian prophecy in a positive way, it is helpful to note some things it is not. First, it has nothing to do with producing new Scripture. The Bible is … [Read more...]
HEBREW PROPHETS AND CHRISTIAN APOSTLES (Prophecy – 4)
Ordinary Christian prophecy comes through ordinary Christian people -- "your sons and daughters," to use Joel's words which Peter quoted on Pentecost (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21). As we learn more about ordinary Christian prophecy we will learn also not to confuse this kind of revelation with the "Thus says the LORD" messages given through Moses, Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. The great prophets of the Old Testament spoke authoritatively and delivered the precise words of God (Jer. 1:9). What they predicted would certainly come to pass (1 Sam. 9:6). What they commanded, God's people were … [Read more...]
THE BIBLE IS NOT ‘PERFECTION’ (Prophecy – 3)
We will see later that ordinary Christian prophecy is fragmentary, time-oriented, specific and local. For all those reasons it is "in part," and it will cease "when perfection comes." Then we shall "see face to face" and "know fully" even as we are fully known (1 Cor. 13:8-12). Some believers think this text refers to the time when the last New Testament book was written and the Bible was completed. However, we have seen that "perfection" here refers to the fullness of God's saving purpose and the complete maturity of Christ's people when Jesus returns. Even if we did not know that, there are … [Read more...]
THE END OF A GOOD THING (Prophecy – 2)
Ordinary Christian prophecy is a hallmark of the Christian era and a particularly desirable gift (Acts 2:16-21; 1 Cor. 14:1). Yet when prophecy has fully served its purpose, it will come to an end. The Apostle Paul explains: "We know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. . . . Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Cor. 13:9-12). One day, when Jesus returns, God's plan will reach its full and perfect goal. Meanwhile, as Paul notes early in this … [Read more...]