Thursday February 13, 2014

Read Acts 2:16-35

We live in an age of interpretation. Even more so, we live in an age where any and every interpretation is valid. To hold to exclusive truth is considered an error - if you can comprehend such an illogical condition. To say something like, ‘This is absolutely true’, or ‘This is the only truth’, is seen as arrogant and intolerable and is quickly and mercilessly shouted down.

Throughout the New Testament we see that the writers constantly and consistently referred, cited or alluded to the Old Testament as the Word of God. It was their ultimate authority.

We see this clearly on the Day of Pentecost when Peter preached a rousing sermon that brought 3,000 people to Jesus in repentance and faith. As the Holy Spirit was poured out many in the crowd could not explain what was happening. Several made fun of the disciples, arguing that they were drunk and intoxicated.

Peter turns authoritatively to the Old Testament and quotes both Joel (Joel 2) and King David (Psalm 16 and 110) to show that Jesus had to die on the cross and that He had to rise from the dead before the Holy Spirit could be sent to those who believed in Him.

There is no relative truth here. There is no indication that this is simply one of many interpretations. There is no reference to this being a truth just for Jewish peoples. In fact, it is a clearly spoken to all peoples and includes promises for all those whom the Lord will call, from all over the world!

The Apostles and first disciples were not afraid to stand on the truth. They were not afraid to preach the truth. They were not afraid to challenge existing world views and to proclaim Jesus’ death and resurrection as the only way to God! They were not afraid to call people to repent and to believe in Jesus for their salvation. At no stage did they present Jesus as one option among many.

The modern day church needs to decide what it really believes. If it chooses to believe the Word, it needs to preach the Word with all the inherent authority that the Word contains.

Prayer: Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

Adoration:

Confession:

Thanks:

Supplication:

ª Pray that God would fill you and your congregation with the Spirit so that you can do the work God has called you to do.

ª Pray that the Session of your church would be wise and godly and able to discern how to lead people in Christ-likeness. Pray for each elder by name.

 Walk Moment –  What you believe determines how you live. If you reject the Old Testament then you are rejecting 2/3s of Bible. Within that 2/3s of the Bible there are many instances of what God desires and wants for our lives. If you do not know the Old Testament you will remain in ignorance .  This opens the door to greater sin in your life. Close the door!

 Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. If Jesus’ believed that mankind was created at the start of creation and not millions of years later (Matt 19:4), should we believe this too? Why or why not?

2. How do you respond to a believer who refuses to give Jesus complete authority in his/her life?

3. If “worship” means to focus solely on God then how can we include more “worship” in our busy lives?