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Mission to Thessalonica “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.’ And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, ‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harboured them and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another King - Jesus.’ And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the Word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.” Acts 17:1-15. Ministry in the Synagogue Acts 17 describes how the church in Thessalonica was planted - which helps us to understand the background to this letter. Paul would start to evangelise in synagogues, then go on to God-fearing gentiles. He preferred to first speak to those who had some foundational basis of information with which he could do evangelism. Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures. He explained and demonstrated from the Scriptures that Christ had to suffer, that the Messiah was coming as a suffering servant and that He would die and rise from the dead. Some of the Jews were persuaded and a great multitude of devout Greeks believed. The unbelieving Jews were envious, gathered a mob and started rioting, continuing to seek to undermine his ministry.
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Doctrine and Discipleship Despite Hostility and Persecution Written from Corinth about AD 51, this book deals with doctrine and discipline. We are called to patient, joyful discipleship in the face of suffering, persecution and abuse. There will be those who are hostile to the Faith and we should expect persecution and abuse from all. Those faithful to the Kingdom of God will inevitably face diabolical opposition and persecution. Encouragement and Endurance during Persecution “…Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” 2 Thessalonians 1:2-10 The Lord Will Return to Judge the Wicked Growth is seen in healthy plants. Likewise, a growing Christian and a growing church is healthy. Faith and love go together. Our work is to be excellent. Those who oppose and persecute the people of God will suffer eternal Judgement. You can rest when the Lord comes. The Lord’s return should be a great comfort to believers. It will bring condemnation to those who resist and disobey God. Ignorance is not an excuse, it is a sin. Ignorance is condemned. The Lord will judge the wicked with everlasting punishment. They will have to give an account for everything. God will put things right.
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"…And on this rock I will build My Church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 Who Was Matthew? Matthew (meaning gift of the Lord) was from the tribe of Levi (9:9), a tax collector who left everything to follow Christ (Luke 5:27-28). Matthew describes himself as a tax collector (10:3) who became one of the Twelve Apostles. A Manual for Discipleship The Gospel of Matthew is the fullest, most comprehensive, systematic and orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Matthew is a Manual for Discipleship. The Four Gospels Each of the four Gospels provide unique, first-hand accounts of our Lord Jesus Christ, His life and teachings. Mark is the shortest and most concise, fast-moving, action-packed Gospel, mostly focussing on what Jesus did – focussing on His actions, miracles, death and Resurrection. Mark emphasizes Jesus Christ as the Son of Man. Matthew and Luke include far more about what Jesus said and taught. Matthew emphasises Jesus as King. Luke emphasises Jesus as Saviour. Whereas Mark is plainly an Evangelist to convince unbelievers with the news of Jesus remarkable life and actions, Matthew and Luke are more teachers providing the biography and teachings of Jesus to aid in discipling new converts. John is like the professor, who takes disciples even further. John is mostly concerned with the identity of Jesus – who He is. In John, Jesus is emphasised as the Son of God. Actions, Teaching and Identity Mark, the Evangelist aimed at reaching unbelievers with: What Jesus did. Matthew and Luke, discipling new believers, focus on: What Jesus said. John, as the teacher/professor, focuses on: Who Jesus is.
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"That you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." Luke 1:4 Who Was Luke? Dr. Luke was the "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14), a close friend and traveling companion of the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul describes Luke as: "my fellow labourer" (Philemon 24). Luke was a scholarly and well-read Gentile author. He has proved to be a meticulous historian, often giving details that helped identify the historic context of the events he described (1:5; 2:1-2; 3:1-2; 13:1-4). Luke is clearly observant, analytical and careful in his records, and one of the finest historians of his day. Luke is the only history writer in the New Testament. He writes in a polished high standard of Greek and shows particular interest in medical phenomena, giving high profile to Jesus' healing ministry. Antioch Church historians Eusebius and Jerome identified Luke as a citizen of Antioch, one of the largest cities in the world at that time. It was at Antioch that the first Gentile church was established and where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. It is also from Antioch that the first Mission, that of Paul and Barnabas, was launched. Luke was part of Paul's missionary journeys from the time of the Macedonian call through to his awaiting trial in Rome (Acts 16:10; 20:6; 27:1; 28:16). When Was Luke Written? Luke mentions the fulfilment of the prophesy of Agubus (Acts 11:28), but not the monumentally important destruction of Jerusalem prophesied by Christ in Luke 21:20. Nor does Luke mention the severe persecution that broke out under the Emperor Nero from AD64. Therefore both Luke and Acts must have been written before those dates. The most likely dates for Luke and Acts are AD60 and AD61.
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"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name." John 20:31 The Purpose of John's Gospel "That you may believe." and "That you may have life." The Structure of John The Revelation of Christ The Rejection of Christ The Redemption of Christ The Resurrection of Christ Distinctive Features of John's Gospel Over half of the Book deals with the last week of Christ's life on earth. The first cleansing of the Temple (2:13-17). Only in John do we read of the conversation with Nicodemus (3:1-21). The woman at the well (4:1-26). The discourse condemning the Jews at the Feast of Booths (7:14-39 and 8:3-58). The parable of the Good Shepherd (10). The teaching with the Disciples (14-17). The meeting with the Disciples at the Sea of Galilee (21). 50% of John is direct speech/quotes from Jesus Christ. 105 allusions to the Old Testament. 20 Direct quotes from the Old Testament and 92% unique material. Major emphasis: Faith and Eternal Life; I Am; The Trinity; Salvation; Mission; Glory; Logos.
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To see a video of Genesis as presented at the FIRE Preaching Workshop, click here. The Church in Action The Book of Acts is the inspired account of the origin and initial expansion of the Christian Church throughout the Roman Empire. In Acts we see Christianity, full of energy and power, in action conquering the pagan cultures of Asia Minor and Southern Europe. As the sacred History Book of the early Church, Acts is a Missionary Manual. Acts is the second part of a two-volume history. The first part, the Gospel of Luke, tells of all Jesus began to do and to teach (1:1) and so the second part, Acts, tells of some of what Jesus continued to do through the power of the Holy Spirit. Culture and Christianity In recording these beginnings of the cross-cultural Missions of the Church, Acts clearly proves that Christianity is for every nation. It also shows how culture can be both an obstacle to, or an opening for, the communication of the Gospel. Sacred History Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11), is the author of Acts. Luke stands out as the only non-Hebrew author in the New Testament and also the author of the largest amount of material in the New Testament. Written before the death of Paul and before the Fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 (as it makes no reference to either), this is a powerful account of the Mission "to the ends of the earth." Luke clearly shows how the events recorded in Acts were brought about by the will and purpose of God, in fulfilment of the Scriptures and prophecies of the Old Testament, as directed by God Himself, who confirmed by signs and wonders that this Mission is His work. The Gospel of Luke ends with the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is where Acts begins: Acts 1:9 - The Lord went up. Acts 2:4 - The Holy Spirit came down. Acts 2:4 - 8:4 - The Disciples went out.
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"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2 Introduction In our Bible Survey we come to a major new section. We have surveyed the first five Books of the Bible: The Law. We have gone through the twelve History Books of the Old Testament and the five Books of Poetry. We went through the five Major Prophets and the twelve Minor Prophets. We have surveyed the four Gospels and the one History book of the New Testament: The Book of Acts. Now we come to the Epistles. There are 21 Epistles written to churches, or individuals. The last Book of the New Testament: Revelation, is in a unique category of its own: Apocalyptic writing. In this Bible Survey, so far we have completed 44 Books of the Bible. We have 22 to go. Today we will deal with the first of the Epistles. In so many ways Romans can be regarded as the greatest of the Epistles. The Epistles 13 of the 21 Epistles were written by the Apostle Paul. These are called the Pauline Epistles. During his Missionary journeys, Paul wrote letters to the Churches at Thessalonica, Galatia, Corinth and Rome. While a prisoner in Rome, he wrote his letters to the Churches at Ephesus, Colossae, Philippi and Philemon. After his first imprisonment and release, he wrote two letters to Timothy and one to Titus. These are what we often call the Pastoral Epistles, although they were written to Missionaries. To listen to the audio of this sermon, click here.
An Epistle of Hope for Persecuted Christians The First letter by Apostle Peter, written in AD 64 to persecuted Christians. A title could be Grace Under Fire, or A Letter to Persecuted Christians. It is an Epistle of Hope. As John is known as the Apostle of Love and Paul is known as the Apostle of Faith, the Apostle Peter can be known as the Apostle of Hope. Biblical hope means future certainty. The Apostle of Hope This is the second of seven general epistles in the New Testament. All of them are titled according to the author who wrote them. They are not addressed to a specific church. They do not have the name of a city mentioned. Peter is the best known of all the Apostles, whom Jesus chose, during His life on earth, along with Paul, they dominate the New Testament dramatically. The Apostle Peter’s name is mentioned over 150 times in the New Testament. His brother was Andrew, who brought Peter to the Lord.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
Who was Mark? John Mark was born in Cyrene in Africa, of the tribe of Levi. While John (Johanna) is a Hebrew name meaning The Lord has shown grace, Mark comes from the Latin Marcus. John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) and of the apostle Peter. His mother, Mary, played an active role in the early days of the Church in Jerusalem. John Mark received an excellent education and was fluent in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. He had the privilege of growing up in a God-fearing home and surrounded by the leaders of the early Church. The Upper Room His mother, Mary's, upper room was the venue for the Passover supper, used by the Lord Jesus for His Last Supper with His disciples. It was in the same upper room that the Lord appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection. It was to John Mark's mother's home that Peter went, when freed from prison (Acts 12:12). The Evangelist John Mark was present at the Wedding at Cana in Galilee (John 2:1-11). He was one of the 70 disciples sent out to proclaim the Gospel (Luke 10:1-17). Mark was the young man, who, on the night that the Lord was betrayed, was following the Lord wearing a linen garment (Mark 14:51-52). The Missionary John Mark accompanied the Apostle Peter on his Missionary journeys in Jerusalem and Judea. He was also privileged to be part of the Apostle Paul's first Missionary journey (Acts 13). Although he failed to complete his mission, he later repented, restored and made restitution to rebuild Paul's trust in him. So much so, that Paul, in his pastoral letter to Timothy, describes Mark as "helpful to me in my ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). Mark became a co-worker with the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Mark established churches in Pentapolis and in Alexandria, Egypt.
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“All who dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus…” Acts 19:10 Colosse in the Province of Asia Colossians is a prison Epistle written in Rome while Paul was in prison there. The Church at Colosse was founded at the same time as the Church in Ephesus. The Epistle to the Colossians was written at the same time as the Epistles to the Ephesians. Epaphras carried the three letters to each destination. Colosse was a cultural and religious melting pot. There were Greek, Jewish and Oriental religious ideas merging together. Colosse was once an important town, but by the time this letter was written, Colosse had been side-lined and overshadowed by nearby Laodicea, which was receiving far more traffic. Colosse became more of a market place and today is completely uninhabited and does not exist. Colossians and Ephesians Both Colossians and Ephesians contain great doctrines of the Gospel which was read aloud to the churches, but each was written for very different sets of circumstances. Ephesians is calling believers the Body of Christ. Colossians talks about the Head of the Body, Jesus Christ. In Ephesians, the Church of Christ is the important emphasis, but in Colossians, it is the Christ of the Church that is emphasised. Both are needed. You cannot have a body without a head. False Christology is at the Root of all Heresy Heresy has broken out in the church of Colosse, misleading the young believers and calling for strict observance of Jewish ceremonies and rituals. The message of Colossians was written to counter these false teachers that is leading them away from the pre-eminence of Christ. The place that Christ holds in any religion determines how true or how false it is. Every cult has a false idea of Christ. They either deny His finality, or His divinity. Misrepresenting the truth of who Christ is and what He has accomplished and His person in His work is the root of all heresy. |