Living For Christ

APRIL 27, 2022 STUDY NOTES ACTS 5:12-16 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES INTRODUCTION What is it going to take for American Christians to get serious about living for Christ? The early church had a wakeup call, Act 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Even though the early church had a testimony of faithfully serving God and meeting the needs of others God got their attention, they all heard about God’s judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) It motivated them to do even more for God, especially the Apostles There have been times of fear come upon American churches, one was the Gulf War (1990-1991) Also known as “Operation Desert Shield,” and for a few Sundays it appeared to be “Operation Church” Churches throughout America were packed for a few Sundays, fear had fallen upon many people The fear didn’t last long, soon churches declined in attendance, and Christian faithfulness declined It is time for American Christians to learn what is going on in America today, Satan is working Christians must go to work for the Lord, there must be a daily commitment to Christ What is the difference between the church in the book of Acts and the church in America today? The lack of a powerful witness for Christ is not because of the outward forces of an evil world It is easy to use that as an excuse and blame our spiritual failures on the world in which we now live But are we lying to God? The problem of today is within the church, it is the lack of spiritual power Do we expect God to overlook our sin of omission, failing to fulfill the “Great Commission?” Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. That power and authority is promised to us today, Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (God will hold us accountable for this verse) We have the promise of Jesus, we have the presence of the Holy Spirit, we can go in power, Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Jesus is ready to go with us) When we go the world will see that Jesus is with us, it can still happen, Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. The wonder working power of Jesus that the world needs to see today is the miracle of salvation, 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Act 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. “And” connects this verse with the previous, which was an influence upon the faithful Apostles We have already read of “many signs and wonders,” done by the Apostles, Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. “By the hands of the apostles” was now an answered prayer, Act 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, The Apostles did not pray for personal recognition, they wanted the name of Jesus to be recognized, Page 1 of 6 Act 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. The working of signs and wonders gave them the opportunity to speak the word of the gospel God will use a faithful Christian testimony today to do the same thing, to speak for Christ, 1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. The word “conversation” refers to our behavior of life, our daily manner of life, our way of life The word “honest” means seemly, praiseworthy, admirable, honorable, and eye catching The life that is attractive, beautiful, easy to look at, something worth looking at draws attention Our daily Christian life is to catch the eye of the lost world What is the truth of our life? Paul told us his testimony, Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (People paid attention to the life of Paul) The “Gentiles” are those who do not profess faith in the true God of Israel, those who are spiritually lost Peter said they are going to do two things, one will be speaking against you, your way of life But they will also “behold” your way of life, the Holy Spirit will make sure they do (John 16:8-11) It will be in the “day of visitation,” which does not refer to the 2nd coming of Christ in judgment The “day of visitation” means “when God comes to oversee,” to look upon man with favor It is the day when God looks upon man in love; grace; mercy; and forgiveness When God visits to save the lost from sin, when God comes to bless with New Life That visit of God comes when the Holy Spirit convicts the heart of a lost sinner Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment The Holy Spirit convicts the lost through the living of the life of Christ in a believer God will have a “day of visitation” with those who the Christian has visited with the gospel truth God visits the lost when the Christian has been a living testimony and a witness for Christ before them That is God’s plan, that is how God is glorified today, when Christian’s witness and the lost are saved It appears that the Apostles and believers were meeting on a regular basis in the Temple (Acts 5:12) “Solomon’s porch” was where the crowd gathered after hearing that the lame man had been healed, Act 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. It was a good place for the church to meet, it was a large area, and many would pass by them A crowd could see the signs and wonders and hear the gospel message presented by the Apostles The location of the church is important, but the location won’t matter unless there is “one accord” The importance of “one accord” has already been emphasized, Act 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Act 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: According to scripture, how important is it for the church to come together in “one accord?” Act 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. We are not told for sure who “the rest” that did not join with them refers too. Why didn’t they join? Very likely it was the hypocrites or the unbelievers who heard the report of Ananias and Sapphira, Act 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. There were no hypocrites joining the church in that day because there was a fear of reverence Page 2 of 6 They became members of the NT church by committing their life to the Lordship of Jesus Church membership was more than a clear conscious or a good reputation in the community The contrast is between “the rest” who did not come to meet with the apostles And “the people” who magnified the Apostles, what a witness and testimony for the church How different it is today? How often is the church “magnified” today? Where is the respect and reverence for the church today? Why is it that the meeting of the church is not considered in the plans of the world’s activities? Sunday is now a day filled with all kinds of events and activities for the entire family We can put scripture together and find out how the church can be “magnified” today Paul “magnified” Christ in his body, Php 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (Paul lived for Christ daily) That is exactly what the Apostles were doing in the early church, and “the people magnified them” And when the church met in one accord the church was “magnified,” there was respect and reverence Church was a meaningful place to come for a meaningful experience, meet with God and God’s people Today there are those who go to church on Sunday that should sense shame because of where they are They are gathered in the house of the Holy God where He meets with His holy people (1 Peter 2:5,9) And today unholy people can sit in church unashamed of their sinful life They sing “Have Thine Own Way Lord” and they have had their own way all week long They sing, “I Am Thine O Lord” and they have not even thought of Jesus all week long What has happened to the sanctity of the church? Where is church discipline today? Do we understand the real problem of todays churches? Why is the next verse not true within the average church of today? Act 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) There were unbelievers who came to church and were saved, “believers were added to the Lord” “The more” indicates the continual growth of the early church, pay attention to the following verses: Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Note: They that gladly received His word, they must, Rom. 10:13-15)) Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Note: Such as should be saved) Act 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. (Note: Heard the word and believed) Act 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) “Believers were added to the Lord,” which identifies the true meaning of a Christian believer Everyone believes in something or someone, but belief alone is not salvation The question, “do you believe in Jesus” will not always give you the answer you are looking for Biblical belief is receiving Jesus, to receive Jesus is to commit your life unto His hands, Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (To “believe” in Jesus is to “receive Him” into your life) The modern, liberal church today offers an “easy believism” salvation which results in no change of life Sharing the gospel of salvation with the lost is the way to “add” to the church Which is the way to “magnify” Christ, Christianity, and the true Church Act 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. Page 3 of 6 This verse gives us the evidence of the presence and power of the Spirit within the Apostles The miraculous signs and wonders confirmed the Apostles as the men of God with the message of God Which Jesus had promised would happen when He sent the Apostles out, Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. The promise of Jesus was being fulfilled attention was upon the miracle working Apostles The sick was brought into the streets on beds and couches hoping that they would be healed Which they believed was possible if just the shadow of Peter would pass over the sick The signs of the Apostles had a purpose, 2Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. Signs confirmed that the Apostles were the men with the gospel truth of Jesus, Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Apostles) Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? The ministry of Paul was confirmed by “mighty signs and wonders,” Rom 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Rom 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. The signs and wonders allowed the Apostles to do what Jesus told them to do, “as you go, preach” That the shadow of Peter passing over the sick might heal them is not as far out of line as we might think Consider the woman’s faith that touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, Mat 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: Mat 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. Mat 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. There is another similar account of the healing ministry of Jesus, Mar 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. Mar 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. We are not told whether those who came under the shadow of Peter were healed or not We are told that people believed that they could be healed if that did happen We are also told in the next verse that “they were healed every one” Act 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. News of the healing of the sick and deliverance for those possessed with an unclean spirit spread Word went throughout Jerusalem and extended out into the country around Jerusalem and other cities They brought those who were “sick,” physically weak and probably not able to come on their own They needed to be healed physically, but most important was their need of spiritual healing Peter distinguished between those who were physically sick and those “vexed with unclean spirits” They were being afflicted, disturbed, harassed, troubled, and tormented by demons They needed deliverance, the deliverance from Satan comes with salvation, receiving Christ into our life “And they were healed every one,” there were no exceptions, all were healed What a service that was, one at a time, one right after another was healed Too often today the emphasis is upon the healing of the body rather than the saving of the soul Page 4 of 6 Even within our prayer requests time, which is mostly for physical healing, what is the most important? And they were healed every one (vs. 16) or, Believers were the more added to the Lord (vs. 14) The healing of the body is an earthly experience, important for life within our earthly existence Salvation is an eternal experience, lived throughout eternity, it is of eternal importance Yet, too often people are far more concerned about the physical state rather than the eternal state Remember that the miracles were performed to gain attention to the eternal gospel of salvation There are many signs and wonders recorded in the Gospel of John, there could have been many more We are told why those signs and wonders are recorded, Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Signs and wonders of the Apostles were performed for the same reason, that you might believe in Jesus To believe in miracles does not save a soul from Hell, believing in Jesus will (Romans 10:9) We are not saved because we believe that Jesus turned water into wine or fed 5,000 with a few fish Salvation is our personal commitment to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ The greatest miracle of all is the redeeming blood of Jesus, 1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: The greatest price was paid for the greatest gift ever given, Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The greatest gift of God given to us is not physical healing, but “everlasting life” CONCLUSION The church has debated the question of the performing of miracles today Is God still working miracles today through His people? No doubt that He can if He wills to do so To answer the question, we must apply scripture referring to the working of miracles and their purpose In Genesis we read of the Omnipotent God and His creative power, creation itself confirms God, Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: But we do not read of the miracle working power of God through man until we get to Moses The time-period was the beginning of the age of the Law, Moses performed signs and wonders At the beginning of the prophetic period, the era of the prophets, Elijah and Elisha performed miracles The Gospel Age presented the first coming of Christ to the earth, Jesus was the “Promised Messiah” Which Jesus confirmed by many signs and wonders, Joh 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. The Apostles performed signs and wonders in the beginning of the NT Church Age, Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. Act 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. Signs and wonders were God’s way of saying pay attention to my messengers, they have my message Today we have the message of God in the Word of God, the Bible, and it has been confirmed, 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (We don’t need any other source to confirm God, His Word is sufficient) All of it, every word is sufficient and powerful within itself, it needs no further confirmation, Heb 4:12 Page 5 of 6 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (The Word of God is alive, full of life, and has the power to give life) The test for the messengers of God is no longer miracles but their message, 1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (The test of the man and his message is now the NT Scriptures) Page 6 of 6