22/10/13

Book of Acts

Acts


In one of my Bible classes I was instructed by the Lord to teach the book of Acts. Initially I thought this would be more of going through historical records, of how the Church of Christ came into existence and how the Apostles went about spreading the Gospel throughout the region and how the Church expanded.

I had started this task in the November of 2010 and just 2 weeks back I finished the book. My sessions were at least twice a month and each of about 3 hours and even after spending so much time also I felt I had rushed through the book and did not give it its due time.

This book was a great, great blessing for us. The things we did not expect or imagine we got to learn from this book. Every session without fail had us surprised and amazed at what the Lord revealed to us. From the book we understood one thing the book was less about the Acts of the Apostles but more of the Acts of the Lord through the Apostles and the others. In brief it was about the acts of God in the Church, it is He who builds it, strengthens it, protects it and grows it. Whatever we do, how much ever big the work or sacrifice may be, only if it is perfectly according to the will of God, it bears fruit, else it faces resistance and persecution. But even in those mistakes God does not forsake us but turns it into a testimony and glorifies His Name.

Every Shepherd / Pastor being instrument in building of the Church of God should study this book in its true depth. Not as a historical book like it is done in theological Bible schools and colleges but getting into every word and its symbolism to the event, not just using commentaries and cross-references. Without this knowledge it is like a person driving in the city without being taught to read or understand the road / traffic signs. We will realize it was purely by grace of God that the Church has survived till date. But as the Bible says His grace cannot be taken for granted. It was by His grace we receive His Spirit and it is by His Spirit we become mature Sons of God. We do not become Sons of God by grace but by the working of the Holy Spirit whom we receive by grace.

Let us each make it a point to study this book in its true depth through the guidance of the Spirit of God, not ignoring any word, punctuation or symbolization. Without this it would be impossible to move into the next stage of the Church where in it comes together as one Church with one mind and one understanding.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, through your Word You have set for us all that we need to be, to do and desire. It is only through your instructions we can walk on the right path and reach the inheritance You have set for us. Lord, bring to the hearts of your people specially those involved in leading others to study this book and we pray that by your Spirit You reveal the hidden treasure in this book...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference ]
Book of Acts

Revelation 3:7-13
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others.
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