Acts 1-2
I've spent a lot of this summer in the book of Acts. So, unsheathed is closing out the year with a 14 week, 28 chapter look at what it means to be a Christian according to the early church. Remember, God does not, has not and never will change so what His church was is what it will be and should be today. Acts is one of the few books that does not end. There is no 'amen' at the end because it isn't finished being written. By you. By me. By the followers of Jesus, the Christ. These are the Acts of His Apostles.
The first two chapters of Acts demonstrate an incredible shift in the life of believers. Throughout the Old Testament we find example after example of people trying to seek Gods will. It was really difficult. In the Temple or Tabernacle the high priest was only permitted into the presence of God one time each year. Because of that, God developed a new way to communicate. Casting lots. There are several mentions of it in the Old Testament but is really never explained well.
What I've been able to find is that there is a lot of mystery behind the actual process. Some sources say that sticks were used. Some say sheep knuckles. Some say dice. It doesn't really matter. It may as well have been rock, paper, scissors or odds and evens. What matters is that lots cast was the only way for lay people to communicate with God. The very final time that it's recorded to have been used creeps up in the first chapter of Acts when the 11 disciples are to choose a suitable replacement for Judas, the traitor.
But on the day of Pentecost, the world, and how we talk to God, changed forever. What was mysterious is now miraculous. What was hidden is now broadcasted. What was for one is now for all. And it is the difference between Christianty and religion.
Religion, in it's most basic definition, is man seeking God or some other higher power or state of enlightenment. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam and many other lesser known groups all fall under this. In fact, in Genesis 11 we find the people of Earth trying to find Gods home. "Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:4 NIV) As a result, God confused their languages to the 6800-6900 different one we find on Earth today. This is also the time that God moved the continents from Pangea as He scattered the people around the world.
In contrast, Christianity is God seeking man. God wanted to be with man so badly that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV) God is all about reconciliation. Restoring things that have been lost. On the Day of Pentecost God removed that language barrier. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit the language of tongues was introduced. Perhaps the same language from the days of Babel??
But more importantly, along with a new language, the Holy Spirit also brought Power. The power that Jesus promised would enable us to do things even greater than those He did. It's that power that enabled Paul to travel the world teaching the Gentiles. It's that power that healed the believers through Peter, John and the rest. And it's that power that gives us strength to teach and preach in a cruel, cold world. Is that Baptism a gift that you have? Is it one that you want?
The first two chapters of Acts demonstrate an incredible shift in the life of believers. Throughout the Old Testament we find example after example of people trying to seek Gods will. It was really difficult. In the Temple or Tabernacle the high priest was only permitted into the presence of God one time each year. Because of that, God developed a new way to communicate. Casting lots. There are several mentions of it in the Old Testament but is really never explained well.
What I've been able to find is that there is a lot of mystery behind the actual process. Some sources say that sticks were used. Some say sheep knuckles. Some say dice. It doesn't really matter. It may as well have been rock, paper, scissors or odds and evens. What matters is that lots cast was the only way for lay people to communicate with God. The very final time that it's recorded to have been used creeps up in the first chapter of Acts when the 11 disciples are to choose a suitable replacement for Judas, the traitor.
But on the day of Pentecost, the world, and how we talk to God, changed forever. What was mysterious is now miraculous. What was hidden is now broadcasted. What was for one is now for all. And it is the difference between Christianty and religion.
Religion, in it's most basic definition, is man seeking God or some other higher power or state of enlightenment. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam and many other lesser known groups all fall under this. In fact, in Genesis 11 we find the people of Earth trying to find Gods home. "Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:4 NIV) As a result, God confused their languages to the 6800-6900 different one we find on Earth today. This is also the time that God moved the continents from Pangea as He scattered the people around the world.
In contrast, Christianity is God seeking man. God wanted to be with man so badly that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV) God is all about reconciliation. Restoring things that have been lost. On the Day of Pentecost God removed that language barrier. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit the language of tongues was introduced. Perhaps the same language from the days of Babel??
But more importantly, along with a new language, the Holy Spirit also brought Power. The power that Jesus promised would enable us to do things even greater than those He did. It's that power that enabled Paul to travel the world teaching the Gentiles. It's that power that healed the believers through Peter, John and the rest. And it's that power that gives us strength to teach and preach in a cruel, cold world. Is that Baptism a gift that you have? Is it one that you want?