Christian Education and Nurture Sunday
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THE FAITH OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS ACTS CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER ONE THE FAITH OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS F amous Hollywood producer once said that for a move to be successful, it must start with an earth quake and work up to a climax. Luke certainly didn’t follow that formula when he wrote the book of Acts. Except for the ascension of Jesus Christ, events recorded in Acts 1 are anything but dramatic. After all, what is exciti ng about a business meeting? Then why record these events? Why didn’t Luke just start with the story of Pentecost? For several reasons. To begin with, Luke was writing volume two of a work that started with what we call the gospel of Luke(see Luke 1:1–4), and he had to begin with the proper salutation and introduction. We don’t know who Theophilus was or even if he was a believer, but Luke’s salutation suggests that he may have been an important Roman official (see Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25). Likely Theophilus was a Christian or at least a seeker who was carefully studying the Christian faith. His name means “friend o...
A Description of the New Jerusalem Revelation 21:9-27
A Description of the New Jerusalem Revelation 21:9-27 Scripture Reading and Insights Begin by reading Revelation 21:9-27 in your favorite Bible. As you read, keep in mind that the Word of God brings spiritual maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Hebrews 5:12-14).In the previous lesson, we focused on God’s creation of a new heaven and anew earth. Now let’s discover more about the New Jerusalem, the glorious heavenly city that will rest on the new earth. With your Bible still accessible, consider the following insights on the biblical text, verse by verse. Revelation 21:9-21 “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb” (21:9) : In this context, the bride is the new Jerusalem. The holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven (21:10) : As John was carried away in the spirit to a high mountain (a perfect vantage point), he witnessed first...
The Descent of the New Jerusalem
The Descent of the N ew Jerusalem Revelation 21:1-8 Scripture Reading and Insights Begin by reading Revelation 21:1-8 in your favorite Bible. As you read, keep in mind that the Word of God brings spiritual maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Hebrews 5:12-14).In yesterday’s reading, we focused on Christ’s final victory over Satan after the millennial kingdom. In today’s reading, we zero in on God’s creation of a new heaven and a new earth. The new Jerusalem—a heavenly city—will come down to rest on the new earth. With your Bible still accessible, consider the following insights on the biblical text, verse by verse. Revelation 21:1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth (21:1) : Notice that the Bible begins in paradise, but it is quickly lost. The Bible ends with paradise restored! In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sinned against God. God subsequently cursed the earth (Genesis 3:17-18; Romans 8 :20-22). So before the eternal kingdom can appear, God must deal with this cursed earth. Sat...