The Reporter   
 Volume 46 # 11,  --  March 17, 2006

 

Waiting For Power From On High
– Acts One –

 

   Acts is the book that reveals the history of the New Testament church. If the book of Acts was taken out of our New Testament, we would never understand the rest of it. Luke is the author of the book Acts. He was also the author of the Gospel of Luke. Luke and Acts together make up about 28% of our New Testament. The book of Acts is God's divine book on the subject of church history.

 

   If we are ever to understand New Testament Christianity we must have knowledge of the beginning and growth of the church. The importance of the book of Acts is seen in the words of Acts 1:3. Luke spoke of those "To whom the Lord shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."

 

   The common elements in all of the preaching throughout the book of Acts are: (1) Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Old Testament, (2) Jesus is the Messiah, (3) He had a great miracle working ministry, (4) He was crucified as a sin sacrifice, (5) He was raised from the dead on the third day, (6) He now reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords, (7) He will come again, (8) The world will be judged by His word, (9) therefore,  all men everywhere  need to hear this message, repent of sins, be baptized for the remission of sins and serve God out of a heart of deep love.

 

   The events of the first chapter of Acts took place in the ten days that elapsed from the day of the ascension of Jesus Christ to the Jewish feast day of Pentecost. Luke begins with a brief review of the history of the life of Christ, His gospel and good works. The book of Acts, like the Gospel of Luke was written to Theophilus. The book starts with and stays with the theme of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. During the forty days following His resurrection Jesus had given much instruction to His disciples.

 

   Acts One provides a brief, but powerful look at Christ's ascension into heaven. His disciples were witnesses to the ascension. The apostles were commanded to go to Jerusalem and wait for power from on high. It was during this time that the disciples prayed in the upper room. While they waited Matthias was selected to fill the office of Judas.

 

   Jesus was presented alive – Acts 1:1-3: The book of Acts is a letter addressed to one man, Theophilus. It is, however, a message for everyone. It is a continuation of where Luke had left off at the conclusion of his gospel. In his gospel Luke wrote of what Jesus began to do and to teach. Jesus chose twelve men to be His apostles.  Just before His ascension to heaven he gave them explicit commands as to where they should go and what they should preach. "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:46-47) Jesus' resurrection encourages our trust in Him and our salvation through Him.

 

   Jesus showed Himself alive after His sufferings and death. He was presented alive to speak things pertaining to the kingdom or church. During a forty day period following His resurrection Christ was not only seen of the disciples at certain times, but He was also heard by them. He spoke of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, the Gospel dispensation, and concerning the doctrines of the Gospel they were to preach. Both the power and providence of God are seen in the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus. Today Jesus still lives and because He lives Christians know that they shall live also.                               

 

   Jesus promised the Holy Ghost – Acts 1:4-8: The apostles were to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of the promise of the father. The promise of the Father was that He would send the Holy Ghost upon the apostles. The apostles were to be baptized with the Holy Ghost in a few days! The apostles still had to learn that the preaching of the gospel produces the spiritual kingdom of Christ, the church. Jesus is not interested in some earthly kingdom.

 

   The apostles learned that they were responsible for preaching the gospel to every creature. Christians are responsible for the evangelism of the world in each generation. Every man on earth is lending his influence in behalf of either truth or falsehood. Faith in the risen Christ gave tremendous power to the apostles' preaching and it should likewise move us to evangelism.                                                         

 

   Jesus ascended to heaven – Acts 1:9-12: The apostles were allowed to witness the ascension of the Lord. The Lord Jesus was "taken up" because "up" is where God is. Heaven is where Jesus is now sitting at the right hand of God. The ascension of Jesus is in perfect harmony with the other parts of His history. Jesus' ascension was a fitting and natural termination of His earthly ministry.                                            

   This same Jesus who died to save us and that ascended back to heaven shall come again. He shall come in the same manner as He ascended. He will come in the clouds of heaven, and shall be attended with His mighty angels. He shall descend Himself in person, with a shout, and with the sound of a trumpet, to receive His own. They will meet Him in the air. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

 

   Jesus had said, "wait in Jerusalem” – Acts 1:13-26: Jesus had commanded the apostles to wait in Jerusalem. While they waited the disciples prayed, praised God and appointed an apostle. Matthias was selected to take the place of Judas that had fallen away from God. Let us never forget how wicked one can become who falls from his Creator. The work of Christ must go on even though some die and others desert the cause. Neither Judas nor any other who turns back to sin is suitable for heaven.                                       

 

   There can be no living apostles in the church today. Observe that specific requirements set forth for one to be an apostle. "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22) The choice for an apostle was to be from among the men, and not the women. Women did not bear any office, or exercise any authority in the church. An apostle had to be eyewitness of Jesus' resurrection; otherwise he could no be a witness at all.

 

      To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17); believe in Jesus (John 8:24); repent of sins (Romans 10:9-10); confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37) and be baptized into Christ (I Peter 3:21). After bap­tism use your life to spread the gospel of Christ! “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Stabler Hospital: Tommy Till (Senior Care), Jackson Hospital: Mary Lawrence, Health South Rehab: Evelyn Lewis. In Need Of Prayers: Ryan Bagents, Brandon Ball, Barney Barnhart, Lacey Barr, Malachi Beauchamp, Pattie Benson, Mitch Bozeman, Carolyn Duncan, Ethel Gafford, Jean Gafford, Roy Goodwin, Ramona Gravely, Ron Green, R.E. Hall, Evan Hartsell, Jessie Kennemore, Frank Johnson, Deborah Lewis, Mary Powell, Reese Raybon (good report from test), Anna Salter, Liz Sessions (after hospital stay), Mary Lou Terrell, and Leroy Waller. Crowne Health Care: Laura Ellis, Kathy Johnson, Raymond Lowery, Myrtle Perdue, Bertha Phelps, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mildred Johnson. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Wilmer Howell. Shut-Ins: Jean Hayes, Mary Lou Phelps, and Mary Tindal.

 

2. Remember To Pray: Alan Jackson needs our prayers as he serves in Iraq. Alan’s address is SPC Nathan A. Jackson, B-BTRY 1/117th FA, APO AE09378, 3rd PLT. Pray for him and write to him often.

 

3. Pray For: (a) Thomas Phillips as he is on a two month trip to South America, and (b) Bill Bagents teaching in the nation of Namibia. He is there from March 13th-31st.

 

4. Zoo Trip: A zoo trip is planned for children 6th grade and under March 23rd. You will leave the Walnut Street building at 9:00 a.m. See Darrell Powell for details.

 

5. Young Adult Get-Together: All young adults are invited to a get-together at the home of Jimmy & Barbara Walker (co-hosted by Bruce & Ann Cauthen). Date: March 25th at 6:30 p.m. See bulletin board for needed items or ask Barbara or Ann how you can help.

 

6. Bridal Shower: There will be a bridal shower for Allison Bagents on Sunday, March 26th in the all-purpose room from 2:00-4:00 p.m. All ladies are invited.

 

7. Biscuits Baseball Game: A trip is planned for a Biscuits Baseball game on Saturday, May 13th. Tickets are $8 each and must be purchased by April 22nd. See Darrell Powell for details.

 

8. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week is: March 19th Earl Acreman.

 

9. Web Site: Our new web address is: www.walnutstreetchurchofchrist.org. Updates are frequently being made, so visit it often. The entire Revelation series is now available.

 

10. Bulletin Boards: It is time for our bulletin boards to be replaced. See Lisa Bagents to find out what you can do to help.

 

11. Backwoods Christian Camp: Our camp dates are July 9th – 14th. Plan to participate. A walk-a-thon for Backwoods Christian Camp is planned for April 22nd. See Darrell Powell for details.

 

12. Weekly Budget For 2006: Our weekly budget for 2006 is $6,117.87 per week. God blesses us richly. Let us give generously! “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” (I Corinthians 16:2)

 

13. Area Events: (a) March 19th-22nd – Gospel Meeting – County Line Church of Christ, Honoraville – Speakers: Allen Croley, Charles Sipper, Scott Penn and Raymond Elliott – Time: Sunday 10:00 & 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m. and weeknights at 7:30. (b) March 26th-29th – Gospel Meeting – Century Church of Christ, Century, Florida – Speaker: Gilbert Gough – Time: Monday - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. (c) March 26th-30th – Fortieth Annual Lectureship – Memphis School of Preaching – Theme: The Gospel of Christ. (d) April 7th – Area-wide Congregational Singing – Tallassee Church of Christ – Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m. (e) July 9th-14th – Backwoods Christian Camp.

 

14. Check Your Address: Please check your family information for the directory to make sure it is correct. It is in the multipurpose room.

 

Some Questions About

The Prom

 

   As I have been working to plan this year’s Prom Alternative Banquet/Retreat Weekend, I’ve done some thinking about why this is worthy of my efforts and time.  The following questions are meant to inspire thought and careful consideration about high school proms that are held throughout our nation.  I would appreciate it if you would please answer these questions and mail or email your responses to me (darrellpowell@camelliacom.com; PO Box 551, Greenville AL 36037).  Please indicate your age, gender, and whether or not you are a Christian.  Feel free to remain anonymous.

 

  1. Did you go, or are you going, to your high school prom?
  2. What factors influenced your decision to attend/not attend your prom?
  3. Did anything spiritually beneficial come from your attendance?  If so, please explain.
  4. Did anything spiritually harmful occur before, during, or after your prom?  If so, please explain.
  5. Do you feel that there are any elements involved in proms that Christians should avoid?
  6. Do you regret/are you proud that you attended the prom?
  7. Do you regret/are you proud that you did not attend the prom?
  8. Would you recommend that young people today attend or not attend?  Please explain.
  9. Do you have any other thoughts concerning high school proms?

 

   As with anything in life, it is important that we give careful thought to the impact that proms might have on our spiritual lives.  I pray that your answers to these questions will better equip today’s youth to make a spiritually sound decision regarding these events, as well as equipping parents with the power to make educated decisions for their children.  If you are interested in an alternative to the prom, please contact me (334-382-3001; 590-4801).  God bless!

- - - - Darrell Powell

Sadly, there are many Christians but few soul-winners.

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)