STUDIES IN ACTS
#789 STUDIES IN ACTS
Scripture Acts 13 Orig. 3/31/1982
Passage: 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
On Cyprus
4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper. 6 They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
In Pisidian Antioch
13 From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.” 16 Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17 The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country; 18 for about forty years he endured their conduct[a] in the wilderness; 19 and he overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to his people as their inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years.
“After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’
23 “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. 24 Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’
26 “Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
32 “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
“‘You are my son;
today I have become your father.’[b]
34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said,
“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’[c]
35 So it is also stated elsewhere:
“‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’[d]
36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41 “‘Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.’[e]”
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“‘I have made you[f] a light for the Gentiles,
that you[g] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’[h]”
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 11:19, Scattered . . . went preaching . . . as far as Antioch . . . to Jews only.
Acts 11:20, . . . Some . . . come to Antioch, spake unto Grecians
(1) Pioneered breaking down barriers of Jews and Greeks
11:27f, determined to send relief to brethren in Judea
(2) Pioneered relief to other believers
13:1, . . . In the church . . . at Antioch (leaders) . . . when they had fasted and prayed, . . . sent them away
(3) Pioneered the organized display of the Gospel to people who had never heard
Antioch—15 miles east of Mediterranean on frontier. Military outpost. Seat of Roman justice.
The leaders v1—Barnabas, a Jew from Cyprus; Simeon Niger (an African name) (Simon of Cyrene); Lucius from Cyrene (N. Africa), but a Greek name; Manaen, a foster brother of Herod ([killed] John the Baptist); note two reared together could follow such diverse paths in their lives; Saul, a Jewish rabbi.
Officers
Prophets: foretellers and forthtellers
Teachers: people gifted in instruction
Appointed officers have been the rule
Acts 1:15-26, “the twelve”
Acts 6:1-6, “the seven” (Nicholas of Antioch)
Acts 11:30, “elders”
God works through His church
They ministered: an act of service
They fasted: an act of devotion
In their unit of spirit God spoke through a growing awareness
(1) The call was for specific people (the ministering and fasting were not).
(2) The call was to a certain “work”—any enterprise.
(3) Then their fasting and praying becomes directly related to the task at hand.
A world providentially prepared
Travel was easier
A measure of safety
By water or by land
The first missionary journey (at least for Saul and Barnabas)
V4, Seleucia—point of departure (Antioch port); Cyprus—Barnabas’ home
V5, Salamis (Cyrus) went first to the synagogues; 9:20, And straightaway he preached Christ in synagogues.
They had John Mark to help with the work.
V6, Paphos (Cyprus)—capital city—a sensuous ad superstitious city/Bar-Jesus false prophet. Sergius Paulus—proconsul—heard of these Christian spokesmen and requested an audience. Bar-Jesus was Satan’s tool of confusion.
V9, Saul is given a Roman name—calls upon the power of God to blind him temporarily as a sign
V12, Sergius Paulus believes ???????????
V13, Perga in Pamphylia—John Mark leaves (Why?); Paul and his company (compare 13:2,7)
V14, Entered province of Galatia (see 4:13); Jewish service: 1-Law, 2-prophet, 3-Midrash (notable person)
V13, John Mark leaves—(?) 15:38, Paul thought it not good to take . . . went not with them. II Timothy 4:11, Take Mark . . . he is profitable.
V14-16, Invited to preach in synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia/Jews and God-fearers
V17-23, The coming of Jesus is the consummation of history; v17 God chose the Hebrews, v20 Judges, v21 Saul, v22 David, v23 all of this for one reason—Jesus
V24-29, Contemporary man is no better than historical man; v24 John—baptism of repentance, v26 Jews and God-fearers, v27 ignored the evidence/read every Sabbath, v28 without sin/they demanded he be slain, v29 buried
V30-31, The loving and redemptive purpose of God could not be changed by man’s inconstancies; v30 resurrection the work of God, v31 witnesses (Romans 1:16)
V32-29, The good news is that grace that keeps man has replaced a law that man could not keep; v32 glad tidings, v39 Paul a Pharisee intent on keeping law
V40-41, That which is a gift of love to those who claim it, is condemnation to those who refuse
V42-45, Various responses: (1) were invited to return; (2) the whole city turned out; (3) the Jews decided to stop the show
V46, An unexpected decision: (1) no mention of the Holy Spirit; (2) a recollection from the word—Isaiah 49:6, I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles, v47; (3) it is not within the purpose of the church to plan success, it is within our purpose to be faithful—(a) don’t fret over success, (b) don’t apologize for failure, (c) in what measure we give, we shall get; (4) the Jews saw the heathen as chaff to be burned—Jesus saw them as a harvest to be reaped.
V52, The convert and the Holy Spirit: they are filled immediately and fully with the Holy Spirit, and the joy is the resultant of what he is willing for the Holy Spirit to do in his life.
Conclusion (adapted from The Wind of the Spirit, source unknown)
“Don’t try to tame that intractable wind. No act of Convocation or Assembly can circumscribe it, no arrogant political dictator curb it, no personal prejudice patronize it. It is master of the world.
“And—don’t you see?—this is the essential optimism of Christianity. Here in the Spirit of Christ is a force capable of bursting into the hardest paganism, discomfiting the most rigid dogmatism, electrifying the most suffocating ecclesiasticism.
“This is the sovereign freedom of the Holy Spirit. There is no citadel of self and sin that is safe from Him, no unbelieving cynic secure beyond His reach. There is no ironclad bastion of theological self-confidence that is immune, no impregnable agnosticism He cannot disturb into faith, no ancient ecclesiastical animosities He cannot reconcile. And blessed be His name, there is no winter death of the soul that He cannot vitalise into a marching army. This is the glory of Pentecost. ‘The wind bloweth where it listeth.’ Come, Holy Spirit, come!”
Please remember! When the winds of the Spirit begin to blow, they may blow up some trash. But be reminded that the trash is not the wind, and the wind is not the trash.
DEFINING THE CLIMATE OF A CHURCH
#754 DEFINING THE CLIMATE OF A CHURCH
Scripture Acts 9:31, NIV Orig. 9/2/1979
Rewr. 2/2/1982
Passage: Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Introduction
I heard recently of someone who was flying out of Atlanta on Piedmont Airlines. Some trouble had arisen delaying the departure of the aircraft for Asheville, NC. During the delay, a weather front had come into the area further complicating the flight.
Finally, the call came notifying the passengers that the Piedmont Flight was loading. Having to get to and from the tram in the rain further complicated the loading procedure. Finally, however, all was accomplished and the flight was underway.
As the passengers settled into their seats for the flight, they expected to be accommodated since they had been so thoroughly inconvenienced. They heard flight steward announce, however, “Due to the complications of turbulence, and the time, we will not entertain on this flight!”
Perhaps the most urgently needed message for the people of God is one that understands the complications of the turbulence of the times and the lateness of the hour. The enigma of the hours is that we have become such an entertainment oriented people. I am not sure that the message for spaceship earth is that lucid. I am sure that the message most needed by the church of the Lord Jesus is precisely that. “Due to the complications of turbulence and the lateness of the hour, we will not waste our Master’s time and resources waiting for someone to entertain us.”
There is a climate in which the church is nurtured. It must become the prayer vigil of this hour for every church to become a people aware of the complications of the turbulence of the times. Entertainment is for the make-believe of the theater. The church is an institution in which high drama has become the watchword. It consists of two parts: edification and multiplication.
I. If We Are to Define the Climate of the Church, We Must Understand its Significance in New Testament Times. Then had all the churches rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria. The author of this passage defines church as we understand it today. Not in this instance is he talking about the spiritual bodies of believers. Not the universal church. Not the world wide family of faith. Not the corporate conglomerate international. It is the local church + the local bodies of converted, born-again believers + flesh and blood people, struggling against the temptations of Satan and the world, finding Christ sufficient. One of the highlights of our recent journey to the Holy Land was to drive into the present Arab town of Nazareth, and one of the first things we see was a church sign, First Baptist Church of Nazareth, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
As believers, we certainly are a part of the extended family of God, through His Son, Jesus. He who is God’s son is my brother, she who is His daughter is my sister. The one who reveres Christ as Lord can never be treated as anything less than the closest of friends. His culture, his socioeconomic standing, his education are inconsequential. We stand together under the umbrella of the blood of Jesus.
The picture that emerges of the church here, is not that of a glorified model. Yes, we are to get back to New Testament basics. Don’t conclude, however, that you will find in the New Testament a model church. Churches which claim to be modeled after the New Testament churches need to clarify which one. Is it the church at Jerusalem, which had failed to minister? Acts 6:1, And in those days there arose a murmuring . . . because widows. . . . You were elected to enhance harmony and meet a need. Or perhaps at Corinth (I Corinthians 8:10-11). They were doing things that were harmful to weaker, less sophisticated believers. Paul rebuked them. Maybe, Galatia (Galatians 1:6). I marvel that you have so quickly turned . . . to another gospel. Don’t overlook the Hebrew churches. Hebrews 3:12-13, Take heed, . . . lest there be an evil heart of unbelief, . . . Exhort one another daily. [Or Philippi,} The one preach Christ of contention (Philippians 1:16).
II. The Climate of the Church Must First Be Defined in Terms of Edification. Then had the churches rest . . . and were edified. This thing that was taking place in these churches resulted in positive change. The people were “edified.” It was a term which came directly from the construction trades of the day. Oikodomoumenē (οἰκοδομουμένη) denotes the act of building up. In the New Testament it is used only figuratively. What we know that they were not doing was building a building. It was the people who “were being built up, edified.”
The English captures the word in both these meanings. “Edifice” is a beautiful, carefully constructed building. “To edify” or “edification” has nothing to do with building an edifice. Scripturally, the word is a process word defining how believers are being built up in Jesus.
It is interesting that there are other New Testament characteristics that are linked with edification. The proclamation of the Word is to be done distinctly, clearly, prophetically. I Corinthians 14:26, How is it . . . when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, . . . a doctrine, . . . a tongue, . . . a revelation, . . . an inspiration, . . . an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. Christian love edifies. I Corinthians 8:1 (NAS), Knowledge makes arrogant but love edifies. The various gifts given to individuals are given for edification. Ephesians 4:11, And he gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, . . . to the building up (edifying) of the body of Christ.
The New Testament message clarifies this building process with the appropriate and adequate message that there can be no building up unless the right foundation is established. I Corinthians 9:11, For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Finally, here, we must not overlook the ultimate contributing factor in edification. New Testament term “rest” is the Greek word “peace”: εἰρήνην (eirēnēn).
III. Defining the Climate of a Church, We Must Now Examine Our Multiplication. And walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Of this we can be sure, there will be little multiplication where there is no prior edification. Luke 24:47F, . . . that repentance and remission of sin should be preached in (Jesus’) name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. . . . But tarry ye, until ye be endued with power.
It is in this spirit then, that the writer of Acts declares that they are to walk in the fear of the Lord. To walk is to be engaged in a journey, which, if one follows all of the right pathways, will bring him to his destination. If one is traveling from Nome, Alaska, to New Orleans, Louisiana, he may travel all the way to Baton Rouge on the right roads, but if he takes I-12 then he will come nearer New Orleans. Several places he can correct his mistake. “The fear of the Lord” is a reverence for the Lord and for His commandments. It is at this point that the lives of many people are in jeopardy, especially young people. They conclude that they have respect for their own adaptation of Jesus, and may therefore live as they please.
The sum of the matter is to walk in the “comfort” of the Holy Ghost. When the life of a believer is under the control of the Holy Spirit, then he will produce the comfort and the discomfort that tell us whether we are living in obedience. John 14:16-17, And I pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, . . . even the spirit of truth; . . . for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. When we are at peace with each other and our circumstances, and are walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of multiplication is going to be done.
A WITNESSING CHURCH
#059/762a A WITNESSING CHURCH
Scripture Acts 2:38-47, NIV Orig. 8/12/1962
Rewr. 2/8/1982
Passage: 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Purpose: To share with my people an intense statement from the church as presented in Acts, a measure of these characteristics that define the church today.
Keywords: Church Education Worship Fellowship Ordinances
Introduction
Dr. Earl Guinn, former President of Louisiana College, speaking at the Louisiana Evangelism Conference (1982), raised a question relative to our authority for preaching the gospel to a lost world. It is obvious from many quarters that the lost world itself is not interested, and to a large degree does not want to be bothered. Can it then be a measure of our responsibility to force something down the throats of other people that they really don’t want? Is our authority within ourselves? Is it simply that we have something that we want to give away? Can it be that only in this way can we improve life upon the earth?
Dr. Guinn answered the question he asked by reminding us of some of the other authority for doing some of the things we do. As never before in world history, there is a major emphasis upon feeding the hungry people of the world. Thousands upon thousands of people are involved. Huge sums of money are being spent. Our authority for feeding hungry people is their HUNGER. Many, many people in the 20th Century are included in the task of educating people in 3rd world nations and other places as well. Our authority for educating the unlearned people of Mother Earth is IGNORANCE. We need no further guideline. Many of our own missionaries are involved in medical missions. Our own government has agencies that spend millions of dollars every year in an effort to assist other nations with medical emergencies. Other denominations, and other governments, are just as concerned as we. Our authority for involving ourselves in the intimate medical needs of people whom we do not know is LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS.
Our speaker that day at the Evangelism Conference wasted no more time making his point. If anyone ever raises a question about our authority for evangelism, for witnessing, then just remind him of the LOSTNESS of people without Christ.
It is easy to perceive of the church’s role to witness as one that is gravely over-stated in the Scripture. Yet, there is such a tendency on our parts not to do, and not to be, what we must. The circumstance of the church in Ephesus is a case in point. In this book of symbolism, the church was represented by a candlestick. In the letter to Ephesus, the ultimate in God’s displeasure was stated in terms of removing the candlestick “out of its place.” It was not the idea of God turning “off” the light. It was the idea of a light that is not burning is serving no purpose. A lampstand that does not give off light is just something else to stumble over in the dark.
I. The Church is to Witness by Her Unity. V44, And all that believed were together.
The first goal of the Church is Community. Over the past ten or so years, 40 or 50 families of Mennonites have come into East Carroll Parish. They came from a state, Kansas, where it is against the law, outside of direct family units, to engage in family farming. Unity is the ultimate character of their church, socially as well as religiously.
The next, and perhaps the only other goal of a church is self-determination. (Now that we are together in unity, what are we doing to do with all this energy?) Baptists move on the cutting edge of effectiveness because of self-determination.
I continue to be dismayed and somewhat overwhelmed by how quickly news travels about churches in squabbles. I am convinced that nothing pleases Satan more than a disrupted congregation of believers.
II. The Church is to Witness by Her Fellowship. V46, And they, continuing daily . . . , did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.
We must be careful to understand that of which our fellowship consists. People who are active in leadership and financial support. Others who have little to give and feel themselves unworthy of leadership. Perhaps even, some who do not even attend.
The link of fellowship is an experience in which Christ is made unquestioned Lord of our lives.
The last and least link in fellowship is the gathering of a small group of church members called “Fellowship.” We fellowship in groups, large and small, where the substance of our togetherness is our declared relationship to Christ who died for our sin.
III. The Church is to Witness by Her Organization. V47, And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
A reference was made under unity to the matter of self-determination. How do we minister to our constituency? Offering a program based on Bible education that will enable us to make Christ-honoring decisions.
How do we minister to other people? The basis has always been first through the Sunday School. The main emphasis is often on enrolment. We have based our organization on five great principles that remain unchanged: (1)Know your possibilities; (2)Enlarge your organization; (3)Provide needed space; (4)Enlist and train workers; (5)Go after the people.
IV. The Church is to Witness by Her Training. V42, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.
Every opportunity must be taken to train people for the tasks they are called to do. No time or inclination to talk about spiritual gifts, but keep people in areas of interest. Organized training studies: Jeremiah, census. Church training.
Every believer should desire to improve his knowledge. II Timothy 2:15, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.
V. The Church Must Witness by Her Place of Worship. V46, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the Temple. . . .
Much could be said about the place of worship. We must certainly do no worse by our Lord’s house than we do by our own homes. We should treat that building with the respect due. What is to be thought of a community of well-tended homes where the church building is in disrepair and is untidy?
VI. The Church Must Witness by Her Worship. V46f, And they continued daily with one accord in the Temple, . . . praising God, . . . . Acts 5:42, And daily in the Temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus the Christ.
It must be attended with dignity. It is to be winsome and compelling. Above all, it is to honor God.
VII. The Church is to Witness by Her Ordinances. V41, Then they that gladly received the word were baptized; . . . and they continued . . . in breaking of bread . . . .
We honor our Lord by every visit to the baptismal pool. It means that we are sharing our faith. Too often, however, we are only baptizing our own. It is greater honor to our Lord when we have reached out to the unbelieving and unsuspecting community about us. Baptism pictures our death to self and resurrection to life in Him.
We honor Him further by occasional forays at the table. We hold up the broken fragments of His life. We examine the nature of His blood, poured out at the cross. We glory in the reality that He is alive, and that we live through Him.
VIII. The Church is to Witness by Her Membership. V38, Then Peter said, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Water baptism is a living symbol of a larger experience of submergence in grace.
Membership in the community of faith, then, consists of three things: (1)Repentance—the initial act of faith; (2)Baptism—link of obedience and community; (3)Holy Spirit—the empowering agent for the Christ-honoring life in the world. Remember, we don’t have the Holy Spirit, as if He were a potion of some kind to help us get what we want. The Holy Spirit has us to use to magnify Christ in the world to the glory of God.
IX. The Church is to Witness by Her Name. This is really a part of the one above.
X. The Church is to Witness by Her Contributions. V45, And sold their goods, and parted them to all as each had needs.
Don’t let disdain for communism blind you to truth. These folks were not interested in ideology, they were interested in honoring Christ.
We too must give of our substance. (1)Money. (2)Goods. (3)Service. (SELF). Within the context of that cultural, social, political ideology that applies to us, we are to seek to honor Christ with what we are, and what we do, and what we have. This is not largely different from what happened in Jerusalem.
Link/References
Guinn: https://lcuniversity.edu/homage-to-dr-g-earl-guinn/