Two Looming Questions For the Restoration Movement’s Future
There is a question that looms over the Restoration Movement that probably hits Churches of Christ as hard as anyone. Where does the Restoration Movement go from here? It seems to me that we have an identity crisis on our hands. A Quick Review of Why We Are Confused Step 1 – We were about […]
What is the Book of Acts About?
Standard answer – the church. Bigger picture answer – God empowering his people to embody the kingdom of God. Acts is about the church (the gathered people of God) but that is only one part of a bigger picture. Have you ever noticed how little the book of Acts actually says about worship, assembly, church […]
Ironing Out Our Conflicting Message on the Usefulness of the Old Testament – Part 3
Next we turn to Acts 15. The Gospel had been preached among the Jews up until Acts 10. In Acts 10 we get the story of the divinely orchestrated encounter between Peter and Cornelius. Peter acknowledges God’s acceptance of non-proselyte (Jewish convert) Gentiles by the evidence of the Holy Spirit coming upon Cornelius and those […]
The Three Places Paul Reaches Out to in Athens and What We Can Learn From It
In Acts 17 Paul has gone to Athens to tell people about Jesus. In verse 17 we get this fantastic verse for formulating a good ole 3 point sermon, “So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to […]
Why Did They Cast Lots to Replace Judas?
“So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was […]
Bio Sketch of James the Brother of Jesus
In studying for a class on the book of James I ran down some information on the author, James the half-brother of Jesus that I found extremely helpful in understanding the letter itself. James is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Jacob. His mother was Mary (Mark 6:3), his half brother was Jesus […]
Exploring the First Century Church: Mission (Part 2)
In spite of the persecution and in spite of their lack of technology…the early church experienced explosive growth. A quick glance at the book of Acts reveals just how much the church was growing in its early years. Acts 2:41 – “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to […]
Exploring the First Century Church: Mission (Part 1)
Jesus began his ministry with his baptism by John and calling disciples. Jesus ended his ministry telling those disciples to make more disciples by teaching and baptizing others. Jesus’ ministry didn’t just start and stop his ministry with mission. Jesus was constantly on mission and he wanted his disciples to do the same things they […]
Exploring the First Century Church: Gathering Places
It is universally agreed on that the early church primarily met in homes. The first church building that we know of, which was a house converted solely for the use of the assembled church, didn’t come along for 200 years (see Dura-Europos below). Here are some of the verses we have as evidence of their […]
Parallels Between Jonah and Paul
Both were heading to Spain Jonah 1:3 – heading to Tarshish (in Spain) Rom 15:24, 28 – Paul wants to go to Spain Both sailed on the Mediterranean Jonah 1:3 – boarded a ship on the Mediterranean to get away from the Lord’s calling Acts 27:1 – It is decided Paul would sail for Italy…they […]