Conversion of the Three Thousand: Acts 2

   The Declaration of Independence is the historic document in which the American Colonies declared their freedom from British rule.  Many events and many years led to this day but finally the Second Continental Congress, a group of delegates from the colonies, adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776.  This date has been celebrated ever since as the birthday of the United States. Certain days in history mean certain things to us, days such as the Fourth of July.  It was a new time; it was an exciting time, full of apprehension and doubt.  Yet it was carried out. Many years before the birth of our nation, another event took place, which forever will be remembered, by the world.

   The event:  The Conversion of Three Thousand Souls. The Gospel had been preached in promise (Gen 3:8), it had been preached in prophecy (Isa 53), it had been preached in preparation (Mt 3:3), But this, the beginning, is preached in fact---the death, burial, and resurrection.  The day was Pentecost. Pentecost was a Jewish feast, it meant fiftieth, and it was calculated by adding 7 Sabbaths which was referred to as the feast of weeks plus one day which made it fifty.  Notice it fell on a Sunday, the first day of the week. Days become great because of the event:  Fourth of July, etc.  This date is great because of the events:  the church was established, the gospel began, the Holy Spirit was received.

   The event took place in the city of Jerusalem.  History of course will bear that their have and will be larger, and more powerful cities:  Babylon, New York, London, but none greater than Jerusalem.  It was a city with sacred associations:  It is where Israel's kings such as David, and Solomon ruled; it is also where our Lord suffered and died.  God doesn't think or function like man, he had already made an appointment many years prior for this time and this city: cf. Isa 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:2-5.  A large group of disciples including the 12, were waiting in Jerusalem continuing in prayer (Acts 1:14).  Meanwhile, the crowd of Jews there for the feast was very large, people from Parthia to Rome (Acts 2:9-11). What we find next in Acts chapter 2 is very interesting. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (2:1-4).  Notice it was not the multitude of Jews who received the Holy Spirit (v. 6), nor was it the 120 disciples (Acts 1:26; 2:37; Acts 1:2-5).  The multitude was affected but in a different way. ”And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. (7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? (8) And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? (2:6-8). They were amazed by what they saw and heard. This also provided Peter with an audience so he could preach the very first recorded gospel sermon.  Remember Peter had received the keys of the kingdom (Mt 16:19; 28:19) and this was the day he was going to use it.

   Let us consider some thoughts surrounding the sermon and thoughts about the sermon.  First of all Peter responds to a charge from the crowd, "They are full of new wine" (2:13) yells one upstanding character in the crowd.  Peter then explains that the H.S. had come down on them, and proved it by quoting out of Joel. This might catch their attention but still there could be doubts. “They could have read it and be faking it,” might be there thoughts.  Is it real?  They could not deny the miracle, which was taking place:  these men were speaking in other languages. That couldn’t be denied.  Peter has their attention:  He is speaking as a man of God. Now his sermon, which we might entitle: Jesus of Nazareth.  He said, Jesus was a man approved by God, (vs. 22). How do you think they reacted to that statement?  What would we think if someone said that Jeffrey Dahmer is a man of God?  We would be outraged. But Peter reminded them of Jesus’ conduct during his time on the earth.  He performed miracles, wonders, and signs:  you yourselves also know!!!! Peter also tells them that the predetermined counsel of God delivered Jesus (vs. 23), whom you crucified and put to death (vs. 23). In turn God raised Him up (vs. 24).  This would certainly be a controversial statement, so Peter has to prove this. He begins by quoting David. David predicted the resurrection of someone (vs. 25-28). Peter quotes these scriptures in reference to the Christ and makes the point in verse 29-31. It couldn’t refer to David because David’s body saw corruption (vs. 34-35). To further make the point that God raised Jesus from the dead he uses eyewitness testimony as proof. Who were these witnesses? They were (vs. 32) and these twelve men demonstrated great power in their testimony. They all died, some horribly, proclaiming Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the Son of God. Not only was he raised from the dead, he was exalted to the right hand of God--promise fulfilled (vs. 33). What is the proof for this you might ask?  Well, the H.S. was poured out on those twelve men as was promised in John chapters 14, 15, and 16.  Before Jesus’ death, he was telling the disciples He was going to die, but take comfort because that was the only way they could receive the H.S. Jesus died, was raised, ascended up to Heaven, they waited in Jerusalem, and when He was at the right hand of God, the H.S. fell upon those apostles.  They Jews may want to deny that Jesus is at the right hand of God, but they cannot deny the miracles. What is the conclusion: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Vs. 36).  They couldn’t deny it.

   In summary, Jesus was a man attested by God-through miracles signs and wonders. The Jews killed Him, which was a historical fact. There were thousand of witnesses to this crucifixion.  They were proud of it. God raised Him as proven by scripture and witnesses. He was exalted to the right hand of God. Witness could not prove this but the evidence of the H.S. was proof enough. Many things occurred as a result of the sermon. The cold, hard-hearted individuals who once were proud of killing Jesus felt the prick of a guilty heart (vs. 36). They heard what was being said to their very core!  Their question had a somber tone, “Men and brethren what shall we do? (Vs. 37).  The commands given, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (vs. 38).  It was not miraculous like the apostles received it was the gift of salvation.  Obedience was rendered and 3,000 souls were baptized.  Since that time many other souls have been added.     Are you one of them, if not, why not? z

                     ~Carlos Aguilar

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Home and Family:

STRENGTHENING YOUR  FAMILY

    Family life is a system of human relationships designed by God to provide man's needs. In the family, man finds companionship, sexual satisfaction, and learns love, which is an attribute of God himself. It is in the family that children learn to become socialized. No other arrangement has ever been devised as a successful alternative. It is evident that Jesus was serious when he said, "What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6). That which God has provided, ordained, and authorized has always been a focus of attack by the forces of Satan.

   Today, the family system of life is a major issue in the Devil's warfare against God's design for a fulfilling human relationship. Many couples are asking themselves what is missing in their relationship with one another. Why don't parents really feel close to their children? Why doesn't the family have that warm, close feeling that families should have? Could anything change the situation and bring the joy back into family life? Increasingly, these are the questions being asked by all segments of our society, and for good reasons. For example, there is evidence that negative, unhappy family life is associated with mental health problems and juvenile delinquency. There is a higher rate of divorce and marital unhappiness among persons who are reared in unhappy families.

   The challenge of strengthening family life depends upon gaining knowledge about strong, healthy families. We might ask what can we learn from strong, healthy families that can be applied to our own family to strengthen it? Studies have demonstrated that strong families are characterized by five qualities.

   Number one is the expression of appreciation. The most important need of all is the need to be appreciated. We like to be around people who show us appreciation. Yet, how often we fail to express appreciation to our spouses and children. One study showed that only 20 percent of a family's time was spent in having fun or saying nice things to each other. To change this, a family must begin to look for each other's strengths. Try not to miss an opportunity to give each other a sincere compliment. It is important to let others know, "You are important to me, I care about you, and you have many contributions to offer to the world".

   An outstanding example of the expression of appreciation is found in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. The first chapter of I Thessalonians is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for the faith, love and. steadfastness of the Thessalonians. Paul certainly expressed his appreciation for these members of the family of God.

   Second, an outstanding characteristic of strong families is the great amount of time they spend together. They work and play together. They enjoy being together, even if they are not doing anything in particular. Life today has become very much a "rat race". Family living can be improved by not allowing our lives to become overly fragmented. Strong families intentionally cut down on the number of outside activities and involvement’s in order to minimize fragmentation of their family life. When you find yourself becoming so busy that you are not spending time with your family, it is time to look at what you're doing that's taking you away from your family. You may find that some of those involvements are not so important after all. Try to keep you family "number one” in, terms of how you spend your time.

   Third, strong families spend a lot of time in family discussion and in talking out problems as they come up. There are quarrels in every family, but by getting things out in the open and talking about them, the problem can usually be identified and the best alternative for resolving the conflict can be chosen.

   Positive, open channels of communication characterize successful marriage and family relationships. It is not just communication per se which contributes to the strength of a family, but communication of a positive nature, marked by a frequent expression of appreciation toward each other. The fourth characteristic of a strong family is a high degree of religious orientation. In addition to attending church as a family, the members pray together and read the Bible and other inspirational books together. The role that religion plays in strengthening families is much more than simply participating in religious activities. It is the knowledge that God is with you every day and is directing your life. Knowing God cares, is the greatest friend you have, and has a purpose for your life is a great comfort. The awareness of God's love makes the family more tolerant and forgiving.

   Christianity emphasizes values such as commitment, respect, and responsibilities for the needs and welfare of others. These values contribute to good interpersonal and family relationships.

Commitment is the fifth quality of a strong family. A strong family is committed to helping and making each other happy. Their actions are geared toward promoting each other's welfare. Time and energy are invested in the family. Individual goals are frequently sacrificed for the welfare of the family.

   An action formula for strengthening your family can be summarized in these five steps:

1. Develop the art of expressing sincere appreciation to your spouse and children. Concentrate on their individual strengths.

2. Arrange to spend more time with your family. Plan more family activities that all find enjoyable. Learn to say "no" to outside demands, which aren't really that important anyway.

3. Open the communication channels. Take time to talk with each other often and be a good listener.

4. Explore ways that spiritual strength might be added to your family life. Participating in church activities as a family, reading religious materials and family devotionals are only a few of the ways this might be accomplished.

5. Build a high degree of commitment toward your family. Make family life your number one priority. Invest your time and energy into building the relationships with your spouse and children. The result can, and will be a stronger, more fulfilling family life.

From “Bible Research Library”

A man had two sons. One of them rarely spoke to his father. Actually there were only two occasions when he spoke to him at all, formal family gatherings and when he was in serious trouble. When he spoke to his father on formal occasions it was with stilted words that seemed to be disconnected from the true feelings of his heart. He seemed to be more concerned with how he sounded than with what he said. However when he was in trouble and needed money or help getting out of some difficulty, he would gush with emotion and plead with his father promising that if he would help him, he would become a better son. As soon as he received the help, the boy would forget what had been done for him and rarely even be mindful enough to say thank you. The other son loved his father deeply and sought his company, his wisdom, and insight continually. He made a habit of saying thank you and expressing his gratitude and appreciation for all his father meant to him. They were close in every sense of the word and enjoyed a bond the other  son couldn’t understand. What kind of son or daughter are you ?  What is your relationship with your Father like ? Do you speak daily with Him to express your love and appreciation or only in times of “formal” prayer or trouble ?

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Sentence Sermons

An honest man alters his opinions to fit the truth while a dishonest man alters the truth to fit his opinions.