Strategy for Church Outward Expansion
THEME - For The Vision is Yet for an Appointed time - Habakuk 2:3
Introduction
Luke wants us to know something about the early church in addition to the ascension of Christ like Theophilus. Other writer`s overlooked the event although they knew it and wrote extensively on doctrine and other related topics like the exaltation of Christ in Phil. 2: 1-11. However, since the story of the early church appears in combination with other story, our study may require us to follow the narration of Christ`s ascension with great attention so we can see the mission of the church primarily to the Jews and what makes it expand to include Samaria.
Now, Luke gave a perfect example of the ministry of the church. It is interesting to note the book of Acts proclaims that God started something in Jesus that cannot be stopped (See: Matt 16: 15-19). Luke did not get through telling the whole story or give full reporting on the Acts of the Holy Spirit, the events of the early church, and the life and ministry of Jesus because what took place are beyond him to record (Luke 1: 1- 4; John 21: 24-25; Acts 1: 1-3). However, it is not unnecessary to ask why the Holy Spirit made Luke write concerning the early church and work of the apostles in expanding the church than others?
Earlier, in Luke 24: 44-49, Jesus had commissioned the apostles (those the Lord has sent) to be preachers and witnesses, and that their preaching must embrace all nations under the influence and authority of the holy Spirit that will come on them. The main concern here is how would diverse people be preached to and gathered to form a healthy congregation. This explains why Jesus focused on the Holy Spirit to emphasize the task to be witnesses because the spiritual aftereffect is seen on them that waited from what they experienced and how they function.
Despite all the talk about preaching and witnessing to the nations, what stands out was that the writer of Acts included to remind us that Jesus himself even though was resurrected with new body, he made it clear from the start of His ministry that all His utterances and activities were from the Father through the Holy Spirit (See: John 5: 19-20, 30; 8: 28; 12: 49; 14: 8-18).
For the most part, God`s people when involved in a task always asked: “Who are we?” and “How much can we do?” the answers to these questions are found in the book of Acts so our commitment is renewed to remain faithful witnesses for Christ.
Questions
1. Reading from Acts 1: 6-8, Jesus reinforced the Great Commission and promised the power to carry it out. In addition to Matt. 28: 18-20, mention the three things Jesus described about power to do the mission task.
A. Discuss how Matt. 28; 11-15 help you to understand why Jesus conducted a ministry of personal appearances to undergird his disciples. What does His word and visible appearances assure in Jn. 20: 11-18; Matt. 28: 5-10, 16-20; Lk. 24: 13-27; 1 Acts 9: 1-6, 10-16; Corinth. 15: 1-8
B. According to Matt. 13: 10-12, Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom is not sketchy. Reading from Acts 1: 6-8, why do you think when the disciple sensed this was the last time to see Jesus on earth desperately asked the question: “Lord would you at this time restore the kingdom?”
2. Considering the events of the ascension with a promise about the ultimate return of Jesus, read Acts 1: 12-14 and explain any reason behind their change in direction. Mention three things Luke gives that express their fullest obedience (See Acts 1: 9-14).
A. Pentecost has its name because it begins on the fiftieth day from the first Sunday after Passover. Comment on the exact roots of Pentecost in Lev. 23: 15-21, and mention the two aspects of the day that stand out without controversy in Acts 1: 13-14; 2: 1- 4
B. In God`s own time, the Holy Spirit came upon the people, God`s gift, his call, his mandate came upon all the people. Using Acts 2: 14-24, discuss Peter`s strategy and what happened to show the church became a witnessing church
C. From Acts 2: 22-36, explain what Peter signify and defended that was shocking to his listeners. How can that strategy be used to attract and reached the diversity of people in Canada to ECWA
3. Without hesitation, we must admit the early church showed a direct connection between receiving the word and acting on it. What can you say to confirm from Acts 2: 41-47 that the new church was well launched from a deep conviction.
A. What have you found to be the hallmark of the church. Mention two things about the church to show you are without a doubt about your submission.
B. As time moved along, the demand of the church began to emerge. Discuss how they handled it that best show they perceived who they were supposed to be.
C. You probably have seen great adventures how the church started in Acts. Comment to agree or disagree on the statement that, “Never again would life be so blissful in the church.”
D. Looking at our church community in ECWA Canada and weighing the surprise upon surprise of the early church, what practical things could we do or avoid doing to remain a happy and effective witnessing church
