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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
TOPIC - THE CONCEPT OF APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY (3 John 1-15)
Theme - For the vision is yet for an appointed time, Hab 2:3
Introduction
The text for our study is a letter to a faithful Christian leader named Gaius that demonstrates the idea that the Church(es) today needs Christian leaders who will endeavor to live the life of bold faith, taking on challenges and showing commitment to a cause greater than themselves. Clearly seen, apostolic leadership is not value neutral looking at how the bible grounded the concept of the office to Christ in Acts 1: 12 – 26. Unquestionably, despite our inability to comprehend the incarnation, John uses the verbs, “heard,’ “have seen,” ‘have looked upon, “and “touched,” to stress the historical manifestation of the Christ in 1 John 1: 1 - 4.
Similarly, as we note in 2 John, the writer introduced himself as the elder probably before he wrote to Gaius in 3 John, and the central idea that stood out is we cannot rule out his apostleship by the fact that news about what was happening was brought to John concerning the church, especially Diotrephes whose behavior was not Christlike and who was not impressed by John`s credentials as an apostle. Taking the Bible together, John as an apostle is task with the responsibility to protect the truth of the gospel and to raise believers up until they become loyal to the gospel. To put it succinctly, John`s eyes were always on the well-being of the church because of the enemies of the cross, he emphasized the truth in his writings as the standard to judge every doctrine taught by travelling missionaries among the Churches, particularly the Gnostics who didn`t believe Jesus Christ came in the flesh.
Undoubtedly, what Diotrephes was doing as mentioned in our text is not going to stop overnight. Hence, John wrote to Gaius acknowledging his good conduct and promised to visit and call to account what Diotrephes was doing, his egotistical and self -centered behavior, his evil words and action that has endangered the reputation of the gospel and the unity of the church. So, John`s visit is purely on moral ground, he feels obligated to put Diotrephes in his proper place, encourage Gaius and Demetrius along with those who uphold the truth. This means, John envisages a danger and if we must succeed as a people with a mission in church planting, we must study and meditate on the content of 3 John about compromising integrity and to teach ourselves the importance of leadership in God`s work and mission that certain behaviors cannot be tolerated within the bounds of true apostolic and church leadership.
Question
1. Leaders are said to lead, initiate ideas and plans, and move people in the direction to follow by showing them consideration and affirmation.
A. In view of the above statement, comment on what John did that suggest that upholding the truth of the gospel is a huge responsibility of a true Christian leadership?
B. Thoughtfully read the mode of John and Paul in their letters from 3 John 2 - 4 and Galatians 4: 19 – 20. Who wrote from the agony of a broken heart, and what has puzzled your mind about the pain that resulted when physical and spiritual growth is interrupted – Sincerely measure each.
C. John has shown responsibility by praying affectionately for the physical and spiritual well-being of Gaius in 3 John 2- 4. Concerning John`s prayer, what have you recognized that you would want to comment that`s important to note.
2. Considering the attitude of Diotrephes in 3 John 9 – 10, what can you say to convince someone that John was following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and his exercise of his apostolic authority demonstrate Christian leadership.
A. Assume Diotrephes had encountered Paul and was influenced by his letter to the Philippians in Phil. 1: 27 – 28, mention three characteristics that is capable of changing Diotrephes so John would not call attention to his conduct during his visit.
B. Galatians 2: 1 - 10 state Paul`s equality and reasons for returning to Jerusalem. What`s the author`s intent since Paul was not dependent on the Apostles in Jerusalem according to Gal. 1: 11 – 24.
C. From 1 Sam. 16: 1 - 13, 1 Corinth. 1: 26 – 31 and James 4: 4 - 6, what probably have you seen as important factors that should shape people`s conception about leadership
3. According to Gal. 1: 1 - 13; Acts 26: 15 – 23, discuss and share why Paul`s calling and message about the truth has never given way to false teachers.
A From Acts 11: 27 – 30, Rom. 15: 25 – 27 and Rom. 15: 25 – 27, what have you found that describes the apostle`s attitude and goes to show that fellowship of Christians goes beyond agreement on doctrinal issues
B. Evil can be applied to the realm of spirits 1 John 4: 1 - 6, to Satan 1 John 5: 18 -20– 19. Consider Gal. 3: 1, describe the problem and how that has caused so much confusion in Christianity today.
C. According to Matt. 19: 16 - 25 and Matt. 12: 33 – 37 and 3 John 11, why is there so much confusion, increasing evil and the imitation of evil in churches and the world today.
4. Since in Paul’s day, central part of Turkey was known as Galatia which became a province of Roman empire about 25 BC and included Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia,
A. As we round our study, what practical example have you to prove the problem in Galatia according to Gal. 1: 6 - 9 is still with us.
B. In Gal. 1: 13 – 14, Paul speaks about his former life. From how Paul describes it, mention anytime you believed in something wrong and discuss what happened that you could refer to it as your former life because of Christ.
5. Read 3 John 9 and describe with examples in your own words the statement that Diotrephes loved to be the first.
A. When we hear false teachers or the misuse of authority, we think of it outside the church. But our text happened within the body of believers. Without John`s love for the truth and the corrective measures he took, what could possibly happen?
B. Discuss in your own words what Paul says in Phil. 2: 3 – 11 and use it to explain why people despise authority, what confident assurance can you find from the life of Christ that should keep you focus on the things that glorify God.
The True Vine and the Branches (John 15: 1 - 17)
Theme: “For the Vision Is for An Appointed Time,” Hab. 2: 3
Introduction
The Bible emphasizes the central importance of the land of Israel and the covenant God had with Abraham – God had chosen and made a covenant with Abraham to become the father of many nations, meaning the custodians of this covenant would follow the bloodline of Abraham and Sarah through their son Isaac and grandson Jacob to future generations (Genesis 15: 5 – 7). So, it is reasonable and easy to understand why Jews cannot set this aside but emphasize their care about Israel and connection to Abraham.
The good news is that the Lord desires even more than we all think. In other words, there is something extremely important to keep up to for being Jewish, otherwise the conversation in John 8: 31 - 47 would not have been necessary just as the statement that those who are of faith are sons of Abraham in Galatians 3: 6 - 14. These words reveal and reminds us that there is much about abiding in Christ just as there is a sense in which a Christian is in Christ and Christ is in a Christian in this world that we all live.
Perhaps you have been a Christian for a long time and familiar with symbols, grapevine is found everywhere in Israel and Jesus use vine as a symbol to describe the relationship between him and the Jewish nation. More importantly, a vine is said to be decorated in front of the temple to communicate the idea that Israel is God`s vineyard (Matt. 21: 33 - 44; Isa. 5: 1 – 7; Jer. 2: 21 and Ezek. 19: 10).
So, when Jesus drew this picture of the vine, he knew what he was talking about because though the vine can produce fruit, it is not capable without drastic pruning and Jesus knew the implication of that with his disciples. It occurs to mean therefore that Jesus uses the imagery of the vine to demonstrate the need for fruit bearing and connectedness to him which is of complete dependence and constant connection to him as the “True vine.”
Questions
1. The idea we must remember from our reading is that Jesus is the true vine and to be fruitful, we must be rooted in him because fruitless branches are on the way to be removed and destroyed.
A. John 15: 1 – 3 pictures a relationship. Discuss the relationship that the vine and branches try to emphasize and achieve considering how God the Father is being described.
B. Reading from our text in its entirety, if possible, share why there`s so much emphasis on abiding or remaining in Christ (See John 15: 4; 5; 6; 7 and 8).
2. Concerning the fruitless vine, who do you think was Jesus referring to and what can we do to invite disaster on our relationship with Christ.
A. Jesus uses the word pruning in some sense to describe the activity the Father does. In saying this, what does that mean?
B. The central word in the passage is that the disciples did not chose Jesus, but he has chosen them (John 15: 16). According to verses 9 -11 and verse 15 -16 explain where it all started from and what the disciples were chosen or called to do.
3. Perhaps Jesus referred to the disciples as “already clean by the word” to emphasize the idea of pruning that initially started in them (John 13: 10).
A. From Ephe. 5: 26, Psa. 119: 9, 11; 1 Peter 2: 1 - 2, mention and describe anything that inspires you about the effect of the word of God.
B. Consider the statement in John 15: 4 - 5 that without me, you can do nothing and use what Paul says in Gal. 2: 20 and Phil. 4: 13 to describe what Jesus meant.
C. Discuss with a few examples things we actively involve in doing without Jesus and how that is a significant warning.
4. The reference to burning and fire in John 15: 6 - 8 warns of the great danger and consequences of failing to abide. How has this warned you and how have you viewed the dangers of failure to abiding in Christ in addition to lack of bearing fruit.
A. Looking at John 15: 9 - 11, Jesus laid a remarkable pattern of his love for the disciples that leaves nothing more to be said. What does that demonstrate to the disciple, and what does that suggest to you.
B. Clearly seen in John15: 10 - 15, the joy that Jesus gives and brings into the life of the disciples does not come from the pleasure of a life of ease. Discuss
5. John 15: 16-17 rightly highlighted our starting point of call to service to probably remind ourselves that Christ first chose us and not the opposite to serve without becoming proud. How is winning others to Christ a prominent idea here.
A. The idea that whatever the disciples asked in prayer will be given is connected to fruit bearing. How is this commonly misinterpreted to mean and how has that helped you going forward when you ask in prayer.
B. In your opinion, why do you think Jesus commanded the disciples to love among themselves when he was departing from them.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith (Habak. 1 - 2: 1-12)
Introduction
Whatever translation you are most comfortable with can be trusted as error -free and completely trustworthy in what it proclaims that the Book of Habakkuk is essentially a conversation between Habakkuk and God about the evil and injustice of his time. In his mind, God has allowed him to see the evil and injustice(s) of his time. Habakkuk wondered and asked, how long a righteous God would tolerate evil and eagerly awaited God`s response. Habakkuk`s experience is a larger pattern typical of the injustice and evil in most part of the world. Like ancient Israel, many have been touched by evil and injustice that is painful and may not be the best to ignore. What is clear is that Habakkuk was very frank about what he saw and how he felt in his heart. This idea is supported by our way of behaving as important means to help us contrast Habakkuk and take responsibility or know things we can do to cope with evil and injustice because it is customary to feel differently when we don`t understand why Habakkuk wanted to remain engaged with God for an answer. Besides the confidence of Habakkuk, God responded with even harder answers that Habakkuk struggled to understand. We see at the end; Habakkuk chose to believe God`s way was best and accept to live by faith even though he struggled to understand.
When we review the history of the Babylonians and their previous role, including the final faith of the Babylonians, we can understand the context of our study better for the reason that believers everywhere in the world wonder and are asking, “Why God`s majesty and power are not continually on display against evil and injustice without contemplating God`s plan without excluding the factors and circumstances motivating evil and injustice. Today, our study will help to convince us that God deserves the most praise and can keep things where they were so we can significantly acknowledge how vast is God`s wisdom (Isaiah. 40: 13 – 31).
Questions:
1. People can be as confused as Habakkuk about God in the world. Perhaps, for others, it will be until they die. Imagine how an unbeliever or even a believer would feel when asked to read from the first few lines in Hab. 1: 1- 4.
A. Assuming you never read and knew how the story in the book of Habakkuk ended, discuss whether a believer or unbeliever would feel excited about God after reading Hab. 1: 1- 4, what are the chances he will proceed to read the whole book.
B. In Hab. 1: 3 – 4, Habakkuk lamented the absence of justice that he could not understand why God tolerate evil and forced him to look at injustice.
I. What does Habakkuk mean when he said that God tolerate evil?
II. Explain the prophet`s concern that God allow him to look at injustice.
III. Discuss evil or injustice you see that you don`t like yet must live with
2. Ephesians 1: 15 – 23 run parallel in terms of spiritual understanding the Book of Habakkuk and serves as a blueprint for believers to be grounded in practical relationship with God.
A. In view of Ephe. 1: 15 -23, explain the three objects of knowledge that should help us to see Christ and encourage us know God and know how to live for him.
B. In the mystery of understanding God, Paul refers to biblical usage of heart and eye.
I. How do you understand heart and eye, what does Paul want the Ephesians to know?
II. Assuming Habakkuk understands Paul`s usage of heart and eye, what interchange do you think Habakkuk should have with God considering God`s response to him in Hab.1: 5 – 6; 7–11.
3. According to 1 Cor. 1: 19 – 24, Paul presented Christ as the “Wisdom of God.” Comment on what he means.
A. How does Ephe. 1: 3–9 expresses the heartbeat of God about our salvation that should help you understand the complexities of what God wanted Habakkuk to be assured of in Hab. 2: 1– 4.
B. Clarify how the phrase “station myself” in Hab. 2: 1 (ESV) describes Habakkuk`s attempt?
4. Considering the context, what`s the implication of the statement, “The righteous shall live by faith” according to Hab. 2: 4.
A. Read Roman 1: 17, Gal. 2: 15 -16, and explain how Paul develop the concept of faith. What truth has he shown concerning what faith guaranteed.
B. Discuss to provide context of the story in Mark 4: 35 – 41(NIV), how is faith applied. To put it differently, why did Jesus question their faith.
C. Education, internet, and a few other things like the reality about Heaven and Hell have caused a drop in the Western part of the world about the Christian faith. Explain what the text in 1 Corinth 2: 1-2 and John 20: 27-31 seek to promote.
5. People have adopted the concept that life can be complex. So far studied, do you think they are right according to Habakkuk. In other words, does studying the bible offer insight into something or gives you some reasons to feel differently? Discuss
A. What does Habakkuk`s opening question in Hab.1: 12 reveals, and what do you recognized that suggest being the starting place for understanding God?
B. What understanding and assurance do you find during this study that God will deal with those who do evil and provide for those who suffer from injustice.
Knowing God Who First Knew Us (Ephe. 1: 15 – 23)
Introduction
When we begin reflecting on Christ`s resurrection and what it means, we have no choice but to begin thinking, perhaps there`s more to be desired in walking with the Lord. The implication of this statement is there`s more to being a Christian than we presume, and God would want us to grow so He will show us things we have not yet seen and understood as we grow. On a grandeur scale, Paul was seized by the
wonders and mystery of Christ`s power saying the potency of the resurrection power is a mystery that can be at work in a believer. Paul wants to know the power of Christ`s resurrection despite the incredible experiences he had had with God, and we have no reason not to feel the same.
Questions:
According to Ephe. 1; 8, Paul prays that the Ephesians may know the hope unto which they have been called. However, the word hope sometimes may be used for something we desire but have doubt(s) in achieving.
A. What message does Ephe. 1: 19 – 23 try to communicate to us about what God`s power has accomplished?
B. Describe the authority of Christ in Ephe. 1: 21 – 23, Matt. 28: 18; 1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 28. In view of these power and authority of Christ made available to believers, what problems and challenges do we see in the use of such power today.
C. In view of Rm. 8: 34 – 39, observe yourself the difference Christ`s resurrection power makes in your life. What practical choices do people make that makes churches tend towards entertainment and formalism than seeking to experience God`s power.
Reading from Rom. 8: 12 – 14; Phil. 1: 29; James 4: 7, what sort of things in our Christian life do we need the resurrection power of Christ according to Rom. 8: 12 – 14; Phil. 1: 29; James 4: 7
A. Since the Bible uses hope as a confident future, what reality do the following verses tell us about the hope God offers believers in Acts 24: 15; 1 Jn. 3: 1 – 3; Jn. 14: 27; Rom. 8: 17 and James 2: 5
B. Ephe. 1: 23 describes Christ`s exaltation and supremacy. Explain how Christ`s authority over all powers is phrased and emphasized in Ephe. 4: 10 and Hebrews 9:5.
C. Ephe. 4: 20 – 24 directs us to our past which Paul pays attention to the Ephesians. According to Ephe. 4; 20, what does Paul mean when he said, “You have not so learnt Christ;” (KJV). What would you say to describe how much Christ`s power has changed you to change the world.
The Great Commission was given not to the crowds, but to those whom God entrusted with the task of building his church. Explain how the command to “Baptize, Teach and make Disciple” in Matt. 28: 19 – 20 practically correspond to and relates to knowing Christ.
A. In view of Ephe. 1: 15 – 17, the Lord has provided every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places for the Ephesians that believed. Why does knowledge of this truth move Paul to pray. In other words, what does Paul`s ongoing prayer demonstrates.
B. In Ephe. 1: 18 - 20, Paul`s prayer seeks three outcomes when he asked God to reveal Himself. Discuss the significance of the figure of speech “Eyes of the heart to be enlightened.”
C. 1 John 3: 2 - 3 states, our high calling to become like Christ will be fully attained either when we die physically or when Jesus Christ comes again in the victory and power of His resurrection. Discuss why we must strive for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
In Phil. 3: 10, we noticed Paul`s severity toward God because he knows it is impossible for one to trust one`s own resources of brilliance and or spiritual gifts. Why is such attitude good that he wants the Philippians to know.
A. Paul highlights in 2 Cor. 5: 17 and Ephe. 4: 24 that as believers in Christ, our righteous Lord dwells in our hearts by faith and we are new creature after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. What does Paul`s use of a renewed and transformed mind ought to tell us in Rm. 12: 1 – 2.
B. Considering Phil. 3: 4 – 12, Paul had much to boast about his list of assets and achievements but counted them as rubbish to gain Christ. What do Christians incorporate into their faith that beguiled them?
C. Paul uses the word, “Pressing toward the mark” in a way that demonstrates the use of tremendous effort. What interpretive danger does that pose, and how does Phil. 3: 13 keys in to describe what Paul meant.
In a remarkable way, the conversation between Jesus and the Apostle Thomas in John 20: 26 – 31 allowed us to see our struggle between faith and doubt on our way to attaining knowledge concerning the mystery of the power of God.
A. With reference to John 20: 19, what does John 20: 31 means from a doctrinal perspective?
B. Jesus appeared after resurrection and granted Thomas the evidence he wanted. Read John 20: 26 - 31 and describe any strong contemplation and doubt people dramatically have in believing what Scripture has said about Jesus.
C. With a few examples, use what people say and do to recall how we relate to Thomas.