Series: Epic Journey:
The Bible in 99 Days

Message Outline

The Church of the New Creation

Text: Acts, Galatians, Romans, 1/2 Corinthians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, Philippians, 1/2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus

Having studied the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus, we move this week into the New Testament's book of history. Written by Doctor Luke as a partner volume to his Gospel, it is known as "Acts" - short for "The Acts of the Apostles". However, it could be more accurately named "The Acts of the Ascended Messiah" - as Jesus, through His Body, His Word, and His Spirit - goes about building His Church and His Kingdom, from His heavenly throne! We also read some of the Letters written by the Apostle Paul. There is too much material to cover in a single sermon, but hopefully you will see the major outlines of God's story unfolding, as the significance of Jesus and His Kingdom is explained. May you see the movement of Christianity from a Jewish base in Jerusalem to Rome, encompassing Jews and Gentiles from all nations of the Roman Empire - in an astonishing time period of 30 years!

Cliff Notes - Acts:
Acts has been hailed as one of the great works of history - with detail and accuracy confirmed by many sources. The book shows God using three key means: His Body, led by Peter and Paul, His Spirit, which empowers the Church and believers' lives, and His Word, which spread with power. The Church of the New Creation - had a purity and a potency which God used to accomplish miracles - and this is also what Jesus aims to do with us, if we'll do it His way! Key Verse: The theme of Acts is the promise of Jesus in 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  The Church will be the witness to Jesus Christ, everywhere. The power for the task will come from the promised Holy Spirit - what Jesus called His baptism. The Spirit is mentioned 64 times in Acts, more than any book in the Bible.

Structure:
The Book of Acts has seven "progress reports" on the spread of the Kingdom, as promised by Jesus.

1) Inception of the church Acts 2:47- And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
2) The witness in Jerusalem Acts 6:7- So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
3) The witness in Judea and Samaria Acts 9:31- Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
4) Witness to the ends of the earth: preparing the Apostles and the church at Antioch for a universal Gospel: Acts 12:24 But the word of God continued to increase and spread.
5) The first two missionary journeys: Acts 13:49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
6) The third missionary journey: Acts 19:20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
7) Paul's impact in Rome: Acts 28:30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Brief Chronology of Acts and the Letters:

Pentecost - Acts 2 - AD 30 (or 33)
Paul's conversion and visit to Jerusalem - Acts 9 - AD 34-35
Paul in Antioch and Jerusalem (famine) - Acts 11 - AD 44-46
Paul's First Missionary Journey - Acts 13-14 - AD 46-47
James written - AD 45-50, Galatians written - AD 48-49
Jerusalem Council - Acts 15 - AD 48-49
Paul's Second Missionary Journey - Acts 15-18 - AD. 49-51
1 & 2 Thessalonians written from Corinth - AD 51-52
Paul's Third Missionary Journey - Acts 18-21 - AD 52-57
1 & 2 Corinthians written from Ephesus/Troas - AD 54-56
Romans written from Corinth - AD 57
Paul's final visit to Jerusalem and arrest - Acts 21-23 - AD 57
Paul's Caesarean imprisonment - Acts 23-26 - AD 57-59
Paul's trip to Rome for trial and imprisonment - Acts 27-28 - AD 59-62
Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, Philippians written - AD 60-62
Paul's release for further ministry - AD 62-65
1 & 2 Timothy and Titus written - AD 63-65
Paul's and Peter's deaths - AD 64-65

Cliff Notes - Galatians and Romans:
These two epistles have much in common as they both emphasize the need to keep the gospel pure and focused on the work of Jesus Christ in earning man's salvation - and they both emphasize the grace we need to receive in order to see and experience that gospel in our daily lives. Both of these documents were crucial in the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther called Galatians "his wife", and it was the theme passage of Romans (1:16-17) that actually brought the young monk to salvation. Romans 3-5 and Galatians 3-4 gives us the heart of justification by faith, Romans 6-7 and Galatians 5-6 our freedom from the power of sin and law to control us, and Romans 8 and Galatians 5 tell us how to live the life with Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Cliff Notes - 1/2 Corinthians:
These letters, written close together remind us that the early church was far from perfect. Filled with great power and gifts, the Corinthians had one foot in the pagan world of promiscuity and idolatry, and one foot in the Kingdom. The fact that multiple letters were needed is one sign of their immaturity - which of course is encouraging for us today as we struggle to obey and grow mature in Christ. These letters do a fabulous job of showing us how to address problems head-on (Chapters 1-6), how spiritual gifts (Chapters 12 & 14) need to be controlled by love (Chapter 13) and probably the earliest and simplest formulation of the basic doctrines of the faith and resurrection (Chapter 15). The second letter gives us the inside look at the Apostle Paul and his ministry and hardships, while Chapters 8 & 9 give a beautiful look at the grace of generosity Jesus wants us to have.

Cliff Notes - Prison Epistles - Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, Philippians:
The prison epistles were likely written when Paul was imprisoned in Rome. They cover a wide array of subjects under the theme of "building the church through correct theology and practice in all relationships". Colossians addresses false teachers and gives one of the great statements of who Jesus is (1:15-20) - and on living together (3:12-24). Philemon is the account of Paul's care to restore the relationship between a man and his runaway slave - by lending his testimony on behalf of the slave (see Galatians 3:28) and by proposing a restored relationship as brothers in Christ. Ephesians is a masterpiece on the foundations and ways to grow and strengthen the Body of Christ in power and unity - see especially chapter 4 - God's recipe for church growth. Philippians is Paul's Ode to Joy of following Jesus. He exhorts his beloved congregation to stay committed (1:21), prayerful (4:4-9) and generous (4:10-19).

Cliff Notes - 1/2 Thessalonians:
Written close together, these letters add evidence that the early church was not perfect. In answer to false teachers and persecution, Paul reminds them of the gospel and his care for them (Chapters 1-3), and then gives specific teaching on conduct, sexual purity, and love, in light of Christ's return (Chapter 4) and the need to be prepared for that day in relationships and holy living (Chapter 5). The second letter celebrates their growth and progress (Chapter 1), while correcting the false teaching that their troubles was "the Day of Lord" - Paul reasserts that this has not happened yet, and that they must stay alert to live in thanksgiving (Chapter 2), prayer, and readiness. (Chapter 3)

Cliff Notes - Pastoral Epistles - 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus:
These letters are Paul's last, and pass on his pastoral insights to the young pastors he disciples. These letters contain a great wealth of insight in the selection criteria and responsibilities for church leaders - elders and deacons, as well as many key teachings on the Word of God, sound doctrine, preaching, teaching, ministry to various age groups, and the crucial requirement of personal holiness. These books form the foundation for our ministry and church government practices.

Application:

1. Did this week's reading give you a better sense for the authority, power, and order of the Holy Spirit, the Word, and the Church? Share why you felt that way.
2. How well does MCC follow the biblical model? Discuss strengths and opportunity areas. (Your leaders will share these with the elders!).
3. What areas of theology did this reading make you want to study further?
4. What priorities do you have to better apply the readings in your life?