Acts 2:36-43 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
Last Sunday we looked at the judgment of those who reject Jesus as Lord and Savior. This is known as the Great White Throne Judgment. Such a judgment is for those whose misdeeds (sins) rest on their soul and were not punished on Jesus 2000 years ago. Everyone appearing before this judgment will be found guilty and will be separated from God for eternity. What is not apparent to some now and in their lifetimes will then become painfully obvious. God is the source of light, life, goodness, grace and mercy. Judgment that separates one from God results in darkness, isolation, depression and hopelessness. The contrast results from being in or out of fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. One who rejects God’s offer of salvation and escape from his sins will be allowed to pursue eternity as they have their earthly, lives separated from God.
What is next for those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and step out from secular society and embrace fellowship with God the Father through Jesus the Son? What happens to you in this life once you are redeemed and reborn in the image of Jesus? This is shown us in the description of the early church.
In the past a favorite 30 minute TV entertainment was Taxi. If home at that hour, Hollins and I usually watched and laughed. It was funny, sometimes surprising and the cast was sprinkled with actors who subsequently became successful in their craft. The set was simple and usually focused on a dispatching station where the drivers assembled. One of these drivers was Jim, a onetime preacher, whose comments and expressions assured you that his previous lifestyle of drugs and alcohol had destroyed a major portion of his brain. His off-the-wall statements and antics were funny and never expected. In one episode the taxi company was entertaining important guests and the scheduled entertainer did not arrive. To everyone’s horror, Jim began to do little party tricks such as gargling, etc. His peers were mortified. He sat down at the piano and began to play “Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star” with one finger but suddenly began to play classical music with grace and feeling. The look on Jim’s face revealed his surprise and he gushed out, “I must have had lessons.”
Peter, in his Pentecost Sermon, makes a very important disclosure in Acts 2:38 (Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.) The reborn sinner is gifted the Holy Spirit which comes to reign on the throne of the believer’s heart. It is this gift that is the assurance of salvation and rebirth and the source of direction, teaching and counseling. You are marked for God by God. In addition, the Holy Spirit gifts talents to believers. This is borne out in the fellowship, teaching, prayer and other important roles of the church. Simply, the church membership is empowered with gifts to provide for the membership in particular and the world in general.
Not everyone is given the same gift so we find leaders, teachers, administrators, workmen, guides and the like. Scripture makes it clear that no one gift is superior to another and is essential for the well-being and the mission of the church.
Without either overlooking or embarrassing by omission or attention, I can see those who have these special gifts that are used and gifted freely. It is the utilization of these gifts collectively that advances God’s Kingdom. Very simply, this life is not primarily about us but about God.
Coach Bobby Bowden just recently retired as the head coach for Florida State University. He retired with some reluctance. I saw an interview with him several months ago and he indicated that he was reticent to retire because the only next large event following such would be his exit.
We previously explored the fate awaiting those who shun Christ and the judgment of their sin before the Great White Throne. What awaits the one who has trusted Christ and has been reborn in His image? We will appear before Jesus for a judgment but it will not be for our sins. There is no double jeopardy before God. If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, your sins, my sins, were judged and punished on His body and soul 2000 years ago. We appear for a different reason.
We will in the future explore this.
Christianity is to be practiced in fellowship. The church community is God’s choice for His worship and activity in this world. We are empowered for service by the Holy Spirit and it was upon the assembled believers that God’s Spirit fell and ignited the fire of Christian witness and service. Our spiritual gifts are not for our own benefit but are to be directed to the benefit of others. It is in service to others that we pay honor and homage to God.
