*Joshua 7-8
Psalm 34
*Acts 2
-Devotion by Jeremy Martin (TN)
There’s one very critical point that we often (and intentionally at times) overlook that’s clearly highlighted in our Joshua 7-8 reading this morning: if you don’t listen to and obey God, you should have no reasonable expectation that God will bless you (quite the opposite, in fact). Romans 8:31 states “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (ESV), but keep in mind that the converse is also quite true as well: “If God is against you, who can save?”. Just think about it; it’s illogical to assume God’s favor if you are not living according to God’s expectations, so “…consider your ways.” (Hag 1:7).
Now let’s move on to 1st century Jerusalem, where we find the apostles and believers gathered, about 120 people, praying constantly (Acts 1:13-15). I’ve recently heard a theory by Dr Roy Blizzard (who actually took part in the archaeological excavation of this site in 1968) that states that they were probably meeting on the Temple stairs near one of the cleansing pools (called Mikveh or Mikvah), and based on the size of the assembly (and comparing it to the average dwelling size in Jerusalem at this time), I believe that may be correct. Dr Blizzard postulates that “house” in this instance referred to “The House” (as in “of God”, ie, the Temple). The Southern Steps, specifically, were a significant meeting and teaching place. These steps were about 200 feet wide and featured a raised platform on the side, known as the “Rabbi Steps” or Teaching Steps, where Jesus and other rabbis are believed to have taught and given announcements to crowds, so it doesn’t seem unreasonable to me.
Furthermore, The Royal Stoa, a massive public meeting building located just above the Southern Stairs, functioned as the primary gathering area for large assemblies, such as the estimated 30,000 to 100,000 people who may have gathered for the event of Pentecost, so this may be the “upper room” referred to. The stairs themselves were designed with uneven widths to prevent running and maintain decorum, while the broad landing and adjacent Mikvehs (ritual baths filled with “living water” brought in via aquaduct from the pools near Bethlehem) facilitated large-scale gatherings, teaching sessions, and baptisms for pilgrims entering the Temple Mount. So, if this is correct, there’s a very good chance that when Peter in his 1st sermon said “Repent and be baptized…”, he was actually pointing at one of these Mikveh.
Acts 2:1-4 is one of the most impressive and amazing demonstrations of the holy spirit ever displayed. When they then began to speak the word of God, the people (who were from all over) heard the words in their own language, and they were all amazed. This is the promise fulfilled from John 15:26-27: “But when the helper comes that I will send to you from the Father, the spirit of truth that comes from the Father, it will testify about me, and you also must testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.” (REV translation).
So we can see a couple key points that need to be reiterated: 1-Jesus will send the helper from the father, 2-it is a “spirit of truth” that comes from the father and it will testify about Jesus, and 3-you also must testify. So when Peter, filled with this spirit of truth, stands up to do just that (testify) in his first recorded sermon, we should really pay close attention as this constitutes the earliest (and most accurate) “doctrines” of the church here in Acts 2:22-24.
Peter, filled with the spirit of truth, the holy spirit, preaches to his fellow Jews: “Jesus of Nazareth, a man…”. Peter explains that this man Jesus was “pointed out to you by God by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did through him…”. God performed those miracles, through Jesus, and then God raised him up. According to Peter, Jesus was not the “God-man” as men began to theorize in the late 4th century, but was in fact “God’s man” as explained and prophesied in scriptures from the beginning of creation. The Christ, or anointed one.
Now pay attention because this is important: Looking through the scriptures we see that from the beginning God has told us of Messiah: that the seed of the woman shall crush the serpent (Gen 3:15), that God will raise up a prophet like Moses from among your brothers (Duet 18:18), who will be a descendant of David (2 Sam 7:12). This does show a progressive revelation through scriptures: human, Israelite human, Israelite human descended from David (in that order, note that each additional revelation shows clarification without changing the base information). The Jews understood this completely, because the Shema (Deut 6:4,5) was given to them early on, and it was quoted by Jesus later in Mark 12:29 as the “Most Important Commandment”. The only problem comes when we go beyond what is written, and add theories to the scriptures that aren’t there to start.
To become a member of the original church, in the book of Acts, here are the requirements (in their totality): “And Peter said to them, ‘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.’ ” (Acts 2:38 REV). Let me break that down for you: 1- Repent, 2- be baptized (in the name of Jesus the Christ), and 3- receive the gift of the holy spirit (the spirit of truth). That is it, full stop.
Recently it was just a “membership sunday” at one of the churches I attend here locally. To join as a member, you had to agree with all of their articles of faith. Here are the first 2 on the list (of 14): WE BELIEVE 1: In the verbal inspiration of the bible (ok, check, strongly agree, no problem). 2-In one God eternally existing as 3 persons namely the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Um..where does it say that?). Here’s the thing; I love these guys, but I just don’t see that second one written explicitly (or even conceptually) in scripture. In my own personal interpretation of the scriptures, agreeing with item 1 precludes agreement with item 2. I think that these folks are truly my brothers and sisters, because they seek to serve God to the best of their ability and strive to live a holy life, but I disagree (in love) with some of their interpretation of scripture. I also feel as if I am already a member of the church, based on what Acts says, but I can’t be a member of their church (and that’s a little bit hurtful).
Another church I attend on the Sabbath has told me something similar. WHY? The bible clearly lays out what we need to do in Acts 2 to become members of the church (3 steps). We need to restore our faith to that of the original church, the faith “once for all delivered” (Jude 1:3), and take the traditions that we’ve added away (Mark 7:7). PLEASE note that if you disagree with anything I’ve pointed out: I am just a man, your brother in Christ. What you believe is between you and God. I tell you with love that you will however at some point answer to our God, and He is seeking people who will worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24), so it behooves each of us to study scriptures, divide them wisely, and live in a manner which glorifies God.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- To repent is to not only regret actions, but to change course. If we keep committing the same sins, we have not changed our course. To repent is the first requirement of being a part of the church, so ask yourself: have you fully repented?
- Have you received the gift of the holy spirit? If so, in what manner did it manifest? (this could be a whole series of study sessions on it’s own)
- Has reading scriptures ever changed the way you believed about something?
PRAYER
Father God, Thank you. Please cleanse my heart of wrongdoing, please help me to circumcise my heart before You, and grant me the spirit of truth to teach me. Father, please grant me wisdom, and humility, and allow me to be a servant who pleases his master. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Seek Grow Love 