 Good morning, everyone. Welcome. Thank you for connecting. We will continue with our course on the study of the Book of Acts. We will also talk about the Apostle Paul and his life as soon as he's introduced to this book. But for now, we are learning about the birth of the early church. So let's pray and then we will continue from where we have stopped. I'll just say a lot of prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you that you're building us up, Lord, day by day, strengthening us. Lord, you're equipping us, Lord, in the things of your kingdom. Father, we ask for your grace. We ask for strength. Lord, we ask for your presence, Lord. Father, as we continue to desire, Lord, more from who you are, Lord, at what you do. Even as we spend time, Lord, learning about the Book of Acts, we pray that the supernatural grace, Lord, to move the way they move, Lord, will be, Lord, stirred up in us, Father God, that each of us, Lord, will do, Lord, wonderful and mighty things for your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. So in Acts chapter 2, we saw in the last class how the disciples were asked to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When they waited, there was a sudden occasion that came upon them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. We saw how people from many different parts of the DJs, from far beyond, had gathered in Jerusalem. And at that time, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in an unknown tongue. We also saw how this is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. Though the manifestation of the walking of the Holy Spirit was different from what Joel had mentioned, Peter was able to confirm that what was going on was through the work of the Holy Spirit. And then, as people waited and they were wondering what was going on, Peter stood up. He spoke about the Lord Jesus as the Messiah. He gave an account from their scriptures to prove to them that even the men whom they respect, like David, had spoken that God will not, you know, let the body, that body, he was not referring to his own body, but he was referring to the Lord Jesus. But when David wrote it, it sounded like, you know, God will not let his body decay. But Peter points out beautifully that that was talking about the Lord Jesus. And indeed, he has to visit. So when the onlookers heard what was being spoken, they were convicted by the Holy Spirit. If we all recall, the Bible teaches us in John chapter 16 that the Holy Spirit, one of his roles is to convict. He brings conviction of, you know, the fact that people are far away from God and that they need to come back to God. And so repentance has come upon these people. And how beautifully, you know, Luke writes, he explains their statements. They say something like, what shall we do? Rather than what shall we do? So they are asking about the next steps to come into the knowledge of the Lord Jesus to receive salvation. And so Peter lays it out clearly before them the action that they need to take, which is repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. And he also talks about the gift of the Holy Spirit on that very first day. When they defend with the Holy Spirit, notice how he doesn't tell them that they have to wait and all that. But he just says, because the first time they needed to wait, but from then on, you know, there is no such reference that people were asked to wait for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. So that's why in continuation he says, repent, be baptized and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And we saw how this promise is for everyone who believes it also includes us. And then we went on to talk a little bit about the way the church had to describe it. So we must understand that on one single day, you know, there were 3,000 people who were added to the church. 3,000 souls were added. So the church multiplied, it exploded in one day. So we can imagine the responsibility that would have come upon the apostles and the disciples to take care of these new souls. So the first and foremost thing for any leader, spiritual leader is spiritual equipping. So that's exactly the way in which they are leading the new believers. So we read in verse 42 here that they continued steadfastly in the apostles, doctors. So the teaching of the word was a very important part of the early church. What else? The breaking of bread. So the breaking of bread and remembrance of what Jesus has done, walking in the power of the cross. That was very important to the early church and prayers. So prayers, even from the time that the Lord Jesus ascended up into heaven, we know that the people gathered and they always wanted to spend time praying, waiting upon the Lord and having that mind of oneness for the things that God had promised. So these are the steps or these are the activities of the early church. And before these activities begin, we see how the people had actually repented. That is something they did from their hearts. And another important thing that happened is that they were baptized, they were water baptized. And we may think, you know, how did they water baptize 3,000 people? So our simple explanation is that whatever water bodies were around, the leaders would have taken charge and they would have gone ahead and baptized. So in one day baptizing 3,000 people, that would have been quite a task. But remember how the morning is when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them. So, you know, maybe they had the rest of the day. You know, once people repented to actually go ahead and baptize 3,000 people and look right. Yeah, on that day, 3,000 souls were had. And so it's likely that on the same day, they were baptized. Now, we've also looked at the ingredients of the early church that moving on verse 43, we see the impact of this believing community. It says, then fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. So whatever was happening within the church, that was amazing. But at the same time, the church started becoming that light that Jesus talked about. You know, he said, right, that I will build my church, the gates of Eleanor prevail against it. So even at this point, this is the birth of the early church, but it is an impactful church. Then fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. So what's happening? You know, the power of God is so real in them. It's that they are carrying the power of God and they are experiencing the power of God. So when we notice the word fear here, it's not a negative kind of fear, but it's more like awe. That would be the right word to awe for the power of God, awe for the powerful works of God or reverence is another word, reverence for the work of God. So that building up that Jesus said, I will build my church. They are being built up and you know, the church is developing into that impactful church. And we'll see many things will come out of this impactful church later on. But right now within the church, that strength is being built and the miraculous is very much a part of the early church. So what do we read here? Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. So from this point, you'll find that those 12 disciples of Jesus, apostles is frequently the term that you are going to notice for those 12 men. All the others would be termed as believers or disciples or brethren. But then the apostles now have a distinct identity among the believers in the church because it's almost like, you know, they have to take up their position of leadership and their function so that they can steer the congregation forward. So the apostles, there's a clear distinction. Now, when we refer to these 12 people who were selected by Jesus, what else was going on in verse 44? It says now all who believed were together, excuse me, and had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all as anyone had. So we spoke about the fact that there were visitors in Jerusalem. So when people would visit Jerusalem, it wouldn't be for very long durations, which is why they did not have brought everything from their homes. And now that several visitors became believers and became a part of the church, they did not want to go back. So that is the situation. So we can imagine the scene. There are 3000 people, they're part of the church, and they don't want to go back. And they have all their possessions back in there, you know, hometowns, home villages. So how do we care for the people? So it's a beautiful picture of a church. We study about this in the house of God. So we looked at the spiritual aspects, the spiritual nurture which the leaders were providing. We are also now looking at the natural sort of care and nurture where there are physical needs that people have. So the church comes together and what do we read here? It says that they had all things in common, meaning there was a practice of sharing among the people. So those who had were willing to give to those who did not have. And at the same time, the generosity was to such an extent that people went out of their way to do what? Sell their possessions and goods and divided them above all as anyone had need. So it's really beautiful. We see the power of God filling the church, which is why science wonders and miracles took place. We also see the nature of God, the goodness of God filling the early church. So, you know, something like generosity is very remarkable in the early church. Now, based on this scripture, sometimes people argue and they say, oh, the modern church, people are not like the early church. They even sold their possessions and goods and, you know, divided them above all. But we must look at it in its context. Why was there a need to do this? Because there were people with a definite need. They couldn't go back to their homes. They wanted to stay on in Jerusalem. And this is the only way that they could be provided for. So it depends on the need. So we shouldn't really, you know, judge those who don't do this all the time. Because it's not required all the time. There was a specific need. And in that context, people were generous. They were very, very generous. But when we study the scriptures in the epistles written by Apostle Paul, we notice there that he encourages every believer to be responsible. He encourages believers to work hard and provide for themselves and also to be able to give to others. So eventually, when things settle down, people were encouraged to take care of themselves, take care of their own family. So this is not a reason for believers sometimes to condemn the churches or the leaders. Or for, let's say, some believers to take advantage and say that in the early church, people even sold their positions and goods. And so today we expect everyone to give in this manner. So that's something for us to think about. So now, what else do we observe in the early church? We noticed in verse 46 that they continue daily with one according to the temple and breaking bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. So this is a picture of fellowship. So far we saw regarding spiritual nurture about, you know, natural care, member care is what is the term used in many churches. So that also is part of the church. Now the next aspect here is the fact that they are fellowshiping. So they are fellowshiping. Where are they fellowshiping? We find that they continue daily with one according to the temple. So the temple, that was one place where they would gather now. We know there were so many devout Jews. So that was already a practice that they had to regularly every day go to the temple. So they continued their belief in the Lord Jesus and their prayers even as they went to the temple. So that is something that house to house. So they would even meet in homes. So it really gives us a beautiful picture of a church. Today we kind of follow similar patterns where we have Sunday services where people gather. It's almost like they went to the temple once a week or, you know, here it says daily and also house to house. So we have this concept of life groups or cell groups as some people call it or care cells where the congregation can meet. They can fellowship, get to know one another. And what else did they do? There was also breaking of bread from house to house. So they practiced communion. Even in there, you could call it more like, because sometimes we have this inhibition. We feel like we can only have communion in the church and in a small fellowship. Wouldn't it be okay to have communion or not? But if we look at what is being told here, they did practice communion house to house and they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. So these are all very commendable things about the early church, about how they grew together, how spiritually as well as if their love and care for one another, they were being strengthened. Now, what else do we see here? We see that when the church was growing in this manner, they had favor with all the people. Remember, I said the impact of the church. So the all God, the order of reverence for God is within them, among them. And it's also coming upon the people around them. So verse 47 says, having favor with all the people. So the church is already emerging as an impactful church upon the community. So these people, they were another point that I missed. There is praising God. We can put it as part of their spiritual practice. They were praising God along with fellowshiping. You can also quote praising or worshiping. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. So we started with the number of 3000, but daily there are a new bunch of people who are being added to the church. So it is beginning to be a thriving church. And this is what every pastor wants daily numbers being added to the church. But also when people come into the church, there are all the other aspects. We have to take care of their spiritual nurture and their care. So it's not so easy just to bring them in and forget about who they are. So at this point, let me just stop. And if there are things for us to talk about, it would be really nice. And then I'll go on to act chapter three. Anything about a church or the way it functions or something that you liked about the features of the early church. What do you think about the early church? Yeah, so one thing that I liked about the early church, as you said, they saw that specific need of the people. And I don't think it happens in most of the churches right now. I don't want to say like, I mean, not really financially, but I come from a CSI background. So I've seen how the services works there. And sad to know that even ministry became a job like like an earning part. So basically, so I came from a CSI background. So what people usually do is so funny to hear their perspective. So when people don't can't do anything, so they obviously come to ministry. And I was like, that's not the reason why you come to ministry. So when I came to ministry, they had so many questions to me like, you had a talk at school, you studied well, why you do what I do ministry. So that's one of the things I feel like they don't really see the needs of the church, even the emotional needs. We should really study the people. We are studying about urban church planting, how church administration works and all these subjects. What I really feel is we should really study the place. What's the need of the place? What is their lack? And I think the early church did it very, very good. Yeah, because it's actually a major shift for them, like from the law to righteousness. It's like, it's like a very big shift. Not everyone can understand it, but they understood how we can make them understand and what are the things we need to do. And I think I should carry it in my heart for life, like wherever I go and do my ministry, I should really study the people know what is their need. Not because I feel like preaching this, I should fix this. But what is their need, what they need so that I can use for one. Yeah, thank you Chakina. Quite insightful and such a reminder for us to remember that we need to give a hundred percent. When God, people being added to the church is wonderful, but are we willing to give a hundred percent to whoever that is and what their needs are? Yeah, it's a real question that we need to ask ourselves as God's ministers. So yeah, thank you for that. Any other thoughts? One thing that strikes me is how the core of what they do is the spiritual nurture. Because it says continuing steadfastly. So that word steadfastly is it points to a firmness in growing in the Word of God, like continuing steadfastly in the Apostles, doctrines. And last class I shared that the Apostles, doctrines are what the Jews believed in. So the five books, the Torah and also the teachings of Jesus, the kingdom of God and many other things that he taught. So they held on tightly to it because one thing they knew is we have to pass it on. That should never be erased or watered down. But the core of what the church is is the doctrines and that was the center. Now in addition to it, we saw so many other things that they did and which really built the church. So that is something that I observed and it really helps me know what the church should be about. So any other thoughts from your side? All right, so we'll just move ahead then. Let's go to Acts chapter 3, another really important passage where we will see God at work and God at work through his people. So let's go over what's happening here. I would request someone to read please. So for now we will read the passages and maybe as we go further I'll try to just summarize to get some speed. But it's good as of now for us to just read through the account and then kind of present the summary. So Acts chapter 3 verses 1 to 10. Would someone read that? Chapter 3 verse 1 to 10. Now Peter and John went up together into the temples at the hours of prayer being the ninth hour. And a certain man named from his mother's womb was carried whom they laid daily at the gates of the temple which is called Dutiful. So half of them had entered into the temple. Who seen Peter and John about to go into the temple at the hour of prayer? That's all. And Peter passed me his eyes upon him with John. He said look on us and give us speed unto them expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said deliver and good have I known what's just I have. If I give ID in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up. And immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. But it and a living hope stood and walked and entered with them into the temple. Working and lifting and praising God. And all the people saw him working and praising God that same. And they knew that it was he which start for us as a beautiful gift for the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement as that wish has happened unto him. Yes, thank you. Thank you brother. Thank you so much Adolbeke for reading the passage. So in this passage what we see is that Peter and John. We will begin to see that Luke will talk about few names. So it's not that the others are not doing anything. But it's just that you know somewhere these could have been the key people who were part of what was going on in the church at that time. So the focus goes to some names. So earlier it was just Peter. Now we see John Peter and John went up together to the temple. So this as I said it was a normal practice a certain hours in the Jewish custom. Every devout Jew needed to go to the temple to pray. So even these people now they're going to the temple. So what's happening when they go for the usual prayer? We notice that there was a lay man. The explanation given here is that he was laid from his mother's womb meaning he obviously never walked his entire life. And where was he seated? So in those times they also had the people who were begging for arms sitting near the temple gates. So that was sort of like people knew this is how it was. And he sat there begging since he is laid from his mother's womb. The assumption is that he was sitting at the gate for a really really long time. He could have been there for many years and maybe Peter and John must have seen him earlier as well. So what happens? This gate beautiful. What is the gate beautiful? Gate beautiful is a metallic sort of a gate to the temple and it was termed or named as beautiful. That's why they're calling it the gate beautiful. So this man is sitting there asking for arms. See Peter and John about to go into the temple. He must have done this to everyone who was going into the temple because his only expectation was to get something that the people could offer. Now scriptures also tell us that fixing his eyes on John Peter said look at us. So suddenly Peter wants to get the attention of the slave man. So he gives the attention. Peter doesn't. Silver and gold I do not have but what I do have I give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up. So in that moment what we can say is that the Holy Spirit would have given Peter the discernment or the understanding that this was the moment for a miracle in the life of this man. Every day they were going to the temple and at the gate beautiful this man would have been sitting but couldn't take something was different. This was the time that God wanted to heal him and so Peter discerning this in his spirit looks at this man fixing his eyes on him with John. Peter said is how the Luke writes about this and also let's just talk a little bit more. What about the expectations of this man from Peter and John? Do you think he had faith to receive a miracle or what do you think was his expectation? Doesn't look like he had faith or anything. He was only hoping for maybe some coins as the others give him. So his expectation was very very little or very low and he didn't expect anything at all. But at the same time we notice that Peter says silver and gold I do not have because he understood the expectation of the man. He only needs money and he's telling him I don't have the money that you're expecting. I don't have but what I do have that is so powerful as believers to recognize that we carry the power of God in us it's really important and Peter knew that he carried the power of God. That's what he's saying. He's saying look what I do have I give you and not only that he has it but what does he say? It's meant to be released. What I do have I give you the power of God as believers today wherever we go and discerning by the Holy Spirit. When we see a need when we see a sickness or when we see somebody oppressed just to ask ourselves the question like Peter. Are we in a place to recognize who we are who we are in Christ the power that we carry. We use terms like kingdom carriers carriers of the presence carriers of power. So do we really know that and are we able to respond the way Peter responded and said I what I do have the power that I have. I give to you being able to minister you see so knowing what we have and ministering it is very valuable. That is something we learn from Peter in this particular incident. Now there are commentators who say things like at the at that time when the early church began there was not much money. That's what Peter is saying you know silver and gold I do not have but I have power. I don't have money I have power but then some commentators say today may be some ministers or churches can claim the other way around. We have money but where is the power you know so that is something because we cannot do God's work without his power. We may be equipped with resources but everything we need to do church but the early church. Yes we need all those things but they depended more on what they depended on the power of God even though they did not have money. They had the power and that sort of is a good place to be it isn't it to carry the power of God. And today hopefully as the churches of today we are able to say yeah we've been good stewards of the resources that God has given us. So we do have resources but we also have the power so whatever we have you know we give to you. And in this way Peter minister to the slave man and he says in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. So he commands how did he minister he commanded in the name of Jesus he said rise up and walk. Now think together with me this is Peter and John they are probably nobody's to those who are coming to the temple. And here's a lame man who has been lame since birth how could they say in the name of Jesus rise up and walk. You know because it is risky what if he doesn't rise up and walk isn't it. So and you know it was really a challenging thing to do but we know that they carried Peter carried faith in his heart. And it is because of that faith that he was able to make a command like this. And what what is the power that he was invoking at this time like of course it's the power of God and we understand that. But most specifically here he says in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth those days people had the same many people had the same name. So he had to specify Jesus Christ of Nazareth in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth with that authority. I am telling you rise up and walk he commanded so boldly. And he took up his took him by the right hand and lifted him up. So what boldness people are watching what will happen if this man falls down. He's not worried about any of that commands that he supports he lifts him up. Thank God for what continues after that isn't it. It says and immediately so beautiful when we see words like suddenly immediately it's so encouraging that it happened right away. Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. This is supernatural a man who has never walked from his birth. You know we can discuss so many scientific things that his muscles would have atrophied his joints. You know they may not be all that flexible flexible maybe the bone strength is not sufficient. But immediately what does the Bible say his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he leaping up stood and walked and entered the temple with them. Wow that is a miracle that this man was able to rise up jump look who's writing in the doctor is writing. Okay so he's convinced that this is a miracle leaping up stood and walked and entered the temple. I wish I could show you the scene in that movie that I talked about acts of the apostles. You can go and see it because we can't show you that movie here because of copyrights and also we can't stream it in this. So anyway please do go back and see that scene and it sort of just comes alive that Peter and John they speak to this man. Peter holds his hand raises him up and the man is actually jumping and leaping and it also says leaping and praising God. So this must have been a surprise to the people around because for so many years they have seen this man seated at the temple. For the first time this man is walking around later on we will see another part where it will give a timeline like 40 years old. So for 40 years somebody who has not walked is walking and leaping and praising God. That is a great miracle that verse 9 says that all the people saw him walking and praising God. Now all these people would have known he has never walked. Okay they saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging arms at the beautiful gate of the temple and they were filled with wonder and amazement. And what had happened to him. So now a mighty miracle has taken place through the apostles. In the temple what do we expect? We expect that this should be the next step to the thriving of the church to more people be added into the congregation. But let's see what actually happens. So could somebody go ahead and read for us from verse 11. You may read till verse 16 and then I will go on to the next section. Verse 11 to verse 16. Acts chapter 3 verse 11 to 16. They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon's call made where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. Peter saw this opportunity and addressed the crowd. People of Israel he said what is so surprising about this. And why stare it as as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness. For it is the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob the God of all our ancestors who has brought glory to this servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate. Despite Pilate decision to release him. You rejected this holy righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. You killed the author of life but God raised him from the dead and we are witnesses of this path through faith in the name of Jesus. This man was healed and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus name has healed him before your very eyes. Yes. Thank you. So Peter is looking at this as an opportunity to preach Christ. So there is a miracle that has taken place. It usually what do miracles do? They get people's attention and that's something that we talked about. He's to supernatural ministry and we know that Peter had the attention of the people. So he takes this as the moment to preach Christ to them. So he goes ahead and you know he tells them as people are looking in amazement. He tells them that you know why do you marvel? You know and you're looking at it as if we have done this miracle. But you know what it's not us. It's the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob the God of our fathers glorified his servant Jesus. So he's making a connect and this can be very problematic for Peter simply because you know he's talking about all the patriarchs of the Old Testament and he's connecting them to Jesus Christ because he wants to prove that he is the Messiah. But that is what preaching is all about. It's about Jesus Christ. Jesus is the sector of the message. So Peter takes the opportunity to give glory to Jesus rather than taking glory to himself. So that's not the lesson he learned from those who register here in the Book of Acts. But miracles take place. They don't take claim on it and try to promote themselves. It could have been so easy for Peter to say that yeah you know it's my greatness or something like that. But that's not what he did instead. He said he's pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ. So as he's explaining about the Lord Jesus Christ he says he talks a little bit about how the Jews did not accept him. He was 14 he says but you denied the holy one and the just and asked for a murder to be granted to you. So he is trying to preach and give a picture of who the Lord Jesus is. Now the Jews would have known you know the great I am and you know Jehovah God the covenant God and in relation to this God whom they knew they understood his characteristics. Things like he's holy he's just but now Peter is attributing it to the Lord Jesus. So he said but you denied the holy one. You denied God. You denied you thought you're obeying God but you denied God. And then he goes on to say that Jesus is the Prince of life whom God raised from the dead of which we are witnesses. So he's saying you thought that you can actually kill the Prince of life. You know how can that work because he's the Prince of life. And he says God raised from the dead. So the Lord Jesus resurrected from the dead. So this is painting the picture of Jesus using terminology which they understood about you know the Old Testament God and he moves on and he is giving them the exact answer to what happened. The Old Testament was 16 he says and his name through faith in his name. That's the answer. How did this not become well through faith in the name of Jesus. There's an APC publication that says that talks about the mighty name of Jesus. What is so special about his name? Right here Peter is saying through faith in his name has made this man strong. So in the name of Jesus there are miracles and that is what Peter has released. And then you know he says yes faith which comes through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. So he's attributing the glory all the glory to the Lord Jesus who he is equating as the God that the Jews view. And also he's saying that there is power in the name of Jesus and miracles take place. That is how this man has been healed. Now let's read from verse 17 to verse 26. I would request someone else to go ahead and read please. Well 17 yet now brethren I know that you did it in ignorance as did also your rulers. But those things which God foretold by the amount of all his prophets that the Christ would suffer he has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and that he may send Jesus Christ who has preached to you before whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things which God has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said to the fathers the Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things whatever he says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. Yes and all the prophets from Samuel and those who follow as many as have spoken have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers saying to Abraham that in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. To you first God having raised up his servant Jesus sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. Thank you. So in short he is calling the people to repentance and respond to the message. So that again is a beautiful thing that we wrote. One is he is speaking about Jesus and then he is asking for a response. So what we do is we will stop at this point. We'll come back after the break and then I'll go ahead and explain the passage we just read. So thank you everyone. Let's come back and also let's be prepared to read so that we can go faster. Okay. So thank you. See you in a minute.