2013 Acts #8: an exposition of Acts 4:23-37. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, July 7, 2013.
Intro:
I’m confused! I know that’s not hard to believe. But let me be more specific. I’m confused about the cultural context in which we live. I don’t understand the conflicting views and competing definitions of Christianity that I’m hearing. If polls and surveys are to be believed, the vast majority of Americans claim to be Christian. They claim to believe in the God of the Bible. My confusion involves the various descriptions of Christianity I’m hearing. I’m not talking about denominational distinctives. I’m talking about the redefining of the faith that is commonplace today. Large numbers of folks, while claiming adherence to the Scriptures, seem to have no trouble justifying that, which is clearly condemned in the Scripture! So that surveys of Christians and non-Christians reflect little or no difference. When I listen to radio or television programs and hear movie stars, theologians and scholars describe their version of Christianity – I hardly recognize it! A vast number of people have entered the debate and are calling for authentic Christianity but I’m wondering what determines whether it is authentic?
Of course, as far as I’m concerned, there is only one source for determining authentic Christianity – the Scripture. When we want to know what the church is to be about or what should characterize the life of the believer – we must turn to the Bible. To believe in the sufficiency of the Bible is to believe that it contains all that is necessary for life and godliness. What is biblical Christianity? Who determines that? For an answer we are not to turn to Nashville or Oklahoma City. The answer isn’t determined by Lifeway or the Baptist General Convention – we are to receive our marching orders from the Word of God.
Of this I’m certain:
Thesis: In a world of confused identities and redefined boundaries, the church must set forth a biblical understanding of Christianity.
Our text this morning is found in the fourth chapter of Acts.
Text: Acts 4:23-37
You remember the context – Peter and John healed a cripple man who was begging at the Gate Beautiful. The healing caused quite a stir. A large crowd gathered. The people were excited and the leadership was enraged.
The temple police along with the rulers came an arrested Peter and John. After a night in jail they were asked by what power or name they performed such a miracle. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly preached the Gospel. The religious leaders were greatly annoyed by all this but could do nothing about it. After all the man who had been healed was standing right there. They could not refute what had happened or what they were teaching. So they threatened them. They told Peter and John to never preach again in the name of Jesus. After further threats they sent them away.
That is where our text begins (read text).
This historical narrative gives us some insight into what biblical Christianity looks like.
What should mark or characterize those who belong to the church of the Lord Jesus?
In this text I’m convinced we find three characteristics.
These characteristics deal with theology (our understanding of God); doctrine (what we teach); and practice (how we live). By the way, authentic Christianity touches each of these areas. Christianity is not just about a certain way of understanding God. Or belief in certain teachings or adherence to a certain way of life. But rather it involves a certain understanding of God that determines what we teach and dictates how we are to live! They are all connected. It is a package deal – the individual components are not sold separately!
- Biblical Christianity possesses an unshakable confidence in God’s sovereignty. (4:23-28)
- Biblical Christianity possesses an impassioned boldness when preaching the Gospel. (4:29-31)
- Biblical Christianity possesses a genuine sense of community. (4:32-37)