ACTS 6 – The Helpfulness and the Hatred of Godly Men!

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

Introduction:

1. Churches prosper when they are both led and served by godly men!

2. Churches prosper when they are served by godly women (who usually do most of the serving) in Churches!

3. Take careful note here that this is a “biblical answer” to a common issue in Churches!

4. While it is very controversial in our culture today, it is still true that the Office of Deacon is limited to godly Christian men who meet the qualifications given in Acts 6 and 1st Timothy 3.

Cf. 6:3 “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

Cf. 1st Timothy 3:8-13

(8) “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. (9) They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (10) And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. (11) Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.        (12) Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (13) For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

Theological Note: The word translated “men” in Acts 6:3 and “husband” in 1st Timothy 3:12 is the same word – “aner” which is the specific word for “a male person” and not the word “anthropoi” which means, “mankind in general.”

Again, I know that this is controversial, but Christians are bound to the Word of GOD, and “aner” is the word GOD chose.

Exposition:

6:1 – 7 Here is why Christians Love Deacons!

(6:1) Sometimes Churches can get into real trouble without even trying!                                  

(1) “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.”

Growth is a good thing, but it does bring problems into the life of the Church!

Many problems are simply caused by having different kinds of people in the Church!

This was no small problem!

(6:2-3) I am not right about everything, but I am right about this: the gift of “Delegation” is one of the most important gifts a Pastor can have!

(2) “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

Others ought to do those things that others can do!

Pastors ought to do those things that only they can do!

Cf. v.4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

(6:4) Even in difficult circumstances, Pastors must keep their priorities right!

(4) “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Cf. 1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.”

Prayer must be a priority to the Pastor! “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you…”

Bible study and sermon preparation must be a priority to the Pastor! “and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.”

 (6:5-6) It is always important to get the right people into the right place!

(5) “And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. (6) These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.”

These were good men! Cf. v.3 “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

These were Greek men! Cf. 5 “And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.”

(6:7) When the Pastor delegates what needs to be delegated and does what he needs to do; and when he delegates the right job to the right people, the Church will prosper!

(7) “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

6:8 – 15 Here is why Lost People Hate Deacons!

(8) Lost people hate people who have the power of GOD on their life!

(8) “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.”

(9-10) Lost people hate people whom they cannot either control or silence!

(9) “Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. (10) But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.”

(11-14) Lost people hate godly people so much that when they cannot find anything by which to condemn them, they simply make up lies!   

(11) “Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” (12) And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, (13) and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, (14) for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”

(15) Lost people hate godly people because they hate GOD and they sense the presence and glory of GOD upon godly people!                

(15) “And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”

Amen.

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John 3:16 – Good News: While we do have to die, we do not have to perish!”

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

INTRODUCTION:

1. John 3:16 is the best-known verse in the Bible!

2. John 3:16 is the best-known sentence in the English language!

3. John 3:16 in and of itself contains enough Biblical theology to bring an unsaved person to saving faith!

5. John 3:16 in English contains the very word “Gospel” itself!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

6. In John 3:16, we see THE GREATEST PERSON “GOD”

THE GREATEST PASSION “SO LOVED THE WORLD”

THE GREATEST PRICE “HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON”

THE GREATEST PROMISE “THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM”

AND THE GREATEST POSSESSION! “HAVE ETERNAL LIFE!”

EXPOSITION:

“Christianity is the only accurate explanation of reality.”

The reality is that we do have to die.

Genesis 5:5 “Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.”

Genesis 5:8 “Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.”

Genesis 5:11 “Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.”

Genesis 5:14 “Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.”

Genesis 5:17 “Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.”

Genesis 5:20 “Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.”

Genesis 5:27 “Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.”

Genesis 5:31 “Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.”

Ezekiel 18:4 “Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.”

Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned…”

1st Corinthians 15:21-22 “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Hebrews 9:27 “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment…”

But the other absolute truth about reality is that while we do have to die, we do not have to perish!

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 

The word translated “perish” in this verse is “apollumi” which means to be destroyed! BIBLE 160x (OT “abad” = 118x NT = “apollumi” 42x)   

We can have the gift of eternal life!

 Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”

Matthew 25:46 “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”  

John 3:14-15 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.”

John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1st John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”

THE GREATEST PERSON! “GOD”

THE GREATEST PASSION! “SO LOVED THE WORLD”

THE GREATEST PRICE! “HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON”

THE GREATEST PROMISE! “THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM”

AND THE GREATEST POSSESSION! “HAVE ETERNAL LIFE!”

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Acts 4 – The Reality, Response, and Results of Persecution!

Posted on March 9, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

SERMON: Acts 4 “The Reality, Response, and Results of Persecution!”

INTRODUCTION:

1. These events immediately follow Peter’s sermon in 3:12-26.

2. The key factor in this persecution are the healing of the man at the Temple Gate and the content of Peter’s sermon.

3. While in America today the persecution of Christians is more psychological than physical, the world-wide persecution of Christians continues to this day…                  

4. According to Open Doors, in 2024, 365 million Christians were living under physical persecution!

5. According to Open Doors, in 2024, 17,766 churches were physically attacked!

6. According to Open Doors, in 2024, 4,744 Christians were imprisoned for believing in Jesus!

7. According to Open Doors, in 2024, 4,998 Christians were murdered for believing in Jesus!

8. According to Open Doors, in the past 10 years, the countries where the highest number of Christians faced physical persecution were… North Korea, Nigeria, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, Yemen, India, China, the European Union, England, and Canada.

EXPOSITION:

4:1-7; 15-22 The Reality of Persecution!

4:1-3 The basis of persecuting Christians is always both religious and political!

(1) “And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, (2) greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (3) And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.”

4:4 In spite of the persecution, the Word of GOD was working!

(4) But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

Cf. 1st Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”

4:5-7, 15-18 The main goal of those who persecute Christians is to stop us from speaking!

(5) On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, (6) with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. (7) And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

(15) But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, (16) saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (17) But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” (18) So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.”

4:19-22 One of the primary tools used by persecutors is threats!

(19) But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, (20) for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (21) And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. (22) For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

4:8-14 The Response to the Persecution!

4:8 It was a Spirit-empowered response! (And every believer has the Holy Spirit and this same power!)

(8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,

4:9 Peter’s response was accusatory!

(9) if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,

(10) let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead–by him this man is standing before you well.

4:11-12 Peter’s response was focused on Jesus!

(11) This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. (12) And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Cf. Psalm 118:22-23 “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.”

Cf. Isaiah 28:16 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.”

Cf. Matthew 21:42 (quoting Psalm 118) “Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

Cf. Ephesians 2:20 “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone…”

Cf. 1st Peter 2:6-7 (quoting Isaiah 28) “Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone…”

Theological Note: 4:12 is the most important warning in the Bible and the most controversial thing that Christians believe!

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

4:13 GOD does extraordinary things through ordinary people!

(13) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

4:14 A changed life is still the greatest witness to the soul-saving and life-changing power of Jesus!

(14) But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

4:23-37 The Results of the Persecution!

4:23-28 First, they recognized and relied on the Sovereignty of GOD!

(23) When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. (24) And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, (25) who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? (26) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— (27) for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, (28) to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.”

Theological Note: 4:25 is a key passage on the doctrine of the verbal inspiration of Scripture!

“who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit…”

4:29-31a Second, they prayed!

(29) And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, (30) while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (31a) And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken…”

Theological Note: Boldness is a gift and in 21st Century America, the reason we need boldness is to face ridicule!

4:31b Third, they were emboldened when they were filled with the Holy Spirit!

(31b) “and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

4:32-37 Fourth, they continued their selfless and sacrificial lifestyle!

(32) “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. (33) And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. (34) There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold

4:35-37 Here we are first introduced to the godly and generous Barnabas!

(35) and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (36) Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, (37) sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

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ACTS 3 – “A Man, A Miracle, and A Message!”

Posted on March 2, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

CONTEXT:

1. This event, which took place in Jerusalem about 32AD, is the first miracle recorded after the events of Pentecost.

2. This extraordinary event occurred on an ordinary day, to an ordinary person, through ordinary people, doing an ordinary thing!

3. This event will be the trigger for the vicious persecution of the Church which would soon follow.

CONTENT:

3:1-2 THE MAN!

(1-2a) He was Helpless!

(1) “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. (2a) And a man lame from birth…”

(2b) He was Helped!

“was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate…”

 (2c) He was hoping for Handouts!

“to ask alms of those entering the temple.”                     

3:3-11 THE MIRACLE!

(3-5) He attracted Peter and John’s Attention!

(3) “Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. (4) And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” (5) And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.”

(6) He received bad news followed by the best news!

“But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

(7-8) Even after HIS physical death, JESUS still does miracles!

(7) “And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. (8) And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.”

(9-11) People, even pagan people, are still attracted to a demonstration of the power of GOD!

(9) “And all the people saw him walking and praising God, (10) and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (11) While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.”

3:12-26 THE MESSAGE! (Peter’s Second Sermon)

(12-15) Effective testimony points people to JESUS!

(12) And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? (13) The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. (14) But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.”

(16) Effective testimony includes the message of faith!

(16) “And his name–by faith in his name–has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

(17-21) Effective testimony gives hope to the hearers!

(17) “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. (18) But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.” (19) Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,

(20) that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, (21) whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

(22-24) Effective testimony warns of the consequences of rejecting JESUS!

(22) “Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. (23) And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ (24) And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.”

(25-26) Effective testimony includes the fact that JESUS has been raised from the dead!

(25) “You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ (26) God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

CHRISTOLOGY:

3:6 Jesus usually performs the miraculous through the words of HIS people!

3:13 JESUS was the “servant” of HIS FATHER!

3:14-15 JESUS was rejected, crucified, and buried!

3:16 JESUS works through faith in HIM!

3:18 JESUS is the prophesied suffering Lamb of GOD!

3:26 JESUS has been raised from the dead and is in the business of changing lives!

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS:

#1. Hurting people need help!

#2. GOD can use HIS people in miraculous was through something as simple as going to worship!

#3. What we cannot do, GOD can do!

#4. No situation is truly hopeless as long as JESUS is alive!

#5 When GOD has the attention of people, it is a great time to share the Good News with them!

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ACTS 2 – The Baptism, Beliefs, and Behavior of the New Testament Church!

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

CONTEXT:

These things took place in Jerusalem on the first day of the Feast of Pentecost which was 50 days after the death and burial of JESUS and 10 days after HIS ascension.

CONTENT:

2:1-13 The Church is “Baptized” with the Holy Spirit!

Theological Note – The Church was “born” in the upper room following the resurrection of Jesus as recorded in John 20:21-22

(21) “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (22) And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

(2:1) “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. (2) And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (3) And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

(5) Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. (6) And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. (7) And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?           (8) And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? (9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, (10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, (11) both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians–we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

(12) And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” (13) But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

2:14-36 Peter’s Sermon!

2:14-21 The biblical basis for what they were experiencing!

(14) But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. (15) For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. (16) But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:             (17) “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; (18) even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. (19) And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;               (20) the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.     (21) And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

2:22-32 Jesus Christ is the prophesied Messiah of Israel!

(22) “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know–    (23) this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (24) God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. (25) For David says concerning him, “‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; (26) therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.              (27) For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. (28) You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

(29) “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.           

(30) Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, (31) he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. (32) This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”

2:33-35 It is JESUS WHO baptizes HIS people with the HOLY SPIRIT!

(33) “Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. (34) For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, (35) until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

Cf. Luke 3:16 “John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

2:36 JESUS IS BOTH LORD & CHRIST!

(36) “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

2:37-41 The Response to Peter’s Sermon!

(37) Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”            (38) 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. (39) For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (40) And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

(41) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

2:42-47 The 4 Key Practices of the New Testament Church!

(42) “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

[ (43) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ]

(44) And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

(45) And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

(46) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

CHRISTOLOGY:

2:22 Jesus performed many miracles!

2:23-32 JESUS lived, died, was buried and raised from the dead!

2:23 Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection were foreordained by GOD!

2:33 JESUS baptizes HIS people with the HOLY SPIRIT!

Theological Note: While it is clear in 2:23 that GOD ordained the events of the death and resurrection of JESUS, those who crucified HIM are guilty of and accountable for what they did! Cf. 2:23, 36

2:47 It is the LORD JESUS WHO adds HIS people to HIS Church!

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS:

#1. The HOLY SPIRIT comes “within” every believer at the moment of salvation! Cf. John 20:21-22

(21) “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (22) And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Cf. Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”

#2. The HOLY SPIRIT comes “upon” believers to empower us for service!

Cf. Acts 1:8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

#3. GOD’s people ought to live faithful, dedicated, generous, and sacrificial lives!

Amen.

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ACTS ONE – A GREAT EVENT, A GREAT COMMISSION, AND A GREAT MISTAKE!

Posted on February 16, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

SERMON: Acts One “A Great Event, a Great Commission,  and a Great Mistake!”

CONTEXT:

Luke, the amanuensis of the Apostle Paul, gives the First Century history from the ascension of Christ to Paul’s arrival in Rome.

The events in Acts cover a timeline from the ascension of Jesus in about 32 AD to Paul’s arrival in Rome in 60 AD.

CONTENT:

This Chapter covers 4 great events that occurred upon and shortly after the ascension of Jesus to Heaven!

1:1-3 Luke’s Prologue to the Book.

1:4-8 The 5th explanation of The Great Commission!

Cf. Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Cf. Mark 16:15 “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Cf. Luke 24:45-48 “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

Cf. John 20:21 “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

1:9-11 The ascension of our Great High Priest to Heaven!

1:12-26 The selection of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as one of “The Twelve.”

CHRISTOLOGY:

1:1 Jesus came to earth to both “do” and “teach” the will and work of HIS Father!

1:2, 9-11 Jesus was ascended bodily to Heaven!

1:3-8 Jesus commissioned HIS people to evangelize and make disciples throughout the whole world!

1:15-16 Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot!

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS:

1:1 – 8 We have been both commissioned and commanded to share “The Good News” with the entire world!

(1) “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (2) until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. (3) He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (4) And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; (5) for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

(6) So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (7) He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1:9 – 11 it is wonderful to spend time with Jesus, but we also need to be diligently involved in HIS Kingdom work!

(9) And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (10) And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, (11) and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

1:12 – 14 It is vitally important that we spend time in prayer!

(12) Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. (13) And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. (14) All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

1:15 – 26 In times of great change, it is possible for the very best of GOD’s people to make really big mistakes!

(15) In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120 and said, (16) “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. (17) For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (18) (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. (19) And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) (20) “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “Let another take his office.’         (21) So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, (22) beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us–one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (23) And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. (24) And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who knows the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen

(25) to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” (26) And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

Theological Note “Why do I believe that the selection of godly Matthias was a mistake?”

1. There are only 12 Apostles!

Revelation 21:14 “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

2. Paul was an Apostle!

1st Timothy 2:7 “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle    (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

1st Corinthians 9:1-2 “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.”

3. Since there are only 12 Apostles, and Paul is certainly an Apostle, Mathias cannot be an Apostle!

Amen!

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ACTS – BODY #2 TAKES OVER !!!

Posted on February 9, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

UNDERSTANDING ACTS – SERMON ONE: INTRODUCTION

(1:1-2) THE BOOK OF ACTS IS ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE STORY OF JESUS GOES ON AND ON BEYOND HIS DEATH, BEYOND HIS RESURRECTION, AND EVEN BEYOND HIS ASCENSION.!

Christ Jesus came to this world in a human body – Body #1

Since HIS ascension, Christ Jesus has ministered in this present world through HIS Church – Body #2

The overall theme of Acts is… “Body #2 Takes Over!”

(1:1a) Luke is the human Author of at least two, and possibly three New Testament Books: Luke, Acts, and likely, Hebrews.

“In the first book…” refers to The Gospel of Luke.                           

Luke was a Gentile (Col. 4:10-14)

(10) “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions– if he comes to you, welcome him), (11) and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.                (12) Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. (13) For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. (14) Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.”

Luke was a Physician (Col. 4:14)

“Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.”

Luke got his apostolic authority from being the companion and the amanuensis of Paul!

Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-8 and 27:1–28:16.

(1:1b) God often uses people of whom we know little to do great things in His Kingdom! “O Theophilus…”                             

His name means, “God-Lover”                                

“Theophilus” may have been a “nickname”           

He may have paid for the publication of Luke’s writings

(1:1c-2a) Luke states that the purpose of his gospel was to share the story of the beginning of Jesus’ work from His birth to His ascension!

“I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (2) until the day when he was taken up…”

The Book of Acts takes up the story of Jesus’ life and work through His Holy Spirit-indwelt and Holy Spirit-filled Church from that day to until Paul’s arrival in Rome. (ca. 60 AD)

(1:2b) Luke restates the obvious when he says that the words of Jesus to His disciples are, “commands.”

“after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.”

Cf. Luke 6:46

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

(1:3) THE BOOK OF ACTS IS ABOUT THE FACT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE AND WELL AND WORKING IN THE WORLD!

(1:3) Jesus proved to the Apostles (and hundreds of others) that He was alive after His death!

“To them he presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”         

Cf. 1st Corinthians 15:3-8

(3) “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,           (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (5) and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

(6) Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.               (7) Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. (8) Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”

They saw Him! John 20:19-29

Jesus appears to the disciples in an upper room on a Sunday evening

The disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders and locked themselves in the room

Jesus greets the disciples and shows them his hands and side

Jesus says, “I am sending you, just as the Father has sent me”

Luke 24:36-49

Jesus appears to the disciples and says, “Peace be with you”

The disciples are frightened and think they see a ghost

Jesus says, “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see”

John 21:1-17

Jesus appears to the disciples while they are fishing

Jesus provides them with breakfast, which includes fish and bread.

Jesus asks Simon Peter if he loves him more than the fish.

Jesus tells Simon Peter to feed his lambs and sheep.

They touched Him!

They ate with Him!                                                    

He performed miracles!                                       

Acts 1:9 He ascended into heaven!

“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”

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NEHEMIAH 13 “5 SINS AND THE ROAD TO RECOVERY!”

Posted on February 1, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

FEBRUARY 2nd, 2025

SERMON Nehemiah 13 “5 Sins and the Road to Recovery!”

13:1-5 The Sin of Including those whom the LORD has Excluded!

(1) “On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, (2) for they did not meet the people of Israel with bread and water but hired Balaam against them to curse them–yet our God turned the curse into a blessing. (3) As soon as the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent. (4) Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, and who was related to Tobiah, (5) prepared for Tobiah a large chamber where they had previously put the grain offering, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of grain, wine, and oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests.”

13:6-9 The Sin of giving that which belongs to GOD to HIS enemies!

(6) “While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king

(7) and came to Jerusalem, and I then discovered the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, preparing for him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. (8) And I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. (9) Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense.”

13:10-14 The Sin of neglecting GOD’s work and HIS workers!

(10) I also found out that the portions of the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled each to his field. (11) So I confronted the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their stations. (12) Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses.

(13) And I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan the son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers. (14) Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.

13:15-22 The Sin of desecrating the LORD’s Day!

(15) In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. (16) Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! (17) Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? (18) Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”

(19) As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed some of my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. (20) Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.           

(21) But I warned them and said to them, “Why do you lodge outside the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. (22) Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love.

13:23-29 The Sin of marrying unbelievers!

(23) In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. (24) And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. (25) And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves. (26) Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin.

(27) Shall we then listen to you and do all this great evil and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?”         (28) And one of the sons of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was the son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore, I chased him from me. (29) Remember them, O my God, because they have desecrated the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.

13:30-31 The righteous work of a godly leader!

(30) Thus, I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; (31) and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.”

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Nehemiah 12 “Dedicating the Wall – Celebrating the Blessings of GOD!”

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

Nehemiah 12:27 – 43                                                               “DEDICATING THE WALL – CELEBRATING THE BLESSINGS OF GOD!”

INTRODUCTION:

1. God had protected and provided for them, so they set aside a time to celebrate what HE had done!

2. Even though the realized that they, themselves, had done the physical labor, it was GOD WHO had made this possible for them!

3. Rebuilding the wall had been really, really hard work!

4. Since rebuilding the wall had required the labor of a multitude of people, they were all part of the celebration!

5. This is a perfect example of the main theme of Ezra and Nehemiah – “Promises Made; Promises Kept!”

EXPOSITION:

12:27-29 CELEBRATING WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR HIS PEOPLE REQUIRES THAT ALL OF HIS PEOPLE BE PRESENT!

(27) “And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. (28) And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; (29) also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem.”

12:30 CELEBRATING WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR HIS PEOPLE REQUIRES THAT ALL OF HIS PEOPLE BE PURE!

(30) “And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.”

12:31 CELEBRATING WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR HIS PEOPLE REQUIRES SINGING HIS PRAISES!

(31) “Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate.”

12:32-42 CELEBRATING WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR HIS PEOPLE REQUIRES BOTH SINGERS AND MUSICIANS!

(32) And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah, (33) and Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, (34) Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, (35) and certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Micaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph; (36) and his relatives, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.

(37) At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east. (38) The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall, (39) and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard. (40) So, both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me; (41) and the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;

(42) and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader.”

12:43 CELEBRATING WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR HIS PEOPLE REQUIRES THAT HIS PEOPLE SUPPORT HIS WORK SACRIFICALLY!

(43) “And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.”

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Nehemiah 10 – A Covenant with GOD!

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Lanny Faulkner

NEHEMIAH 10 “A Covenant with GOD!”

INTRODUCTION:

1. Verses 1 – 27 are a list of 83 people who signed the Covenant mentioned in Nehemiah 9:38.

2. This list includes the names of Nehemiah, the Governor, 22 priests, and 60 Levites.

3. While there is not a lot of theology in verses 1 – 27, the many lists of names that occur in the Bible teach us much about GOD, HIMSELF, and about HIS people…

– GOD knows everyone of HIS people by name!

– GOD knows what everyone of HIS people are doing to serve HIM!

– It takes a lot of people to do the work of GOD!

– It takes a lot of different people doing a lot of different things to accomplish the will and work of GOD!

– GOD will not overlook anything and everything that anyone and everyone does to further HIS Kingdom work!

Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”

Revelation 14:13 “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

1st Corinthians 3:11-14

(11) “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—

(13) each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (14) If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.”

THEOLOGICAL NOTE: Why should a Christian want to have rewards in Heaven!

Revelation 4:9-11

(9) “And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, (10) the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, (11) “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

EXPOSITION Nehemiah 10:28 – 39

10:28-29 Entering into a Covenant with GOD is a very serious matter!

(28) “The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding,

(29) join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord and his rules and his statutes.

(10:30) The Covenant involved how they would raise their children!

“We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons.”

(31a)  The Covenant involved a commitment to keep the Sabbath!

“And if the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day.

(31b) The Covenant involved a promise to obey GOD’s commandments! “And we will forego the crops of the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.”

Exodus 23:10-11

(10) “For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield, (11) but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field may eat. You shall do likewise with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard.”

10:32-39 The Covenant involved a commitment to sacrificial giving!

(32) “We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly a third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God: (33) for the showbread, the regular grain offering, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the new moons, the appointed feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.               (34) We, the priests, the Levites, and the people, have likewise cast lots for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the Law.

(35) We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; (36) also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks;

(37) and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor. (38) And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse.             

(39) For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.”

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