Thoughts on Acts and Church Thoughts on Acts and Church HistoryHistory

John Oakes, PhDJohn Oakes, PhDJuly 22, 2011July 22, 2011

DF MexicoDF Mexico

The Agora in Athens

Acts 1:8 “You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth”Acts 1:8 “You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth”

How did they How did they do it? do it?

How can we do How can we do it?it?

The Marketplace in Corinth

Why Did They Change the World/Why Did They Change the World/How Can We Change the World?How Can We Change the World?

Acts 5:39Acts 5:39

I. They knew Jesus. The personal effect of the man I. They knew Jesus. The personal effect of the man Jesus of Nazareth.Jesus of Nazareth.

II. Powerful truth-claims.II. Powerful truth-claims.

Those two alone were not enough Those two alone were not enough to sustain a movementto sustain a movement

Changing the World in Our TimeChanging the World in Our Time

III. III. Moral/Ethical superiority of the Moral/Ethical superiority of the Christians.Christians.

IV. IV. They could successfully answer the hard They could successfully answer the hard questions. Intellectual superiority.questions. Intellectual superiority.

V. V. Christianity gave dignity to all peopleChristianity gave dignity to all people The church had compassion like no oneThe church had compassion like no one elseelse

VI. VI. Because God was with them (Acts 5:39)Because God was with them (Acts 5:39)

I. The Life of Jesus: Knowing JesusI. The Life of Jesus: Knowing Jesus

Acts 4:1-21 Fear to Fearlessness.Acts 4:1-21 Fear to Fearlessness.

Acts 4:12-13 They took note that they had been Acts 4:12-13 They took note that they had been with Jesus.with Jesus.

Why was Paul transformed? Acts 9:1-16Why was Paul transformed? Acts 9:1-16– Acts 9:5 Who are you Lord?Acts 9:5 Who are you Lord?

We need to meet Jesus on our road to We need to meet Jesus on our road to Damascus (on Paseo General Escalon)Damascus (on Paseo General Escalon)

II. Powerful Truth ClaimsII. Powerful Truth Claims

Acts 2:22-24Acts 2:22-24– Jesus fulfilled the OT Jesus fulfilled the OT

propheciesprophecies– Jesus worked signs, Jesus worked signs,

wonders and miracleswonders and miracles– Jesus was raised from the Jesus was raised from the

deaddead

Acts 3:11-16, 4:33, 5:29-Acts 3:11-16, 4:33, 5:29-32, 13:26-3532, 13:26-35

Acts 26:24-27 True and Acts 26:24-27 True and ReasonableReasonable

Be born in BethlehemBe born in BethlehemBe raised in Galilee near NazarethBe raised in Galilee near NazarethBe despised and rejected by menBe despised and rejected by menBe meek and silent before his accusersBe meek and silent before his accusersBe “pierced”Be “pierced”Be crucifiedBe crucifiedHave his garments divided and gambled overHave his garments divided and gambled overBe betrayed for 30 pieces of silverBe betrayed for 30 pieces of silverCome to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in Come to Jerusalem to make atonement for sin in about AD 33about AD 33And many more….And many more….

III. Ethically and Morally They Were III. Ethically and Morally They Were Very Different. We need to be as well!!Very Different. We need to be as well!!

Acts 17:5-7Acts 17:5-7

Acts 19:17-20 Acts 19:17-20 Confronting the Confronting the world and its ways.world and its ways.

Acts 19:23-41 They Acts 19:23-41 They confronted idolatryconfronted idolatry

Us today?Us today?

Marketplace, Corinth

Being Different Just Might Get Us Into TroubleBeing Different Just Might Get Us Into Trouble

A Little Riot in Ephesus

IV. Engage the World Intellectually With the IV. Engage the World Intellectually With the Christian World ViewChristian World View

Acts 17:16-34Acts 17:16-34

Paul in AthensPaul in Athens

We need to confront We need to confront the enemy in the the enemy in the Areopagus and in Areopagus and in the Lecture Hall of the Lecture Hall of TyrannusTyrannus

The Areopagus in Athens

Delos B. McKown:Delos B. McKown:

““Christianity is scientifically Christianity is scientifically unsupported and probably unsupported and probably insupportable, philosophically suspect at insupportable, philosophically suspect at best and disreputable at worst, and best and disreputable at worst, and historically fraudulent.”historically fraudulent.”

The Lecture Hall of TyrannusThe Lecture Hall of Tyrannus

The Lecture Hall of SDSUThe Lecture Hall of SDSU

World ViewWorld View

One's world view is the One's world view is the perspective one uses to process perspective one uses to process and interpret information received and interpret information received about the world.  about the world. 

James W. Sire put it this way, "A James W. Sire put it this way, "A world view is a set of world view is a set of presuppositions (ie. assumptions) presuppositions (ie. assumptions) which we hold about the basic which we hold about the basic makeup of our world." makeup of our world." 

James W. Sire, James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door The Universe Next Door (InterVarsity Press, 1997)(InterVarsity Press, 1997)

A Jain World View

A “Good” World View DefinedA “Good” World View Defined

A. It is true.A. It is true. It is consistent with reality. It works.It is consistent with reality. It works.

B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want answered.answered.What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?) What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?) What is my value as a human being?What is my value as a human being?What happens to a person at death? What happens to a person at death? How do we know what is right and wrong? How do we know what is right and wrong? What is my purpose? What is my purpose? What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?" What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"

C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than they C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than they would otherwise have been if they held to competing would otherwise have been if they held to competing alternative world views.alternative world views.

The Hard QuestionsThe Hard Questions

Evil: What is Evil and Why is There EvilEvil: What is Evil and Why is There Evil

Why is There Suffering?Why is There Suffering?

The Problem of JusticeThe Problem of Justice

The Problem of Sin.The Problem of Sin.

The Problem of Death.The Problem of Death.

Acts 17:16-34 Paul confronts Greek World ViewsActs 17:16-34 Paul confronts Greek World Views

God is Creator. He exists outside creation.God is Creator. He exists outside creation.– Disproves pantheism/Stoicism.Disproves pantheism/Stoicism.

God is close to us.God is close to us.– Disproves deism/Epicureanism.Disproves deism/Epicureanism.

God is personal and has given us an individual purpose.God is personal and has given us an individual purpose.

God will bring all of us to judgment. Evil will be defeatedGod will bring all of us to judgment. Evil will be defeated– Disproves dualism/Gnosticism.Disproves dualism/Gnosticism.

Paul Confronts Greek World ViewsPaul Confronts Greek World Views

The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)The Bible and Other World Views (cont.)

Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel by arguing for Acts 17:16-34 Paul shares the gospel by arguing for the Christian World View.the Christian World View.– v. 22-23 Paul finds common ground.v. 22-23 Paul finds common ground.

– v. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the truth of the v. 24-28 Paul argues for the superiority and the truth of the Christian world view as opposed to Epicureanism/pantheism Christian world view as opposed to Epicureanism/pantheism and Stoicism/deismand Stoicism/deism

– v. 28 Paul quotes from Aretas a Stoic philosopher. “ For we v. 28 Paul quotes from Aretas a Stoic philosopher. “ For we are his offspring.”are his offspring.”

– v. 29-31 Having laid the groundwork, Paul points them to v. 29-31 Having laid the groundwork, Paul points them to Jesus.Jesus.

– v. 32-34 Some, but not all were converted.v. 32-34 Some, but not all were converted.

Competing World Views for UsCompeting World Views for Us

Naturalism/MaterialismNaturalism/Materialism

PostmodernismPostmodernism

Pantheism/Eastern ReligionsPantheism/Eastern Religions

Islamic WorldviewIslamic Worldview

Questions Science Can AnswerQuestions Science Can Answer

When?When?What?What?Where?Where?How many?How many?By what means?By what means?

Questions Science Cannot Answer:Questions Science Cannot Answer:(That Christianity Does Answer)(That Christianity Does Answer)

– Why am I here?Why am I here?– Is that the right thing to do?Is that the right thing to do?– How valuable am I?How valuable am I?– Does God exist? Does God act (theism)?Does God exist? Does God act (theism)?– Will that God respond if I pray?Will that God respond if I pray?– Do supernatural events (miracles) happen?Do supernatural events (miracles) happen?

- Why is there evil and suffering in the world? - Why is there evil and suffering in the world?

Islamic Worldview:

God is very distant from mankind

In Islam, Allah determines everything, even who will choose to follow him.

2:142, 6:39 6:125

Inshallah God willing. It is God’s will that people suffer..

Islam: Salvation is earned through the efforts of those who were pre-selected by Allah to inhabit a very sensual paradise.

Christianity: Salvation is granted by the grace of a loving God to those who, through faith and repentance and baptism accept that love.

A Question: Who reaches out to whom?

InitiativeInitiative

Human approachHuman approach Truth Truth

God God GodGod

Mankind Mankind Mankind Mankind

Works Salvation: Man reaches out to God.

IslamHinduismJainaSikkhismGnosticismNew AgeBuddhism?

Salvation by Grace: God reaches out to man.

JudaismChristianity

The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View

1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex 1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex nihilo) and c. essentially good.nihilo) and c. essentially good.

2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or 2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual aspect to their nature.aspect to their nature.

3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God 3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God who reveals himself in the Bible.who reveals himself in the Bible.

4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The 4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.

5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain 5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.

The Christian World View (cont.)The Christian World View (cont.)

6. Although all God’s creation, is good, evil does exist. Such evil 6. Although all God’s creation, is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of freedom of will given to created beings and their is the result of freedom of will given to created beings and their subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin” subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin”

7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who choose to 7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged and separated from rebel against him will ultimately be judged and separated from God for eternity.God for eternity.

8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences is 8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences is provided by God through the atoning substitutionary sacrifice provided by God through the atoning substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.of Jesus Christ.

The Christian World View Has Given Us:The Christian World View Has Given Us:

ScienceScience

Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)Abolition of Slavery (Wilberforce)

Civil RightsCivil Rights

Women’s RightsWomen’s Rights

Christian groups do a majority of all benevolent Christian groups do a majority of all benevolent work in the world (James 1:27, Micah 6:8)work in the world (James 1:27, Micah 6:8)

How, then, should we interact with members of other How, then, should we interact with members of other religions?religions?

Find common ground.Find common ground.

Give respect where respect is due.Give respect where respect is due.

Acknowledge the good and do not make personal Acknowledge the good and do not make personal attacks—especially toward revered people.attacks—especially toward revered people.

Highlight distinctions in world view/theology and Highlight distinctions in world view/theology and introduce them to Jesus Christ.introduce them to Jesus Christ.

This is EXACTLY what Paul did in Acts 17:22-34This is EXACTLY what Paul did in Acts 17:22-34

V. The Church Met Needs/We Need V. The Church Met Needs/We Need to Meet Needsto Meet Needs

Acts 2:44-45 All the believers were together and had Acts 2:44-45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling…everything in common. Selling…

Acts 3:6-10 Silver and gold we do not have, but what Acts 3:6-10 Silver and gold we do not have, but what we have we will give. In the name of Jesus, get up we have we will give. In the name of Jesus, get up and walk. What a testimony. We do not have much and walk. What a testimony. We do not have much but what we have we will freely give.but what we have we will freely give.

Acts 4:32-35 All needs were met.Acts 4:32-35 All needs were met.

Acts 5:12-16 Meeting needs, healing.Acts 5:12-16 Meeting needs, healing.

Christianity and The Problem of SufferingChristianity and The Problem of Suffering

Suffering is not evil. Sin is evil, but much Suffering is not evil. Sin is evil, but much suffering is caused by our choice to sin.suffering is caused by our choice to sin.

Not all suffering is due to sin. (Job, John 9)Not all suffering is due to sin. (Job, John 9)

Christianity’s answer to suffering: Christianity’s answer to suffering: Compassion. Jeremiah 22:15-16, James 1:27Compassion. Jeremiah 22:15-16, James 1:27

Jesus Wept Jesus Wept

Matt 9:35-38Matt 9:35-38

Julian “the apostate.” (332-363) Julian “the apostate.” (332-363)

““Atheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been specially Atheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been specially advanced through the loving service rendered to advanced through the loving service rendered to strangers, and through their care for the burial of the strangers, and through their care for the burial of the dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew who is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans care who is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans care not only for their own poor but for ours as well; not only for their own poor but for ours as well; while those who belong to us look in vain for the while those who belong to us look in vain for the help that we should render them.”help that we should render them.”

VI. If God is With Us….VI. If God is With Us….

Acts 5:38-39Acts 5:38-39

With God’s help, they did it. They conquered With God’s help, they did it. They conquered the world. With God’s help, so can we.the world. With God’s help, so can we.