Periodically, it is good to go back and read the account recorded in the book of the Acts of the Apostles to see God at work
establishing this new way of life. This new way of life was not the evolution of Judaism, nor was it the improvement of paganism
but something new and different.
This life was;
- new in its concept
because it began in a personal redemptive experience in which Paul later
describes in II Corinthians 5:17, �Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature
(creation): old things are passed away; behold all things become new�
- new in its conduct
for it was to be lived on the basis of Jesus� teaching which contains a totally
new set of ideals for life. This newness of life was in keeping with the whole concept of
Christianity for it was not to be another form of religion. It was to be something new which
God would do for the world. Christ died for man and rose again from the dead to correct a
basic defect in human nature, SIN. This new life was given to set up a new standard in human
behavior.
This would set Christians apart from all religions for it does not pattern itself after the best judgements and traditions of men. In
the book of Acts, beginning at Pentecost, we see seven new things:
A. A NEW SOCIETY: (Acts 5:11) (First mention of the church)
�And great fear came upon all the CHURCH,
This new society is the church, in its true sense, in that it was composed of;
"called-out" individuals
a body of like-minded believers
It was not the monolithic ecclesiastic structure which grew out of the Dark Ages after Constantine espoused Christianity as the
state religion of Rome.
B. A NEW DELIVERANCE: (Acts 5:19) (First mention of deliverance by force from power of the law)
"the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth"
The purpose of this deliverance was to;
serve as example of divine power
call attention to importance and significance of this new society in the world.
nature of deliverance was unique, "the angel of the Lord"
C. A NEW AUTHORITY: (Acts 5:29) (First time a public stand was taken for God over man)
"We ought to obey God rather than men"
Here was the authority to govern the lives and conduct of members of this new society. Jews had
passed through successive stages of rule by judges, priests, kings, prophets, and now by the
Sanhedrin and the law. That was to be over. God was now establishing a new economy of
grace through a personal relationship with His Son.
Here the apostles are challenged by outside legal authority - although it is the religious authority
of the Jews - it was a conflict between the church and church/state. Jesus said, "My kingdom
is not of this world", and "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar�s and unto God that which
is God�s". Peter recognizes divine government as supreme.
This new society was composed of new people distinct and separate from the state church.
- - different in origin, regeneration
- - different in lifestyle, holy and blameless
- - different in purpose, preach and teach Jesus as Christ.
In a church/state relationship citizenship of that state provided membership in the church, provided you pass through initiating
rites of the church. God�s word distinguishes between citizens of earth and citizens of heaven. The one by natural birth and the
other by spiritual birth.
D. A NEW VOCATION: (Acts 5:20)
"Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life"
Belief in Christ and the new life was not to be a private matter. It is to be exported, given to others.
Each Christian is obligated to promote, share and extend his faith. Christianity is through
reproduction - Christ reproduced in others through a new birth. In the early church we see rapid
multiplication of Christians.
When peace, plenty and protection came to the church this spiritual reproduction ceased and a
joining became the norm (much like it is today) through church devises like family relationship,
national citizenship, and religious works.
Christians today, for the most part, are a generation of religious auditors who gather on a regular
basis to audit or check a sermon and file it away in indifference and complacancy. When early
Christians heard the message, they believed and carried out what they heard to improve their
lifestyle.
E. A NEW MESSAGE: Acts 5:30-32
"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with HIs right hand to be
a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance ti Israel and forgiveness of sins"
These new workers needed tools and material to work with. The material was the souls and minds
of men. The tools were the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. This message was not invented,
constructed, devised, or edited. It was God-given.
message centered on the Name and Person of Jesus Christ.
experience was the experience of Jesus Christ.
Over the years the gradual, subtle effect of the ecclesiastical organization substituted the church
and its rituals for a personal life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
The message was three-fold;
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (v.30)
Exaltation of Jesus (v.31)
Gift of the Holy Ghost (v.32)
The religious reaction was one of indignation and violence.
F. A NEW NAME: (Acts 5:41)
"rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name"
This is the first time Christians suffer for the NAME of Christ. Before, they suffered for their acts
of preaching and the deeds of wonder - now it was associated with the "name"
All this adds up to --
G. A NEW LIFE
Christianity became identified with a characteristic expression, "the way" (Acts 22:4).
The name
and the "way" of this new society was shaking the world on its foundation. Men believed on the
"name" and walked in the "way".
The "way" is the entrance into and the experience of Christianity.
"Behold,if any man be in Christ he is a new creation," "I am come that they may have life and that they may have it more
abundantly"
Have you experienced this new way of life in Christ Jesus????
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