Send us a text

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Welcome:
Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: “What is a New Testament Church Really Like?” based on Acts 2:37-47.

Have you ever wondered what the ideal church should look like? Should it be large or small? Should it have a certain doctrinal position, a gifted speaker, inspiring music, or specific programs for different age groups? These are all important questions for anyone who attends church. Today, we’re going to explore what the New Testament says about what a church should be and do, by looking at the early church as described in Acts 2.

Join me as we uncover the characteristics of the first church, understand the significance of key practices, and consider how these principles can guide us in creating vibrant, committed church communities today.

Episode Notes:

Scripture Reference: Acts 2:37-47

Key Points Covered:

1. Repentance and Baptism:
   • The importance of repentance and baptism as initial steps in the Christian faith.
   • Clarification on the role of baptism in salvation.
2. Characteristics of the Early Church:
   • A church of saved believers.
   • Believer’s baptism vs. infant baptism.
3. Commitment to Key Practices:
   • Apostles' teaching.
   • Fellowship.
   • Breaking of bread (Lord's Table).
   • Prayer.
4. Community and Unity:
   • The early church’s commitment to each other.
   • Sharing resources and supporting one another.
   • The resulting joy, unity, and growth.
5. Modern Application:
   • The importance of community and commitment in today’s church.
   • Encouragement to be part of a church community, supporting and growing together.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are you committed to your church community?
2. Have you been baptized since you got saved?
3. How can you contribute to the unity and growth of your church?

Thank you for joining us today. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more discussions on applying biblical principles to daily life. Until next time, stay blessed and committed to your walk with the Lord.

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Welcome

In this episode, we address a common perception that Christians can be a bit odd or even irrational. Drawing from Acts 2:13-36, we examine how early Christians faced similar accusations and how Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, responded to these charges. Through this scriptural lens, we will uncover valuable lessons on how to handle misunderstandings and accusations about our faith.

Key Points:

• Understanding the Perception:
  • Many new converts hear from friends, "What happened to you? You used to be fun, and now all you do is read your Bible and go to church."
  • Friends and family might think they've lost their minds because they no longer engage in the same activities.
• Historical Context:
  • On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled the believers, some onlookers thought they were drunk because of their unusual behaviour.
• Peter's Response:
  • Peter stands up and addresses the crowd, denying the accusation of drunkenness and providing a rational explanation.
  • He cites the prophecy from Joel to explain that the events were a fulfilment of God's promise.
• Lessons from Peter's Response:
  • Address misconceptions directly.
  • Provide a rational explanation.
  • Ground your response in Scripture.
• Application for Today:
  • When faced with accusations or misunderstandings about our faith, follow Peter's example.
  • Use Scripture to provide a reasoned and respectful answer.
  • Share the truth of God's Word, even if people think it’s irrational.
• The Power of Scripture:
  • Peter's use of Old Testament prophecy demonstrates the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
  • The Word of God is living and powerful, capable of transforming hearts and minds.
• Jesus' Death and Resurrection:
  • Peter shifts the focus to Jesus, emphasizing His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.
  • Christianity is unique because it proclaims a living founder—Jesus Christ—who was dead but is now alive.
• The Ascension and Exaltation:
  • Jesus' ascension and exaltation to the right hand of God.
  • The outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy.
• Engaging with Objections:
  • When faced with objections, respond with calmness, clarity, and Scripture.
  • Focus on the core message of Christianity—Jesus' death and resurrection.

Conclusion: Peter's sermon in Acts 2 provides a model for how to respond to accusations with truth and grace. By addressing misconceptions directly, providing rational explanations, and grounding our responses in Scripture, we can effectively share the hope that is within us. Let’s stand up, speak out, and trust God to work through our words, just as Peter did on the day of Pentecost.

Thank you for joining us today. Let's continue to explore the depth and richness of God's Word together.

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Welcome

If you've ever wondered about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and its significance in the life of a believer, this episode is for you. We'll look at this scriptural account of Pentecost and discuss its implications for us today. Let's dive in!

Episode Notes: A Biblical View of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-12)

Introduction

• Reflect on a personal experience with a conversation about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
• Mention the common questions and curiosity about this topic among Christians.
• Brief overview of Pentecostal and charismatic beliefs regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecostal Doctrine

• Outline of the classic Pentecostal teaching:
  • Necessity of the baptism of the Holy Spirit after salvation.
  • Association of this baptism with speaking in tongues as a heavenly language.

Key Questions

• Timing of the baptism of the Holy Spirit: at conversion or after?
• Significance of the baptism: does it provide power, and are believers powerless without it?
• Nature of speaking in tongues: human language or heavenly language?

Scriptural Examination: Acts 2:1-12

• Context of Pentecost:
  • Meaning of "Pentecost" and its occurrence fifty days after Passover.
  • Historical significance of Passover and Pentecost in the Old Testament.
• Event Description:
  • Coming of the Holy Spirit.
  • Reactions of people in Jerusalem: confusion and amazement.
• Key Verses:
  • Acts 2:1-4: Sound of a rushing mighty wind, appearance of tongues of fire, filling with the Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues.
  • Acts 2:5-12: Multinational audience hearing their own languages, amazement, and the question, "What does this mean?"

Baptism vs. Filling of the Holy Spirit

• Distinction between baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit.
• Biblical evidence and theological explanations from the Epistles.
• Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
  • Unites believers into the Body of Christ.
  • Empowers for service.
  • Occurs at conversion.
• The Filling of the Holy Spirit:
  • Continuous experience for empowerment and service.

Speaking in Tongues

• Acts 2:5-12: Evidence that the tongues spoken were known human languages.
• Examination of 1 Corinthians 13 and Romans 8 regarding the concept of heavenly languages.
• Clarification that biblical instances of tongues are intelligible human languages.

Theological Significance of Pentecost

• Historical and prophetic fulfillment of Pentecost.
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit as the initiation of the church.
• Unity in the Body of Christ:
  • Importance of unity among believers.
  • Illustration of interdependence within the Body of Christ.

Conclusion

• Appreciate the unity and completeness we have in Christ.
• Reflecton the importan

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com