Reaching Out
Reading Acts Ancient History Apologetic Historiography Transforms readers Continuation of biblical history Apologetic Historiography Motivates readers
Reading Acts About a people, not a person God can raise up “sons of Abraham” from these “stones” If not us, then someone else. The Book of Acts does not end; we continue to write. Continuity and discontinuity Pride and awe Formation more than facts
Applying Acts The changing American landscape Atheism and antipathy Kinnaman, You Lost Me, UnChristian Lost identity among our youth Misunderstood identity in the world Telling stories of courageous faith
Reaching out Requires the Spirit Staring up into the sky… (1:10) Restoring Israel’s leadership (1:21-22) Restoring Israel The return of the exiles (Isa 56:1-8) The renewal of Mt. Sinai (Exod 32) The true Messiah (Acts 1:36; 5:31; 7:35-37)
Reaching out Requires Regimen Athletes of Virtue (Acts 2:42-47) The body athletic and the body politic The greatest society made possible through the Spirit Spirit infused God WITH us
Reaching out to Rejects The lame man The connection between physical and spiritual ailment Access to the Temple Isa 35
Reaching out to Rejects The Samaritans History of escalation Elitism Radical solutions
Reaching out to Rejects The Ethiopian eunuch The testimony of Scripture Deut 23 Isa 56 Baptism as priestly washing
Reaching out to Rejects Gentiles Luke 4, 7, and 23 Stereotypes and Self-righteousness The borders of God’s Kingdom are greater Redefined/rediscovered by Peter (Acts 3:22-23) Always a step ahead of the Apostles
Barriers to Reaching Out External pressures? Church grew at a rapid rate Influenced those influenced by the others God pursues the persecutors Answering prayer (Stephen) Answering doubts (Ananias)
Barriers to Reaching Out Internal issues Use of possessions Elitism Buying fame (Achan, Judas, Simon) Failure to read instructions Jesus’s command (Acts 1:8) God’s activity (Acts 10:47 & 11:17)
Reaching out with Humor The angel “strikes” twice When one door opens another is closed God sometimes believes in prayer more than we do