THE BOOK OF ACTS: LESSONS FOR CHURCH PLANTING Addressing five questions: What can we learn from the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism and church planting? What can we learn from the role of prayer in evangelism and church planting? What seems to make or break leaders? What encourages/hinders the Church to be on mission? THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EVANGELISM & CHURCH PLANTING THE FILLING AND LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR EVANGELISM: The Holy Spirit s presence is what empowers believers to be faithful witnesses of Jesus. The faithful proclamation of the gospel is linked to the description of the Holy Spirit s filling/leading of Peter at Pentecost (2:14), of Peter during his and John s trial (4:8), of Stephen during his debate with those from synagogue of the Freemen, et al. (6:10), of Stephen while on trial and during his execution (7:55), of Philip as he is directed to talk to the Ethiopian eunuch (8:29), of Peter and his sharing the gospel with Cornelius and other Gentiles (10:19), of Barnabas and Saul as they were being sent by the Holy Spirit on their first missionary journey (13:4), of Paul as he witnessed in Paphos (13:9), and of the twelve in Ephesus (19:6). I have decided to leave out of this list the very significant leading of the Holy Spirit found in chapter 16. In verse 6-10 we have four direct and indirect statements alluding to God s Spirit forbidding, not allowing, communicating in a vision, and finally the conclusion that God was making a distinct calling on the missionary group of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke. BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: A careful study of Acts reveals that salvation and being baptized in the Holy Spirit are synonymous events. This baptism was spoken of by the prophets (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-18). Jesus had promised this (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:5). And the Apostles (Peter) acknowledged the significance of this in their own lives (Acts 11:15-17). When the Apostles want to verify if salvation has come to a particular group of people the test is whether or not they have been baptized in the Spirit (Acts 2:4, 41; 4:4; 5:14; 8:17; 10:43-46; 11:17; 13:12, 48; 14:1; 17:12, 34; 18:8; 19:6). Paul reaffirms this in 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body we were all given the one Spirit to drink." Many of the above passages in Acts describe sign gifts as verification that the baptism in the Holy Spirit had taken place. But since some of the above examples of salvation/baptism in the Holy Spirit do not include the gift of tongues and other signs, we should not infer that the baptism of the Holy Spirit must include these sign gifts. So what are the criteria the Apostles use to determine whether or not true salvation/baptism of the Holy Spirit has taken place? Two criteria exist. The first is in fact, sign gifts (11:15-17). The second is the fruit of repentance that displays itself over time. One prominent example of this second criterion is seen in the life of Simon the Magician. Simon, it is said, himself believed and was even baptized (Acts 8:9-13). But over time, he displayed the need for true repentance. Peter exhorted him to repent so that of this wickedness of yours and the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:18-24) IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR CHURCH PLANTING MOVEMENT If we desire to see long term fruit and effectiveness in our evangelism and church planting having leaders who are continually seeking to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit is essential. As evangelicals, we often do not emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives but should balance our teaching to include biblical mandates on the believer s responsibility in the command to be filled by the Holy Spirit. Critical to this is our emphasis on Intentional Living Habits. Before planters seek to adopt the latest best practices, before they begin to strategize, and before they teach others, they must be seeking God themselves. Consequently, as they are filled with God s Spirit they will be able to provide wise, God- directed decisions, leading, and teaching.
Once again, this is NOT to say that best practices and strategies should be ignored. Paul clearly outlines his strategy in that I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. (1 Cor. 9:22). Rather, this should follow times of seeking the Lord in prayer, listening to God s Spirit, remaining humble, broken, and dependent. The last thing our enemy wants is for us to spend significant times in prayer and inviting others to join us. This is the hard work of ministry. But this is also the foundational work of ministry. I affirm that this is taught in our boot camps. However, having observed many planters, I am more concerned with what is caught, than taught. Therefore, we need to teach, model, and coach our planters to be dependent and seeking God s Spirit. How is this encouraged when many of our planters live busy lives, may have to provide part- time child care while their wives work, or even work part time jobs to supplement the income they receive from their plant? This emphasis must be reflected in our training and coaching. Particularly, our coaches must model it, encourage it, and hold our planters accountable to it. Additionally, we might want to adopt certain language such as, Is Jesus enough? Secondly, the EFCA has taken the open, but cautious approach to sign gifts. I prefer to use the phrase earnest, but discerning. Unless one is a cessationist, then we should take heed to Paul s admonition in 1 Cor. 14:1 ( Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. ) and 1 Thess. 5:19-20 ( Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.). Note that open and earnestly desire are two completely different perspectives and approaches. But also notice that discernment is not ignored but commanded with this biblical approach. (Two Rivers Church (E Free) in Knoxville provides a great model for this earnest, but discerning approach.) THE ROLE OF PRAYER IN EVANGELISM & CHURCH PLANTING God s invitation to pray is an invitation to participate in one of the greatest mysteries of God. In prayer, we have the opportunity to partner in God s sovereign plan. Beyond our comprehension, but by invitation the Church prays and God moves. A high correlation between times of prayer and a moving of God is seen throughout the book of Acts. Consequently, the early Church frequently and often corporately turns to prayer. The pre- Pentecost prayer meetings (1:14) were motivated by the promise of Jesus to send his Holy Spirit. Could it be that when they were all together in one place on the day of Pentecost they had spent time in prayer? (2:2;1-2). When the Church is seeking Peter & John are released following their first arrest a prayer meeting breaks out. The result was that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. God spoke to Peter while he was praying (10:9) which led to the gospel being communicated to a Gentile for the first time. When Peter is once again arrested a prayer meeting was held will into the night (12:12). Acts 13:2 states that while the church was worshiping and fasting the Holy Spirit spoke to them concerning Barnabas and Saul. It is safe to assume that prayer was an integral part of this gathering. Finally, throughout Paul s missionary travels we see the ever present Spirit of God directing his steps. One must be in a spirit of prayer in order to habitually hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. WHAT MAKES OR BREAKS LEADERS BEING FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT A dominant theme in the book of Acts is the impact of the Holy Spirit upon believers and particular, individuals who have been filled with the Holy Spirit. And this should be no surprise since Luke introduces this concept from the very beginning by quoting Jesus, 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 even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Consider the significance of the filling or the leading of the Holy Spirit they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (2:4) Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them (proclaiming the gospel to the Jewish leaders following their arrest) (4:8)
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (4:31) pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty (6:3) But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. (6:10) But he (Stephen), full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God (7:55) And the Spirit said to Philip, Go over and join this chariot. (8:29) And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away (8:39) So the church was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (9:31) While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you. (10:19) When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he (Barnabas) was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. (11:23-24) And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (11:28) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. (13:2) so being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia (13:4) But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him (13:9) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (13:52) And they went through the region of having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia (16:6) And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit (20:22) Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers (20:28) And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. (21:4) After considering the above passages it is easy to see that the filling of the Holy Spirit is critical for leaders in leading, in speaking, and in decision making. So the natural question follows, How does one know that a particular person/leader is a man full of the Holy Spirit? I would suggest that the following criteria are a great starting point: Their proclamation of the gospel bears fruit. They seem to end up in places where God is clearly at work. They attempt bold things for God and experience his hand at work. They glorify God. Their character displays fruit of the Spirit. WILLING TO FACE PERSECUTION Whenever and wherever the Gospel is proclaimed on a consistent basis a line of demarcation develops. Paul describes this dividing line and the two sides as those to whom the Gospel is the aroma of life and the aroma of death. We see this from the earliest days of the Church. As the early Church is first formed they have favor with all the people. However, the response from what may be Peter s second public preaching was the arresting of Peter and John and threats of beating. This pattern continues throughout the book of Acts. Here are some responses from leaders willing to face persecution - Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. (4:19-20). We must obey God rather than men. (5:29). You stiff- necked people, uncircumcised in hearts and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit (7:51). And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (8:1). But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (9:22). Following the stoning of Paul in Lystra But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. when they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra (14:20-21). And this pattern continues in 16:25, 40, 19:29-30, 21:4, 11-13, 40, 23:6, 24:10, 26:29, 28:30-31. A leader s willingness to face and expect persecution is imperative when facing the ups and downs of church planting. Well
documented is the spread of Christianity in the first few centuries as the Church demonstrate incredible sacrifice in caring for others during famine, disease, destruction, and loss of life. But accompanying these details is also the evidence of great persecution which is captured in Tertullian s statement, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. The missional movement and the desire to be a blessing to your community is worthy and a critical goal in the first step of making disciples. However, leaders and churches must recognize that when the gospel accompanies these efforts (words and deeds), opposition will come. DISCRIMINATING FAITH As evangelicals we firmly believe that God is capable of stepping into human history in dramatic ways. We believe he can, but often do not believe he will. Throughout the book of Acts the Apostles exercise great discerning faith, believing that God can and will do great things. So where does this confidence come from, to ask for something great, knowing that God does not always bring a miracle? A great example is seen in Acts 9 where Peter becomes aware of Tabitha s death. Verse 40 describes the process as Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes On the other hand, when Peter and John encounter the lame beggar in Acts 3 Peter boldly commands him to rise up and walk (Acts 3:6). There is (seemingly) no hesitation or moment taken to pray. Is it simply because Peter is so sensitive to the Spirit s leading that he implicitly knows that God is going to heal? Processing discriminating faith means that leaders know what God can do and ask out of awareness of what God intends to do. This accomplishes two results the first is that the church is encouraged. God is recognized to be a God where nothing is to difficult for him. The second is that the world takes notice. People are made aware that Jesus is Lord and consequently, he needs to be acknowledged as such. And lives turn to him. WHAT ENCOURAGES OR HINDERS THE CHURCH TO BE ON MISSION CORPORATE PRAYER God will often meet a church and encourage them to action during times of corporate prayer. When the first threat came to the early church in Acts 4 a prayer meeting was held following Peter and John s release. Verse 29 paints the picture of a church committed to be on mission despite the threat of persecution, And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness UNITY Inherent in the effectiveness of the Church universal and the local church is her reputation in the community. In John 17 we see that Jesus prays for unity so that the world may know that you sent me... (John 17:23). Even before Pentecost Acts 1:14 tells us that were in one accord. Acts 2:42-47 describes a unique community in their unity, their meeting each others needs, and their daily gathering together with the result that they had favor with all the people. (2:47). A very similar description of the body of Christ is made in Acts 4:32-33. AN EMBRACING OF THE MISSION BY ALL One of the most telling statements concerning the early church is found in Acts 8:1 and 8:4. These two verses describe that those who were scattered because of the persecution was the entire church. And those who were scattered went about preaching the word. This means that the entire Church embraced the ministry of reconciliation. This occurs even following the events leading to distinct roles of leaders within the early church (Acts 6:3-4). So despite the inauguration of what would become different distinct offices of the early church everyone was taught to understand that the entire body was responsible to be a witness of Jesus Christ. ETHNIC & RELIGIOUS PREJUDICES Peter enters Cornelius home stating, You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone
of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. Acts 10:28. Essentially, Peter is saying that without the threat of God striking him dead he would never have entered a Gentile s home! After he returned to Jerusalem and was criticized by many he explained the circumstances leading up to his encounter with Cornelius and his guests and how the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. Again, it took an enormous miracle for the early church to begin to believe that to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life. (Acts 11:18) So then why in the following verse do we read that those scattered from the church in Jerusalem come to Antioch and speak the word to no one except Jews? (Acts 11:19) Why does the Antioch Church become the prominent sending church of the New Testament and not Jerusalem? Why are there so few multi- ethnic churches in America? Each of these questions can be tied to the difficulty and power of overcoming ethnic prejudices.