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News and views from the German-language region of Europe

October 22, 2010

Acts"R"Us (Part 2 of 2 parts)

Filed under Sabbath Thoughts

Many are familiar with the American toy store Toys"R"Us, which simply means "Toys Are Us," i.e., "Toys are what we do."

In a similar sense, the book of Acts could be called Acts"R"Us.

Acts"R"Us, so what do we see in the book of Acts that applies to us?

Acts is a history of the transforming power of the holy spirit. Jesus promised power to the disciples after the Holy Spirit came upon them: "And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the promise of my father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:45-49). It was this spirit that empowered the apostles to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. And the book of Acts reveals the holy spirit as the driving force behind all powerful ministry performed in Jesus’ name. Where do we look for spiritual power today? Education? Work? Religious heritage? Acts shows us that the holy spirit gives us power!

Acts also shows a new sense of identity that true believers have. The disciples gradually realized they were no longer Jews (at least from the ceremonial point of view). They slowly began to understand that they were part of a new community led by the holy spirit – a community which was prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. And they also came to recognize the need to preach to all people – Jews and Gentiles – and to fellowship with those whom God called, no matter what their national background. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and participation in the church’s worship life through Sabbath and Holy Day observance became the outward signs of the inward grace. Acts shows the importance of relationships among the household of faith.

When we read the book of Acts, we should realize that it is a history of our church. And it is a history that should repeat itself.

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!

Paul Kieffer's blog with personal insights and news from the German-language region in Europe.

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