Knowing Your Identity - Capitol Commission
Tuesday, 27th of March 2018
Capitol Commission Georgia www.capitolcom.org / www.pray1Tim2.org
Knowing Your Identity
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected]
for $40,000. Obviously, the telegraph people did not comprehend the identity of their business.
Members’ Bible Fellowship
• TUESDAY @ 7:15AM in 125 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Study • TUESDAYS @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. Having completed a brief series of Bible studies in Proverbs, we will now resume the Bible study in the book of Acts (which we began during last year’s legislative interim). For the duration of the 2018 session, we will continue having Bible studies every week on Tuesdays. During the legislative session, Capitol Commission provides an open-to-all Bible study every Tuesday from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP, and the 1 st Tuesday of the month during the legislative interim. Since this Wednesday is not a legislative day and due to sine die on Thursday, the final members’ only Bible Fellowship will be Tuesday from 7:15-8:00am in 125 CAP. I pray that this study will be edifying to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. The present study in the Word of God is just one aspect of the desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are
Tuesday, 27 March 2018 Acts 13 – “Knowing Your Identity” An article in the Harvard Business Review titled “Market Myopia” discussed how some people did not understand the nature of their business. For example, the railroad people did not realize they worked in the transportation business; they imagined they labored in the railroad business. If they had realized their industry was the transportation business, the railroad people would have invested in the airplane. Similarly, the telegraph people believed they worked in the telegraph business rather than understanding correctly that their industry was the communications business. In 1886 (maybe add or minus a few years), they could have purchased all the telephone patents
We would rightly conclude that it is foolish not to know the nature of one’s business. Ask yourself though, “What is your industry?” What is the nature of civil government? The Bible reveals that it is divinely ordained and thus every governing authority “is a minster of God” (Rom 13:1, 4). How does that insight affect your perspective toward the General Assembly? What if we asked that question of God’s people as a whole? What is the purpose of the church? Are the people of God to be engaged in entertainment, recreation, or the transformation of souls for eternity? Why did God reveal the Bible? Is the essential quality of God’s inspired Word best understood as devotional, intellectual, or transformational? What difference is there in how a person answers these questions? God’s people are always in danger of meandering into a maintenance mentality of their identity when viewing themselves as members of a religious club whose priority is to preserve hallowed traditions, and thereby neglect the transformational message of God’s Word for individuals, society, and nations. The book of Acts itself is a persistent indictment upon mere maintenance oriented Christianity; it is an unrelenting goad that encourages and stimulates God’s people to intensify their actions and attitudes to promote God’s glory among the nations.
INTENSIFYING ACTIONS (Acts 13:1-43) From the initial formation of the nations (Gen 10), God has strategically proclaimed his name and his redemption to all the nations. For instance, God used the prophet Daniel (also one of the greatest statesmen in the Bible) to cause the king to praise Him as sovereign. Not only did Darius personally exalt God, but also he ordered the citizenry of the entire empire “to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; for He is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion will be forever” (Dan 6:26). The primary business of God’s people is to heed the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) in promoting God’s glory among the nations. The Great Commission only has one primary verb, “disciple” (all the other verbs are participles), and there is only one direct object, “all the nations.” Worthwhile to note also is that the Greek word used for “nations” is ethnos (“people groups or nations”) not laos (“people as individuals). The Great Commission embraces entire nations rather than indicating individuals among them. In other words, Christ’s Great Commission requires his followers to think first nationally, rather than individually. Discipling the nations is the foundational component of the church’s interaction with the world. The church needs to disciple the nations by reaching its leaders.
Members’ Bible Fellowship Tuesday (27th of February) @ 7:15am – 8:00am, 125 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Study
Tuesday (27th of February) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (ministry sponsorship of Capitol Commission Georgia by McGuire Woods)
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
The narrative in Acts returns to the church at Antioch where “those who were scattered because of the persecution” in Jerusalem were heeding the Great Commission by strategically targeting capitals of the nations (11:19). “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord” (v. 21). Acts 12 ended with Barnabas and Saul returning from Jerusalem, where they had fulfilled their mission in delivering the relief contribution for those affected by the great famine. John Mark was also with them.
“Paul and his companions” departed from Paphos “and came to Perga,” the capital city of Pamphylia, “but John left them and returned to Jerusalem” (v. 13). John Mark was possibly resentful toward Paul’s leadership in place of his cousin, Barnabas, yet there is no reason to make judgment of him (cf. 1 Cor 10:12). Opportunities develop leadership, and the most important aspect of the team effort was God being glorified. OPPORTUNTIES DEVELOP LEADERSHIP. . . .
Acts 13 begins the missionary emphasis of the church, resulting in the planting of many churches in the Gentile world. God equips people devoted to Him. If you want the Lord’s guidance first serve where He has you currently, and God will make the next venture evident (13:1-3). The first missionary team was sent to Salamis, the largest city of Cyprus (v. 4), and then to Paphos, where the first “king,” Sergius Paulos,” was converted to faith in Christ Jesus; thereafter, the team continued to evangelize capitals, based upon Saul’s “capitol commissioning” (9:15). The success was so great that when approximately half of the capital cities of Paul’s missionary journeys were evangelized, the opposition complained, “‘These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (17:6, ESV). The gospel message being proclaimed in Gentile territory, and capitals in particular, is the rightful business of God’s people.
Paul preached his first biblically recorded sermon at Pisidian Antioch, the capital of southern Galatia (Acts 13:14-41). Making the truth known that God is always providing more and more good for his people, which culminated in the giving of his Son (the ultimate Good) (vv. 23-39), was the foundation of Paul’s message. The immediate results proved successful (vv. 42-43).
INTENSIFYING ATTITUDES (Acts 13:44-52) Proclamation of the truth will always result in diverse reactions. Some will receive the truth with readiness (vv. 43-44, 48-49), while others will reject it entirely (Luke 8:12), and still others in their refusal will incite opposition of some kind (Acts 13:45-47, 50). Many believed the gospel message and it spread throughout their region (vv. 48-49). Recognize that some people are so adamant in their rejection of truth that it would be foolish to waste any more time in seeking to persuade them otherwise. Invest your time with those who rejoice in truth (v. 48). Sometimes the opposition is so intense that God’s will may be to shake dust from your feet “in protest against them,” thereby indicating not tolerating their obstinacy any longer (vv. 51-52). Envy is a powerful motivating factor in animosity and division against you (v. 45). If the Lord
THE GOSPEL MESSAGE BEING PROCLAIMED IN . . . CAPITALS IN PARTICULAR, IS THE RIGHTFUL BUSINESS OF GOD’S PEOPLE.
Barnabas’ hometown was Salamis, the first city to be evangelized. The ordering of names indicates Barnabas was the leader of the missionary team. Departing from Salamis, the team arrived at the capital of the island: Paphos (vv. 6-12). There “they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,” an intelligent man who had authority over the island of Cyprus (vv. 6-7). Sergius Paulus “summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God” (v. 7).
God has called you to the capitol community, with the support of fellow believers, you can proclaim the Word of Truth (John 17:17) anywhere and witness God’s sovereign grace prevail in all contexts. Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
About Capitol Commission Romans 10:14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” If we desire anyone, including government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone. Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel of God’s grace brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry!
The magician opposed the message (cf. Matt 13:24-30, 36-43; 1 Cor 16:9), was rebuked by Saul, and stricken with temporary blindness (Acts 13:8-11). The proconsul was “amazed at the teaching of the Lord” and believed that message (v. 12). From this point, “Saul” would be known only as “Paul” (the same “Paulus” by which the proconsul was known). Apparently, the conversion of Sergius Paulus was a momentous occasion in the life of Saul and the mission team. Obeying his capitol commission, Saul had led Jews and Gentiles to faith in Christ Jesus, and now converted his first “king.” Saul then adopted the name Paul, from the first king he led to Christ, and was then known by that name for the remainder of his life and ministry.
Capitol Commission is a non-profit missionary organization, funded entirely by contributions from businesses, churches, and individuals. If you would like to partner with Capitol Commission Georgia with your talents, time, or treasure, please contact us by email, mail, or phone; or, visit online at http://capitolcom.org/georgia/donate.
Bible study copies made by:
this week’s ministry outreach sponsored by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION (INTERIM) BIBLE STUDY:
!
Tuesday, 3rd of April @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP (the 1st Tuesday of each month, during interim)
!
http://www.kennickell.com
!
Capitol Commission Georgia www.capitolcom.org / www.pray1Tim2.org
Knowing Your Identity
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected]
for $40,000. Obviously, the telegraph people did not comprehend the identity of their business.
Members’ Bible Fellowship
• TUESDAY @ 7:15AM in 125 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Study • TUESDAYS @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are held every Tuesday. The weekly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. Having completed a brief series of Bible studies in Proverbs, we will now resume the Bible study in the book of Acts (which we began during last year’s legislative interim). For the duration of the 2018 session, we will continue having Bible studies every week on Tuesdays. During the legislative session, Capitol Commission provides an open-to-all Bible study every Tuesday from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP, and the 1 st Tuesday of the month during the legislative interim. Since this Wednesday is not a legislative day and due to sine die on Thursday, the final members’ only Bible Fellowship will be Tuesday from 7:15-8:00am in 125 CAP. I pray that this study will be edifying to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, and to be a resource to you for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. The present study in the Word of God is just one aspect of the desire to serve you. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission Bible Studies are
Tuesday, 27 March 2018 Acts 13 – “Knowing Your Identity” An article in the Harvard Business Review titled “Market Myopia” discussed how some people did not understand the nature of their business. For example, the railroad people did not realize they worked in the transportation business; they imagined they labored in the railroad business. If they had realized their industry was the transportation business, the railroad people would have invested in the airplane. Similarly, the telegraph people believed they worked in the telegraph business rather than understanding correctly that their industry was the communications business. In 1886 (maybe add or minus a few years), they could have purchased all the telephone patents
We would rightly conclude that it is foolish not to know the nature of one’s business. Ask yourself though, “What is your industry?” What is the nature of civil government? The Bible reveals that it is divinely ordained and thus every governing authority “is a minster of God” (Rom 13:1, 4). How does that insight affect your perspective toward the General Assembly? What if we asked that question of God’s people as a whole? What is the purpose of the church? Are the people of God to be engaged in entertainment, recreation, or the transformation of souls for eternity? Why did God reveal the Bible? Is the essential quality of God’s inspired Word best understood as devotional, intellectual, or transformational? What difference is there in how a person answers these questions? God’s people are always in danger of meandering into a maintenance mentality of their identity when viewing themselves as members of a religious club whose priority is to preserve hallowed traditions, and thereby neglect the transformational message of God’s Word for individuals, society, and nations. The book of Acts itself is a persistent indictment upon mere maintenance oriented Christianity; it is an unrelenting goad that encourages and stimulates God’s people to intensify their actions and attitudes to promote God’s glory among the nations.
INTENSIFYING ACTIONS (Acts 13:1-43) From the initial formation of the nations (Gen 10), God has strategically proclaimed his name and his redemption to all the nations. For instance, God used the prophet Daniel (also one of the greatest statesmen in the Bible) to cause the king to praise Him as sovereign. Not only did Darius personally exalt God, but also he ordered the citizenry of the entire empire “to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; for He is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion will be forever” (Dan 6:26). The primary business of God’s people is to heed the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) in promoting God’s glory among the nations. The Great Commission only has one primary verb, “disciple” (all the other verbs are participles), and there is only one direct object, “all the nations.” Worthwhile to note also is that the Greek word used for “nations” is ethnos (“people groups or nations”) not laos (“people as individuals). The Great Commission embraces entire nations rather than indicating individuals among them. In other words, Christ’s Great Commission requires his followers to think first nationally, rather than individually. Discipling the nations is the foundational component of the church’s interaction with the world. The church needs to disciple the nations by reaching its leaders.
Members’ Bible Fellowship Tuesday (27th of February) @ 7:15am – 8:00am, 125 CAP
Capitol Commission Bible Study
Tuesday (27th of February) @ 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (ministry sponsorship of Capitol Commission Georgia by McGuire Woods)
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
The narrative in Acts returns to the church at Antioch where “those who were scattered because of the persecution” in Jerusalem were heeding the Great Commission by strategically targeting capitals of the nations (11:19). “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord” (v. 21). Acts 12 ended with Barnabas and Saul returning from Jerusalem, where they had fulfilled their mission in delivering the relief contribution for those affected by the great famine. John Mark was also with them.
“Paul and his companions” departed from Paphos “and came to Perga,” the capital city of Pamphylia, “but John left them and returned to Jerusalem” (v. 13). John Mark was possibly resentful toward Paul’s leadership in place of his cousin, Barnabas, yet there is no reason to make judgment of him (cf. 1 Cor 10:12). Opportunities develop leadership, and the most important aspect of the team effort was God being glorified. OPPORTUNTIES DEVELOP LEADERSHIP. . . .
Acts 13 begins the missionary emphasis of the church, resulting in the planting of many churches in the Gentile world. God equips people devoted to Him. If you want the Lord’s guidance first serve where He has you currently, and God will make the next venture evident (13:1-3). The first missionary team was sent to Salamis, the largest city of Cyprus (v. 4), and then to Paphos, where the first “king,” Sergius Paulos,” was converted to faith in Christ Jesus; thereafter, the team continued to evangelize capitals, based upon Saul’s “capitol commissioning” (9:15). The success was so great that when approximately half of the capital cities of Paul’s missionary journeys were evangelized, the opposition complained, “‘These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (17:6, ESV). The gospel message being proclaimed in Gentile territory, and capitals in particular, is the rightful business of God’s people.
Paul preached his first biblically recorded sermon at Pisidian Antioch, the capital of southern Galatia (Acts 13:14-41). Making the truth known that God is always providing more and more good for his people, which culminated in the giving of his Son (the ultimate Good) (vv. 23-39), was the foundation of Paul’s message. The immediate results proved successful (vv. 42-43).
INTENSIFYING ATTITUDES (Acts 13:44-52) Proclamation of the truth will always result in diverse reactions. Some will receive the truth with readiness (vv. 43-44, 48-49), while others will reject it entirely (Luke 8:12), and still others in their refusal will incite opposition of some kind (Acts 13:45-47, 50). Many believed the gospel message and it spread throughout their region (vv. 48-49). Recognize that some people are so adamant in their rejection of truth that it would be foolish to waste any more time in seeking to persuade them otherwise. Invest your time with those who rejoice in truth (v. 48). Sometimes the opposition is so intense that God’s will may be to shake dust from your feet “in protest against them,” thereby indicating not tolerating their obstinacy any longer (vv. 51-52). Envy is a powerful motivating factor in animosity and division against you (v. 45). If the Lord
THE GOSPEL MESSAGE BEING PROCLAIMED IN . . . CAPITALS IN PARTICULAR, IS THE RIGHTFUL BUSINESS OF GOD’S PEOPLE.
Barnabas’ hometown was Salamis, the first city to be evangelized. The ordering of names indicates Barnabas was the leader of the missionary team. Departing from Salamis, the team arrived at the capital of the island: Paphos (vv. 6-12). There “they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,” an intelligent man who had authority over the island of Cyprus (vv. 6-7). Sergius Paulus “summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God” (v. 7).
God has called you to the capitol community, with the support of fellow believers, you can proclaim the Word of Truth (John 17:17) anywhere and witness God’s sovereign grace prevail in all contexts. Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the honor in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
About Capitol Commission Romans 10:14-15 affirms, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent. . . ?” If we desire anyone, including government leaders, to (5) call upon the Lord and to seek Him and his Word for life decisions, they must prior to that (4) believe in Him, which means they must previously have (3) heard the Word of God, which means prior to that someone needs to (2) preach to them, which requires that others have first (1) sent someone. Capitol Commission is committed to the second part: preaching the good news of salvation, yet this cannot occur without someone doing the first part: sending. All funding and prayer for this work comes from people who want the light of the gospel of God’s grace brought into our State Capitol. As you do #1 and we do #2, we can rejoice together as the Lord accomplishes in the Capitol what only He can produce in someone: #3, #4, and #5. What an exciting co-mission! Please join us in this ministry!
The magician opposed the message (cf. Matt 13:24-30, 36-43; 1 Cor 16:9), was rebuked by Saul, and stricken with temporary blindness (Acts 13:8-11). The proconsul was “amazed at the teaching of the Lord” and believed that message (v. 12). From this point, “Saul” would be known only as “Paul” (the same “Paulus” by which the proconsul was known). Apparently, the conversion of Sergius Paulus was a momentous occasion in the life of Saul and the mission team. Obeying his capitol commission, Saul had led Jews and Gentiles to faith in Christ Jesus, and now converted his first “king.” Saul then adopted the name Paul, from the first king he led to Christ, and was then known by that name for the remainder of his life and ministry.
Capitol Commission is a non-profit missionary organization, funded entirely by contributions from businesses, churches, and individuals. If you would like to partner with Capitol Commission Georgia with your talents, time, or treasure, please contact us by email, mail, or phone; or, visit online at http://capitolcom.org/georgia/donate.
Bible study copies made by:
this week’s ministry outreach sponsored by:
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION (INTERIM) BIBLE STUDY:
!
Tuesday, 3rd of April @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP (the 1st Tuesday of each month, during interim)
!
http://www.kennickell.com
!
