The Unexpected - Capitol Commission
Tuesday, 5th of December 2017
Capitol Commission Georgia
The Unexpected
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY
monthly (interim) schedule first Tuesday of the month TUESDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2017 12 NOON in 123 CAP Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Studies are held the first Tuesday of each month at 12 Noon, in accordance with the Public Service Commission devotional at 9:55am. The monthly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. The current Bible study is the continuation of an exposition in the first part of the book of Acts (chs. 1—12). For archives of past Bible studies (beginning with 2010), please visit http://www. capitolcom.org/georgia/studies. We will be studying the book of Galatians during the 2018 legislative session, with weekly Bible studies beginning on Tuesday, 9th of January, and will continue weekly on the same day of the week. Two times will be available for Bible study: (1) a legislative fellowship time of pastoral attention and prayer from 7:30-8:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, as a resource for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. The present Bible study is just one aspect of that desire to serve. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study is
Tuesday, 5 December 2017 Acts 9:1—10:23 – “The Unexpected” A full-page advertisement in the New York Times, which was placed by Columbia University years ago, and which has been printed several times, announced seven graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. The seven fields were listed in bold type across the page: American Studies, Ancient Studies, East Asian Studies,
Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Medieval Studies, and South Asian Studies. Richard John Neuhaus found it noteworthy that Christianity was not included. He considered four possible reasons for the omission and settled upon one “larger reason” having “to do with the secular ethos of the modern university.” Nervousness is caused by the awareness that there are an awful lot of people who really believe in Christianity. The university is a cosmopolitan space where “religious traditions” can be subjected to critical examination but are not to be taught as though they might be, well, you know, true. Even in religious studies departments, faculty members who are Hindus, Buddhists, and believers in Mystical Crystals can quite openly profess their faith. Muslims and, usually, Jews can, too. Nobody raises a question about their “proselytizing.” Not so with Christians. The fear is that Christianity might be taken altogether too seriously. The absence of Christian Studies in the Columbia program, it turns out, is not an insult to Christianity. Those of other faiths, however, might have reason to be offended [Richard John Neuhas, “Pop Goes the Culture” (article online) (First Things, June 1991, accessed 31 October 2017) available from https://www.firstthings.com/ article/1991/06/pop-goes-the-culture].
The ever-present discrimination and prejudice against the Christian faith is an unintended compliment. To grant a fair consideration of the true claims of Christianity makes secular people nervous which is true not only because there are many people who actually believe that the Holy Bible is true, but also because they know that God’s truth is binding upon all. The Bible teaches that all humanity has “sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). In response to universal human sinfulness, God “gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Many who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior believe the most loving response to biblical revelation and the lost condition of humanity is to pray, witness, and live in such a manner that others will be persuaded to change their feelings and thoughts toward God, and to then become those who also believe in Christ Jesus. From the very beginning of its history, the Christian faith sought to convert those who have “sinned and fall short of the glory of God” through faith in Jesus Christ because “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved’” (Acts 4:12). Saul, who was first introduced in Acts 7 as a young Pharisee, regarded the Christian faith as a threat to his own religion, which is why he was “breathing threats and murders against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). Saul continued to persecute the church and to seek its destruction until a dramatic experience on the Damascus Road awoke him to faith in Jesus Christ. Saul later became the missionary Paul once the undeniable truth – regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ – overcame him.
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study Tuesday (5th of December) from 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (lunch provided from ministry partnership by Capitol Commission donors)
(next Capitol Commission Bible studies: 9th of January)
Tuesday, 5 December 2017 and could have easily included Lydda in his outreach when he traveled through nearby Joppa.
CHOSEN TO REACH KINGS (Acts 9:1-31) The conversion of a young rabbi from Tarsus (9:1-9, 17-19a) who zealously wanted to annihilate Christians was a decisive moment in the church’s history. God used several people to impact the life of Saul (cf. 1 Cor 3:5-9), which is a reminder not to forget the people who God used initially. The witness of Stephen was consequential (Acts 22:20) as were the prayers and testimonies of people who Paul persecuted (cf. Matt 5:44; 1 Pet 2:12).
As a result of a miraculous healing (vv. 32-35), Peter had an opportunity to proclaim the gospel, and many people from Lydda and the neighboring town of Sharon “turned to the Lord” (v. 35). Note that Peter credited the Lord for the healing (v. 34), which proves that everything believers do and say must be focused upon the name and power of Jesus. Never boast in what you are able to accomplish that is beneficial to someone else for all the glory belongs to God!
Matthew 5:44 – “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
You may not be called to tasks that are as prominent as others, yet be assured that God loves and uses ordinary individuals who can be a help and encouragement to others. The disciples who helped Paul escape (v. 25) and a woman generous in life and devout in death (v. 39) had great impact in the lives of others. Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (vv. 36-43), and the healing “became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord” (v. 42).
Note that God regards those who persecute his disciples as persecuting Him (Acts 9:4-5). Caution is prudent when attempting to engage in actions contrary to other believers (who may have differing perspectives) for one may find their efforts have been opposing the Lord. Jesus identified Himself unmistakably to Saul, which is why he could later speak with absolute certainty with regard to meeting the risen Lord. Today the witness of the apostles (as divinely recorded in the Bible) is sufficient for one to know Christ. SAUL WAS SPECIFICALLY COMMISSIONED EVANGELIZE GOVERNMENT LEADERS. . . .
CHOSEN FOR A NEW WORK
TO
Not only does God choose and commission people who will serve Him in a public and readily observable manner, but also He uses people who are not as prominent, such as Ananias (vv. 10-18). Jesus commissioned Saul through Ananias saying, “he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel” (Acts 9:15). “Gentiles” and the “sons of Israel” included all humanity; yet, in addition, Saul was specifically commissioned to evangelize government leaders (“kings”). Kings were one of the three people groups that God called Saul to evangelize. Therefore, since capitol cities were the only locale in which all three groups could be identified, it was only natural for Saul’s ministry to be in capitals. Indeed, the provincial capital of Syria was Damascus, which is where Saul began his ministry (vv. 19b-31).
CHOSEN TO RESTORE
(Acts 10:1-23) Acts 9:43 locates Peter on the maritime plain, approximately 30 miles south of Cornelius at Caesarea. Peter used “the keys of the kingdom” (Matt 16:19) for the final time as he introduced the gospel of grace, which is ministered by the Holy Spirit (who is also outpoured upon believers in the church age). God is always wise in choosing those to accomplish his work; therefore, the Lord’s people should expect the unexpected in the outworking of his purposes. God prepared Cornelius for his work by speaking to him while he was praying (vv. 1-8), and readied Peter while he was relaxing (vv. 9-16). Learn to be attentive to God’s leading (cf. Rom 8:14). “By no means, Lord” (v. 14) is an oxymoron for “no” and “Lord” never belong together. Peter needed to understand the new work God was accomplishing, and the Lord tenderly instructed his disciple so he would be surrendered to his will (vv. 17-23). The lesson here is evident: never dare refuse anyone or anything that God has chosen to bring into our lives. Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
(Acts 9:32-43) The remaining verses of Acts 9 are a prelude to the tenth chapter. Peter’s ministry at Lydda was certainly possible because the persecuted Christians described at the beginning of Acts 8 proclaimed the gospel message wherever they went. What is more likely is that people in Lydda became believers as a result of the evangelism of Philip, who journeyed from Gaza in the south to Caesarea in the north,
Who Is Capitol Commission? Capitol Commission state ministers are pastors-missionaries who teach weekly verse-by-verse Bible studies for legislators, lobbyists, and staff members. The Bible studies are hand-distributed to each legislative office, emailed, and made available throughout the Capitol community. Capitol Commission is a ministry of the church seeking to proclaim the gospel message, and to help believers mature through verse-by-verse Bible teaching. In the Bible, we see God’s love for the world, especially those who have been placed in authority. This is the foundation for our ministry to you.
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES: TUESDAY, 9TH OF JANUARY @ 7:30am in 123 CAP and again (with lunch) @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
Capitol Commission Georgia
The Unexpected
Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected]
CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY
monthly (interim) schedule first Tuesday of the month TUESDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2017 12 NOON in 123 CAP Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Studies are held the first Tuesday of each month at 12 Noon, in accordance with the Public Service Commission devotional at 9:55am. The monthly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational. The current Bible study is the continuation of an exposition in the first part of the book of Acts (chs. 1—12). For archives of past Bible studies (beginning with 2010), please visit http://www. capitolcom.org/georgia/studies. We will be studying the book of Galatians during the 2018 legislative session, with weekly Bible studies beginning on Tuesday, 9th of January, and will continue weekly on the same day of the week. Two times will be available for Bible study: (1) a legislative fellowship time of pastoral attention and prayer from 7:30-8:00am in 123 CAP; and, (2) an open-to-all Bible study from 12:00-12:45pm in 123 CAP (where ministry sponsors provide lunch). I pray that this study will be edifying to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, as a resource for pastoral care, counsel, and prayer. The present Bible study is just one aspect of that desire to serve. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study is
Tuesday, 5 December 2017 Acts 9:1—10:23 – “The Unexpected” A full-page advertisement in the New York Times, which was placed by Columbia University years ago, and which has been printed several times, announced seven graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. The seven fields were listed in bold type across the page: American Studies, Ancient Studies, East Asian Studies,
Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Medieval Studies, and South Asian Studies. Richard John Neuhaus found it noteworthy that Christianity was not included. He considered four possible reasons for the omission and settled upon one “larger reason” having “to do with the secular ethos of the modern university.” Nervousness is caused by the awareness that there are an awful lot of people who really believe in Christianity. The university is a cosmopolitan space where “religious traditions” can be subjected to critical examination but are not to be taught as though they might be, well, you know, true. Even in religious studies departments, faculty members who are Hindus, Buddhists, and believers in Mystical Crystals can quite openly profess their faith. Muslims and, usually, Jews can, too. Nobody raises a question about their “proselytizing.” Not so with Christians. The fear is that Christianity might be taken altogether too seriously. The absence of Christian Studies in the Columbia program, it turns out, is not an insult to Christianity. Those of other faiths, however, might have reason to be offended [Richard John Neuhas, “Pop Goes the Culture” (article online) (First Things, June 1991, accessed 31 October 2017) available from https://www.firstthings.com/ article/1991/06/pop-goes-the-culture].
The ever-present discrimination and prejudice against the Christian faith is an unintended compliment. To grant a fair consideration of the true claims of Christianity makes secular people nervous which is true not only because there are many people who actually believe that the Holy Bible is true, but also because they know that God’s truth is binding upon all. The Bible teaches that all humanity has “sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). In response to universal human sinfulness, God “gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Many who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior believe the most loving response to biblical revelation and the lost condition of humanity is to pray, witness, and live in such a manner that others will be persuaded to change their feelings and thoughts toward God, and to then become those who also believe in Christ Jesus. From the very beginning of its history, the Christian faith sought to convert those who have “sinned and fall short of the glory of God” through faith in Jesus Christ because “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved’” (Acts 4:12). Saul, who was first introduced in Acts 7 as a young Pharisee, regarded the Christian faith as a threat to his own religion, which is why he was “breathing threats and murders against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). Saul continued to persecute the church and to seek its destruction until a dramatic experience on the Damascus Road awoke him to faith in Jesus Christ. Saul later became the missionary Paul once the undeniable truth – regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ – overcame him.
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study Tuesday (5th of December) from 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP (lunch provided from ministry partnership by Capitol Commission donors)
(next Capitol Commission Bible studies: 9th of January)
Tuesday, 5 December 2017 and could have easily included Lydda in his outreach when he traveled through nearby Joppa.
CHOSEN TO REACH KINGS (Acts 9:1-31) The conversion of a young rabbi from Tarsus (9:1-9, 17-19a) who zealously wanted to annihilate Christians was a decisive moment in the church’s history. God used several people to impact the life of Saul (cf. 1 Cor 3:5-9), which is a reminder not to forget the people who God used initially. The witness of Stephen was consequential (Acts 22:20) as were the prayers and testimonies of people who Paul persecuted (cf. Matt 5:44; 1 Pet 2:12).
As a result of a miraculous healing (vv. 32-35), Peter had an opportunity to proclaim the gospel, and many people from Lydda and the neighboring town of Sharon “turned to the Lord” (v. 35). Note that Peter credited the Lord for the healing (v. 34), which proves that everything believers do and say must be focused upon the name and power of Jesus. Never boast in what you are able to accomplish that is beneficial to someone else for all the glory belongs to God!
Matthew 5:44 – “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
You may not be called to tasks that are as prominent as others, yet be assured that God loves and uses ordinary individuals who can be a help and encouragement to others. The disciples who helped Paul escape (v. 25) and a woman generous in life and devout in death (v. 39) had great impact in the lives of others. Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (vv. 36-43), and the healing “became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord” (v. 42).
Note that God regards those who persecute his disciples as persecuting Him (Acts 9:4-5). Caution is prudent when attempting to engage in actions contrary to other believers (who may have differing perspectives) for one may find their efforts have been opposing the Lord. Jesus identified Himself unmistakably to Saul, which is why he could later speak with absolute certainty with regard to meeting the risen Lord. Today the witness of the apostles (as divinely recorded in the Bible) is sufficient for one to know Christ. SAUL WAS SPECIFICALLY COMMISSIONED EVANGELIZE GOVERNMENT LEADERS. . . .
CHOSEN FOR A NEW WORK
TO
Not only does God choose and commission people who will serve Him in a public and readily observable manner, but also He uses people who are not as prominent, such as Ananias (vv. 10-18). Jesus commissioned Saul through Ananias saying, “he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel” (Acts 9:15). “Gentiles” and the “sons of Israel” included all humanity; yet, in addition, Saul was specifically commissioned to evangelize government leaders (“kings”). Kings were one of the three people groups that God called Saul to evangelize. Therefore, since capitol cities were the only locale in which all three groups could be identified, it was only natural for Saul’s ministry to be in capitals. Indeed, the provincial capital of Syria was Damascus, which is where Saul began his ministry (vv. 19b-31).
CHOSEN TO RESTORE
(Acts 10:1-23) Acts 9:43 locates Peter on the maritime plain, approximately 30 miles south of Cornelius at Caesarea. Peter used “the keys of the kingdom” (Matt 16:19) for the final time as he introduced the gospel of grace, which is ministered by the Holy Spirit (who is also outpoured upon believers in the church age). God is always wise in choosing those to accomplish his work; therefore, the Lord’s people should expect the unexpected in the outworking of his purposes. God prepared Cornelius for his work by speaking to him while he was praying (vv. 1-8), and readied Peter while he was relaxing (vv. 9-16). Learn to be attentive to God’s leading (cf. Rom 8:14). “By no means, Lord” (v. 14) is an oxymoron for “no” and “Lord” never belong together. Peter needed to understand the new work God was accomplishing, and the Lord tenderly instructed his disciple so he would be surrendered to his will (vv. 17-23). The lesson here is evident: never dare refuse anyone or anything that God has chosen to bring into our lives. Thank you for allowing Capitol Commission the nobility in providing Bible studies to you. If we can serve you in any manner, please talk with us, or contact by email or phone.
(Acts 9:32-43) The remaining verses of Acts 9 are a prelude to the tenth chapter. Peter’s ministry at Lydda was certainly possible because the persecuted Christians described at the beginning of Acts 8 proclaimed the gospel message wherever they went. What is more likely is that people in Lydda became believers as a result of the evangelism of Philip, who journeyed from Gaza in the south to Caesarea in the north,
Who Is Capitol Commission? Capitol Commission state ministers are pastors-missionaries who teach weekly verse-by-verse Bible studies for legislators, lobbyists, and staff members. The Bible studies are hand-distributed to each legislative office, emailed, and made available throughout the Capitol community. Capitol Commission is a ministry of the church seeking to proclaim the gospel message, and to help believers mature through verse-by-verse Bible teaching. In the Bible, we see God’s love for the world, especially those who have been placed in authority. This is the foundation for our ministry to you.
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDIES: TUESDAY, 9TH OF JANUARY @ 7:30am in 123 CAP and again (with lunch) @ 12 NOON in 123 CAP
