Dear Neighbor,
This morning I began to read the Acts of the Apostles. John following Luke is most confusing because Luke and Acts have the same author and were meant to go together. The New Testament is setup with the four gospels at the front, followed by the book of Acts, then the apostles letters to the churches and concludes with the Revelation of Jesus Christ; therefore, most people read the Scriptures in that order. But to read Acts after reading Luke is the way that it was originally written. Am I saying that the order in the Bible is wrong? No, that is not what I am saying at all. The Bible is a library and just like any good librarian would do, the books are put together into categories.
I also find it interesting that people read their belief’s into the text. The first Christian sermon, preached by the apostle Peter at Pentecost is a good example: In Acts 2:37-39, the men that Peter had just preached the gospel too were convicted and asked the apostles: Brethren, what shall we do? Peter said to them, Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.
A baptist will read this text and say, See, baptism follows faith. Someone from the Church of Christ will read it and say, See, you receive the Holy Spirit when you are baptized. A Presbyterian will read this text and say, See, it is both believers and their children who should be baptized. I think in every instance the focus is in the wrong place. The focus is repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ. The focus should not be on baptism or receiving the Spirit but repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. I believe that if ones focus is on what the author is saying, rather than trying to find a proof text for ones belief, then the text can be properly understood.
So, repent of your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins! This is a promise for everyone!
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
