8/6/14

From Mark Copeland... The 2000 At Solomon's Porch (Acts 3:1-4:4)

                   "CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                 The 2000 At Solomon's Porch (3:1-4:4)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson, we considered the conversion of "The 3000 On
   Pentecost"...
   a. Precipitated by the outpouring of the Spirit - Ac 2:1-21
   b. Where Peter proclaimed the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus
      - Ac 2:22-36
   c. In which 3000 souls responded to the gospel commands to repent
      and be baptized - Ac 2:37-41

2. The next example of conversion in Acts is one often overlooked...
   a. Many charts listing examples of conversions in the Book of Acts
      do not include it
   b. Perhaps because little is said about those converted, other than
      "many of those who heard the word believed" - cf. Ac 4:4

3. But since our purpose includes looking at the sermons which led 
   people to Christ, we should certainly consider...
   a. Peter's second gospel sermon, proclaimed on Solomon's Porch in 
      the temple court
   b. A sermon that led 2000 more people to believe in Jesus Christ! 
      - cf. Ac 4:4

[As we did in the previous study, let's begin with...]

I. THE BACKGROUND OF THE CONVERSION

   A. PETER AND JOHN HAD GONE TO THE TEMPLE - Ac 3:1
      1. Christians had been gathering daily in the temple - Ac 2:46
      2. Peter and John arrived at the "hour of prayer, the ninth hour"
         (3 p.m.)

   B. A MAN LAME FROM BIRTH HAD BEEN HEALED - Ac 3:2-8
      1. Who was left daily at the gate of the temple called
         "Beautiful" - Ac 3:2-3
         a. To ask alms from the people entering the temple
         b. Who asked Peter and John for alms
      2. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth 
         - Ac 3:4-8
         a. The lame man expected alms
         b. But Peter offered him something much better than silver or
            gold!
         c. The miracle was immediate and total!

   C. A CROWD HAD GATHERED - Ac 3:9-11
      1. Drawn by the scene of the man walking, praising God; one they
         knew had been lame from birth - Ac 3:9-10
      2. Amazed and wondering, they gathered in the porch called 
         Solomon's - Ac 3:11

[The similarity to the events in Acts 2 are apparent. A miraculous 
event occurs, it attracts the attention of the people.  As before,
Peter uses the opportunity to proclaim Jesus...]

II. THE SERMON AND ITS RESPONSE

   A. JESUS IS PROCLAIMED, AS THE MIRACLE IS EXPLAINED...
      1. Peter explains the true source of the miracle - Ac 3:12-16
         a. It was not by the power or godliness of Peter and John 
            themselves
         b. It was through faith in the One whom the people killed!
            1) God's Servant, Jesus...
               a) Whom the God of their fathers had glorified!
               b) Whom they had delivered up and denied in the presence
                  of Pilate!
               -- Calling Jesus God's "Servant" may be an allusion to
                  Isa 52:13-53:12
            2) The Holy One, The Just, The Prince of Life...
               a) Whom they denied, asking for a murderer to be 
                  released in his stead!
               b) Whom God raised from the dead, as seen by witnesses!
               -- Calling Jesus by these terms emphasized His true 
                  person and power
         c. It was through faith in His name that the lame man was 
            healed; note, however...
            1) It was Peter and John's faith in Jesus, not the lame 
               man's faith
            2) For the lame man had not expected a miracle, but silver
               or gold
      2. Peter acknowledges their ignorance, but still calls upon them
         to repent - Ac 3:17-26
         a. He recognizes that they and their rulers acted in ignorance
         b. That what happened was...
            1) Foretold through God's prophets
            2) Fulfilling God's predetermined plan - cf. Ac 2:23
         c. Yet ignorance is no excuse, so they must "repent and be
            converted" - Ac 3:19
         d. Several reasons to so respond are given - Ac 3:19-26
            1) That "your sins may be blotted out"
               a) Alluding to the ancient practice of erasing mistakes
                  made on papyrus
               b) I.e., another way to describe the remission of sins
                  through Jesus' blood
            2) That "times of refreshing may come from the presence of
               the Lord"
               a) Here is a positive counterpart to the remission of 
                  sins (Stott)
               b) God provides more than just remission of sins, but
                  refreshment for our spirits (Stott)
            3) That God "may send Jesus Christ" (a reference to His 
               second coming)
               a) Who was preached to them before (via the prophets)
               b) Whom heaven must receive until the times of 
                  restoration of all things (of which the prophets of 
                  God had also spoken)
                  1] As an example of the prophets who had spoken, 
                     Moses is quoted
                  2] Others since Samuel have likewise told of these 
                     days
            4) They were "sons of the prophets, and of the covenant"
               God made with their fathers
               a) A covenant made with Abraham, to bless the world in 
                  his seed
               b) A promise fulfilled by God through His Servant Jesus,
                  Whom He raised
                  1] Who was sent by God to bless them
                  2] To bless them by turning them away from their sins

   B. THE RESPONSE TO PETER'S SERMON...
      1. A negative response by the religious leaders - Ac 4:1-3
         a. They were greatly disturbed, because in preaching Jesus, 
            Peter preached the resurrection of the dead
         b. The Sadducees in particular denied the idea of a bodily 
            resurrection - Ac 23:6-9
         c. So they had Peter and John placed in custody for trial the
            next day
      2. A positive response by many who heard - Ac 4:4
         a. Many who heard the word "believed"
         b. As many as two thousand men accepted the preaching of 
            Peter!

[The power of the gospel to convict the hearts of men continues to be 
seen, though with some the effect appears to be a hardening of their 
hearts.  As we focus on the sermon and its response, what can we glean
from this example of conversion?]

III. AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONVERSION

   A. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING PETER'S SERMON...
      1. Again we note the Christ-centeredness of Peter's preaching
         a. As in his sermon on Pentecost
         b. While explaining the miracle, he directs their attention to
            Jesus, not the sign
      2. Again Peter's main theme is the resurrection and exaltation of
         Jesus - Ac 3:13-15
         a. The One they killed, God raised from the dead
         b. The One they killed, God has glorified
      3. Yet Peter also introduces a new element...
         a. The coming of Jesus from heaven!
         b. Jesus is coming again! - Ac 3:20-21
      4. The sermon's climax is the call to "repent therefore, and be
         converted" - Ac 3:19
         a. From this we learn that repentance and conversion are not
            same thing
            1) Otherwise, Peter was redundant
            2) I.e., he would have been saying "repent and repent"
         b. Repent (metanoeo) means "a change of mind"
            1) True repentance is brought on by "godly sorrow" - 2 Co 7:9
            2) Such repentance then leads one to "salvation" - 2Co 7:10
            -- Thus they were being called to change their minds 
               regarding Jesus and their sinful ways
         c. What is meant by "be converted"?
            1) The NKJV and KJV suggest a passive act, but the Greek is
               aorist active imperative, implying there is something we
               must do
               a) The key idea is to "turn" or "return"
               b) The NIV has "turn to God" and the NASB has "return"
               -- But how does one turn to God?
            2) Compare Peter's word's Ac 3:19 with Ac 2:38
               a) "Repent" (Ac 2:38) and "Repent" (Ac 3:19)
               b) "Be baptized" (Ac 2:38) and "Be converted" (Ac 3:19)
            3) Could Peter be referring to baptism when he says "be 
               converted"?
               a) When one submits to baptism, they so do with an 
                  appeal for a clear conscience - cf. 1Pe 3:21
               b) In baptism they are calling upon the name of the Lord
                  - Ac 22:16
            -- Therefore I believe the call to "turn" likely involved
               baptism       
      5. The blessings promised are similar to those found in the first
         sermon
         a. There is the forgiveness of sins...
            1) Described as the "remission of sins" in the first 
               sermon - Ac 2:38
            2) Described now as having one's sins "blotted out" - Ac 3:19
         b. There is the positive counterpart to the remission of
            sins...
            1) Described as "the gift of the Holy Spirit" in the first
               sermon - Ac 2:38-39
            2) Described now as "the times of refreshing...from the
               presence of the Lord" - Ac 3:19
            3) I understand Peter to refer to the same thing...
               a) I.e., the Spirit as a gift to the Christian - Ac 5:
                  32; Ga 4:6; Ep 1:13-14
               b) Whom Jesus promised as a refreshing blessing - Jn 7:
                  37-39; cf. also Jn 4:10-14
      6. In this sermon we find a warning
         a. In the first sermon Peter pleaded with the people to "be
            saved from this perverse generation" - Ac 2:40
         b. Now we find a reason why, with Moses' prophecy: "every soul
            who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed
            from among the people" - Ac 3:23

   B. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE RESPONSE...
      1. As mentioned in the introduction, little is said, other than 
         many "believed" - Ac 4:4
      2. Are we to conclude from this that was all they did?
         a. Did they not also "repent"?
         b. Did they not also "turn"?
      3. I think it fair to conclude that the term "believed" 
         encompassed more than simply an acceptance of the facts that 
         had been proclaimed
         a. That it involved a complete reception of the message 
            preached
         b. That it included an obedience to whatever conditions had 
            been proclaimed by the apostles (such as repentance, 
            turning, baptism)
         c. That just as faith was not explicitly mentioned in the
            first sermon, but is fairly inferred, so also with baptism
            here

   C. LESSONS FOR TODAY...
      1. When preaching the gospel...
         a. We must not lose the Christ-centeredness of our focus
            1) That includes preaching his death, resurrection and 
               glorification
            2) That Jesus provides more than just the forgiveness of 
               sin; but as the Prince of Life, He is the source of 
               every spiritual blessing from above - cf. Ep 1:3
            3) That preaching Christ includes preaching His return from
               heaven, for He is coming again!
         b. The clarion call of the gospel is one of repentance!
            1) Faith and baptism are certainly important even essential
            2) Yet repentance was an important theme of preaching by:
               a) John the Baptist - Mt 3:1-2
               b) Jesus - Mt 4:17; Lk 13:3,5
               -- And now by the apostles - Ac 2:38; 3:19; cf. Lk 24:
                  47; Ac 20:21
      2. When people respond to the gospel, we should expect to see...
         a. A change of mind (repentance), brought about by "godly 
            sorrow" - cf. 2Co 7:9-10
         b. A change of life, as they "turn" from their sins and "turn"
            to God - cf. 2Co 7:11
            1) Implied by the word "converted" (turn)
            2) A process that involves their baptism into Christ, in 
               which they die to sin and rise to walk in newness of 
               life - cf. Ro 6:3-7
         -- All of which can be summarized as having "believed"!

CONCLUSION

1. With this example of conversion, Peter continues to fulfill the 
   commission of his Lord...
   a. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15-16
   b. To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47

2. We saw that not all responded in the same way...
   a. Yes, 2000 heard the word and believed
   b. But some religious people with their preconceived ideas were 
      resistant to the gospel
   -- Sadly, many people today reject the apostolic preaching of the 
      gospel for similar reasons

I pray that such is not the case with you; that as we study the 
preaching of the apostles and responses to it, your heart will be open
to the Word of God.  Especially to this key verse in our study:

   "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted
   out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of
   the Lord" (Ac 3:19)

From Mark Copeland... The 3000 On Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41)

                   "CONVERSIONS IN THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                     The 3000 On Pentecost (2:1-41)

INTRODUCTION

1. The Book of Acts serves a unique role in the New Testament and the
   history of the church...
   a. It picks up where the gospels leave off, and provides a backdrop
      for the epistles
   b. It details the spread of the gospel, and expansion of the Lord's
      church
   c. It is the only record, inspired or otherwise, of the first thirty
      years of the church

2. Included in the historical record of Acts are many examples of
   conversions...
   a. In which we find the apostles and other preachers leading people
      to Christ
   b. In some cases we can read the very sermons used to proclaim the
      gospel
   c. We also have descriptions of what people were told to receive
      God's saving grace

3. The value of such examples of conversion cannot be overstated...
   a. For today we can hear or see many different "gospels" being
      proclaimed
   b. Even when the gospel facts are faithfully proclaimed, sometimes
      people are told to respond in a manner not found in the New
      Testament
   -- With the help of The Book of Acts, we can make sure that the
      gospel facts and commands are faithfully proclaimed!

4. In this series, we shall examine several examples of conversions as
   described in Acts...
   a. Noting the background of each conversion
   b. Considering the sermons proclaimed and the responses to them
   c. Analyzing the sermons and responses, seeking to glean the
      elements of the gospel message and what response to expect of
      those coming to Christ

[In this study, we start with the first example of conversion, "The
3000 On Pentecost", as recorded in Acts 2.  As we begin, let's do so
with...]

I. THE BACKGROUND OF THE CONVERSION

   A. IT WAS THE DAY OF PENTECOST - Ac 2:1
      1. An annual Jewish feast, celebrated 50 days after the
         presentation of the firstfruits
      2. One in which Jews would travel great distances to attend - Ac 2:5

   B. THE SPIRIT FELL ON THE APOSTLES - Ac 2:2-13
      1. As promised by John and Jesus - Ac 1:4-5; cf. Lk 24:49
      2. Accompanied by audible and visual signs...
         a. A sound as of a mighty rushing wind - Ac 2:2
         b. Divided tongues as of fire sitting upon each of them - Ac 2:3
      3. Enabling the apostles to speak in foreign languages - Ac 2:
         4-11
         a. Every man heard them speak in his own language - Ac 2:6,11
         b. That those who spoke were "Galileans" (Ac 2:7), suggesting
            the apostles
            1) For the apostles were from Galilee
            2) Whereas the 120 disciples were from all over Palestine
      4. The reaction of the crowd was mixed - Ac 2:12-13
         a. Some were amazed and perplexed
         b. Others mocked, accusing the apostles of being drunk

   C. PETER EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED - Ac 2:14-21
      1. It was too early for them to be drunk - Ac 2:14-15
      2. Rather, it was a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy - Ac 2:16-21
         a. Found in Joel 2:28-32
         b. In which God promised to pour out of His Spirit on all
            flesh

[So we find a large gathering of religious people initially drawn by
the miraculous events which occurred this day in Jerusalem.  Having
explained the meaning of the events, Peter immediately proceeded with
the first recorded gospel sermon...]

II. THE SERMON AND ITS RESPONSE

   A. JESUS IS PROCLAIMED...
      1. Peter began with the life and miracles of Jesus, with which
         his audience was well acquainted - Ac 2:22
      2. He laid the blame of Jesus' death at their feet, but said it
         was in keeping with God's predetermined plan - Ac 2:23
      3. He declared that God raised Jesus from the dead, and provided
         three lines of evidence - Ac 2:24-35
         a. The testimony of David - Ac 2:25-31
            1) Who prophesied of the resurrection of God's Anointed
               - Ps 16:8-11
            2) Who could not have been speaking of himself, but of
               Jesus
            -- Thus, the testimony of Scripture
         b. The testimony of the twelve apostles - Ac 2:32
            1) Who had to be eyewitnesses to qualify as apostles - cf.
               Ac 1:21-26
            2) With twelve witnesses, the demands of Scripture were
               overwhelmingly met ("by the mouth of two or three
               witnesses every word may be established.")
            -- Thus, the testimony of eyewitnesses
         c. The testimony of the Spirit's outpouring - Ac 2:33-35
            1) The outpouring of the Spirit was evidence of:
               a) Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God
               b) Christ receiving from the Father the promise of the
                  Spirit
            2) And so another prophecy of David was fulfilled - cf. Psa 110:1
            -- Thus, the testimony of the day's events
      4. Finally, Peter reached the climax of his sermon - Ac 2:36
         a. The Jesus they crucified, God had made...
            1) "Lord" (Ruler of all - cf. Mt 28:18)
            2) "Christ" (The Anointed One prophesied in Scripture)
         b. This fact they were to "know assuredly"
            1) To understand, to accept as fact
            2) To believe firmly

   B. THE RESPONSE TO PETER'S SERMON...
      1. The listeners were convicted - Ac 2:37
         a. They were "cut to the heart"
         b. They asked "what shall we do?"
      2. Peter replied with commands and a promise - Ac 2:38-39
         a. The commands to repent and be baptized for the remission of
            sins
         b. The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, a promise for
            "as many as the Lord our God will call"
      3. Luke then summarized what followed...
         a. Peter continued to offer testimony and exhortation - Ac 2:
            40
         b. Those who "gladly received his word were baptized" - Ac 2:
            41
         c. 3000 souls were "added" (later, we learn it was the Lord
            who was adding them to His church - cf. Ac 2:47)

[With this response to Peter's sermon, the Lord's church began in
Jerusalem (cf. Ac 2:42). It was an amazing day, in which 3000 souls
responded to the gospel of Christ. What can be gleaned from this
example of conversion?]

III. AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONVERSION

   A. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING PETER'S SERMON...
      1. Peter's focus was on the Word, not the signs and wonders
         a. His explanation of the miraculous was no more than a
            quotation from Joel
         b. Having explained the miraculous, he directed their
            attention to Jesus
      2. Peter's theme was the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus
         a. His life and death they knew
         b. It was His resurrection and exaltation to God's right hand
            that he sought to prove
      3. His main objective:  for them to accept Jesus as their Lord
         and Messiah (Christ)

   B. OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE RESPONSE...
      1. The reaction of the people is noteworthy: "cut to the heart"
         a. This shows the power of God's word to convict - cf. Ro 1:16
         b. While convicted, not all people will respond in the same
            way - cf. Ac 7:54
      2. The reply to their question ("what shall we do?") is also
         noteworthy
         a. Peter commanded them to "repent", which was what Jesus
            expected Him to say - cf. Lk 24:46-47
         b. Peter commanded them to "be baptized", which was also in
            keeping with what Jesus commanded the apostles - Mt 28:19;
            Mk 16:15-16
      3. The purpose of their baptism was explained: "for the remission
         of sins"
         a. The identical phrase was used by Jesus in Mt 26:28
         b. His blood was shed for many "for the remission of sins"
         c. In both cases, the preposition "for" means "with a view
            toward, in order to"
            1) Jesus shed His blood in order to provide remission of
               sins
            2) One is baptized in order to receive remission of sins
               (for in baptism we are baptized into Christ's death
               - cf. Ro 6:3-6)
      4. Those who are baptized were promised "the gift of the Spirit"
         a. I take the gift to be the Spirit Himself - cf. Ac 5:32
            1) Not something the Spirit gives (such as salvation or
               spiritual gifts)
            2) All who become Christians receive the Spirit - Ga 4:6;
               1Co 12:13
         b. The Spirit is therefore "the promise" referred to in verse
            39
            1) Who was promised by the Father and received by Christ
               - Ac 2:33
            2) Who was poured out by Christ on the day of Pentecost
               - Ac 2:33
            3) Thus poured out, one can now receive the "washing of
               regeneration and renewal of the Spirit" in baptism,
               resulting in justification - cf. Tit 3:5-7
      5. Those who were baptized were "added" to the church - Ac 2:41,
         47
         a. When one is baptized (i.e., saved), the Lord adds him or
            her to His church, which is His body - cf. 1Co 12:13
         b. Baptism is therefore the "door" to the church (in the
            universal, not local) sense

   C. LESSONS FOR TODAY...
      1. When preaching the gospel...
         a. Our focus should be on death, burial, resurrection and
            exaltation of Jesus Christ - e.g., 1Co 2:1-2; 15:1-4
         b. The evidence we offer as support should be:
            1) The testimony of Scripture (e.g., the Old Testament
               prophecies)
            2) The testimony of the eyewitnesses (i.e., the apostles)
         c. Our goal is for people to accept the Lordship of Jesus
            Christ, acknowledging Him to be the Messiah, God's Anointed
      2. When people are convicted of sin, and ask "what shall we do?",
         we should reply:
         a. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (though not specifically
            mentioned, it is assumed in the call to "know assuredly")
            - cf. Ac 16:30-31
         b. Repent of your sins - cf. Ac 17:30
         c. Be baptized for the remission of sins - cf. Ac 10:48; 22:16
      3. Along with remission of sins, we should tell of the promise of
         the Spirit
         a. The Spirit's role in the life of the Christian is important
            - 1Co 6:11; Ro 8:13
         b. While the role of the Spirit is often misunderstood, we
            should not hesitate to make mention of Him as a promise and
            gift to those who obey God! - Ac 5:32

CONCLUSION

1. With the first example of conversion, we find Peter faithfully
   carrying out the commission of his Lord...
   a. To preach the gospel - Mk 16:15
   b. To preach repentance and remission of sins in His name - Lk 24:47
   c. To include baptism along with faith as a proper response to the
      gospel - Mk 16:16
   d. To make disciples by baptizing them - Mt 28:19

2. Is this the gospel and response being proclaimed today?
   a. Some preach the gospel of health and wealth, with a focus on
      "signs" and "wonders", rather than on the death, resurrection and
      exaltation of Christ!
   b. Some would tell the lost to simply "say the sinner's prayer", is
      that what Peter said?

Those who presume to preach in the name of Christ, should be careful to
preach as did His apostles; those who wish to respond to the grace of
God in Christ, should be careful to respond as did those who heard the
apostles preach!

Have you responded to the preaching of the gospel in the same manner as
did "The 3000 On Pentecost"? Remember...

   "...those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that
   day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Acts 2:41)

From Gary... A new strength

I really liked this picture!!! Why; well, because of its "attitude" toward the obvious condition of the very aged. Today, I experienced a bit of this myself, as the arthritis in my hands bothered me some. And yet- so what? We all experience problems (of all types, not just physical), whether young or old. And those problems can be beneficial if we look at them from the right perspective. Consider the following passage for a moment.

Psalms 71:9-19 NASB
(9) Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.
(10) For my enemies have spoken against me; And those who watch for my life have consulted together,
(11) Saying, "God has forsaken him; Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver."
(12) O God, do not be far from me; O my God, hasten to my help!
(13) Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.
(14) But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.
(15) My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And of Your salvation all day long; For I do not know the sum of them.
(16) I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.
(17) O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
(18) And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.
(19) For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?

Sooner or later your health will cause problems in your life. When this happens, you have a choice- you can either become bitter or become better. How? Well, that depends upon your direction in relationship to God. Two years in a row in high school, I dislocated my patella and was on crutches for 6 months each time. Yet, those episodes resulted in my Linda carrying my books and it was during those days of disability and pain that we grew very close. Also, because of this I began to look at my life differently and started to think spiritually (something I had never really done before). Do you have problems- draw close to God and HE will draw close to you. Then perhaps the words of the 71st Psalm will become more meaningful and when the time of great maturity (old age) arrives, you will have a strength than can endure virtually anything!!!

8/5/14

Design and designers by Jim McGuiggan

Design and designers

Harriet and Joan were best friends so when Harriet got this fabulous watch Joan was pleased for her. It was one of those modern jobs that did everything but give you a manicure. They both agreed it was a masterpiece of design and beauty. Harriet said, "The person that designed that must have been an absolute wizard." Just an innocent remark and before they knew it they were into an argument on the question, "One designer or more?" Harriet was sure only one person had designed it but when Joan pressed her for good reasons for saying that, Harriet found herself in difficulty.

"Just look at it. It has unity and harmony written all over it!"

"That's what's called 'design' but it says nothing about how many designed it."

"But look at how it all fits together…"

"You just said that. It's what's called 'design' but that doesn't tell us how many designers there were."

Harriet saw what she meant. Joan remarked that beyond the design, whoever actually put it together must have been brilliant. As soon as she said that she got what he expected, Harriet reminded her there might be numerous "whoevers". Joan made another blunder when she said something that suggested that the designer(s) must have put it together.

"How do you know that?" Harriet asked. "There's no way to know the designer(s) actually put it together."

"I just assumed it," her friend said.

So ended the discussion and they both admired the watch.

Arguments from design to a (single) designer just don't work. Even if we knew there was a single designer for a certain artefact we couldn't tell if he/she was the one that actually made it. Look at your own watch or shoe or house or whatever, and think about it.

Arguments in favour of the one God of the Hebrew—Christian scriptures can only be made with a Bible in your hand. A universe, however complex and designed, doesn't prove a single Designer any more than a watch proves a single watchmaker. If you allow the believer to quote scripture the debate is over but that is precisely what sceptics will not allow. Add to that that many believers insist that you can prove the existence of the one true God without the Bible and by unaided reasoning on the realities around us. But when we're asked to do it we aren't able. We quote scripture in support of our claim. We say things like, "But Paul said it could be done." Now I don't believe Paul said that; but even if he did—it's scripture! What if a sceptic says, "Paul was wrong and I won't take his word for it." What if he then says, "You make the argument"? It won't help a lot if we say we can't make it but since Paul says it could be made it must be "makeable".

Arguments in favour of only one all-powerful, all-wise God don't work apart from special revelation (in whatever forms it takes). Unaided reason can't get us there. It may make atheism look silly or inadequate but that isn't the same as establishing biblical monotheism. If there were only two options—atheism or monotheism—that would make a big difference but that isn't the case.

The ancients believed the creation was indeed "created" but they believed it was the work of numerous gods of varying powers and varying characters. The truth is (or at least part of it is), having suppressed truth that had been made known, they used their unaided reason to make sense of the world they lived in. They explained the existence of fertile land and howling desert, disease-carrying mosquitoes and honey-giving bees—explained them by inventing numerous gods. They "knew" they couldn't lay calamity at the feet of the same god that gave them food so they attributed the "bad" to one source and the good to another (a lot of modern believers do that—don't they?). Professing themselves to be wise they turned the elements and the creatures into gods and tried to manipulate or appease them.

The brilliant John S Mill believed in no gods at all but he offered rational alternatives to Christian belief. Since the earth was not a flawless home why not speculate that there are numerous gods and that the earth was made by a young god that hadn't yet gained his full power? Or, imagine the creator as a very old god whose power was waning; and why not? If the creator had been at the peak of his power, Mill suggested, he wouldn't have made a place that was too cold at top and bottom and too hot in the middle.

It's all so silly, of course. Yes, so a believer with a Bible in his hand might say; but put away the Bible and any other form of special revelation (real or imagined) and work with nothing but rational reflection. Now, say why Mill's "silly" suggestion is silly. We believers say God is all-powerful, all-wise and omni-benevolent and point to the marvellous design of our earth home and bodies as proof. The sceptic points to the astonishing design of the parasite that eats out the eyes and livers of little children in far away places.

So what do we make of Paul in Romans 1 and David in Psalm 19?

Was the "Image of God" Destroyed by Sin? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=564

Was the "Image of God" Destroyed by Sin?

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Many theologians through the years have claimed that the “image of God” spoken of in Genesis 1:26-27 refers to a spiritual perfection that was lost in the Fall. Thus, they have concluded that modern man no longer bears the image of God. Reformer Martin Luther believed that the “image of God” was an original righteousness that was lost completely. He thus proclaimed: “I am afraid that since the loss of this image through sin we cannot understand it to any extent.” Oftentimes John Calvin spoke of the image of God as having been destroyed by sin, obliterated by the Fall, and utterly defaced by unrighteousness. More recently, religionist/anthropologist Arthur Custance, in his 1975 book, Man in Adam and in Christ, observed: “Genesis tells us that man was created in a special way, bearing the stamp of God upon him which the animals did not bear. Genesis also tells us that he lost it” (p. 103). Does the language of Genesis 1:26-27 refer only to Adam and Eve, as these writers would have us to believe? Or does it refer to all mankind in general?
The Bible reveals that man still retains the image of God after the Fall. Genesis 9:6 states: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” According to this passage, fallen man still bears the image of God. The record of Adam and Eve’s fall had been recorded earlier in the book of Genesis; that man had become a rank sinner is stated clearly in the immediate context of the passage (“…every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood”—8:21). Although God’s assessment is correct in regard to mankind, murder is forbidden because man is made in the image of God—that is, he still bears that image. If one argues that this passage speaks only about the past and says nothing about the future, he does violence to the meaning of the passage. Moses, writing about 2,500 years after the Fall, said that the reason murder is wrong is because the victim is someone created in the image of God. If man no longer bears the image of God after the Fall, these words would have been meaningless to the Israelites (and are worthless for man today).
In the New Testament, one can read where James wrote: “But the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God” (3:8-9, emp. added). The English verb “are made” (ASV) derives from the Greek gegonotas, which is the perfect participle of the verb ginomai. The perfect tense in Greek is used to describe an action brought to completion in the past, but whose effects are felt in the present. For example, when the Bible says, “It is written,” this is usually in the perfect tense. Scripture was written in the past, but is applicable to the present. The thrust of the Greek expression translated “who are made after the likeness of God,” is that humans in the past have been made according to the likeness of God and they are still bearers of that likeness. For this reason, it is inconsistent to worship God and curse men with the same tongue.
Although sin is destructive to man and repulsive to God, the Bible does not teach that the “image of God” was destroyed by sin’s entrance into the world. Rather, modern man still is created in God’s image. How thrilling and humbling it is to know that all men possess inherent characteristics that liken them to God and differentiate them from the lower creation.

From Mark Copeland... Paul In Rome (Acts 28:17-31)

"THE BOOK OF ACTS"

Paul In Rome (28:17-31)

INTRODUCTION

1. After his fateful voyage, Paul and his companions arrived at Rome
where he...
a. Was immediately placed under house arrest - Ac 28:16
b. Waited two years to make his appeal before Caesar - cf. Ac 25:9-12;
28:30

2. Yet Paul was not idle during this time...
a. He met with the Jewish leaders in Rome
b. He received many visitors
c. He likely composed several epistles

[Indeed, it was a fruitful time for the apostle Paul. Such is evident
as we read the final words of Luke in his account of Acts, beginning
with...]

I. HIS MEETINGS WITH JEWISH LEADERS

A. THE FIRST MEETING...
1. Paul called for the leaders of the Jews in Rome - Ac 28:17
2. He explained why he was there, and the reason for his appeal
- Ac 28:17-20
a. He had done nothing against the Jews or their customs
b. Roman officials wanted to let him go, but Jews from Jerusalem
spoke against it, forcing him to appeal to Caesar
c. Yet it was for the hope of Israel he was bound in chains
3. The Jewish leaders desire to learn more - Ac 28:21-22
a. For they neither received letters or heard anything evil of
Paul
b. But they wanted to hear what he had to say about this "sect"
spoken against everywhere

B. THE SECOND MEETING...
1. On an appointed day, many came to his lodging - Ac 28:23
2. They heard him explain and solemnly testify from morning until
evening - Ac 28:23
a. Of the kingdom of God and concerning Jesus - cf. Ac 8:12
b. From both the Law of Moses and the Prophets - cf. Lk 24:44-47
3. Their reaction was mixed; some were persuaded, while others
disbelieved - Ac 28:24
4. They departed after Paul gave them solemn warning - Ac 28:25-28
a. Of being hard of hearing and closing their eyes - cf. Isa 6:9-10
b. The message of salvation has been sent to Gentiles and they
will hear it - cf. Isa 42:1,6
5. They departed and disputed among themselves - Ac 28:29

[The closing verses in Acts indicate that similar meetings were
repeated time and again during the two years of Paul's captivity (Ac
28:30-31). When we turn to Paul's epistles, we can glean more things
about...]

II. HIS CIRCUMSTANCES IN ROME

A. PAUL'S COMPANIONS...
1. Timothy
a. The young disciple Paul picked up on his second journey - Ac 16:1-3
b. Who joined Paul in several epistles written from Rome - Phm 1; Col 1:1; Php 1:1
c. Who was sent to Philippi in behalf of Paul - Php 2:19-23
2. Epaphras
a. Whose visit to Paul prompted the writing of Colossians - Col 1:3-8
b. Who sent his greetings to his beloved brethren at Colossae
- Col 4:12-13
c. Who was described as Paul's "fellow-prisoner" - Phm 1:23
3. Onesimus and Tychicus
a. Onesimus, the runaway slave converted to Jesus Christ, who
was sent along with the letter to his master Philemon - Phm 1:10-21
b. Onesimus also accompanied Tychicus who bore the epistle to
the Colossians - Col 4:7-9
c. Tychicus, who was from Asia (Ac 20:4) and the bearer of the
epistle to the Ephesians - Ep 6:21-22
4. Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, Jesus (Justus) - Phm 1:24
a. Marcus, also known as John Mark, Barnabas' cousin - Col 4:10;
cf. Ac 12:25; 13:5,13; 15:37-40
b. Aristarchus, Paul's "fellow-prisoner" - Col 4:10; cf. Ac 19:29; 20:4; 27:2
c. Demas, who later forsook Paul - Col 4:14; cf. 2Ti 4:10
d. Luke, the beloved physician who traveled off and on again
with Paul, and accompanied him on his voyage to Rome - Col 4:14; cf. Ac 16:10-12; 20:6; 21:1-17; 27:1-28:16
e. Jesus (also called Justus), a "fellow-worker" with Paul - Col 4:11
5. Epaphroditus
a. Who brought a gift to Paul from the Philippians - Php 4:18
b. Who became the bearer of the epistle to the Philippians - Php 2:25-30
-- His companions undoubtedly were a great source of comfort for
Paul, and enabled him to do much good while imprisoned in Rome

B. PAUL'S PREACHING...
1. Continued preaching despite his chains - Col 1:23-29; Ep 3:1-9
2. Requested prayers for wisdom and boldness to continue preaching
- Col 4:3-4; Ep 6:18-20
3. Converted Onesimus, the runaway slave - Phm 1:10
4. Had opportunities among the palace guard, and apparent success
in Caesar's household - Php 1:12-20; 4:22
-- Paul's success in preaching reinforce the idea that the gospel
cannot be bound!

C. PAUL'S LETTERS...
1. The epistle to Philemon (61 or 62 AD.) - Phm 1:1
a. Purpose: To secure forgiveness for Onesimus
b. Theme: Restoration Of A Slave Brother
2. The epistle to the Colossians (61 or 62 A.D.) - Col 1:1-2
a. Purpose: To warn against the "Colossian heresy"
b. Theme: Christ, The Fullness Of God And Pre-Eminent,
All-Sufficient Savior
3. The epistle to the Ephesians (61 or 62 A.D.) - Ep 1:1
a. Purpose: To remind Christians of their spiritual blessings
and responsibilities
b. Theme: The Believer's Riches In Christ
4. The epistle to the Philippians (63 A.D.) - Php 1:1
a. Purpose: To thank the church for their gift, and encourage
faithfulness
b. Theme: Rejoice In The Lord!
-- Through letters Paul's influence spread from Rome throughout the
world till today!

D. PAUL'S LOVE AND CARE FOR THE CHURCHES...
1. Evidenced in the epistles he wrote during this time
a. Such as Colossians, to a church he had not seen - Col 2:1-5
b. Such as Ephesians, to a church with whom he had spent much
time - Ac 20:17-21
c. Such as Philippians, to a church that was dear to his heart
- Php 1:3-5; 4:1
2. Evidenced in the prayers he offered for them
a. His prayer for the Colossians - Col 1:9-11
b. His prayers for the Ephesians - Ep 1:15-21; 3:14-19
c. His prayer for the Philippians - Php 1:9-11
-- Paul's love and concern for others despite his own circumstances
exemplifies the mind of Christ - cf. Php 2:4-8

E. PAUL'S FAITH AND JOY IN HIS SUFFERING...
1. He rejoiced in his sufferings - Col 1:24; Php 2:16-18
2. He sought to magnify Christ in his sufferings - Php 1:20
-- Paul's imprisonment gave him an opportunity to practice what he
had been preaching (and practicing) all along - cf. Ro 5:3-5

CONCLUSION

1. Paul fully expected to be released from his imprisonment, as
expressed...
a. By his plans to visit Philemon - Phm 1:22
b. In his epistle to the Philippians - Php 1:23-27; 2:24

2. That he was released and traveled some more is evidenced...
a. By references made in such epistles as 1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus
b. By the testimony of those who came along later: Chrysostom,
Jerome, Eusebius, and even Clement of Rome, who lived in the latter
part of the first century A.D.

J.W. McGarvey notes in his commentary on Acts: "No two years of Paul's
life were better filled with earnest labor than these two spent in his
Roman prison." Indeed, we have seen that such was the case, as Paul
himself wrote:

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me
have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it
has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that
my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having
become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word
without fear." (Php 1:12-14)

May we learn from Paul's example of how "good can come out of ill", and
use whatever circumstances in which we find ourselves to be utilized
for the glory of God!

From Gary... Fairy tales can come true, it could happen to you...

http://www.animusic.com/previews/previews2.php?clip=starship-groove

Starship Groove (preview)

I should have been a leap-year baby. Then, I could justify feeling young, even at 65. If I were a leap-year baby, that would make me 16 and one quarter years old, and that seems just about the right age for me. Now, physically, I look my age (and then some), but emotionally, I feel young. So, this statement above, does in fact apply to me. And then there is that link (which I enjoy very much) that is both strange and beautiful at the same time. But, a healthy self analysis is good periodically, so bring on youth- even if it is only imaginary. In fact, I really don't want to grow up- I AM A TOYS R US, kid. And believe it or not, these things actually cause me to reflect upon the Gospel...

1 Corinthians 15:1-10 NASB
(1) Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,
(2) by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
(3) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
(4) and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
(5) and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
(6) After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;
(7) then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;
(8) and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
(9) For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
(10) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

A sincere search for truth, coupled with a little too active imagination and a desire to experience new things have become the watchword of my advanced years. This has resulted in my almost daily postings. Now, please do not get me wrong- I don't claim that they are scholarly, profound or insightful (but once in a while I may almost become one of these things), but what I do claim to be is someone who is experiencing the grace of God in their life and am learning to be the real me!!! If you enjoy these things, keep reading what I write; if not, just look at the picture below and laugh!!! I do (because I remember what I looked like when I was the normal chronological 16 and one quarter years)...

There you go... love me or hate me, I am what I am by the grace of God!!!