Call to Commitment

First of all, I want to point to the word power, reading from the Amplified New Testament: “For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it.” The word power, of course, is the same word we read in Acts 1:8… “You shall receive power…” The Greek dictionary, Strong’s, defines it: Dunamis… gr. Force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): ability, abundance, meaning, might… and Strong’s continues with a full page of definitions, due to the common usage of the word.

 At the time, when humanity comes to the end of its history, there will be a period that is especially dangerous. Now, let’s look at the word perilous in 2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV). Curiously, this word is only used here and one other time, in Matthew 8:28, in the New Testament. Strong’s defines the Greek word, chalepos, difficult, that is dangerous, or (by implication) furious: - fierce, perilous, and Matthew uses this word to describe the Gadarene demoniacs.  

 One of the reasons that this time will be dangerous or fierce is because “men will be lovers of themselves… having a form of godliness but denying its power.” It is typical that in the formality of his religion, an individual will not abandon it, but in a practical sense, what he or she believers, becomes inert and dead. However, the faithful members will continue to defend it, violently and fanatically, as the prophets of Baal before Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 K.18:25-29).

 There is a good deal of teaching these days, which could easily bring believers to that state, by assuming that miraculous power ended with the apostles and today, the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit have been annulled. They teach the book of Acts, as purely historical. And precisely for that reason, I want to begin a study of this book, to see it as something more than history, as it relates to the works of the apostles, but as a model to show, what the church should be anywhere, at any time.

The Book of Acts

The writer. Luke was the only Gentile writer in the entire Bible. He became a companion of the apostle Paul and undoubtedly came under the influence of the gospel through him. He was a Greek and a doctor, who gave, in his book, many accounts of physical healings. However, we do not have one lone example in the book of his own profession. Instead, it relates the supernatural, spiritual, and heavenly ways, in which the work of God was achieved. Therefore, throughout the book of Acts, God, Who does the work, receives the glory.

 Also, Luke writes one of the Gospels, and therefore the book of Acts, tends to be a continuation of the gospel story. The two books were written specifically to one individual, Theophilus. His name signifies, friend of God, and for that reason some think that it was a symbolic name, given to any reader of his writings. I do not believe that, principally because in Luke 1:3, he defines Theophilus with the adjective phrase most excellent, showing a title for nobility. Those words would never define a normal Christian.

 The time, in which the book was written. The book of Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus, after His death and 40 days after His resurrection. One hundred-twenty people were in an upper room, praying and awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From that occasion, the book covers the events in the early church, until the apostle Paul arrives in Rome for the first time. He was a prisoner, and the book comes to an end, relating that he was there for two years.

 Experts have determined that Paul arrived there in the early part of the 60s A.D., calculating the time, in which Felix and Festo governed in Caesarea. Of course, they could also know when Nero was Caesar in Rome. Obviously, the book of Acts could not have been written before the two years, in which Paul was in Rome. Also, it is unreasonable that Luke would have written his account at a later date, without describing the events that happened after the two years… especially, when Paul was set at liberty.

 History to accompany the epistles. The book of Acts gives history to the epistles of Paul. The entire history of the gospel was related to Luke by others, but he personally testified of many events in this book, and when he did not, he was very close to those who did personally testify of them. Luke wanted to be very precise with the background of secular history and had good knowledge of them, when he wrote his anointed accounts. You can look at Luke 1:5, 2:1 and 2, but let us look together especially at 3:1 and 2:   “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” The book of Acts is entirely interlaced, as we have already seen, in part, with the history of governors and governments in different places.

 The Spirit of God and prayer. Luke is a person, who was very alert to the work of the Holy Spirit, especially evident in Acts, because the entire book is a history of people, full of the Spirit. From the beginning of his Gospel, in the first chapter, verse 41, he told how Elizabeth was full of the Spirit and in verse 68, how Zacariah also spoke after he was filled.

 Also in his Gospel, he emphasizes the need of prayer, in order to carry out the work and will of God on the earth. His Gospel, more than the other three, tells of the prayer life of  Jesus, and in chapters 11 and 18, Jesus gives teaching, concerning prayer. The first chapter of Luke introduces the theme: “The whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense” (v.10) and then in verse 13,“The angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son.” The book of Acts recognizes that prayer is connected to the moving of the Holy Spirit, beginning in the first chapter. Concerning the 120, who waited for the outpouring of the Spirit, it states: “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication (Ac.1:14).

 In chapter 9, Saul of Tarsis is converted with a calling to preach to the Gentiles. In chapter 10, Peter arrives at the house of a Roman centurion and the Gentiles in his house. In chapter 11, the headquarters of the mission of the church is transferred from Jerusalem to Antioch in Syria, totally outside of Israel. In chapter 13, prophets and teachers come to Antioch, preparing the church for the missionary work that is to extend from the city. From this chapter on, the entire story tells how the gospel spread, more and more, until it arrived in Europe.

 How should we view the book of Acts? Adam Clarke comments: “All the promises which Christ gave of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit are shown here to have been fulfilled in the most eminent manner.” Also, Adam Clarke recognized two of Luke’s purposes…

1. To relate in what manner the gifts of the Holy Spirit were communicated on the day of Pentecost, and the subsequent miracles performed by the apostles, by which the truth of Christianity was confirmed.

2. To deliver such accounts as proved the claim of the Gentiles to admission into the Church of Christ; a claim disputed by the Jews, especially at the time when the Acts of the Apostles were written.

 Perhaps the question, that we should first consider, would be: How should we not view the book of Acts? 1. It is not sufficient to see it strictly as a historical book that points to a period between the Gospels and, what some would like to call the normal church history. These are people, who would like to convince us that we should not attempt to be like the church of Acts, because the time of the apostles has now passed. Therefore, the period of miracles and signs died with them. 2. I have heard another argument that claims that we still see these great works today, but they are spread over a longer period. With only 28 chapters, they would argue, Luke condensed his book and history into a short time, therefore it would seem that more was happening in his time, that what is taking place today.

 I am not convinced of either position and I see, in both, a kind of arrogance, that claims that the church today is as neo-testamentary, as it can expect to be. First, I see nowhere in Scripture, where there is even a hint that things would change after the apostolic period. Secondly, to say that we are experiencing today, all that the early church witnessed, is to presume too much. The truth that I see in Acts, is that they knew much greater works of the Holy Spirit than what takes place in the 21^st Century. Perhaps, where revivals unfold, there are many more great signs and wonders and a greater reality of the work of a supernatural God than usual. I think, we still fall short of seeing, the things that took place in the primitive church. At the same time, I believe that the church that formed in the book of Acts is a model for the church at any period of history in any place that it comes into being. An elderly man in Romania approached me after I gave a message from a text in Acts and commented: “Brother,” he said to me, “I just finished a study of Acts, and I see how far we fall short of it in the church today.” Amen, my brother, I stand with you! This is the correct conclusion, after mulling over this book. We are not living at the same level; let us recognize the truth and confess it.

 An organism that was powerful, yet simple. The account of the gospel in Acts, tells us much more than a pagans and Jews changing their viewpoints, concerning their former religions, and learned a new approach through Christianity. It is much more than people interested in learning new doctrines. It is true that the doctrines of Christianity were novel to the pagan and the Jew, but we see, as the apostles went from one place to another, that they saw mighty transformations in the lives of the new believers, who were reached through the gospel. There was a change from that which was animal, earthly, and diabolical, to that which was holy, spiritual and divine. The religion of the triune God, whether it manifested itself in the Old or New Testament, was built on the principle of Zechariah 4:6: “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” It can only function through His mighty power. That is what the church must manifest to the world around it.

 We must return to the simplicity of the primitive church, without luxurious ceremonies… without anything, really, to arouse man’s physical senses. Only the Holy Spirit can communicate and maintain heavenly fire. Through the Spirit, we worship the Father and Son, as He leads and as He enables. It will fulfill that which the Father seeks, as Jesus said, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (Jn.4:23). This is impossible through human capacities.

 Two key verses. As I study this book, I see two defining verses, which reveal the entire teaching in these 28 chapters. One is in the first chapter, verse 8, to which I have already briefly referred: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Without a doubt, this verse gives a summary of all that takes place in the book of Acts.

 The second verse, which I believe is key, is found in Acts 15:28: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us.” Someone may ask, “Why do you think that this verse is key?” I would answer, that it is because it shows the principle behind the power of Acts 1:8. It shows the intimate relationship between the Holy Spirit and the apostles. They were one with God, in plan and purpose. It shows a conjunction between heaven and heavenly-minded people on earth. The gospel spread mightily throughout the world, because those who preached it, were sensitive to the direct leading and wisdom of the Spirit of God.

Jose speaks in the chapel at the inaugural service

Hotel and Bible School, "The Great Commission"

 Last Sunday, he and Marga, along with the students and staff, held a special inauguration on the new property. Here, I will let you read Jose´s report of the event: 

 I left for a trip to arrive in Dals-Ed, Suecia on March 1. I arrived first in Barcelona and the girls had prepared a terrific lunch. My friends, Mateo and Irina, Dani, Sofi and the twins, were also invited and Olga, who I´ve known for many years, was the cook. I spent a good part of the afternoon, answering questions and then returned to Ripollet for a meeting with couples. (Jose and Ana had been on a trip and returned to attend part of the meeting.) The following day, I spoke at the regular Sunday meeting, and later that afternoon, after a meal with Ángel, Rebeca and their children, I was taken to the airport.

Shelley and Dan

 You will read about a drunk in Dan’s story, who interrupted a Christmas program, and how a little boy found Christ, resulting from that interruption. Here’s good news that Dan could not tell at the time he gave his message. At 80 years old, that man, who came to church drunk, found Jesus, was transformed, and is a vibrant witness for Christ.  

 On the site, where I listened to Dan’s message and wrote it for all of you, I discovered in the comments, one from the lady, of whom Dan speaks, at the end of his message, Deb Reynolds. She writes: “I came upon this video just as Dan was speaking about my life. I know that I am here today because of my church family and my belief in God. I am truly blessed.” In his first chapter, Mark tells us that many were healed in Capernaum. Dan mentions that the son of a nobleman in the town was also healed. There is a story in the Gospels about a Roman centurion in Capernaum, who believed. Now, we will follow in Mark, verse by verse, as Dan relates another story of what surely can be called, a revival in Capernaum… 

The Capernaum Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)

 Dan Brueckner during the first days of Covid

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.  

Jesus has moved from Nazareth to Capernaum and after being there a short time, it was reported that He was at home. Many people gathered and in Luke’s account in chapter 5, verse 17, you find that the scribes are coming from every village in Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem. Quite a crowd gathered and there was no room, even at the door to get in. 

Rachel and Mike

Today, I am posting an outstanding message by Mike, given in 2021, about the four women in the genealogy of Christ. It was of great encouragement to me, and I think you will also find it to be something, which will feed your soul.

Jesus´ Family Tree (Matthew 1:3, 5-6)

Mike Brueckner, Christmas 2021 

The prophet Isaiah said that God´s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. In fact, he says, Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, that’s how much higher His ways and His thoughts are beyond us. In 1 Corinthians 1, it teaches that God uses the things that the world would consider foolish, or not usable, and uses those things, so that He may be glorified.

This article contains accounts of Christians, who have found the highest level of communion in their relationship with their Lord. In so doing, they have discovered the meaning of the creation of man, made in the image and likeness of God. It is something that causes bewilderment in the mind of an unbeliever, even if he happens to be the husband of a believing woman, as we will see in the first account below. It is followed by the story of another woman, who finds the high calling of an intimate relationship with God, which becomes the greatest thing in her life… more than life itself. Next, we will see an elder in a church, grown cold, although occupied in playing a leading part in religion. He is revitalized in a moment, by one touch of God upon his life. We will see how the overwhelming power of the truth, frees and transforms someone, who had been deceived by error that had been falsely presented to him as Christianity.  Finally, before turning to Finney’s own story, we will see a beloved believer, traveling through the valley of the shadow of death, but no valley or shadow appears, only the hope of joining the triumphant saints in glory.

The amazing work of God in the hearts of human beings

 There was a lady living in the first Ward by the name of Childs, the Christian wife of an unconverted husband. She was a lady of great refinement, and beauty of character and person. Her husband was a merchant, a man of good moral character, and as I should judge from what I heard him say, passionately fond of his wife. She attended our meetings, and became very much convicted for a deeper work of grace in her soul. 

 A few days afterwards her husband called on me one morning with his sleigh, and asked me to take a ride with him. I did so, and found that his object was to talk with me about his wife. He said that she was brought up among the Friends, and when he married her, he thought she was one of the most perfect women that he ever knew. But finally, he said, she became converted, and then he observed a greater change in her than he thought was possible, for he thought her as perfectly moral in her outward life before as she could be. Nevertheless, the change in her spirit and bearing at the time of her conversion was so manifest, he said, that no one could doubt it. "Since then," he said, "I have thought her almost or quite perfect. But." said he, "now she has manifestly passed through a greater change than ever. I see it in everything," said he. "There is such a spirit in her, such a change, such an energy in her religion, and such a fullness of joy and peace and love!" He inquired, "What shall I make of it? How am I to understand this? Do such changes really take place in Christian people?"

 In the last article, I posted some of Finney’s accounts of what took place, as he witnessed a new beginning of true and lively Christianity in Rochester, N.Y. He wrote that “this revival made a great change in the moral state and subsequent history of Rochester. The great majority of the leading men and women in the city were converted.” In this article, I have included a revival in a Rochester high school. As I scanned the book anew, I found that Finney wrote of the Fulton Street revival in New York City. The only connection with Finney was apparently chronological. The revival began because a single layman had a desire to start a one-hour prayer meeting for businessmen, at lunch time in the city. God worked and this effort produced a revival of prayer among the lay people of New York, resulting in the conversion of many souls.

 This article begins with an interesting incident, as Finney has taken by a volunteer from New Lebanon to Stephentown. Then Charles Finney gives some general characteristics of revival, using Stephentown as an example, and after that, he describes the fear of God and His presence in Rome, NY.  In the second section, Finney tells of an occurrence among the Methodists of falling under conviction of sin. Following that, we will read of the foundation of a crowded church, settling into the ground during a meeting. Finally, Finney writes of the forementioned revival in a Rochester high school.   

General revival characteristics, godly fear, and one exemplary meeting

 Accordingly, the next Sabbath, after preaching the second time one of the young converts at New Lebanon offered to take me up in his carriage to Stephentown. When he came in his buggy to take me up I asked him. "Have you a steady horse?" "O yes!" he replied, "perfectly so"; and smiling asked, "What made you ask the question?" "Because," I replied, "if the Lord wants me to go to Stephentown, the devil will prevent it if he can; and if you have not a steady horse, he will try to make him kill me." He smiled, and we rode on; and strange to tell before we got there that horse ran away twice, and came near killing us. His owner expressed the greatest astonishment, and said he had never known such a thing before.

When you read Finney’s autobiography, you will notice many instances in which he refers to a “spirit of prayer”. When questioned concerning methods used in revival, his response was, “Our method is prayer.” This was evidently true, to the point that I want to devote a good amount of space in these chapters to the power of prayer. Already, I have earlier pointed to this truth. I don’t remember the person who remarked that, whenever God’s purpose is to do a special work at any point in history, He first moves His people to pray. Prayer itself, then, is an initial work of the Spirit of God and comments are made that sometimes hundreds and thousands of people are in prayer in a certain geographical area, without having contact with one another. The call to prayer was supernatural.

I also want to point out the fact, that in revivals, the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit are in constant operation. There were supernatural words of wisdom and knowledge, as well as prophecy. Certainly, the gift of miraculous faith was frequently manifested. Therefore, I am giving the reader several cases that demonstrate this truth. I suppose, that there are different opinions regarding these operations and what gift specifically is demonstrated in various cases, but that is not my primary concern. My concern is to point to the fact that when the Spirit of God is moving, these gifts continue to occur in the church and through its members in the 19^th Century, resulting from a post-conversion baptism in the Holy Spirit.

 When Finney was baptized in the Spirit, he wrote, “I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart.” This could easily be interpreted as a kind of speaking in tongues (1 Co. 14:2). In the first paragraph he prayed “with groanings which cannot be uttered,” certainly under the influence of the Holy Spirit, according to Romans 8:26. Finney mentions two cases of insanity, of which I would note that there are some cases, such as those he mentions, where it is obvious that evil spirits had taken possession of the mind. These people needed a supernatural deliverance, which comes through the proclamation of the Spirit of Truth (Jn. 8:32). Therefore, I include these two situations under the subtitle of supernatural signs.

The Spirit of prayer 

The Lord taught me in those early days of my Christian experience, many very important truths in regard to the Spirit of prayer. Not long after I was converted, a lady with whom I had boarded, was taken very sick. She was not a Christian, but her husband was a professor of religion. He came into our office one evening, being a brother of Esquire Wright, and said to me, "My wife cannot live through the night." This seemed to plant an arrow, as it were, in my heart… the nature of which I could not at all understand, but with it came an intense desire to pray for that woman.

In this chapter, I wanted to insert a couple accounts of the power of revival praying. There is a touch of humor, as well, in the first account about the prayer of old Deacon Montague. But it was also a demonstration of spiritual power, which stirred everyone present, as well as the entire community. Montague was an old man, but the story that follows concerns young people in prayer. I have learned that nothing satisfies youth more that the reality of the movings of God. We also should observe that the Lord uses young people, just as he uses the older ones. In fact, the Bible teaches that He often called adolescents into His purposes and used them mightily.

 The last part of this section will tell of Finney’s call into the ministry and then, will show that the Holy Spirit, not only empowers, He also trains His servants for service. This is another principle plainly taught in Scripture and one that I would desire to see more candidates follow. In the first place, let them know that they are truly called of God and then, let them enter the school of the Holy Spirit, initiated by a baptism in His presence.

Finney’s employer, Esquire Wright

This morning, of which I have spoken, I went down into the office and there I was having the renewal of these mighty waves of love and salvation flowing over me when Esq. Wright came into the office, where I studied law. I said a few words to him on the subject of his salvation--I do not recollect what. He looked at me with astonishment but made no reply whatever that I recollect. He dropped his head, and after standing a few minutes left the office. I thought no more of it then, but afterwards found that the remark I made pierced him like a sword, and he did not recover from it till he was converted.