Truth Magazine

By James Carter Houchen

 

The Acts of the Apostles bring great significance to those outside of the body of Christ and those who are faithful members of the Lord’s church who are enjoined upon teaching the truth of God’s will. The stoning of Stephen, a devout man of God, closes out the seventh chapter of Acts. Those who stoned him for preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ laid their coats at the feet of Saul.

The eighth chapter of Acts begins with “Saul of Tarsus,” later name the Apostle Paul, bringing persecution among the first century Christians in Jerusalem. As a result, the church was scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Saul continued imprisoning men and women of the faith, bringing havoc on the church. Though men were scattered everywhere, the Scriptures tell us that they “went everywhere preaching the Word” (v. 4). Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to the people. As the multitudes heeded the things spoken of by Philip and saw the miracles performed as confirmation of the Word, there was “great joy in that city” (v. 8).

 

Simon Was Saved

 

Among the multitude of people present was a man named Simon, “who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming he was someone great.” After Philip had preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women believed and were baptized. In verse 13, the Scriptures record the conversion of Simon. He too believed and was baptized and continued with Philip in fascination with the miracles and signs which were done.

 

Simon Fell From Grace

 

Simon “saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given,” so he offered the apostles’ money for this gift. Peter then replied, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money . . . your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Simon responds with a penitent heart and prayerful attitude, equivalent to what should be the actions of a faithful child of God who errs in his walk with God.

 

As a child of God, the importance of daily communion with the Lord through the avenue of prayer cannot be over- emphasized or underestimated. Truly we are saved by the grace of God through faith (Eph. 2:8). However, it is clear from this chapter that a prayer of repentance to our Father in heaven through Christ Jesus is the means by accessing this grace that God gives his children when they transgress his law. Yet, there are some children of God who will perish upon the day of judgment because they have not repented of their sins. If a lesson is apparent from the story of Simon, is it not the importance of recognizing when we fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)? Perhaps our hearts too, at times, are not right with God. In recognizing this fact, we can pray that God will forgive us. David said in Psalm 51, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight: that you may be found just when you speak, and blameless when you judge.” Let the words of David’s prayer of repentance to God be the words that echo in our hearts when we separate ourselves from God through sin. Those who approach sin with grief and sorrow, striving diligently to walk righteously and let their bodies, “be a living sacrifice” as they serve God, will be pleasing to him.

 

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch

 

The apostles continued teaching in many villages of the Samaritans. Verse 26 records that, “an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” Here, in the verses that follow, lies the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. The eunuch had been in Jerusalem to worship, and was returning on the road toward Gaza. Sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Philip approached the chariot asking the question, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied that he could not understand unless someone guided

him. The place in the Scripture which he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation his justice was taken away. And who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked who this passage was speaking of, and then Philip opened his mouth and preached Jesus to him. As they traveled, the eunuch spotted water and asked, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Philip told the eunuch, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And the eunuch confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. And the Scriptures record that the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing.”

 

It is a safe assumption to conclude that many people in the religious world claim salvation. Yet, they delete or make additions to the very steps taken by those first century Christians who were taught by the apostles who were filled with the perfect teaching of the Holy Spirit. Verse 35 records Philip preaching Jesus to the eunuch. In preaching Jesus, the next words we have recorded that leave the mouth of the eunuch are, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” In preaching Jesus, it is evident that water baptism was preached as a means of reaching the blood of Jesus. It is through this death, burial, and resurrection that we are saved (Rom. 6:4). Upon hearing the word (Rom. 10:17; John 6:45), belief in Christ must be present (Heb. 11:6; John 8:24), there must be repentance of past sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and the name of Christ must be confessed (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10). Then upon your faith, you must be buried in the waters of baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Pet. 3:21) for the remission of your sins. The Lord then adds to his church (Acts 2:47) daily those who are being saved. To the child of God who lives faithfully (Heb. 10:23-26; Gal. 5:16-26) while upon this earth, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54).

May I add, that it is the truth by which we shall be judged (John 12:48), therefore, let us preach it and teach it (salvation) like we read it from God’s inspired book (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21). The discussion of such a vital issue can be rewarding to those who are honestly seeking the truth. “Seek the Lord, while he may be found” (Isa. 55).

By Justin Atkins  

J.W. McGarvey states, in the introduction of his New Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, that the “Acts of the Apostles is a much neglected book . . . and, although it is not now so much neglected as formerly, it still needs to be brought more prominently before the attention of this age.” Times haven’t changed! McGarvey’s words ring loud and clear as we look at the religious division that characterizes our modern age. How sad it is to know that many are neglecting the answers found in the book of Acts. 

It is with this confidence in mind that genuine biblical conversion is to be found in the book of Acts. In the first chapter, Luke records that Jesus, “presented himself alive, after his suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Here we find that after the third day of his death, Jesus arose from the grave, speaking of “things concerning the kingdom.” Surely this included the authority of Jesus and his right to rule over men, how one enters this kingdom and the means by which they can be strong members of the kingdom. 

What a blessing to know that Christ told the apostles about “things con- cerning the kingdom” because in the second chapter, we find souls being taught the saving message that made them a part of that kingdom. 

Jesus told the apostles that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (1:8). Notice that verse 5 says that the apostles would receive the Holy Spirit, and here again in verse 8 the apostles would receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Although this article does not directly deal with the subject of the Holy Spirit and miraculous works, it is clear truth that the apostles received the Holy Spirit according to Jesus’ teaching. Having said this, look at the awesome events of Acts 2! 

Some of us might say, “The most amazing thing in Acts 2 is how the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and allowed them to speak in multiple languages so that all the people could understand them.” I would agree that this is pretty amazing. It is the fulfillment of what the prophet Joel had spo- ken many years before, and Peter tells us that this is so (vv. 14-21). Others might say, “The most amazing thing about Acts 2 is the boldness of Peter and the apostles to stand up in this great gathering and speak the word of God without fear.” No doubt about it, this was a great display of courage and genuine zeal for Christ. We can learn from this example and speak the whole counsel of God without regard to threats from those who do not love the truth. There may yet be another who says, “The most amazing thing in Acts 2 is how the prophecies come together to show that the Old Testament bears witness to Jesus as the Christ.” Again, I can find no fault with this statement. Peter uses no less than four Old Testament passages to show that the coming of the Holy Spirit is according to the promise of God, and Jesus is the descendant of David who reigns upon the eternal throne (2 Sam. 7:12-16; Pss. 16:8-11; 110:1; 132:11-12; Joel 2:28-32).  

However, the most amazing thing that happens in Acts 2 is found in vv. 37-41. It would not matter that the apostles received the Holy Spirit if no one believed in the works that they did through him. It would not matter that Peter and the eleven stood boldly if there was no audience to hear them. It would not matter that the prophecies concerning Christ came together so concisely if no one was convicted by the power of them. I am confident that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is pained no more than when helpless, sinful man turns his back upon the gift of eternal life. 

Did some amazing things happen in Acts 2? Yes. Did some amazing things happen that led to something even more amazing in the end? Yes. What we find in Acts 2:37-41 is the dynamic process of a heart turning to the Lord, responding to the sacrifice of Christ. Notice that these people were “pierced to the heart” (v. 37) and in accordance with that penitent attitude, they asked the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Isn’t that beautiful?! Isn’t that what makes your heart sing? But we are not done. The preacher doesn’t pat them on the back and say, “You are all right now. Go away believing in Christ.” Peter told them what he was taught by the One who spoke of “things con- cerning the kingdom.” Peter preached the death, burial, and 

resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that sermon includes telling men and women how to be saved. What a simple command, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (v. 38). One almost gets the feeling that the people hesitated because in v. 40 Peter was “exhorting them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation!’” Finally, these precious souls expressed their faith in God by being baptized into Christ, “and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (v. 41). 

I am convinced, friend, that God planned to save men and women long before we came upon the scene (Rom.11:30-32), and should we ever lose sight of what really happened in Acts 2, then we have lost sight of the plan of God. Jesus Christ said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32). This is what it is all about. God worked all the promises to the patriarchs, the prophecies of the Old Testament, the events of the Jews in Israel, and the suffering death of Jesus Christ to culminate in the events of Acts 2:37-41. What does all of this say about God’s love for mankind? What do you think this means in terms of my responsibility in teaching the lost about the great love of God? 

I am afraid, good friend, that we have missed the message of Acts 2 and the New Testament teaching on conversion. I am afraid that we are all caught up in offering mint, dill, and cummin as sacrifices to the Lord while we are neglect- ing the weightier matters of the law (Matt. 23:23). It is my prayer that we learn how to purge our hearts of the dross that keeps us back from enthusiastic service for Christ. We must pray that in God’s merciful heart, we are given the time and strength to meet the true challenge of converting the lost.

By Chuck Bartlett

During one of his many opportunities to preach the gospel to Roman dignitaries, while incarcerated, the apostle Paul spoke to a governor of Caesarea named Felix (Acts 24:10-25). The message obviously had some effect on this man since we are told, “Felix became frightened” (v. 25). Unfortunately, instead of desiring to know more of what he should do, he sent Paul away until a time of convenience (v. 25). Sadly, the governor never got around to obeying the gospel. 

There are reasons why people put off hearing or obeying the gospel. With Felix, it was a number of things: his desire to obtain money from Paul (v. 26), his interest in pleasing the Jews (v. 27), and his willingness to listen, but not respond (v. 25). This created a diversion for the Roman ruler that contributed to him remaining in a lost state. 

When someone is being touched by the word of God, conviction starts to surface, and a person faces an important decision — to go forward or backwards. Why? When it comes to the gospel of Christ, obligation, respon- sibility and urgency are being stressed. Paul taught all of these, yet Felix made the wrong choice. A later time of convenience does not exist when a heart is pricked to the point where the listener is “cut to the heart.” 

I realize that in many of our home Bible studies, more than one class has been set up. This is done to keep the interest alive. Yet when a person is seeking to know the truth, if he accepts it, then he ought to immediately respond, rather than put it off. It was good that Felix was afraid, but the governor should have removed that fear by complying with the doctrine of Christ, not by silencing the speaker for a time. 

Too often I hear of souls “obeying” when it is convenient. Imagine teaching the plan of salvation and hearing one utter, “I know what I need to do. Can I get baptized next Thursday morning?” Where is the conviction? This person might as well have said, “I believe I am lost and should not stay in sin, but I choose to do so for another week, okay?” 

Friend, there is no convenient season, other than the present, for you to be converted to Christ. A convicted heart says, “What must I do to be saved?” and “Here is water, what hinders me from being baptized?” If it isn’t done right away when realized, then we have a person who is just like Felix. He believes, but doesn’t believe to the point where he will put God fi rst and self last. Unless we are willing to put our hand to the plow and not look back, we are not fi t for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).

The next time you are in a class and an individual wants to obey next week, tell him that you will study with him again. If he understand fully what God wants, he will obey right then, not because it is convenient, but rather because he wants to be saved now — at the accepted time (2 Cor. 6:2).

By David Dann

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2). In the above passage of Scripture, the apostle Paul is discussing true conversion. That is, the necessity of turning completely away from the world and turning entirely to
the Lord.

We live during a time when many act as though there is no absolute truth, or standard by which to judge our standing with the Lord. All of these conditions create a great need for us to examine the Scriptures in order to come to an understanding of how one is truly converted to Christ.

What is Conversion?

The dictionary simply de- fines the term “conversion” as, “a turning or change from one state to another.” Please notice that conversion is not merely a change in belief, or a change in practice; rather, it is a complete change from one state of being to another. Jesus defines true conversion in Luke 9 in the following terms: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Self- denial refers to the change of heart that is required by the Lord as a man changes his outlook on life and exchanges the desire to please himself with the desire to please God. The idea that a man must “take up his cross” shows the change that is to take place in his life, in which the old sinful practices are exchanged for a life of service to God that resembles the life of Christ. Finally, the words “follow me” give us the conversion in its complete form. The heart has been turned to the Lord, the life has been turned to the Lord, and now the entire state of the individual is turned to the Lord in a new relationship with him. Let’s examine each item in greater detail.

A Change of Heart

The term “heart” is often used in Scripture to refer to the intellect and desire of a person (see Gen. 6:5; Matt. 6:21; Acts 5:4). Therefore, a change of heart is brought about through faith, that is, through becoming convicted based upon information that is learned. A man’s faith is inspired by his response to the gospel message (Rom. 10:17). A true change of heart is much more than a mere acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God. In reality it is a change that destroys the love of sin and establishes the love of God in the sinner’s heart. We might say that it causes one to hate what he once loved and love what he once hated. A true change of heart produced by faith in God’s word is what caused the Jews on Pentecost to cry out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Certainly, there can be no conversion without a change of heart.

A Change of Conduct

Since mere belief in God does not constitute conver- sion (Jas. 2:19), we can conclude that a change of heart will amount to nothing if it is not followed by a change of conduct. The change of conduct that is required by the Lord is brought about through repentance. It is quite evident from the New Testament that God demands repentance (see Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19). True repentance is more than feeling sorry for the sins that we have committed. True re- pentance is a complete change in the direction of one’s life, as defined by the prophet Isaiah: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isa. 55:7). When a man truly repents, he turns from desiring to sin, to hungering and thirsting after righteousness. There can be no conversion to the Lord without repentance.

A Change of Relationship to God

Although a change of heart and a change of conduct are required by God, we cannot acceptably follow Jesus until our relationship to God is also changed. Many in the reli- gious world today change their hearts and lives completely, only to fall short of true conversion, simply because their relationship to God remains in its same dreadful state of disrepair. In Acts 3:19 Peter said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted,” showing us plainly that conversion is not completed upon repentance. The truth is that the change in our relationship to God is brought about through water baptism. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). Scriptural baptism takes a man from a state of being outside of Christ and liter- ally brings him “into Christ.” Baptism will never change a man’s heart or conduct, but it will change his relationship to God. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark

16:16). It is plain to see that baptism is not something we do because we have been converted, it is what we must do in order to be converted (Acts 2:38; 22:16).  Conclusion It is only after these three changes have taken place that the Scriptures recognize a person as having been converted to Christ. But we are involved in more than just a mental exercise in examining the what God’s word has to say on the subject of conversion. This message of true, Biblical conversion is a message that is sorely needed among the millions around us who are lost and dying in sin. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14). Will you spread the word?