Christ Church Jerusalem

Rev. Gerald McDermott, in the run up to Pentecost/Shavuot, spoke on “Jonathan Edwards and the Holy Spirit.” Gerald is the Anglican chair at Beeson Divinity School. His research focus has been three-fold: Jonathan Edwards, Christian understandings of other religions, and the meaning of Israel. McDermott has produced six books on Edwards; his Theology of Jonathan Edwards (coauthored with Michael McClymond) won Christianity Today’s 2013 award.

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Rev. Aaron Eime picks up the story of Stephen's death and then begins to lead us through the story of Philip, one of “the Seven” commissioned to serve the community of believers, who preaches the Gospel in Samaria.

Notes for this study can be found at http://www.christchurchjerusalem.org/sermons/study-acts-of-the-holy-spirit/

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9 June 2019 - On Pentecost Sunday, Rev. David Pileggi tells us that New Testament teaches that Holy Spirit is available to everyone. God gives his Spirit freely, but maintaining relationship with the Father calls for costly discipleship, holiness. "If you love me, you will obey what I command." We are to respond to God's gift of deliverance in gratitude. What does the Holy Spirit do in John? The Holy Spirit brings the presence of Jesus to us. It allows us to enter into the Divine Community. The Holy Spirit does what Jesus does, what the Father does. The goal of having the Spirit is for all in Messiah go out to be witnesses of the Jesus Messiah.

Readings: Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17, 25-27

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Acts 7, Rev. Aaron Eime tells us, has often been used by skeptics as an argument against the integrity of Scripture, who cite the many inconsistencies and disparities of Stephen's speech before the Sadducees. Stephen, as described in Acts 6, is full of the Holy Spirit and a worker of miracles and signs. Little more is known of Stephen except that he is a Greek speaker from the Hellenistic Jewish community. He reads and quotes from the Septuagint Greek Bible, which explains the differences in quotes from the Old Testament. Stephen's speech is given during a high pressure situation in which charges of blasphemy against the Torah and the Temple have been brought against him. This is his chance to defend himself, he does so by going on the offensive.

Notes for this study can be found at http://www.christchurchjerusalem.org/sermons/study-acts-of-the-holy-spirit/

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2 June 2019 - On Ascension Sunday, Rev. David Pileggi has us contemplate the spiritual reality of Jesus as King, as the ruler of the Kingdom of God. In the 40 days that Jesus walkrf the Earth after his Resurrection, Jesus taught his disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven. It is central to Jesus that God has begun to execute authority in the world. Where do we find Jesus ruling and reigning? Where people are doing his will, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The idea of God ruling as king is a Jewish message. Let us pray that God would heal our cynicism and over-familiarity with the Scriptures so we may be filled anew with joy and gratitude and worship our King.

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Luke 24:44-53

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Neville Jones walks us through Acts 6, which starts a new section in the book. The focus is shifting from the apostles to other players, such as Stephen, Philip and Saul (Paul). Stephen is the central character in chapters 6 and 7, as Luke builds the narrative bridge toward the life of Saul of Tarsus. The timing of chapter 6 is not clear; it could be a year or perhaps a few years after Pentecost. What is clear is that this new community of the Way faces challenges: growing pains and culture clashes between Hebrew-speaking, Judean Jews and Greek-speaking diaspora Jews. The Twelve Apostles decide to appoint what are later called deacons to assist with food distribution and make sure no one is neglected. Later in the chapter, Stephen is revealed as more than someone who can “serve tables” but as a powerful and gifted public speaker and debater. This will get the attention of the opponents of the Way.

Notes for this study can be found at http://www.christchurchjerusalem.org/sermons/study-acts-of-the-holy-spirit/

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26 May 2019 - Rev. David Pileggi, looking at Acts 16 and John 14, reminds us that peace and joy that come from being in relationship with Jesus. We see peace and boldness in Paul and Silas as they spread the good news of Jesus in Europe, and that peace and boldness flow from their knowledge and trust of Jesus. Paul is so secure in Jesus that he responds to persecution by praying and singing hymns. Mission is not about numbers but about creating communities that praise and worship God.

Readings: Acts 16; John 14:23-29

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Rev. Aaron Eime picks up when once again the Apostles receive the attention of the High Priest, who seems to be jealous of the Apostles' success. An unknown number of apostles, just the leadership of the community now numbering in the thousands, are imprisoned overnight to await trial and judgement the next morning in keeping with Jewish Law. However, an unnamed Angel of the Lord opens the door and instructs them to go to the Temple and speak about the Life. What is the full message of the Life and Resurrection? The Holy Spirit is noted to be a witness of the Resurrection. Peter then declares that the Holy Spirit has been given to those who obey the Messiah. We learn that obedience is also a key element in the following of Jesus and is connected to receiving the Holy Spirit.

Notes for this study can be found at http://www.christchurchjerusalem.org/sermons/study-acts-of-the-holy-spirit/

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19 May 2019 - Can anything good come out of Caesarea? Michael Kerem walks us through the story of Cornelius and its history-shifting implications. When we won't willingly cooperate with God, he sticks us in a place so we can watch him move sovereignly. So it was with Peter, who barely said anything before the Holy Spirit was poured on the household of a Roman centurion in proof that repentance that leads to life had been gifted to non-Jews, too. All Peter could say in his defense was, "Who was I that I could stand in God's way?"

Readings: Acts 11:1-18; Revelation 7; John 13:31-35

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12 May 2019 - We love the world system even though it continues to fail us. It is dangerous, though, Rev. David Pileggi reminds us. The danger is that, when we derive our identity and/or our security from created things rather than from the Creator, the world converts our loyalty against Jesus. However, when we as a community are generous and care for the poor like Dorcas did, we rebel against the world system, and we make a deposit in a heavenly bank account. Those who give to the poor lend to the Lord (Prov 19:17), and God will repay. Generosity also brings us closer to Messiah. Where do we find Jesus? In giving aid to the poor and needy.

Readings: Acts 9:36-43; Revelation 6; John 10:22-30

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