This teaching from Acts chapter 2 is an incredible part of Scripture filled with profound events and teachings. In the context of Pentecost, we witness the miraculous moment when the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, speak in various foreign languages. We'll also explore how Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, draws from the powerful prophecy of Joel to offer a biblical explanation of this outpouring of the Spirit. Peter then delivers an extraordinary sermon, deeply rooted in Scripture--what we now refer to as the Old Testament, but which was simply the Bible at that time. In this sermon, Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah, and his words are so impactful that they pierce the hearts of his listeners, leading many to believe and be baptized.

Pastor Rhode provides an introduction to this epistle and reads the entire epistle without commentary. This is intended to give listeners an immersive experience with the text. By hearing the letter in its entirety, they can appreciate the natural rhythm, tone, and structure of Paul's message, as it was originally intended for the Church in Philippi. This method emphasizes the unity of the letter and allows the audience to grasp key themes such as joy, humility, and perseverance in the faith.

Paul's Letter to the Philippians is filled with encouragement and exhortations, focusing on the believers' need to rejoice in Christ, pursue humility by following Jesus' example, and remain steadfast even in the face of suffering. Pastor Rhode's reading approach helps bring out the letter's overall message of hope and unity, highlighting its relevance to the life of the Church today.

In Acts 1, the disciples' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel highlights their lingering hope for a political or national restoration. Jesus, however, broadens their perspective by pointing them toward a kingdom that transcends national boundaries, one ultimately fulfilled in the new heavens and earth. His response underscores that the full timing of God's plans remains within the Father's authority, redirecting the disciples' focus from immediate earthly expectations to a broader, eschatological hope.

Jesus' promise of power through the Holy Spirit marks a pivotal shift: the disciples are to be witnesses not only in Jerusalem but to the ends of the earth. This commission forms the structural backbone of Acts, with the Church's mission expanding outward in Holy Spirit-led progression. The empowerment by the Holy Spirit contrasts sharply with the disciples' previous fear, transforming them into bold witnesses by Pentecost.

The image of Jesus being "lifted up" in a cloud connects to Old Testament reality where a cloud indicated God's presence, such as in the tabernacle. This parallel signifies that Jesus is now the ultimate temple and embodies God's glory and presence with his people. The angelic assurance of Jesus' return establishes a confident hope in a final, singular return, pointing to Christ's current, hidden reign at the right hand of God and the culmination of his kingdom at the end of the age. This teaching on the ascension presents Jesus as both transcendent and imminent, reigning now and to be fully revealed in the future.

Daniel prophesies to the Jews about Antiochus (called the Noble), who will plague them, yet he describes Antiochus in a way that also foreshadows the Antichrist and the end times. Antiochus's reign is depicted as shameless and violent, with the impious worshiping him as if he were Christ. In the turmoil, believers can find peace in Jesus Christ, our deliverer.

Chapter 12 focuses entirely on the Antichrist and the last times. Daniel, though told he won't understand all he's seen, is advised to live faithfully, avoiding endless speculation about God's timing (see Acts 1:7). The central message is that God's wisdom and kingdom will ultimately prevail. Verses 11-12 may refer to three possible events: (1) the desecration of the temple by Antiochus in 167 BC, (2) the destruction of the temple by the Romans in AD 70, or (3) a future abomination by the Antichrist.

The mentioned days (1,290 and 1,335) likely relate to one of these events, although their specific significance is unclear. God's promise to bless those who endure applies to believers of all ages. The discourse ends with the assurance that Michael protects Israel, and the faithful will rise to everlasting life. Rather than trying to predict the end, Daniel is advised to "go your way"--trusting in God's promise of eternal life. May we do the same.

Pastor's introduction to the Book of Acts emphasizes its historical timeline starting from A.D. 33, with Christ's resurrection and ascension, through Paul's conversion and his journey to Rome. While Acts concludes before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, this event is noted for context. Luke, the author of Acts, wrote around A.D. 60-62, documenting the Church's early history.

Acts is described as "Luke Part 2," continuing the story of Christ's ministry through the work of Peter and Paul, showcasing their united mission to Jews and Gentiles. The book divides into two parts: Peter's ministry to the Jews and Paul's ministry to the Gentiles. It highlights the significant role of the Holy Spirit and serves as a guide for the Church's teachings, particularly emphasizing justification through faith.

The outline of Acts follows Peter's ministry in chapters 1-12 and Paul's ministry in chapters 13-28, demonstrating how the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to the wider world.

In Daniel 10, the chapter opens with Daniel seeking understanding through prayer and fasting. He experiences a powerful vision where he encounters a divine messenger, described as having a majestic appearance. This messenger touches Daniel, encouraging him not to fear, revealing that his prayers have been heard from the moment he sought understanding.

However, the messenger explains that he was delayed for 21 days by the "Prince of the Kingdom of Persia," interpreted as a spiritual being, likely a fallen angel, opposing his mission. It was only when Michael, a chief angel, came to assist him that he could finally reach Daniel.

The messenger's purpose is to inform Daniel about future events concerning his people, particularly the rise of the Greek Empire after Persia. This indicates a spiritual battle influencing earthly events, as the messenger will return to continue fighting against the Prince of Persia, suggesting ongoing conflicts in the spiritual realm that impact nations and their leaders.

Throughout this interaction, the emphasis is on God's love for Daniel and the encouragement to be strong and courageous. The chapter culminates in the messenger stating that he will reveal what is inscribed in the "Book of Truth," leading into the prophecies that follow in the next chapters.

Overall, Chapter 10 highlights the themes of spiritual warfare, divine assistance, and the importance of prayer, illustrating how heavenly battles influence human history and the fate of nations.

This session concludes our series with a rich exploration of how the New Covenant, as presented in Hebrews, fulfills the Old Covenant. The pastor focuses on Jesus' words during the Last Supper, emphasizing their non-symbolic meaning and their significance for understanding the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. He highlights that the New Covenant is not an isolated concept but is intricately woven into the entire scriptural narrative, particularly through passages from Genesis and Exodus. In the end, we gain a deeper appreciation of how the New Covenant is deeply rooted throughout all Scripture.

We had no electricity at church this morning. Consequently we decided to 1) meet in the sanctuary for Bible Study, and 2) to take a break from Sacred Meditations since we had no way to properly record it.

Instead, Pastor taught on Ephesians 1 & 2. This is timely, as the epistle readings in the lectionary have been from Ephesians.

Daniel, a faithful servant of God, was deeply troubled as he pondered the prophecy of Jeremiah about the 70 years of Israel's exile. While in prayer, seeking understanding, the angel Gabriel appeared to him with a profound and symbolic revelation. Gabriel spoke of "70 weeks" that were decreed for Daniel's people and the holy city, Jerusalem, as part of God's plan to bring an end to sin, atone for iniquity, establish everlasting righteousness, and fulfill prophecy.

Gabriel explained that these 70 weeks, or "sevens," represented periods of time that stretched far beyond the immediate context of the exile. The prophecy unfolded in three segments:

1. Seven Weeks: This initial phase marked the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the decree by Cyrus, around 538 B.C. This period included the restoration of the city's walls and infrastructure, as led by figures like Nehemiah and Zerubbabel. Though the city was rebuilt, it happened during troubled times, under foreign dominion.

2. Sixty-Two Weeks: The next phase spanned the centuries leading up to the coming of the "Anointed One," Jesus Christ. During this time, Jerusalem endured occupation by empires like the Persians, Greeks, and Romans, and faced significant upheaval, including the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV.

3. One Final Week: This climactic phase included the arrival of the Messiah, His ministry, and His sacrificial death. Gabriel foretold that the "Anointed One would be cut off," a reference to Christ's crucifixion. The prophecy also hinted at the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by the Romans in 70 A.D., bringing desolation as foretold.

In the midst of this final week, Gabriel described a covenant being established for half of the period, ending sacrifices and offerings. This aligns with the New Covenant brought by Christ, who fulfilled the law and rendered temple sacrifices obsolete.

The prophecy concluded with a vision of desolation caused by abominable forces until God's judgment was executed upon the desolator. Scholars interpret this as the judgment on those who desecrate God's purposes, linking it to both historical and future events.

Through this vision, Daniel was shown a dual lens--a near-term focus on Jerusalem's restoration and a far-reaching view of God's redemptive plan through the Messiah. This prophecy reassured Daniel of God's sovereignty and ultimate victory, despite the trials his people would face.

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In this teaching on the New Covenant, as articulated in Hebrews, Pastor Rhode highlights its transformative nature compared to the Old Covenant. Key points include:

1. Jesus as Guarantor: Hebrews 7:22 states that Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant. His role as high priest in the heavenly temple signifies a shift from earthly practices.

2. Better Promises: The New Covenant is mediated by Christ and established on better promises, as noted in Hebrews 8:6. The inadequacies of the Old Covenant, particularly its inability to save completely, underscore the necessity of the New Covenant.

3. Jeremiah's Prophecy: Hebrews quotes Jeremiah 31, emphasizing that the New Covenant involves internalizing God's laws, allowing a direct relationship with Him. Unlike the Old Covenant, where only a few could approach God, in the New Covenant, all believers have personal access to God.

4. Atonement through Christ: Christ's sacrifice--His blood--serves as the ultimate atonement for sins, surpassing the Old Covenant's sacrificial system. The necessity of blood in establishing a covenant underscores the significance of Christ's sacrificial death. Hebrews 9 describes Christ's entry into the heavenly holy places to secure our eternal redemption.

5. Covenantal Language: The language of covenant is intertwined with concepts of inheritance, suggesting that the New Covenant fulfills and surpasses the Old in this respect too.

6. Finality of Christ's Sacrifice: Hebrews stresses that Christ's sacrifice was made once for all, establishing the New Covenant in a definitive way that transcends the previous covenants. Christ's return will not be to deal with sin again, but to save those who await Him.

For these reasons, the New Covenant, through Christ, fulfills and transcends the Old Covenant, offering a direct relationship with God and a full and comprehensive atonement for sin.