Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: A Biblical Perspective on Life

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
David P. Kautt
On Sunday morning, January 24, 2010

Psalm 139:13-16: “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

37 years ago, the political, the social, the moral – yes, the spiritual ‘landscape’ of our country changed. 37 years ago, January 22, 1973 to be exact, the Supreme Court of the United States of America – in it’s infamous Roe v. Wade decision – discovered the so-called ‘emanations and conundrums’ of the Constitution, a supposed ‘right to privacy’. It was this right to privacy that cleared the way for what we now know as ‘Abortion on Demand’ in our country, even though this supposed privacy right is nowhere specifically stated in the constitution. As far as I cam concerned, January 22, 1973, and every other day in America since then, was, and is a sad day. For this once great country - which in its founding documents, DID specifically acknowledge the God-given right to LIFE – had moved drastically and dramatically in the direction of being a country and culture of death! Now, we even had leaders, such as our President, who indicate that if their own daughters were to “make a mistake” as teenagers, and become pregnant out of wedlock, those leaders wouldn’t want their daughters to be PUNISHED with an unwanted child! It really is very sad. Sad for all the tens of millions of little boys and girls whose lives have been snuffed out – some even at the point of being only inches away from being delivered alive – into this world. And, yes, sad – very sad – for all the women who are and have been deceived, manipulated, and even coerced into destroying their children, and then left with the deep emotional, psychological, and even physical scars of such a choice. Pro-choice, that’s the side – the dark side of the pro-death philosophy – that no one wants to talk about or advertise.
What is your stance, your position on the issue of life? Are you undecided? Pro-choice? Pro-life? Is this issue merely and only a political issue? Or, does it have a moral, even a significant spiritual component? Should folks like me sit down and be quiet about it? Or, should preachers and church leaders address the issue?

The word abortion is not strictly found in the Bible. So does that mean we should end this message right here? No, Beloved, please listen - though the word abortion is not found in this Book [the Bible], the concept is. Take a look at Exodus chapter 21, verses 22 and following. Much more, the message of this Book pertaining to life – the message of this passage from the book of Psalms under-scores the fact that this issue is not simply and only a political football. No, it is a matter with deep and profound moral and spiritual implications.

Now, having said all that I have said, I’d like to suggest to you that the unborn child – for that matter, the week, the helpless, the vulnerable at any stage of life – are worthy of and in need of our best efforts to protect them. Here’s why, take a look. Psalm 139:13. The first reason why life should be precious and protected, is because God is ultimately the Possessor of it! Psalm 139:13, the old King James Version says it like this: “For Thou hast possessed my reins…” My deepest inner most parts. Literally, my kidneys, are held in His hands! We often sing a sweet little children’s song during Vacation Bible School – I’m sure you know it. It goes something like this: “He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole world in His hands, He’s got the whole wide world in His hands.” To think that God’s hands – the Mighty Maker’s hands - are that BIG, that strong is an amazing thing, isn’t it? Oh, but listen, my friends – Thou has possessed… Thou has grasped and held and upheld, not only the planets and the galaxies, but my kidneys – my inmost parts. What does that say about God’s hands?! It says that not only are God’s hands big and strong, but also that they are tender! Even before you were born God had His hand upon you! Look further at what that powerful 13th verse says. My translation, the New King James Version, says that not only is God my Possessor, He also is my Creator: “For you, O God, formed my inward parts, you covered me [literally ‘wove’ me, knit me together] while I was still living in my mother’s womb.” So, why should we protect the unborn?
Why should we count their lives precious? Because they are precious to God! Because – as their Possessor – you see it, don’t you? As their Possessor, the unborn belong to God! They are His!
There’s a second reason why we must begin to look at this issue of life differently – why we must regain the moral high ground and re-fashion our culture and country into a country and culture of life. And that is because each and every little life – precious as each on is in the sight of God – is not only POSSESSED by Him, and MADE by Him, but look at verse 14. Meditate on the fact, the amazing fact, that each and every life created by God [covered and woven together by Him in a mother’s womb], is precious and deserving of protection, because each and every life was meant to worship Him! To stand in awe of Him! Verse 14, read it again with me, will you! The text says,

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your
works, and that my soul knows very well.”

I want you to stop and think about the words of the psalmist David here, his Holy Spirit inspired words – “Fearfully and wonderfully made”. I am not a scientist – a biologist, an anatomist – or a medical doctor. And even if I was, it would be difficult to find words – scientific, technical sounds words – to say it any better than this, don’t you think?! And, what is this passage saying to us? It is saying that whether it be the outward, visible parts of who we are – hands and hair, eyes and nose – or whether it be the hidden parts – the parts seen only by microscopes and cat-scans, yes, my Loved Ones – the parts, like our minds, our will, our motive – the parts that only our Creator God sees – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I am a marvelous work of God” – what that description intends to help us see and understand is not the scientific so much as the sacred. Yes, the sacred. Number one, I am not an ‘accident’, a mere product of chance! Nor am I a mistake! No! Rather, wrap you minds around this one, will you? Rather than being an ‘accident’ or a ‘mistake’, God my Creator has endowed me with a certain, innate ability to perceive, to know full well deep in my soul, that He has made me! Yes, this verse – about being fearfully and wonderfully made is all about something very sacred!

How sacred, you ask? Reason number two – so sacred that it helps me realize that as someone made in God’s image – fashioned fearfully and wonderfully – I am meant to worship Him! That’s my purpose! To praise, to give thanks to – to stand in awe of – my amazing Creator! “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” I am a marvelous work of God – my soul knows all of that full well – so what? And so, I will praise Him! I will praise Him!

Why should we protect the unborn? What is it about life – life at all stages, and all ages – that should be precious? Verses 15 and 16 - allow me to point you in the direction of a third and final reason why, derived from these verses.

Psalm 139:15-16: “My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret,
and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my
substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days
fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

The issue of life is much, much more than a political issue. It is the fact that each and every life BELONGS to God that makes it precious! And, it is the fact that each and every life was meant to worship God that gives it meaning and purpose! And then, number 3. It is the fact that each and every life – unborn, recently born, weak, in-firmed, elderly, even deformed – is known by God that gives it hope!

Hope! Now there’s a word never discussed by those who advocate abortion on demand, the so-called right to privacy and our tragic culture of death!

Hope! It’s a word filled with huge amounts of meaning when you look at it through this ‘lens’ [the Bible]. We even have a saying along those lines, don’t we? It goes something like this, “If there’s life – there’s hope!” Wherever there is life, there is hope! Psalm 139:15-16, what could be more hope-building for a broken-hearted woman whose husband divorced her? What could be more hope building for a teenage caught up in the horrible clutches of drugs and alcohol? What could be more hope building for the patient receiving the awful news, “You’ve got cancer’ than these hope-BUILDING word? “My frame – literally, my bones are not hidden from you – even though I was skillfully wrought in the secret place, your eyes saw me!”

Why should we protect life? Because each and every life is KNOWN by it’s watchful Guide! Hurting? Broken? Torn? Shaken? Do those words describe you? Listen, my Dear Ones, there is hope! God, your Maker sees you! Much more – look at verse 16 again – and hear these hope-building words. God has a plan for you! God has a plan for you! “Your eyes – the all seeing, gracious eyes of your Creator saw your unformed substance – even before anyone else knew you existed. God saw you, and the Bible says that in God’s Book, all the days He has fashioned for you, He has written there!

Why should we protect life? My friends, it’s time to stop killing! Why? Because each and every life is precious – each one belongs to God! Because each and every life has meaning and purpose – each one was intended to worship God! And, last of all – we should protect life – why? Because each and every life - guided and governed by God as it is – has hope, hope because each one is known by God!

Psalm 139:13-16: “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

Resolved: to Hold Fast to the Past - part 3

RESOLVED: TO HOLD FAST TO THE PAST - part 3

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
David P. Kautt
Sunday morning, January 17, 2010

Acts 2:36-47: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has
made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard
this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’
doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers. Then fear came up on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers…”

Beloved, in a society and culture where the new, the different, the unique is esteemed - where styles and tastes change almost as quickly as you can switch the channels with the remote control – a verse like that verse, a verse about continuing steadfastly in something, may seem out of step, if not off the wall. But, listen, my friends – there’s a pattern here – Acts 2, verse 42, a First Century pattern meant for us, as twenty-first century Christians to follow. A pattern that pertains to Christ’s word – the apostles’ doctrine, Christ’s sacrifice – the breaking of the bread, Christ’s people – the fellowship, and, as I trust we will see today, a first century pattern that pertains to Christ’s power and program – the prayers.

Yes, my friends, what we have here is a pattern – a two-thousand-year-old pattern – worth maintaining and enhancing, rather than neglecting and abandoning. To be the New Testament Christians we claim to be, we need this pattern. We need to study it, we need to understand it, and – most of all – we need to imitate it, follow it!

Look again at the test with me, what does it say? And they, these earliest Christian believers, continued steadfastly in – they devoted themselves to – the apostles’ doctrine. They persisted in and held fast to what the Holy Spirit-commissioned apostles taught. Why? Because those were the things Jesus taught!

A friend of mine and I were talking sometime ago about the New Testament. We were sharing our thoughts and insights about various portions of the 27 books, when my friend had this to say, “David, I can handle Jesus had to say – and Peter and James and John – but Paul, he’s another story. I have trouble with what Paul had to say…” Now, listen. You think about that with me for a minute. That’s nearly half of the entire New Testament, my friend. I think he’s missing something here, I think he’s forgetting something. I think he’s overlooking the fact that ultimately Paul’s words are not Paul’s words! No! Ultimately, Paul’s words are Jesus’ words!

Ultimately, authentic Apostolic doctrine is that which comes from Jesus Christ Himself! To put it bluntly, whether he realizes it or not, my friend’s problem with Paul’s words means that – actually – he has a problem with the word of Jesus!

My friend, as good as he is, I don’t want to follow his pattern. No! I want to follow - I urge you to follow – the Apostles’ pattern! Their pattern!

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”, that’s priority number 1. Then, next in line is New Testament fellowship – that uncommon unity. Having Christ’s people in one’s heart, in one’s head and in one’s hand. That’s a pattern, an example we need to follow today also! Psalm 133 said it so beautifully – so meaningfully – remember? “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers (and sisters) to dwell together in unity.” In unity!

Then there’s priority number 3, “And they devoted themselves to [they continued steadfastly in] the apostles’ doctrine - Christ’s word, in the fellowship – Christ’s people, and number 3 – they devoted themselves to the breaking of bread, Christ’s sacrifice. Oh, my Loved Ones. Oh, for us to know Christ through the breaking of the bread – through that regular time of communing with Him at His table – that’s what happened to Cleopas and his Emmaus Road friend! They recognized Jesus, they knew Him for who He really is! How? Luke 24:35, 1 Corinthians 11:23 and following. They knew Him, and we know and can come to know Him through, the breaking of the bread. Through the weekly observance of the Lord’s supper so as to remember Him! So as to remember Jesus!

“And they continued steadfastly in – they fervently devoted themselves to – the apostles’ doctrine and the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread…” And then, finally - priority number 4 for every New Testament Christian – and even New Testament Church… “And they continued steadfastly in, they devoted themselves to – prayer.” Along time ago, someone smarter than I am had this to say about prayer. Listen – prayer – what is it? It is communication between 2 people who love each other! Let me say that one more time and you make not of it. Prayer – what is it? It is communication between 2 people who love each other. Using that simple, and I believe scriptural definition of prayer as a grid, I’d like for us to take a look at four aspects of this loving, 2-way communication.

First of all, go with me, please, to Acts chapter seven, verses 54 through 60.

Acts 7:54-60: “When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they
gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed
into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of
God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at
the right hand of God!” Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their
ears and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and
stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man
named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice,
“Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell
asleep.”

What did we say prayer is? What is our working definition for it? Prayer is communication between 2 people who love each other! Here’s Stephen - this courageous servant of Christ, who is about to become the first martyr for the cause of Christ - stones are flying towards him, and with the stones, great hatred and malice on she part of these Jewish leaders, and what is he doing? What is he taking part in while this blood-thirsty mob is gnashing against him with its teeth? Do you see, my friends? He is praying. He is communing with the One he loves the most – he is speaking to Jesus, TO Jesus – as if He is right there with him! And, notice – not only is Stephen communicating with Jesus, by way of this marvelous heavenly vision of the glory of God, and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand – guess what? Guess what? Jesus, the other participant in this heavenly love affair, is communicating with Stephen! Isn’t that amazing – evening breath-taking?! Set alongside the ugliness of these Jewish leaders’ hatred and vengeance, is the beauty – the matchless beauty – of Christ’s love for His child, and of His child for Him!

And they continued steadfastly in prayer – in the prayers! What do these words mean? They mean that the earliest believers in Christ – through prayer to Him – they enjoyed, and I believe were greatly strengthened and emboldened by this sweet and precious communion with Jesus! Prayer to Jesus – it is an avenue to commune with Jesus!

Secondly, in learning – perhaps for most of us – learning again about this blessed communication between 2 people who love each other; what do we need to realize? What do we need to remember? Mark it down – the second aspect of prayer. That it is not only to Jesus, but perhaps more commonly and more frequently, it is through Jesus. It is through Jesus!

There’s an interesting emphasis regarding the nature and procedure of prayer that Jesus makes known to His disciples in those final hours He spends with them in the upper room. Anybody know what it is? Jot down these verses for some further study later: John 14:12-14, John 15:7 & 16, and then John 16:23-27. Let’s take a look at the first of those clusters of verses, John 14:12-14, and see if we can’t discern this unique emphasis regarding prayer. Jesus - tell us, teach us – regarding the nature and procedure of prayer.

John 14:12-14: “ “Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works
that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go
to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

What is prayer, and how are we to go about it? John 14:12-14. Here are some answers to these questions. What is prayer? It is a way for God and Christ to carry out their will. Through prayer offered to God, through Jesus Christ, God and Christ involve us in the process of carrying out their will. The process of doing the works Jesus did! Furthermore, look at the procedure for all of this! How are we to pray? John 14:13 – Jesus shows us how, doesn’t He? He says, “Whatever you ask – in My name – that I will do…” And, the outcome? To where does all of this lead? Once again, verse 13, the outcome is this… “that the Father may be glorified, in the Son!” Glory to God! Praise to God in and through Jesus Christ is the outcome!

Prayer – communication between 2 people who love each other – it is to Jesus, it is through Jesus. Then, thirdly, did you know this about prayer? 1 John two verse one. Through prayer not only are Christians privileged to communion with Jesus – and to have access to the gracious throne of God. Listen to this - through prayer, and through the study of passage of the scripture like 1 John 2:1 – we come to realize that when we pray, we’re not the only ones doing so! Take a look.

1 John 2:1: “ My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."

Beloved, have you ever thought about it like this before? Why does God hear our prayers? Is it because we get all the words right? I don’t know about you, but there are times when the only words I know how to say are, “Lord, help me!” “Lord, please help me!” God doesn’t hear us because we get all the words right! And, He doesn’t hear us because we have DONE everything right. Just look at this verse, “If anybody DOES sin…” No! Take a look here with me, will you, please? Why does God hear our prayers? I love this verse, and it’s companion verses: Romans 8:26-27. Listen, 1 John 2:1. God hears our prayers – mainly – because Jesus Christ, our Righteous Advocate is praying with us and for us!

And they devoted themselves to – they continued steadfastly in – the apostles’ doctrine [that’s Christ’s words], in the fellowship [that’s Christ’s people], in the breaking of bread [that’s Christ’s sacrifice], and – last of all – they continued steadfastly in the prayers. Listen - through prayer – they devoted themselves to, they latched themselves firmly to, the power and the program of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer, what is it? This two-way communication between people who love each other – Jesus and you. Jesus and me. When we examine the nature and procedure of prayer through the lens of the Lord’s prayer – or, as many have called it, the Disciples’ prayer or Model prayer – what do we learn about it? What do we discover?

Matthew 6, verses five through thirteen. Why do we pray? And, how do we pray? Verses 5 and 6, do we pray to be seen of men? Do we pray so as to sort of show off our spiritually? No! Not unless that’s all we want to gain by way of it – the attention of other men! No, we don’t pray as to be seen of men. Nor do we pray using mounds and mounds, and more mounds of empty, meaningless words – as if – by the use of all these words, somehow we will wear God down, so that finally – finally – He will give in and give us what we want!

No! We don’t pray that way, nor do we pray for those self-centered reasons! Rather – can I say simply, and directly – if we’re going to pray in the way that those earliest Christians prayed, listen, we’re gonna pray like Jesus. To Him, through Him, by Him and number 4 – like Him!
Now, here’s the question: How did Jesus pray? With His eyes closed, with His eyes open? With his hands folded and His head bowed? With His head lifted and His hands raised heavenward? Stop!! Listen, my friends, as important as the physical posture of prayer might be [head up, head down – eyes open, eyes closed and so on], listen, what matters far, far more to God is the posture of one’s heart.

Now, let’s ask our question one more time. How did Jesus pray? Matthew 26:39 “Not My will… not My will – but Thine be done!” What was Jesus’ heart posture when He prayed there in Gethsemane?

So, what is to be our mode of praying to God? Matthew 6:9 & 10, so as to line ourselves up with not only the power of God, but more significantly, the program of God – the will of God. With humble hearts and even bowed heads, we pray as Jesus taught us to pray –

“Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name… Thy kingdom come, Thy
will be done on earth [in me], as it is in heaven… For Thine is the kingdom, and
the power and the glory forever. Amen!”

“And they continued steadfastly in – they firmly devoted themselves to – the apostles’ doctrine and the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread, and to the prayers…”

Let’s close in prayer.

Resolved: To Hold Fast To The Past - part 2

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
David P. Kautt
Sunday morning, January 10, 2010

Acts 2:36-47:
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are
afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers. Then fear came up on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily
with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate
their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor
with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were
being saved."

A new year – a time of changing of the calendar, and the way we write our checks. Usually when we come together in the first few days and weeks of the New Year our thoughts are on the bigger and the better, the new, the difference and the improved.

And, as you well know, with that – with all of that emphasis on the new, with all of the attention given to change in the New Year, we might forget that there are some things – some very important things that may be worth holding on to, worth continuing, worth maintaining and enhancing, rather than neglecting and abandoning.

And what are those things? What is it that we should continue to pursue, yes, even as we enter this New Year?

Acts 2. What a crucially important text this is for our understanding of what it means to be a New Testament church and a New Testament Christian. Lots of key verses and key truths that are communicated here. But, in the interest of time we’re going to zero in on one verse – and four items in that verse - as we consider what we DON’T want to leave behind, as we close the door on 2009, and walk forward into 2010.

Acts chapter two, verse 42 – take a look at it again with me, as we seek to know, to understand, and to do what the early Church did. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers.”

Priority number one – we looked at it in detail last Lord’s Day – remember? If we want to be a truly New Testament church then all the diligence and fervency, all the firmness and constancy that we can muster needs to be focused in the direction of the Apostles’ Doctrine. What they taught, as by the Holy Spirit they imparted to them the Apostles’ Doctrine. Teaching and preaching and DOING the Word of God. Some churches in this age - when so many are infatuated with the latest ‘innovations’ and ‘methods’ – are minimizing the Bible’s importance while still wanting to call themselves ‘The Church’. Acts 2:42 – how can they do it?! Acts 2:42, take a look. Regarding the habits and commitments of the early Church, the text simply, yet powerfully declares: “And they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles’ Doctrine…” There simply is no church, no truly CHRISTIAN church, without the Bible.

Beloved, I know it’s a new year, and I know that with the change of the calendar a lot of folks think it’s time for other things to change. But, listen, for this congregation of Believers in Christ, 2010 is not going to be any different that 2009. By God’s grace – with His help – we will continue steadfastly, resolutely, unwaveringly in the Apostle’s Doctrine. Amen? Amen!
Secondly, new year or no new year, through the power of the Holy Spirit, let us resolve to continue in – to devote ourselves – to the fellowship. To genuine, New Testament fellowship. Think again about what that means… “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers (and sister in Christ) to dwell together in unity.” Do you remember those precious words of the Psalmist, in Psalm 133? New Testament fellowship, what is it? That oneness of heart, and head and hand produced by the gracious work of God’s spirit. Do you yearn for that? Do you long to experience and participate in that? Let’s make New Testament style fellowship one of our goals for 2010, shall we?

Through spirit directed prayer, through practical deeds of service, and through generous expressions of giving and sharing, this year let’s keep Christ’s people here [our heart], here [our head, or mind], and here [our wallet], shall we? And they continued steadfastly in the fellowship… As we progress through the remaining 355 days of this year, let’s keep that focus as one of our primary goals again this year.
Apostolic Doctrine… genuine Christian fellowship. Those are the first two of these New Testament church priorities. Then, number 3 – priority number 3 we want to hold onto, and even enhance in the New Year – is that precious time with one another and with the Lord Jesus we call… the breaking of bread.

My brothers and sisters, I need to ask you a question right here, right now. Here is the question: what does the Bible mean – what is the Word of God trying to tell us – when it says that the New Testament Church, the very first believers in Jesus, devoted themselves to the breaking of the bread? Does it mean that they devoted themselves to a small wafer and a tiny cup of juice? Does it mean that they busied themselves with the external details of a particular religious ceremony? Does it mean that? Or, does it mean something different? Something higher? Something more significant?

Two passages of Scripture give us some very helpful, and I believe very needed insight into how to answer my questions. Luke chapter 24, and John chapter 6. Before we move too quickly to answer my questions, let’s take a few minutes to examine what these passages teach us regarding the meaning and significance of this third New Testament church priority: the breaking of bread. Luke 24, please find that chapter with me, would you?

Luke 24:13-35
“Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called
Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all
these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned,
that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained,
so that they did not know Him. And He said to them, “What kind of conversation
is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Then the one
whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in
Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these
days?” And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things
concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before
God and all the people. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him
to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was he
who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day
since these things happened. Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived
at the tomb early, astonished us. When they did not find His body, they came
saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. And
certain of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the
women had said; but Him they did not see.” Then He said to them, “O foolish
ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought
not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And
beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the
Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And he went in to stay with them. Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord is risen
indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” And they told about the things that had
happened on the road, and how He was know to them in the breaking of bread.”

I know that was a lengthy passage to read, especially at this point in the sermon. But please notice this interesting account’s connection to our discussion of priority number 3, the breaking of bread. It’s a connection made clear at verses 30 through 35. Look again at it with me, please. Jesus sits at the table with Cleopas and his friend. Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. Then what? Then their eyes are opened and they knew Him… Yes, they know Him, as verse 35 indicates, in the breaking of the bread. Now, while you’re contemplating that, find the sixth chapter of John with me. We won’t read this lengthy passage. But allow me to summarize it for you. John 6, verses 1 through 14, the text records how Jesus performs one of His most famous miracles. He feed the 5,000 with the 5 barley loaves and the 2 small fish; and as verse 14 indicates, the people saw Jesus perform this miracle. When they saw it, they exclaimed, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world…” End of the story? Not quite. Now skip over verses 15 through 21, and pick up the account in verse 22 and following. It’s now day two of Jesus’ ministry to this hungry crowd. And what are these people looking for? What do they really want when they find Jesus on the other side of the sea? Jesus knows their hearts, doesn’t He? He knows our hearts, too, by the way. Yes, Jesus knows their hearts, and He confronts them with that knowledge – verses 26 - 27,

“Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but
because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which
perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of
Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Now think again about my questions from a moment ago… What does that text in Acts 2 mean when it says that the early Christians continued steadfastly in the breaking of the bread? Does it mean that they were laboring for perishable food, you know, for a small snack made up of unleavened wafers and a tiny cup of juice? Or, does it mean that their hungering and thirsting was for the one who IS the Living Bread, the Bread from Heaven, the Lord Jesus Himself? Once again the words from Acts 2 are, “And they continued steadfastly in [they devoted themselves to]… the breaking of bread.

My Loved Ones, did you know that Judas Iscariot broke bread with Jesus in the Upper Room? Did you know that? And do you realize that this crowd of people who had eaten Jesus’ free bread and fish meal the day before - when they heard Jesus’ words describing Himself as the Bread of Life – many of them, according to verse 66 and following, withdrew and no longer walked with Him?

My Dear Ones, what does the Scripture mean – Acts 2:42 – when it says, “And they devoted themselves to the breaking of bread”? Priority number 3 for the new year, what is it? It is the breaking of the bread. But is that simply a commitment to the externals of a ceremony? Is it a devotion to a tiny wafer and a little sip of juice? Is it a weekly tasting bee? Is it?

Listen one more time to the words of Cleopas and his Emmaus Road friend in Luke 24:35.
“And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in [literally by means of] the breaking of the bread.”

Hear me, my Loved Ones, would you? Hear me well, please… Priority number 3, if we’re to be a truly New Testament church, then our breaking of the bread in not, I repeat, is not to be a devotions – a steadfast continuance in – the externals of a cold, sterile ceremony. Nor is it to be a fervent pursuit of a small Sunday morning snack of wafers and juice! No! Rather, the 1st Century pattern, and our 21st Century priority, is that of complete commitment to the Sinless One we can know in the breaking of the Unleavened Bread. And the Sacrificial One, we can know in the drinking of the Fruit of the Vine!

And they continued steadfastly in the breaking of the bread… My Dear Ones, I love the simplicity, and the power of Jesus’ words of explanation in this regards, don’t you? And with His words I will close: 1 Corinthians 11:23b – 26

“The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when
He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is
broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”

Let’s pray.

Resolved: to Hold Fast to the Past - part 1

Preached at Northwest Christian Church
by David P. Kautt
Sunday morning, January 3, 2010

Acts 2:36-47: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when
they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of
the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Then Peter said to them,
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for
the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For
the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many
as the Lord our God will call.”
And with many other words he testified and
exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day
about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in
the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers.
Then fear came up on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had
need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from
house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the
church daily those who were being saved.

Two thousand and ten – can you believe it? We are now fully one decade – 10 years into this new century – this new millenium. And, as we are wont to say at the beginning of a New Year, it’s time to make a fresh start. It’s time to turn over some new leaves. It’s time perhaps to begin some new habits.

However, before you and I head off to pursue the fulfillment of our “New Year’s Resolutions,” allow me to make to you a suggestion of a different sort. Today, as we begin this New Year and this new decade together, I’d like to suggest to you that there are some things – some very important things, I believe, that are worth holding on to – worth continuing in – worth maintaining and enhancing rather than neglecting and abandoning. But, what are those things? What is it that we should continue to pursue, in the midst of our pursuit of other worthwhile new ventures?

Take a closer look at our text with me today, as we seek to answer that crucial question. Acts Chapter two. I wish we had time to read the entirety of this important portion of Scripture. It’s full of a lot of key verses that let us in on the very earliest events of – the “birthday” we might say – of the Early Church. However, in the interest of time, and the other important things in this text we need to examine this morning, I want to direct your attention primarily to one verse from the passage we read a moment ago. That verse is verse 42. Read it again with me if you would, please:

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread; and in prayers.

As we begin a New Year – even a new decade – there is a lot of talk about new starts, fresh beginnings and so forth. However, I’d like for you to consider with me what we don’t want to leave behind as we close the door on 2009. Notice again what Acts 2:42 says – how this verse begins – as it describes the practices, the habits, (there’s a New Year’s resolution word for you) – take a look at Acts 2:42 and seek with me to know, and understand and to do what the Early Church did.

Look first of all at how this verse begins, the first few words of it. It says that “they continued steadfastly….” Some translations put it: “They devoted themselves to….” What does this portion of the text mean? And what are we to do about it? Steadfast – steadfastly. It’s kind of an older, less common English word – but I found it interesting to learn that it has to do with a constant, firm, fixed resolution. Resolution to do something or to BE something. We know a lot about people who are fickle, don’t we? We know a lot about people who waver and waffle in their decision-making, don’t we? But when the Bible says here of these earliest believers that they “continued steadfastly in…” fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer, what it means is that with great diligence, and great fervency, they directed their strength TOWARD these four priorities.

Acts 2:42. As I said, when we come to a crossroads, like a year-ending and a new one beginning, we may have a desire - even a habit - of doing what my sons did on New Year’s day. Time to clean out the garage and haul off some things, time to let go of, turn our back on some things. But, listen. WE call ourselves a New Testament Church, don’t we? Don’t we? Well, then let’s act like one! Let’s follow their example, and not set aside these four key priorities! Think of it this way, would you, my Loved Ones? When the Holy Spirit inspired historian, Dr. Luke – details these things for us here, what he is really says is this: “Day-in-and-day-out, from one month, one year, one decade, one century to the next – what the early church did was they busied themselves with these four things.” 21st century Christians – 2010 Christians – should do the same!

Okay. Okay. But, what does the Bible mean when it says, “the apostles’ doctrine?” What does it mean when it says they held out and held on to the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayer?

Well, let’s take a look, shall we? Four priorities worth continuing – worth maintaining and enhancing – New Year or no New Year – what are they? How are we to go about pursuing them?

First off, priority #1 is the one Luke describes as “the apostles’ doctrine,” the apostles’ teaching. What does this phrase mean? Well, first, let’s uncover what it doesn’t mean. When looking at a phrase like “the apostles’ teaching,” we might be prone to say that Luke is talking here about their activity – that the emphasis of the text is on the DOING of the teacher’s task.

But if that were the emphasis, what good would that be for us who live not in the first, but in the twenty-first century, seeing that the apostles are not still around to carry out that task? “And they devoted themselves to – continued steadfastly in – the apostles’ doctrine, the apostles’ teaching.” What does this phrase mean if it is not emphasizing the activity of the apostles?

Here’s what I believe the Holy Spirit meant for us to understand by this phrase: “Day-in and day-out, the early church held out and held on to – they directed diligent and fervent strength toward – WHAT the apostles taught! The emphasis, in other words, is not on the activity so much as it is on the outcome of that activity, the content of their teaching!

Now, before we move on from here, maybe you’re wondering, what’s the big deal, the content rather than the activity?

Let me take you to two or three passages to see if you might grasp this more clearly.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

In verse 20, notice the emphasis Jesus makes when He details what’s involved in the process of making disciples. Is the emphasis on the activity, the teaching, OR is the emphasis on what the disciple-maker teaches? Jesus says, “Teach them.” Teach them what? “Teach them to observe – literally, ‘to keep, to guard, to obey’ – all that I have commanded you….” The emphasis is on what? On the teaching of the apostles’ (Jesus’ hand-picked representatives, sent out by Him with His authority). To teach others what – there’s that word again – to teach others WHAT He had taught them!! Take a look at John 14:25-26. Take a look at John 16:12-15. Take a look at 1 John 2:20-27. Take a look even at Acts 1:8, where Jesus commissions His closest men with the words, “You shall be witnesses – to Me!’ And you’ll discover that for the early church, the priority was not the so-called insights of pop-psychology, or of the advice of Dear Abby or Ann Landers or, even of the words of some supposedly lost, but now found, previously unknown portion of “Scripture.” (Like in Dan Brown’s book0) Rather, the priority was on the Word of God, the words of Christ, handed down to us through the apostles, the teachings of Christ, to be learned, to be understood, to be obeyed!

We say we want to be a New Testament church? I agree! Let’s do so. Let’s be so! [Hold up Bible.] “And they continued steadfastly in the authentic, authoritative words of Jesus through the apostles.” There’s a great place to begin! There’s a perfect place to start!

Priority #2 – They devoted themselves – they held out and held on to – the fellowship – the fellowship.

Fellowship. That’s a word we use quite often as twenty-first century Christians. But do we know what it means, what it entails from a New Testament, from a first-century church perspective? Fellowship. In our era, that word most often is linked with another word – one that you and I might wish were true for today. I’m talking about the word “DINNER.” “FOOD.”
But again, I ask you to consider the teaching of this text and other texts, to see if that is what fellowship really means. While you’re mulling that over, allow me to read three or four passages for you. Please listen closely.

Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing –
Life forevermore.

Acts 2:44-47 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

1 John 1:3-4 …that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:10-15 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you; who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

“And they continued steadfastly, they diligently and resolutely directed their strength towards… fellowship….” What is the meaning of this word? What difference does it make to us?
Allow me to suggest, first of all, that the meaning of the New Testament term “fellowship” has to do, as Psalm 133 put so beautifully, fellowship has to do with brotherly unity. It has to do with genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ drawn to Him by His love and grace towards us, and bound to one another by His Holy Spirit. Fellowship – in one New Testament sense of the term - has to do with people of like precious faith having all things in common, sharing our hearts, our tender affection. “Greet one another with a holy kiss,” the Bible declares. Sharing our heads, our minds, as they are fashioned into the mindset of Jesus Christ. By the way, according to Philippians 2:5-11, the mindset of Jesus Christ is the mindset of unselfish servanthood, washing the feet of the saints (1 Timothy 5:10).

And yes, my friends, if we are to be a truly New Testament church, consistently engaging on a day-by-day, year-by-year, decade-by-decade basis in Biblical fellowship, we will not only share our hearts with our brothers and sisters, and our heads with our brothers, but our hands [reach into pocket and pull out wallet] with our brothers and sisters (2 Cor 9:10-15). By the way, thank you one and all, for how you’ve done that with my family and me for all these years!
New Testament fellowship. How can I say, and put it more simply? Just like with the breaking of the bread, just like with prayer, just like with the apostles’ doctrine – Jesus Christ is central! The breaking of the bread – Jesus’ sacrifice is central! The prayers – Jesus’ power and program is central! “Hollowed be Thy name – Thy kingdom – Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven….” The apostles’ doctrine, Jesus’ Christ’s words are central. And then there’s the fellowship, the brotherly unity of heart and head and, even of hand. And what’s the focus?
Listen closely. They continued steadfastly in the fellowship. What that means is that they kept Christ’s people central! Through prayerful intercession, through humble service, and yes, through generous, even sacrificial giving, they showed, that they remembered Jesus’ words: “In as much as you have done it to the least of these, my brothers, you have done it unto Me!”

Beloved, I’m looking at the clock, and certain that we must close out our study this morning. But the Lord willing, we’ll come back to it next Lord’s Day. But before we bow in prayer, let me say it again like this: When it comes to moving from 2009 to 2010, we may want to close some doors behind us and we may need to put some periods on some sentences, and shut the book on some chapters of our lives. But listen. As New Testament Christians, let us never, ever tire in doing what is right. Let us never, ever stop, or even slow down, our pursuit of, our busying ourselves with, our giving our all to Christ’s Word (the apostles’ doctrine), Christ’s sacrifice (the breaking of bread), Christ’s power and program (the prayers) and Christ’s people (the fellowship).

Let’s pray.