ACTS - Special Assignment

Pauls's missionary journeys

 

 

 

 

My own mission journey:

 

LUKE

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original readers?
The book of Luke is written to encourage and strengthen the faith of all believers – especially the Gentiles, even if Luke directly addressed the book to someone called Theophilus (1:3). Some think Theophilus (means God-lover) can be a group of people.


What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?
According to the tradition is it assumed that Luke wrote this book, but the book itself does not identify its author. Luke was a physican (Col.4:14). The first lines in the book show that Luke wrote as a historian and not as an eye-witness of the events he recorded (1:1-4).
The book was written between AD 59 and 63.


What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea”. I think an important theme is Repentance. And the parable about the lost son (15:11-32) describe God’s love for the sinner that is coming home – and how He hates sin.

Another important theme is Jesus’ concern for social outcasts, women and the poor. (44:16-21 as the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1-2).

It is also important to make it very clear that the gospel is intended for all peoples, including the Gentiles (2:14,32).

I think a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea” is expressed through the scripture in 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost”.


What is the primary reason this book was written? Luke was a doctor and a disciple of Paul and he says in chapter 1 that he has found it necessary to write about the events that have been fulfilled among them. He tells that he has investigated everything carefully from the beginning so that Theophilus (and we) can be certain of the truth of everything they were taught (1:1-4).

The whole gospel is the Word of the Lord to men. It is clearly said that Jesus Christ er both true God and true Men, but without sin. This message must be told both to the Jews and to the Gentiles.

The book of Luke shows how the enemies was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ – The Son of Man (9:44 and 22:22). But Jesus rose from the grave, the death could not hold on him. That is because he had “come to seek and save those who are lost” (19:10).


What does this book show about the character and nature of God?
We see Jesus as the incarnate of God:

- He is a messenger of good news for all the world and he is the savior of the whole world (2:11).

- He is powerfull. He had power to read people's minds and authority over demons (4:36).

- He has authority to forgive sins even before his death on the cross making him equal to God (5:23).

- He is full of compassion and he is kind to the unthankful and the wicked (6:36).

- In the parable about the vineyard we see how God gave the people many chanches even if He was rejected again and again. He gave even his only son to show his love and we see that He is overwhelming gracious and merciful to those who don't deserve it. (20:9-16)

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The angel said to the shepherds on the fields outside Bethlehem:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (2:10-11)

In the synagogue on the Sabbath Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1-2 as a prophecy about himself:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”(4:18-19)

Jesus Christ is God’s redemptive plan for mankind – our savior!

Personal Application:

When reading Luke 7:36-50 about the immoral woman with the beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume, and how she wiped off Jesus’ feet with her hair, kissing his feet and putting perfume on them - I was challenged.

For me I think this means that I have to ask God if He wants me to step out of my comfort zone and seeking  ways to facilitate reconciliation between races, genders and social classes.

The story of the woman with the alabaster jar has also inspired the worshipsleader here on campus Daniel Lehmann to write the wonderful song “I put my heart in the bottle Lord”. This song has sounded  on my mind so much the last days and I think that’s’what God really wants of me: My own heart! And as the woman gave Jesus the most expensive she owned, I want to give Him my heart as my only and most expensive gift.

 

Point of passion:

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

Also here I will focus on the 6 Shan students on the first Shan DTS that started in Chiang Mai this fall.

As far as I know these student own almost nothing, but I know that God is njot occupied with what we have of resources, but He wants our heart!

When reading in Luke about the woman with the alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume (7:36-50), I will pray that these 6 students will experience that giving their heart to God as their only and most expensive gift, He will provide for them in all their need.

I will also pray that God shows them the truth in Daniel Lehmann’s song “I put my heart in the bottle Lord” and that God will reveal His Father Heart to these 6 students, and use them to reflect His glory to the Shan in South East Asia.

MARK

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original readers?
The book of Mark is mainly written to gentile Christians in Rome who were living under trying conditions.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

This book is written by Mark, but it is supposed that Peter has dictated a lot of the message. Mark is also known as John Mark (John is his Jewish name and Mark/Marcus his Roman name). Mark was not one of the 12 diciples of Jesus, but a relative to Barnabas (Col 4:10) and a friend of Peter (Acts 12:12.13).

It is assumed that the book is written between AD 50 and 70.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea”.

For Mark it is important to present Jesus as the Son of God – able to forgive sins (2:5-12), the Son of Man (compassion for people – both spiritually and bodily) and and the Messiah – his suffering, rejection and death were essential to God’s way of salvation. It was also important for him to show Jesus as a model of suffering (8:34-38).

I think a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea” in Mark is that Jesus wants to be perceived as a obedient servant, and the scripture in 10:45 is a key verse: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many”.

                                                     

What is the primary reason this book was written?

I think a very important message in this book is what we see in the life of Jesus: Service and sacrifice (10:43).

Mark is pointing to Jesus as the servant, always ready to action according to his Father’s willing. Jesus is showing us his compassion and mercy to all, including the poor, the expelled in the society and ordinary people in different need. (Examples in 1:40-42, 7:24-30 and 8:1-8).

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

In Mark I can mention these:

-       God has given Jesus authority to forgive sins “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (2:10)

-       As in Matthew we see Jesus/God as a healer: “And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed”. (6:56).

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The redemptive plan can be seen fulfilled in Jesus death on the cross and ultimately in his resurrection (16:9).

Jesus knew what was waiting for him, so even before he died on the cross he could forgive sins (2:5).

Personal Application:

When reading Mark 1:40-42 about the man with leprosy begging Jesus to be healed, I was reminded about how praying for sick in my earlier days was a big issue and very important to me. In many ways this passion have shrunken – especially after my first wife died in cancer. But I think I have to allow God to use me again to show his love and compassion for others by bringing healing and wholeness to those around me.

During this DBS-course I have heard about/talked with 4 men who have lost their wives in cancer – included my readinggroup-leader, but even so - today they are serving the Lord with great passion and faithfulness. This is very encouraging!

Point of passion:

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

By reading Mark I heard about all the healing miracles Jesus did and that he sent his twelve disciples out two by two. They told everyone they met to repent their sins and turn to God, and casted out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with oil. (Mark 6:12-13).

With this background I pray that the Lord will make the 6 Shan students on the DTS in Chiang Mai - as I wrote about under Matthew - able to spread out Gods healing power in a way like we are reading about in Mark 6:56: “And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed”.

There are so much suffering and diseases among the Shan-people, so when they see God’s love for people demonstrated through His healing, I believe that this will make a big impact, and the Kingdom of God will prosper.

MATTHEW

What do you see in this book that tells you about the original readers?
The original readers were mostly Jews who already believed in Jesus and that he was the Son of God. (14:33 and 16:16).

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The author of this book is Matthew (also named Levi). He left his tax office to follow Jesus (9:9 and 10:3). The book was written between AD 70 and 80.
 

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “Main Idea”.

It was important for Matthew to tell about that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah (5:17). I think the priests and the Pharisees understood more than they were willing to admit when Jesus told the parable about the evil tenants and how the tenants (the Israelites) treated the servants (God’s  prophets). The landowner at last sent his own son (Jesus) to them, but they killed him also.

Another important theme is righteousness. The citizens of the Heavens kingdom  are called to be righteous. Love for others is also emphasized – and mercy and forgiveness (5:7 and 6:2-4).

I think what Jesus says in 3:17 contents the main idea: “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near”.

                                                      

What is the primary reason this book was written?

I think the most important message in Matthew is to show that Jesus is the Messiah that is prophesied many times in the Old Testament – for example 4:14-16, 8:17, 12:17-21, 13:35. The Genealogy of Jesus in 1:1-16 (which shows that Jesus is a descendant of Abraham and David), his birth and childhood, teaching and ministry confirm that Jesus is Christ – the anointed one.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

In the NT is it possible to see God's character and nature lived out practically through Jesus, and he is a example for us as his followers. All things Jesus did reflect God’s nature - for example 4:23&25: “He healed every kind of disease and illness”.

I think Jesus in Sermon on the Mount shows many qualities that God appreciates among His people, because these are similar to Himself (Matt. 5:5-11)

-      Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

-      Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

-      Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

-      Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

-      Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

 

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

The prophesy of Jesus in Isaiah 42:1-4 is according to Matthew 12:2 fulfilled by Jesus:
“And his name will be the hope of all the world”

Jesus came to fulfill the law and the blood of Jesus is poured out as the perfect lamb to take away the sins of the world.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”. (26:28)

Personal Application:

When reading the OT I can see again and again that one of the things the people must repent from is that they have not helped the poor. When reading Matthew 25:35-36 I see that even when the Son of Man shall judge the nations that will it be of   decisive importance how we have treated the poor:

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”’

Back home we have several people-groups (especially people from Romania) that are suffering and begging money from people passing by in the streets. I will pray God to show me ways I can be a helper to these people.

Point of passion:

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

This fall the 1st Shan DTS ever was started in Chiang Mai. There are 6 Shan students and during the first week they had a powerful time of prayer and worship. God gave a word for these students, quote: "They will be the head and not the tail, they will be a tip of an arrow to penetrate and open up doors for the gospel among the Shan people". This was an amazing word from the Lord and by summing it up, that means they are PIONEERS.

The saddest thing about all these students is that most of them are orphans, and have gone through a lot of difficulties in life. But I believe that God has chosen them and have a plan and a purpose for every one of them. I will also pray that God brings healing into their lives, and will reveal His Father Heart to these students, and use them to reflect His glory to the Shan in South East Asia.

The story Jesus told in Matthew about the importance of building on solid rock, reminds me about praying that the teaching these 6 students will get during this DTS will make them able to build all their lives on solid rock – so they can stand steadfast  when all kind of trials come.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

MALACHI

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet
The authorship of Malachi is discussed. Malachi means “my message” and it is uncertain whether this is a name or a title.

Malachi lived in the days of Nehemiah and prophesied about the year 430 BC. His preaching is a response to the wickedness of the people and the priests, as well as a call to salvation. The people were now disillusioned about their future and skeptical of God’s promises.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

1:14: “For I am a great king.”

2:5: "The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them.”

2:16: “For I hate divorce.”

3:6: “I am the Lord, and I do not change.”

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Many Jews believe the continuation of the Old Testament still has not arrived, and standing at the Wall in Jerusalem, asking God for deliverance of his people. But as Christians we know that the sequel came for over 2 000 years ago - with Jesus.

Malachi tells both about John and Jesus - how John the Baptist cleared the way for the King and our Lord – Jesus Christ (3:1)

 
“Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”(4:5-6).during my

ZECHARIAH

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet
Zechariah prophesied at the time of Haggai around 520 BC, but some are written   later. Zechariah service lasted for over 50 years, and much of the focus is about the rebuilding of the Temple. The prophet Zechariah was in many ways the prophet Haggai counterpart and complemented each other in a good way. While Haggai spoke to earth about what would happen in the near future if the temple was rebuilt, put Zechariah it into a larger context, and prophesied of a much larger restoration would happen when the Messiah would come.

Zechariah had many visions and dreams that told of things that got people to wonder. As usual contained  his prophecies promises, warnings, strict words and comforting words. Some of the visions he received was complicated puzzles that God gave, and God himself gave the answer to. The answers were often short and understandable, and as they came from God, they would have a major impact on what happens in the future for Israel and for the whole world.

"It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heavens Armies" (4:6).

God turns it clear that without him we are helpless – which we find in many places in the Bible.

 

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

2:5: “Then I, myself, will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD. And I will be the glory inside the city!”

8:8: “They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.”

10:6: "I will strengthen Judah and save Israel; I will restore them because of my compassion. It will be as though I had never rejected them, for I am the LORD their God, who will hear their cries.”

 

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

I think much of what Zechariah said pointing towards Jesus, and especially these scriptures:

3:8-9: “Listen to me, O Jeshua the high priest, and all you other priests. You are symbols of things to come. Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. Now look at the jewel I have set before Jeshua, a single stone with seven facets. I will engrave an inscription on it, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, and I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.”

6:12-13: “Tell him, This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Here is the man called the Branch. He will branch out from where he is and build the Temple of the LORD. Yes, he will build the Temple of the LORD. Then he will receive royal honor and will rule as king from his throne. He will also serve as priest from his throne, and there will be perfect harmony between his two roles.”

9:9: “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey's colt”.

12:10 "Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.”

13:1: “On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and impurity.

14:9: “And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one LORD—his name alone will be worshiped”.

Personal Application:

By reading Zechariah and the scripture in 4:6 “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord” I was reminded about the importance of counting on God and not only trust my own resources. 
Many times I have experienced doing this gives the best possibilities to fulfill my goals, but it is also easy to forget this. Therefore I will try to remember and train my selves to be more mindful about relying on the Spirit and not on my own strength and ability. 

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

I Zechariah 8:5 I read “And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play”.

Even if this is a prophesy of the new/heavenly Jerusalem, Iit inspired me even today to pray about safety and well-being for all the children among the Shan-people.

This will also include good surroundings for growing up, education, food, good homes and a hopefull view of their future.

HAGGAI

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet
The book was written by the prophet Haggai, who worked with Zechariah to encourage the returning exiles. His messages were given during a four-month period in 520 BC.

The Jews had just come back from about 70 years in captivity in the land of Babylon. God had given the Persian king Cyrus the idea that he would let the Jews go home again. They had been told to build the temple in Jerusalem to God (Ezra 1:1-4). Jerusalem was in ruins, but the people who had returned had everything they needed to rebuild it. Yet the work went slow. Enemies put sticks in the wheels for them, so that the temple and the nation should not be rebuilt. Enemies remembered what the mighty kings of Israel had done with God's help.

God sent the prophet Haggai to speak to the people and through Haggai God pointed out several things that were not as they should be. God said they were busy with unimportant things, since the temple had not been rebuilt yet. But God was for them, he wanted the best for them. Through the prophet Haggai the people got the courage back, they defied opposition from enemies and rebuilt the temple.

"I am with you, says the Lord." (1:13)

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

1:13:  "I am with you, says the Lord."

2:2:  ..”And now get to work, for I am with you”, says the Lord.

2:2:   ”My Spirit remains among you…. So do not be afraid”.

2:9:   “And in this place” (the new Temple) “I will bring peace”.

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

I think there is a foreshadow of Jesus in the book of Haggai 2:20-23. Here the prophet speaks about Zerubbabel – the governor of Judah. God wants the prophet to tell Zerubbabel that He will shake the heavens and the earth and  overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. But when this happens, God will honor Zerubbabel, and calls him “ my servant” and continue with saying that He will make him like a signet ring on His finger – because He has chosen him.

Personal Application:

This book speaks to me about doing the right priorities. God asks the people why they are living in luxurious houses while His house lies in ruins (1:4). Also in my own life I have to ask myself if I am doing the right priorities. Am I more focused on thing for myselves than helping the poor and the needy? I want to look at “what’s happening to me”(1:7) so God’s pleasure and honor were to be my overriding goals (1:8).

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

For all people it is a temptation to chose solving their own requirements instead of others needs.

I think also for the Shan-people it is important to do the right priorities and use their resources wisely. I therefore pray that the Shan-people – and especially their Christian leaders – will put God first in their lives so they are able to fulfill Gods purpose for them, and that they will experience that everything else will fall into place when they do this (1:9-11).