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9. Of Free Will
I. God has endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined good, or evil.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
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Special Guest Matt Faux of Naunton Lane Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Cheltenham.
8. Of Christ the Mediator
VIII. To all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, He does certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
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8. Of Christ the Mediator
VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acts according to both natures, by each nature doing that which is proper to itself; yet, by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person denominated by the other nature.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
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8. Of Christ the Mediator
VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after His incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent’s head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world; being yesterday and today the same, and forever.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
See also chapter 7, section 5 and 6.
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8. Of Christ the Mediator
V. The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, has fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for those whom the Father has given unto Him.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
James 1:5-11 (Midweek)
Whaddon Road has started a new series on the Letter of James. You can watch more here.
James 1:5-11 (ESV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
I. Prayer for understanding (vv. 5-8)
The Spiritual Mature Christian (v. 5)
The Spiritual Immature (vv. 7-8)
II. Circumstances are not all there is (vv. 9-11)
Poor become exalted (v. 9)
The rich without Jesus have nothing ( vv. 10-11)
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8. Of Christ the Mediator
IV. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that He might discharge, He was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfil it; endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul, and most painful sufferings in His body; was crucified, and died, was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. On the third day He arose from the dead, with the same body in which He suffered, with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sits at the right hand of His Father, making intercession, and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
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8. Of Christ the Mediator
III. The Lord Jesus, in His human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure, having in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell; to the end that, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth, He might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety. Which office He took not unto Himself, but was thereunto called by His Father, who put all power and judgment into His hand, and gave Him commandment to execute the same.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
Acts 1:12-26
Introduction
Chapter 1
Jesus's ascension and promise of the Holy Spirit
The apostolic community and birth of the church
Prayer & Word
Notice the foundations of the church in our section: prayer at the beginning and end. The centrality of the Word of God.
I. Conclusion to the Ascension (1:12-14)
Incomplete (11) Apostles
Peter at the head (see v. 15)Devotion to Prayer (14)
Wonderful unity (ESV "one accord")
NIV "constantly in prayer" is a great translation; ESV "devoting themselves to prayer" there is sense where they are constantly — this is more than oneness
Note too 1:15 "in those days…" is a new section; time is passing and the church is praying!
Application
Between the Ascension and before Pentecost, how will this band of 120 do what Jesus commanded them?
y the power of God — so they petition God in prayer
The Early Church then here starts in prayer! Petitioning God for the gift of the Spirit so that they will fulfil the task giving.
II. A Guide for the Wicked (1:15-20)
1. Scriptures Fulfilled (16)
The early church also recognises the voice of Jesus; as Jesus proclaimed in John. The sheep hear his voice. They hear the voice of God "The Holy Spirit spoke…" (John 10).
There is no problem with the Spirit infallibly inspiring and utilising David who freely and with his own mind, writes these Psalms
2. Prophecies of Judas (20-21)
A. Judas is clearly responsible for his actions (18-19) - Judas sinned in turning over Jesus. He was responsible and punished.
B. But God clearly foreordained this to happen (20-21)
Psalms of Lamentation about Jesus and his betrayal (Ps. 69)
Application: A Guide to those who killed Jesus
A. Judas's life is an example to others who reject Jesus
The illustration is the life of Judas, it is as tragic as they come. Like the story of Icarus, he builds his wings to fly high, and flying too near the sun his wings melt and he falls to his doom. So Judas stood next to divinity! And still managed to not truly believe! What a strong warning.
B. Judas's life is a warning to all of us. He was with Jesus, he heard Jesus's teaching, saw first hand his miracles, how could someone do that — that was this close to Jesus?
This is true all throughout redemptive history, such as the Jews during the exodus, how did they commit idolatry?
The Bible warns us on numerous occasions about apostasy (I.e., Heb. 6).
Heb 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
It is the Spirit that changes hearts, the Spirit that adopts us, the Spirit that keeps us.
III. A Witness to the Resurrection (1:21-26)
"Let another take his office" (Ps. 109)
Another Psalm of lament, speaking of Jesus and his enemies it calls upon curses upon those who will wage war against him. Part of that curse is that this person (or people) are removed from office.
The vacancy was not because of death but apostasy. So when other apostles die there is no replacement. It's a one-time office.
Applied generally in the Psalms originally Peter sees this as a curse on Judas specifically.
1. Qualifications of an Apostle (21-23)
Having 'witnessed' to Jesus's ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. This gives them two choices Joseph and Matthias
We don't have apostles any more today. We have the apostolic word!
Think of what both men are volunteering for. Jesus has just died, James will be killed in AD 41 (12:2). Peter will be martyred. Paul will be killed.
2. The Lord's sovereign choice (24-26)
Given the choice between to viable candidates (in other words the Apostles used their brains!) they leave the final choice up to "The Lord"
Likely here referring to Jesus, who is sovereign over the church. Just as Jesus choose the apostles on earth (1:2), so he chooses now from his throne
We end on prayer. They pray to Jesus. (24)
Completion: before the Spirit comes we have a complete set of apostles. Remember Jesus chose 12. There are 12 tribes, 12 sons, 12 thrones on which they will sit. The Apostles form the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20), with Jesus as the Chief cornerstone.
Application
Just as in the children's talk we rolled the dice to pick a new leader. So they trusted in God. But let's note that this is the last instance of choosing apostles this way!
Nonetheless we still choose offices based on and assume Christ has called them. For elders and deacons and ministers, we assume a prior call that we then discern.
“The focus of the leaders of the church should not be on strategies, methods, and techniques, but on the person and work if Jesus Christ”. Note how our New Testaments start with FOUR accounts of Jesus’s life!
Restored Israel. Now they can begin their work.
Application
We shouldn't lose this theme. Jesus chooses the next apostle. Jesus will send the Spirit. The book of Acts is all about Jesus ruling and working through his church! Restored Israel, the 12, now ready to begin.
But this is not a passive acting. It's a prayerful, petition, thinking, and it will be - working, preaching, dying, all while having faith in the sovereign Lord upon his throne! Notice Luke’s emphasis on prayer as it bookends the end of this chapter.
Clearly we are not the apostles. We aren't called to the same work, exactly. But we are called to this task of worship, evangelism, and prayer, founded upon the Word of God, and empowered by the Spirit — all while Jesus rules as we wait till his return!
I need to hear how much prayer is effective. I need to engage in prayer more! I need to trust in the power of the Spirit more. As do all of us. But look at the prayers of chapter 1 and then the results in 2 through the end! That should encourage us!
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Chapter VIII Of Christ the Mediator
II. The Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon Him man’s nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God, and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646)
The Nicene-Constantinople Creed (381 AD)
I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
For the Apostles’ Creed you can read it on our ABOUT page.
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Chapter VIII Of Christ the Mediator
I. It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world:unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed, and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith
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Chapter VII Of God’s Covenant with Man VI.
Under the Gospel, when Christ, the substance, was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper: which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity, and less outward glory, yet, in them, it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles; and is called the New Testament.
— The Westminster Confession of Faith (Read More)
Acts 1:1-11
The Historicity of Jesus (1:1-5)
The Coronation of Jesus (1:6-11)
The Westminster Larger Catechism on Jesus’s Ascension:
WLC 53 Q. 53. How was Christ exalted in his ascension?
A. Christ was exalted in his ascension, in that having after his resurrection often appeared unto and conversed with his apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and giving them commission to preach the gospel to all nations, forty days after his resurrection, he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing over enemies, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there to receive gifts for men, to raise up our affections thither, and to prepare a place for us, where he himself is, and shall continue till his second coming at the end of the world.
Exodus 9:13—10:29
Sermon 1: Plague 7 "Mercy in Judgment" (9:13-35)
Sermon 2: Plague 8 "Mercy in Escalation" (10:1-20)
Sermon 3: Ninth Plague 'Mercy in Darkness' (10:21-29)
Application:
God has shown mercy to the Egyptians over and over again
God has shown Egypt his power and might over and over again
Yet what is required is belief. Even with all of these things, unless God changes hearts, we continue in unbelief.
Flee to Christ!