Belief

2/03/2010 Human Observations
The question was asked, "How would the church's response to Peter's 2nd chapter of Acts speech "play out" in today's contemporary church"?
9. But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
These things that are to come are indeed revealed to those who have been given His Holy Spirit. A simple gaze around you will readily reply to this query. That reply, however, is probably not the answer that you might expect. Consider well what Peter said to those folks in Jerusalem in the 2nd Chapter of Acts. He referred to Joel 2: 28-32 … The events that usher in the Day of the Lord.
31. the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
The offer was made to “get right with God” prior to the destruction of the earth (as we know it) and the surrounding outer space, not only to Israel but also to earth’s planetary population:
32. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Those with “ears to hear” were afraid of the catastrophic events (judgments) that were prophesied, and did indeed take heed to the warning.
Psalm111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
However, unlike many who make up the “contemporary church”, they believed that Peter’s words indicated an eminent threat to all life on earth; and conducted them accordingly. Their belief caused them all to forsake their care for their things or possessions of the world, preferring to be attentive to the things of the Lord.
32. But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord
There is no mention of their participating in “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage”; business as usual, so to speak. Rather they placed all of their resources in the hands of the Apostles, and endeavored to follow Gods instructions for a civilized Godly life. If you see a tsunami wave approaching the beach on which you are standing, you will turn and run away from it, shouting a warning to all within the range of your voice. This is how it “plays out” in the contemporary church … if we believe the Word of God.