PETER'S REPORT

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BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

DISCUSS the importance of recognizing Christ as the fulfillment of Scripture; VALUE the legacy of biblical truth that leads to an understanding of Christ and the salvation that has been delivered to the saints; and SHARE practical strategies to strengthen the legacy of our Apostolic heritage in generations to come. 

FOCAL VERSES Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-32

KEEP IN MIND 

"He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption" 

(Acts 2:31).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Looking Forward (Psalm 110:1-4)

2. Looking Back (Acts 2:22-24)

3. Focus on the Future (vv. 29-32)

IN FOCUS STORY

Shirley could not understand why Mom had given her grandmother's diamond ring to JoAnn. Her younger sister didn't seem to value anything. If you loaned her an outfit, it would come back ripped or dirty, if it made it back at all. If you helped her with a problem, she never said "thank you" and she always found and excuse for why it really wasn't her fault in the first place. Shirley loved JoAnn, but she thought that is was time for the family to stop enabling her and admit that the girl was a mess-up.

Mom said that she wanted to help JoAnn understand the value of an heirloom beyond it's financial worth. She felt that if JoAnn were finally given something meaningful to the family heritage, it would show that they trusted her to carry on the tradition of love and sharing. As a result, JoAnn would rise to the challenge. 

Well, that didn't work out! Now JoAnn was standing there crying and claiming that she thought she had put the ring away. She didn't realize that when her friend Josie came by that her new boyfriend was going to steal anything. She had only left them in her apartment for a few minutes while she ran to the corner store. When she returned, Josie, whose face was bruised, was crying and apologizing for her boyfriend "acting like that." Now Mom was devastated, the ring was gone, and the lesson of valuing a legacy had apparently not been learned. 

As saints of God, we have been given a rich inheritance in the salvation purchased on Calvary. The importance of the legacy, however, can be traced to the promise of God to David. In this lesson, we see how the true value of our inheritance was confirmed through generations and revealed on the Day of Pentecost.

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Miracles, Wonders, and Signs. These supernatural phenomena evident in Jesus' ministry set Him apart from workers of the occult and showcased God's power over the natural and spiritual realms. Scripture records just some of these, including that Jesus healed incurable diseases, raised at least two people form the dead, turned water into wine, and even walked on water. The Apostle John noted, "Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25, NLT). 

God as Counselor. In Scripture, God provided counsel to His people in ways. In Old Testament times, prophets, counselors, and priest sought God's counsel on others' behalf. David noted that God counseled him and instructed his heart. This is the same work of the Holy Ghost seen in the New Testament. In John 14:16, the word "Comforter" can also be translated "Counselor." The Holy Ghost enables us to discern the will of God, offering divine counsel during life's trials. Because God is our Counselor, we can find comfort in knowing now matter how tough things get, God has plans for our lives no one can cancel.

BACKGROUND

King Melchizedek ruled in the Old Testament city of Salem and was described in Genesis 14:18 as "the priest of the most high God." The term "most high God" was used to distinguish Jehovah God from The false gods the heathen served. Scripture's use of the term in connection with Melchizedek proves that he, like Abram, served the one true God. 

Melchizedek encountered Abram returning from successful battles with several foreign kings and offered him a gift of bread and wine. Then, Melchizedek blessed Abram and God for helping Abram conquer his enemies. Abram responded by giving the king of Salem a tithe of everything he had won in the battles (vv. 19-20). 

Abram's giving of tithes to someone other than God has prompted debate, causing many wonder about the identity of Melchizedek as a possible Old Testament manifestation of Christ. While that is debatable, it seems certain that David's prophecy in Psalm 110:4 points to Jesus. Like Melchizedek, Jesus serves as both a Priest and King of the most high God. Moreover, Jesus is the only King whose reign will be everlasting. Peter interpreted the coming of Jesus as fulfillment of the prophecy for a Savior descended from the line of David. Further, Peter stressed that fact that Jesus was not "abandoned to the realm of the dead" (Acts 2:31, NIV) as way of proving that God keeps His promises. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What did the Lord promise David (Psalm 110:1)?

2. What words highlight the permanence of the promise (Psalm 110:4)?

3. What does Peter say should have caused the people to recognize Jesus as the One prophesied in the Old Testament Scripture (Acts 2:22)?

4. How did David know that about the Resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:29-31)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Why was it so important that Peter and the others were witnesses to Jesus' ministry and suffering?

2. Who is Melchizedek and what does the mention of him signify 

(Psalm 110:4)?

3. In the In Focus story, JoAnn's lack of appreciation for the value of a family heirloom led to the tragic loss of the item and respect of what it represented. Should she have been trusted? Equate JoAnn's actions to those of people in the church who do not value the work of Jesus Christ on their behalf or the importance of their testimony to the world. 

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

People receive financial inheritances and can spend them quickly when they don't understand the purpose of the inheritance and the sacrifice it took ensure it. Similarly, the news is rife with reports of Christians who devalued their spiritual heritage in pursuit of money, fame, or some illusive pleasure. How does the power of the Holy Ghost help us value the salvation that was purchased of the Cross? What practical suggestions would you offer new saints and young people to help them realize and honor the spiritual legacy they have in Christ? 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. Despite his shortcomings during and after Crucifixion, Peter became the man God used to declare the power of the Gospel message as a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy. Think about a time when you failed to represent Jesus Christ. Did He turn  His back on you? Can you now say that you are striving to be the man or woman God can use to declare His Word and your testimony to others? How?

2. We would think that those who have grown up in the church or are familiar with Apostolic traditions and doctrine would be among the first to desire the Holy Ghost. However, this is not always true. What would cause someone who has heard the preached Word of God to desire to continue in sin rather then seeking salvation? What would cause them to seek baptism in Jesus Name and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost? Pray for those in your life who face this situation.

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of World Inc.)