A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Session 5 The Acts of the Apostles The Propagation of Christ

The New Testament History of the Apostolic Witness to Christ: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the Ends of the Earth

Spreading abroad the good news of Jesus will result in being marked by the scandal of Jesus. The scandal, however, is itself part of the good news (Luke 21.12-15). But those who seek to avoid the scandal of Jesus will end up by being a scandal to Jesus and a stumbling block to the poor who may want to believe in him: ‘whoever tries to save his own life will lose it; whoever loses his life will save it’ (Luke 17.33). ~ Andrew Kirk. The Good News of the Kingdom Coming . Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1983. p. 136

Jesus Shall Reign Isaac Watts and John Hatton, Psalm 72

Jesus shall reign wherever the sun Does his successive journeys run;

His Kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings, And Europe her best tribute brings; From north to south the princes meet, To pay their homage at his feet. There Persia, glorious to behold, There India shines in eastern gold; And barb’rous nations at his word Submit, and bow, and own their Lord. To him shall endless prayer be made, And praises throng to crown his head; His Name like sweet perfume shall rise With every morning sacrifice. People and realms of every tongue Dwell on his love with sweetest song; And infant voices shall proclaim Their early blessings on his Name.

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