01/12/2024
Course Corrections
Dr. Carrie Stine
Course Corrections / Acts 19:1–7
2023 the Lectionary Scripture focused on our adoption into the family of God in
Galatians 4:4-7.
This weeks lectionary reading continues with exploring our relationship with Christ through
Baptism in Acts 19:1-7 and Paul’s relationship with the church in Ephesus.
These Ephesians were disciples of John the Baptist because they had not yet heard the story of
Jesus. John's baptism was in preparation for the Messiah. Jesus’ baptism was in celebration of
the Messiah. John’s baptism was a sign of repentance. Jesus’ baptism was a sign of
regeneration.
Darren Po***ck shared that the Reformed tradition reflects the unity of God’s purpose
throughout the ages—that, in God’s eternal counsel, there is but one covenant of grace, and a
single plan of salvation for all the elect. Acts 19 passage provides rich opportunity to highlight
this unity and continuity.
Paul establishes this theme right at the outset of the epistle, stating in Paul’s letter to Ephesus
1:4 that God “chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless
before him in love”—Paul is elaborating on a divine plan that has been in place since the
very beginning.
This truth is emphasized in the present passage, assuring that the surprising, “mysterious” shift
in the people’s understanding of God’s workings does not reflect a change in God’s perfect
plan. So we read in v. 5 of a newly revealed mystery, but we are reminded in Ephesians 1:9 that
this mystery was “hidden for ages in God, who created all things.” God’s call to us, and calls
us “fellow heirs” (Ephesians 1:5) in Christ.
Warren Wiresbe wrote this about Acts 19: Paul sensed that these men did not have the witness
of the Spirit in their lives. Paul explained to them that John’s baptism was a baptism of
repentance that looked forward to the coming of the promised Messiah, while Christian
baptism is a baptism that looks back to the finished work of Christ on the cross and His
victorious resurrection. John’s baptism was on “the other side” of Calvary and Pentecost.
It was correct for its day, but now that day was ended.
Dave Peterson shared this story: A TV reporter became interested in the Apollo trips to
the moon—what did they talk about? He was surprised to find how much conversation
was devoted to course corrections. Apparently, the lunar spacecraft was off course
something like 85% of the time. When I asked a friend who was heavily involved in the
Apollo missions if this was true, he told me it was. Once leaving the earth’s orbit, because
of limitations of fuel, the spacecraft mostly drifted, unpropelled to the moon. But
occasionally, small retro-rockets were fired to correct the course. It’s not a bad description
of the Christian walk.
We need course corrections. The retro rockets that fuel our Christian walk are daily
reading of God’s Word, daily prayer and weekly fellowship with believers in Christ.
Discussion:
1. What devotional or method do you use to encourage you to read Scripture daily and
pray?
a) Our Daily Bread
b) Bible app on your cell phone
c) Other
2. In addition to attending Sunday Worship services how do you study God’s Word?
a) Church Bible Study
b) Online Bible Study
c) Other
Challenge for 2024 Consider weekly reading on the Heidelberg Catechism this year. This
Catechism written in 1563 (461 years ago) is designed to be used each Sunday (Lord’s Day)
throughout the year. It helps us build our theological understanding, and strengthen our faith
and understanding of the Christian World view.
LORD’S DAY 1
1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my
faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with His precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my
sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without
the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must
be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of
eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him.
2. How many things are necessary for thee to know, that thou, enjoying this comfort,
mayest live and die happily?
Three; the first, how great my sins and miseries are; the second, how I may be delivered
from all my sins and miseries; the third, how I shall express my gratitude to God for such
deliverance.
Here are several links to weekly readings.
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/the-heidelberg-catechism
https://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/en/lords-days/1.html
