Principal Leadership Principles And Where You Too Can Find These Vital Characteristics
Leaders who want to give positive and dynamic and successful leadership could not do better that study the leadership presented to us in the book of Acts. Why do I write so strongly on this?
The book of Acts in the New Testament in the Bible is a vitally important book. Each book is important because each book is the Word of God, but the Book of Acts shows us clearly and specifically how a man comes into The Church of Jesus Christ.
Come with me on a journey through part of the Book of Acts. But hear me on this vital point – more importantly than reading these words, is the reading of the Scriptures, the Word of God, itself. If you want to exercise true valuable read Acts Chapters 1 and 2.
If we did not have the book of Acts what would we make of the rest of the New Testament?
It would be like if Exodus were the first book in the Bible in the Old Testament. Have you ever thought? Who are these people who are slaves Egypt? Why are they so important – and so important to God?
Genesis explains all that. Similarly, Luke tells us how the Church of Jesus was birthed.
People have asked me – “How do you get into the church? Tell me how!” Acts answers and explains.
Luke wrote more than any other writer of the New Testament. Luke was a traveller and a medical doctor – a man who had a careful training – in observation – research – looking at people – studying and examining them – and keeping accurate records.
Luke was a Gentile – not a Jew. His Gospel speaks to those of us who are Gentiles. The Gospel of Luke is a good Gospel to give to those seeking the truth about Jesus Christ.
Dr Luke was Paul’s friend. He is writing here to someone called Theophilus – a friend of God. In the Gospel he calls him “most excellent Theophilus” – the official title for a Judge.
It was as if Luke wanted to show that the Romans had no problem with Jesus or Paul. All the trouble had come from difficult Jews.
ACTS is the history of the early Church. How the church was birthed – and how Jesus brought it into being. Peter and Paul are the two main characters in Acts.
What Luke says about Peter is paralleled with what he says about Paul. Both were filled with the Holy Spirit – preached with boldness – preached to Jews and to Gentiles. Both were put in prison and both were miraculously set free. Both healed the sick – cast out demons – experienced being used in the most unusual healings (shadows and handkerchiefs). Both raised the dead, and both issued very severe judgments against those who lied. Both had to tell people not to worship them. The power of God can give sight and take it away.
Acts has been called – “Nothing can stop it now!” Dr Luke is forever showing that you can believe in Jesus without becoming a Jew. That was a very real problem at the time. Acts is a vital link between the Gospels and the letters. It is a pivotal book.
The Gospels point forward. The letters point back. Acts tells us how it all started. We would hardly know what the Church is if we did not have the book of Acts. ‘Witness’ is a recurring word in the book.
We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. When preaching to Jews they used the Bible. When preaching to Gentiles they started with their concept of God.
When the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ launched the Church, notice these important characteristics. There are no committees. They did not organise anything. There was no clergy – so no divisions between clergy and laity. They did not plant national denominational churches – no Peter or Pauline Churches.
What Jesus Christ began doing in His flesh – He continued through those who were loyal obedient and faithful believers – and He continues to do in His Church today.
Check it all out to make sure what is written is true and reliable.
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled “Word from Scotland” on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.
His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.
Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com
