STUDIES ON ACTS
- Power to Serve (2:1-36)
In this early study are getting at the main theme of Acts and how it was historically launched on the day of Pentecost. We also consider briefly the reliability of Acts as a historical document.
- Helping People (3:1-4:31)
Here we stress the continuation of Jesus' mission through the early church. We should ask if we are part of the Jesus mission yet continuing.
- Witnessing to Lost People (6:1-8:40)
We are now concerned with the cost of witnessing for Christ. Also, the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian mission.
- Overcoming Prejudice (9:32-11:18)
This topic is apparently still relevant for us! We zero in on an early church situation that reminds us of our own need.
- Promoting Mission Work Produces a Problem (15:1-35)
Who is a bona fide Christian anyway? This was a problem in the early Jerusalem church. We consider how spiritual experiece and theology intersect.
- Persistent Witnessing (18:1-22)
Cross- cultural witnessing for Christ is something we need to think about. It is part of this lesson. Also, the role of giving a reason for our faith is important, as we seen in this study.
- Making a Difference (18:23-19:41)
In this lesson we choose to dwell on what we might call "conversion-initiation" What is the role of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, according to Acts, in becoming a New Testament Christian?
- Staying the Course: A lesson in Discipleship (21:1-40)
Is it sometimes difficult to discern God's leading, especially when the way ahead promises to be unusally challenging? Part of this consideration is the human side of discerning God's leading. We take this on with what Luke tells us of a critical decision that Paul has to make.
- Sharing Your Testimony (22:1-23:39)
We hear Paul defending his mission for the Lord by way of giving his testimony. We think of how this compares in its parts to how we might share our faith: the "before"; the life changing event"; the "afterward."
- Responding to the Gospel (25:13-26:32)
In this lesson with find the challenge of responding to the gospel presented to an important goverment official, as Paul was making his defense and giving his personal testimony. It prods us to think of the difficulties people have in saying "yes" to becoming a New Testament Christian.
- Witnessing to the World (28:1-31)
The message of the Holy Spirit through Luke reaches a climax as the Apostle Paul now reaches Rome, ministering to all who come to him.
