The last few weeks were spent in the Book of Acts 16-18 as we studied about how the spread of Christianity gained momentum when Paul and his companions were guided by the Holy Spirit. They traveled to various places preaching the Word. Then Barnabas teamed up with John Mark and went to Cyprus. Paul teamed up with Silas and went north through Syria into Cilicia.
Working together with others provides tremendous benefits. You might have that missing piece for someone that may make their life easier and this might make all the difference between helping them have a good day or a bad day. The words you say or the ideas you give can make all the difference and we need all kinds of people on our team, especially in our complicated world in which we live today.
One example found in our study was Apollos who had a talent of speaking and after expanding his knowledge of the gospel was very good at debating the Jewish leaders by proving information from the scriptures to support that Jesus was the Christ.
Doing the will of God does not exclude trouble. When Paul and his companions traveled to Philippi which was a Roman colony and leading city of the district of Macedonia., Paul was beaten publicly and put in prison. But as described in the Scripture, God can advance the Gospel through our troubles.
When Paul faced opposition in Corinth, God gave him assurance of safety. He spoke to Paul in a vision telling him to keep on teaching the Gospel and not be afraid because he would be protected. Much of his missionary work consisted of just meeting people and telling about Christ. This sparked curiosity in the minds of the people.
Even though Paul and the early church faced persecution for sharing about Christ, they wrote a wonderful story that today gives insight in how life should be lived. The lesson is to stay interested and be eager to examine the priceless principles found in the Scriptures.
This day with God, we should keep going after what we believe in so people will be able to read our life story many years into the future. In life, it is in the tough experiences that we go through that provides the greatest growth and the best lessons to share with others.
Many are looking for answers to the challenges of this world. They’ve looked at the various philosophies in how best to take on these challenges and none seem to work. But there is one plan that has proven to work and continues to work.
The objective of any Bible study should be to not only learn the main principles of the Word but to keep the Word in our thoughts in order to apply them in our life. I will continue this objective with a study over the next few weeks of Acts 19-21. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others.
I invite you to join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.
Acts 19:1-10
How does Paul explain the true significance of John’s baptism (see Luke 3:3-17)? About twelve men were baptized at Ephesus. How do these men show their faith in Jesus? Why is it important to search the scriptures for yourself and not just be taught about them? Are there steps you are taking to make sure the word of the Lord is heard?
Acts 19:11-22
What extraordinary results does God produce in Ephesus? What long-range plans do you have for your Christian service? What steps will you need to take to fulfill those plans?
Acts 19:23-41
What causes the new wave of opposition? What brings it to an end? What does this incident reveal about the results of the gospel in society?
Acts 20:1-12
Where does Paul go? What do they talk about? Imagine the physical strain of Paul’s ministry?
Acts 20:13-38
Picture the service for Jesus Christ that Paul gives us. What does Paul’s service involve in terms of his motivation, trials, and relationships with people? Ask yourself this question, am I giving a good example for others to follow? To what dangers is the local church exposed?
Acts 21:1-6
What initiative does Paul take at Tyre? In what ways and for what reasons do you actively seek out other Christians? What qualities of fellowship are revealed?
Acts 21:7-16
How do Paul’s friends feel about him going to Jerusalem? Why? When the advice of Christian friends conflicts with your own conviction, what do you do? When and in what kind of situations do you usually take the easy way out to bypass unpleasantness?
Acts 21:17-40
What conflict still exists (See Acts 15:4-35)? Without compromising principle how do you accommodate yourself to the attitudes and convictions of other Christians? What means does God use to save Paul’s life?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day with God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
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