I’ve posted over the last month or so on some thoughts from the study of Psalm 1-12. As we near the start of a New Year, I thought it would be a good time to Study in the Book of Acts.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and had time to reflect on the true reason for the season; the birth of the promised Messiah. Acts continues the story as the first few chapters describe the day of Pentecost or the coming of the Holy Spirit and the growth of the church in Jerusalem.
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 through Acts 1-3 over the next few weeks. 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 1:1-12
How does Jesus spend His time on earth after He rises from the dead? What does this passage reveal about God’s plan for your life during the time between Christ’s ascension and return? What divine resource has God provided for you?
Acts 1:12-26
How do Jesus’ disciples spend their time after Jesus leaves them? What were three things were used to help decide who would take the place of Judas? On what things do you use to help make decisions?
Acts 2:1-13
In what ways is Jesus’ promise (v. 1:5, 8) fulfilled in this passage? How does the Holy Spirit empower these men to be witnesses to the whole world? How can you find power to be an effective witness for Christ?
Acts 2:12-36
How does Peter answer the charge that the disciples are drunk? When people misunderstand God’s plan, what should we do? What difference does the risen, ascended, and active Christ make in our daily living?
Acts 2:37-47
How do the people respond to Peter’s address? What action does Peter urge? List the aspects or manifestations of the new life of those who receive Peter’s word.
Acts 3:1-10
How do Peter and John show their love to God and to men on this day? How do the people involved in this miracle – Peter and John, the lame man, and the spectators, give glory to God? What has God given you that you can share today with people in need?
Acts 3:11-26
What does Peter say about Jesus? This passage is appropriate to the Jewish audience Peter is addressing. As we witness of Christ, how can we make our message appropriate and meaningful to our audience? In verse 25, what does Peter say about the extent of God’s gracious purposes?
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.
When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. Last week, we celebrated the birthday of Jesus and now we will continue the celebration throughout upcoming year because of the gift God has given us.
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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