NOW He's gone too far!

 

Jesus's ministry demonstrated radical rule-breaking, specifically to help those abused by the systems and rulers of the day. When Jesus actually broke death, by raising a young girl and his own friend, Lazarus, Jesus had good too far. The religious leaders could not explain the miracles, but decided that Jesus must not be allowed to continue to bring this kind of healing (John 11). What kinds of healing do you oppose?

Barnabas the encourager

 

Barnabas demonstrated true Christian care by continuously encouraging the early church. In Acts 4, he provides funds for his fellow Christians who are suffering financial hardship. Barnabas also endorsed a former political terrorist (Paul) in Acts 9, and advocated for the reinstatement of a failed missionary (John Mark) in Acts 15. In what ways are you encouraging the church?  

Pentecost surprise

When the followers of Christ received the Holy Spirit, Peter described this outpouring as the fulfillment of a prophesy from the book of Joel ( Acts 2:17). The prophesy describes God pouring His Spirit on all flesh. As Christians, we often become suspicious of other believers whose faith practices differ greatly from our own. Are you able to accept any follower of Christ, regardless of their denomination or label?

Where do they go?

 

Acts 16 tells of a slave Paul heals and a prison guard Paul saved from suicide. While the stories seem to have a conclusion, the two are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. We're left to wonder what happened to them. Maybe their absence invites to imagine what happens next, or just to consider the people in our lives we've lost track of. Can you think of anyone who's disappeared from your story?

The courage of faith

 Ananias demonstrated great faith and courage by ministering to Saul, the persecutor of the Church (Acts 9). Although Saul was certainly a threat to any follower of Christ, Ananias followed God's command to find Saul and teach him about the way of Christ. Saul was healed of his physical and spiritual blindness and became one of the most important figures of the New Testament.

Are you overfull?

 It may be tempting to feel we deserve every material benefit we enjoy and especially those we take for granted. One way to remind ourselves that our gifts come from God and a way to show love to others, is by sharing the wealth God has given. Paul praised the Macedonian churches for giving a liberal offering to help those suffering financial difficulties in another city (2Co 8). Are you able to give those who cannot repay?

Welcome to the Church...Maybe?

 

The Church is comprised of any who confess their absolute helplessness as a sinner and trust Christ to save them by His sacrificial death (Romv10:12-13). Paul reminds us that once this step has been taken, any and everyone is then considered part of the 'body of Christ' and should be welcomed and respected as family (Gal 3:23-29). 

Paul confronts Peter with his hypocrisy

Paul was quick to confront Peter's favoritism and hypocrisy (Gal 2). Peter willingly accepted the rebuke and corrected his behaviors. As one of Christ's 'inner circle', Peter had enough influence to dismiss Paul, but by embracing Paul and the gentiles, the church has grown into a worldwide movement of faith. How do you respond when you are found doing wrong?

Fear of loss

 

Acts 15 provides insight into the Church's earliest controversy. Up until that time Christians were primarily Jewish and held many of the traditions of that faith.  The concept of gentile believers seemed strange and threatened to weaken the synagogue's influence on society, but ultimately became the norm for the Church. Do you have traditions you are afraid of losing, even if losing them helps the Church?

Welcoming EVERYONE - Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

 One of the earliest Christians was a eunuch in service to the queen of Ethiopia. As a eunuch, this servant was discouraged from many religious practices, but was interested in spiritual things. Phillip shared the gospel and immediately welcomed his new brother-in-faith to the church. This was signified with an impromptu baptism. Are you like Phillip, welcoming everyone into the family of God? Acts 8

Lessons in inequity

The first issue the early Church had to address was inequity in care for widows and orphans (Acts 6). The Greek population of the Church was receiving less care than the Jewish population. Rather than reduce care or attempt to explain away the inequities, the Church sought wisdom from God. God provided the disciples with a method that not only met their need, but actually spread the gospel throughout the world.

The poor public speaker

There are many great speakers who influence us with strong presentation skills. The Apostle Paul declared himself a poor public speaker who relied on the Holy Spirit of God to make his case (2 Co 10:4-6). Although education, abilities, and preparation are good, they will never have the same power that God's Spirit has in influencing others.

Acts 18 Is Paul Discouraged?

In Acts 18 Paul has just been experienced some very tough times and is now
referred to as a tent-maker. Was he discouraged and taking refuge in this
profession? Paul's time with Aquila and Priscilla proves to refresh and
reinvigorate the apostle. What do you do when discouraged?
Do you seek friends or do you hide in yourself?

Acts 15 - The church sends out an official message

In what is considered the first council of the church (Acts 15), a unique perspective
of grace was offered to a disenfranchised group within the church, setting the stage
for the world-wide spread of Christianity. What kind of impact would the
church have today, if we could reach out to our disenfranchised?

Acts 11 - Barnabas finds Saul/Paul

Acts 11:25 Barnabas the great encourager finds Paul and encourages him
to come teach the scriptures to the church at Antioch. Imagine how
much we have today, because Barnabas spread his love and encouraged
someone else to participate in the gospel

Acts 10 Cornelius and Peter

In Acts 10 we meet Cornelius, a man who should have instilled fear and hatred in
his neighbors. Peter answers God's call to go to this man and show him the love of Christ.
Who do you despise or fear? How can we overcome these feelings to truly demonstrate
the gospel to those around us?

Acts 9 - The Transformation of Saul

Acts 9 relates the incredible transformation of a religious zealot who
participated in the murder of Christians. Saul is confronted by the risen
Christ and is re-identified as Paul the one who once
persecuted the church and now preaches its doctrines.

Acts 8 Phillip shares the gospel

Acts 8:26 Tells of Phillip's willingness to cross racial and socioeconomic boundaries

To share the good news of Jesus Christ. What walls of fear or bias keep us from

sharing the good we have received?  

Acts 5 - giving to praise or to get praise

Do you give to praise, or to be praised? Acts 5:1-11 tells the story of two people who sought
to be known for their giving, but were not sincere. How you give tells more about you than
what you give. What would it look like, if Christians gave to give praise to God?

What the Church does

The early church demonstrated care and concern for those in and out
of their social and ethnic groups - shouldn't we do the same?