PERSONAL APPLICATION. December 3, According to Peter, what was behind the motives of those who took part in Jesus' persecution (Acts 3:17)?

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1 December 3, 2017 Faith in Jesus Acts 3:11-21 Just as Jesus promised (John 14:26; Acts 1:8), the Father sent the Holy Spirit to empower the apostles as they witnessed. That Peter was witnessing in the power of the Holy Spirit is very evident in today's passage. A crippled man begged for money, 2006 but Peter gave him something much better than money healing, both physically and spiritually. As Christians, we need to remember that the same Holy Spirit who empowered Peter wants to work in and through us as we witness. 1. How did the healing of the lame man provide Peter and John with an ideal opportunity to witness (3:11)? 2. In light of who he was addressing in verse 12, what significance do you see in Peter's reference to the Old Testament patriarchs in verse 13? 3. In light of who he was addressing in verse 12, what significance do you see in Peter's reference to the Old Testament patriarchs in verse 13? 4. What varied actions did Peter recount in holding the Jews accountable for Jesus' death (3:13-15)? 5. What do you think it means that "complete healing" was given to the beggar (3:16)? 6. According to Peter, what was behind the motives of those who took part in Jesus' persecution (Acts 3:17)? 7. Are people who unknowing commit sins held accountable to God for their actions? Why or why not? 8. How did the Jews mistreatment of Jesus actually further the plan of God (Acts 3:18)? 9. How could those whom Peter was addressing be absolved for their part in Jesus' death (3:19-20)? 10. To what does Acts 3:21 refer and when will this take place? I What difference does it make what we believe about Jesus? If someone asked you who Jesus is, what would you say and what proof would you offer

2 December 10, 2017 Faith to Discern Acts 13:1-12 What a dramatic turn of events from Acts chapter nine where the account is given of a zealous young Jewish fireball who was on a "missionary" journey to help stamp out Christianity to chapter thirteen, which records the account of an equally zealous follower of Jesus Christ who embarks on a missionary journey to further the Gospel. The irony in this scenario lies in the fact that the principle in each incident is the same person Saul 2006 of Tarsus, now known as Paul the Apostle. Only the transforming power of Jesus Christ could effect such a change. 1. Read Acts 13:13 and list some words that you think would be descriptive of the church at Antioch. 2. What directive was given to the church at Antioch by the Holy Spirit (13:2-3)? 3. What did the church leaders do before sending these newly appointed missionaries on their way (13:3)? 4. Who directed Paul and Barnabas on their journey? (13:4) How can believers today claim this same direction (Proverbs 3:5-6)? 5. By tracing the travels of Paul and Barnabas (13:4, 13-14), how would you describe their resolve to spread the Gospel message? 6. Where did the Apostles start preaching and to whom did they preach (13:5-6)? 7. What kind of official reception did Paul and Barnabas get in Cyprus (13:8b)? 8. How did Paul confront the evil sorcerer, Elymus (13:10-11)? 9. What was the result for Elymus (13:11 b)? 10. What was the result for Sergius Paulus (13:12)? Do you have the idea that mission work requires one to travel to distant places or to minister to people of other nationalities? Explain. What ways can you become involved in the spreading of the Gospel either through your church or as an individual? List some ministries in your area that you would consider to be mission opportunities.

3 December 17, In verses 8-10 we read about the condition of a man who heard Paul preach. What was his condition and how long had he been that way? 2. What made Paul single this man out of the crowd... other than the fact that he was crippled? 3. How did Paul know the man had faith that would lead to healing? 4. How did the man demonstrate his faith? Faith to Persevere Acts 14:8-11; 19-23; Colossians 2:6, 7 Bill Gaither displayed a rich Biblical truth in his song He Touched Me. Every born again Believer can relate to the phrase, "Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole." People are desperately seeking wholeness in life while failing to realize that true wholeness 2006 comes only when God is in control of our lives. 5. What happened to Paul in verses 19 & 20? What does this tell you about how the preaching of the gospel is sometimes received? 6. What was the results of Paul and Barnabas' evangelism in Derbe (14:21)? 7. Where did they go following their ministry in Derbe (14:21)? 8. As they retraced their steps to these cities, what kind of warnings did Paul and Barnabas give the young converts (14:22)? 9. What was done in the churches to establish leadership (14:23)? 10. What did Paul admonish the Colossian Christians to do as a demonstration of their faith in Christ (2:6)? What does this require? 11. Paul used several verbal images in verse 7 to help the Colossians (and us) understand some basic elements of the Christian life. How would you relate each to a growing faith? rooted: built up: strengthened: overflowing: In the light of this week s lesson, what are some challenges to communicating the Gospel that we must overcome in our time? Try our Video Sunday School Lesson Previews. Available for both Bible Study for Life and

4 December 24, What important people sought out Jesus following His birth and what title did they give Him (2:1-2)? 2. How did the Magi locate Jesus and for what reason did they seek Him (2:2)? 3. How did Herod and the people of Jerusalem take the news of the birth of Jesus (2:3)? 4. For what purpose did Herod gather the priests and teachers of the law? What made him think they could help (2:4)? 5. Why is it significant that Jesus was born where he was (2:5-6)? Faithful Seekers of the King Matthew 2:1-12 The emphasis in today's study is the arrival of the King of Kings. In the very first verse of the first chapter of his Gospel, Matthew acknowledges Jesus as the Christ, the Savior. The naming of the child Jesus (Heb. Yehoshua) means Jehovah saves." This points to the very purpose 2006 of Christ's coming into the world to save sinners. Jesus, by His very name and nature, is the Savior. He was worthy of worship by the wise men and He is worthy of our worship. 6. What did Herod attempt to lead the wise men to believe he wanted to do (2:7)? 7. What was his real motive in seeking to discover the location of Jesus (2:8)? 8. What was the Magi's reaction when they realized they had found the Christ (2:9-10)? 9. Where was Jesus when the Magi found Him and what did they do to demonstrate their belief that Jesus was the Messiah (2:11)? 10. After locating Jesus, why didn't the Magi report their findings back to Herod as he had requested? What did they do instead (2:12)? After finding Jesus, the Magi changed their plans of returning to Jerusalem. Has finding Jesus changed your plans since you encountered Him? How? The Magi found Christ and worshiped Him with worthy gifts. What gift of time, talent, or money would demonstrate your love for Jesus this week?

5 December 31, Explain what Paul meant when he urged the Ephesians to walk worthy of their calling KJV (4:1). 2. What are the characteristics of a life that is worthy of our calling (4:2-3)? 3. What is the seven-fold foundation upon which church unity is built (4:4-6)? 4. What do the words above, in, and through tell us about God s involvement in human lives (4:6)? 5. How is each believer empowered for ministry (4:7)? Faith to Unite Ephesians 4:1-16 The first three chapters in Ephesians deals with doctrine our riches in Christ. The last three explain our responsibilities in Christ. Paul concludes this chapter by using the human body as an example of Christian teamwork (unity). Each part of the body is different from the other parts, yet we all make up one 2006 body and work together. If we are going to preserve unity within the body of Christ, we must develop the ability to work together. 6. In 4:8-10, Christ is portrayed as a conquering hero. What did Christ do as a result of His accomplishments (4:8), and what was the purpose for His actions (4:10)? 7. What reasons did Paul give for the various gifts and abilities given to believers (4:11-12)? 8. List four goals expressed in 4:13 that Christians should strive for in order to build up the church. 9. How does spiritual infancy differ from spiritual maturity (4:14-15)? 10. How does Paul say a church (body) grows and builds itself (4:16)? From what you know about yourself, what spiritual gifts do you think you might have? Are you using these gifts in a way that is in step with your church s overall ministry