TIMBERLINE CHURCH SMALL GROUPS FORT COLLINS CAMPUS

Transcription

1 Catching the Wind DISCUSSION GUIDE TIMBERLINE CHURCH SMALL GROUPS FORT COLLINS CAMPUS S Timberline Rd, Fort Collins WINDSOR CAMPUS Crossroads Blvd, Windsor

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS SERIES CALENDAR 4 BIBLE STUDY TIPS 6 INTRODUCTION TO OUR STUDY 7 HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SMALL GROUP 9 WEEK ONE: IN THE BEGINNING 0 WEEK TWO: THE SPIRIT COMES 2 WEEK THREE: BE THE CHURCH 6 WEEK FOUR: GETTING WHAT YOU DON T ASK FOR 8 WEEK FIVE: SUPERNATURAL AND SUFFERING 2 WEEK SIX: GET REAL 24 WEEK SEVEN: STORM CLOUDS AND SONGS 26 WEEK EIGHT: WIDOWS, WAITERS, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT 29 WEEK NINE: REAL TRANSFORMATION 3 WEEK TEN: GOD STILL CALLS PEOPLE 34 WEEK ELEVEN: IT S A NEW DAY 37 WEEK TWELVE: HEALTHY CHURCH 40 WEEK THIRTEEN: GET OUT OF JAIL 42 PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL & SPIRITUAL FACTS RESOURCES SMALL GROUP CONTACT LIST

3 SERIES CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 205 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NOVEMBER 205 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday WEEK EIGHT BREAK FOR ORPHAN CARE WEEKEND WEEK ONE BREAK FOR ORPHAN CARE WEEKEND SMALL GROUPS WEEK WITH SERVE 6.8 WEEK NINE WEEK ONE WEEK TWO WEEK NINE WEEK TEN WEEK TWO WEEK THREE WEEK TEN WEEK ELEVEN WEEK THREE OCTOBER 205 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 3 WEEK ELEVEN DECEMBER 205 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday WEEK FOUR WEEK TWELVE 2 WEEK FOUR WEEK FIVE WEEK TWELVE WEEK THIRTEEN WEEK FIVE WEEK SIX 24 WEEK THIRTEEN WEEK SIX WEEK SEVEN WEEK SEVEN WEEK EIGHT 5

4 BIBLE STUDY TIPS This study will complement the weekend sermons, but the Small Group Study will take a slightly different direction than the sermons to give you the chance to broaden your understanding of what you can learn from Acts, in the context of the Bible. Scripture teaches Scripture so we ll look at other portions which parallel or help add context. In Small Groups, we will address this study from a personal and corporate life application point of view and you will be challenged to think about areas of your life where the Holy Spirit might be prompting growth. It is recommended that you make yourself familiar with each week s Scripture portion by reading it a couple of times before you meet with your group. You may want to take some notes in the Life Application section to help you prepare for the discussion with your Small Group. Remember to pray as you open the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you in understanding. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, so the Holy Spirit is the ultimate authority. When you are reading and interpreting meaning in the Bible, be sure to keep context in mind. A little research goes a long way. Background information and understanding of the purpose of the Book s main focus and the overall message of the Bible will frame a more accurate reading of Scripture portions. It is helpful to approach the Bible as a single, coherent story. Each verse, chapter, and Book must be studied in light of the overall story. A common criticism of the Bible is that you can make it say anything you wish. It goes without saying that this is a misuse of Scripture. The goal of any Bible study should be to understand God s revelation. Reading the Bible intelligently requires interpretation. The following questions will help in proper interpretation: What does it say? What did it mean to the original audience? How can we apply it to our life? Don t be intimidated if you aren t familiar with the Bible. Everyone starts somewhere and a small group is a great place to start! If you would like to become more familiar with the Bible as a whole, a great thing to consider is reading the Bible using a reading plan of some kind. Among other places, you can access these for free online. Regular reading develops your understanding and your appetite for the Word of God. WELCOME TO CATCHING THE WIND, A STUDY ON THE BOOK OF ACTS. Acts is Luke s first-hand narrative of Jesus continued work in the world through the Holy Spirit-empowered people of God, starting with the Jews and going outward to the far reaches of the world. It begins with Jesus hanging out with and teaching His disciples for forty days after His resurrection. I would have loved to hear all they talked about during that time! How about you? The story beginning with Acts is not over and we, as members of God s Church, get to be a part of it even today. In John 6:7-9, Jesus foretells his disciples that He will no longer live with them in bodily form after His death and resurrection, saying, But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don t, the Advocate won t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. This Advocate is the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. God is on a mission to reconcile mankind to Himself through the finished work of Jesus Christ. The Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are His witnesses. The Book of Acts is key to understanding the rest of the New Testament and connecting the Church Age, in which we now live, with the rich heritage of God through the ages, beginning with the promises given to Abraham and his descendants to bless a fallen world through them. The main themes in Acts are the resurrection and fulfillment of the prophecy through Jesus Christ, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the building of the Kingdom of God through the Church throughout the whole world. In the Book of Acts we ll see that the power of God is manifest in mighty ways, establishing the authority of the Apostles through Jesus, yet persecution and suffering are part of the equation. God uses it to move the message of Christ outward to other regions. Even with all the Holy Spirit is doing, the Church becomes very practical as well. They engage in solving problems, navigating change, setting up structure, and addressing complaints while still remaining faithful to God s mission. We live, as they did, in a time of tension. We can also expect to encounter trouble and persecution as followers of Jesus Christ. In one sense, the prophetic is fulfilled HAVE FUN! 6 7

5 HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SMALL GROUP through the resurrection of Jesus and the sending of the Holy Spirit to the Church as Jesus hands and feet in the world. However, we are also awaiting future fulfillment and perfection when He will come back in all of His glory to rule and reign for all time. As the Apostle Peter states in 2 Peter 3:9, The Lord isn t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. Today is the day, and we get to be witnesses of the good news of God s love as we catch the wind of the Holy Spirit s power in our lives. *Note: All Scripture references are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. SUGGESTIONS FOR A CHRIST CENTERED SMALL GROUP. Make an investment in your growth and in our community by making a commitment to regularly and actively participate in your Small Group. 2. Do your part in making sure that everyone gets a chance to share in the discussion. Avoid rabbit trails! 3. Develop Christ-centered relationships with your Small Group members. Have an attitude of love and acceptance toward them just as Christ has done for you. 4. Be respectful of everyone s journey while keeping in mind that the purpose of Timberline Small Groups is to seek God as He reveals Himself through His Word, the Bible. 5. Avoid cross-talk, giving advice or an opinion on someone else s share. Always remember to encourage and pray rather than trying to fix people. 6. Be a part of your church community by being willing to ask for help when you are in need and by being willing to provide help and resources to others when they are in need. 7. Make an effort to allow yourself to be authentic and accountable. 8. Maintain healthy boundaries in life and in your relationships. 9. Have fun and Let Love Live! SUGGESTED ORDER 0. Open with prayer.. Connecting With One Another and For Consideration (when included). 2. Watch the DVD session. 3. Begin the Study and Discussion. You will be asked to read the week s Scripture portion starting with question #2. Please have someone read this aloud while the rest of the group follows along. 4. Close with prayer 8 9

6 WEEK : IN THE BEGINNING ACTS :- In my first book (The Gospel of Luke) I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom? 7 He replied, The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 0 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. Men of Galilee, they said, why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go! 4. What does ACTS :8 mean to the church and to us today? 5. What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit s work in our daily lives? Are you living as if the Holy Spirit is empowering you? We are unable to live a life that glorifies God on our own. We are unable to share the love that God has for us, through His Son Jesus, on our own. According to Acts :8, God has empowered us through the Holy Spirit to share the love of Jesus. Are we doing so? ACTS :8 (Jesus said) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Do you sense that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a specific circumstance, attitude, or belief where you can begin to apply what you have learned? Write it here so, in prayer and application, you can refer back to it throughout the week. What was the best thing and the worst thing of this past week? FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION The Holy Spirit is our ally. In Greek, the literal meaning of ally, is to come alongside. God has sent the Holy Spirit to come alongside of each one of us. WATCH DVD WEEK ONE. Read ACTS :-. Is there anything in the video or this passage that stuck out to you? 2. Why does Jesus present himself alive to them after His suffering? 3. Read DEUTERONOMY 7:6-. Read ACTS :6. Read MATTHEW 24:3-40. What do these passages tell us about God s people and the Kingdom of Heaven? 0

7 WEEK 2 : THE SPIRIT COMES ACTS 2: 42 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. 7 They were completely amazed. How can this be? they exclaimed. These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 0 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done! 2 They stood there amazed and perplexed. What can this mean? they asked each other. 3 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, They re just drunk, that s all! 4 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 5 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o clock in the morning is much too early for that. 6 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 7 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 8 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants men and women alike and they will prophesy. 9 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives. 2 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. 22 People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. 25 King David said this about him: I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 26 No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. 27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. 28 You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. 29 Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David s own descendants would sit on his throne. 3 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave. 32 God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand 35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet. 36 So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah! 37 Peter s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, Brothers, what should we do? 38 Peter replied, Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away all who have been called by the Lord our God. 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, Save yourselves from this crooked generation! 4 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord s Supper), and to prayer. What other languages do you speak? Or, is there a place in the world where you ve always wanted to visit? 2 3

8 FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Pentecost, or Feast of Weeks, or Firstfruits was one of three Jewish festivals which brought thousands of men to Jerusalem each year to a joyful celebration. Pentecost, meaning the fiftieth day, occurred 50 days after Passover, during harvest time (see Exodus 6). The Jews associated this sacred holiday with the giving of God s law on Mount Sinai. This was the time which God chose to pour out His Spirit upon the Jewish believers as prophesied by Joel around the year 800 BC. Previously, the Holy Spirit was only given to certain individuals for short time in order for God s purpose to be expressed through that person. Joel, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had prophesied that one day God would pour out His Spirit on all who would call on the name of the LORD. Peter made it clear that men must believe in Jesus Christ whom God had sent as their Passover Lamb and Messiah. A brand new thing was happening and, even today, we are a part of it! JOHN 5:26 But I will send you the Advocate the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. Do you sense that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a specific circumstance, attitude, or belief where you can begin to apply what you have learned? Write it here so, in prayer and application, you can refer back to it throughout the week. WATCH DVD WEEK TWO. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Read Acts 2:-42. What kinds of things happen as a result of the Holy Spirit s outpouring? 3. Something completely new and different is happening, but Peter is reaching back into Jewish history to explain it. Why is it important for them to remember the former things which were taught? Discuss. 4. What is the most important message that Peter, using prophetic Scriptures, conveys to his fellow Jews? Discuss. 5. Read John 5:26. What does Jesus say about the Holy Spirit here? When have you been on the giving or receiving end of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? What was the result? Consider that the Holy Spirit is given to you as a gift, a gift to be shared with others, through Jesus Christ. As C.S. Lewis has stated, The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ. C Take time this week to daily offer yourself up to the Holy Spirit s filling and to His agenda in you and through you. 4 5

9 WEEK 3 : BE THE CHURCH ACTS 2: All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. In two or three sentences, what does it mean to you to Be the Church? FOR CONSIDERATION This passage is a favorite in many churches, Timberline included. We believe that this passage is the model of true Gospel community. When we look at church life on the weekends and our Small Groups, we use this passage to guide us in our interactions. This was the written in a sort of documentary of the first church. Acts 2:4 talks about the new believers who are baptized and joined together to form the first church after Jesus death and resurrection. These events were common in the Jewish churches: worshiping, praying, and teaching. However, the new church had a new focal point, Jesus. Be encouraged to talk together amongst your group about incorporating these things into your weekly small group. As for the practices of the church, there is no evidence that the activities mentioned here constitute a required pattern of some sort of communism for all churches. Yet, the fact that this description occurs at the first mention of the church after Pentecost strongly implies that a practical and caring unity in the church is an ideal to be followed. 3. After reading this passage, what things would you like to see more of in small group settings? 4. When was the last time, personally or in a group setting, that the sense of awe came over you because of the Lord, as in Acts 2:43? 5. Dream a little about what the church could look like if we did these things is there anything you can do, in order to help Timberline become this kind of church? This passage shows what a loving and living Gospel-centered community looks like. When you read about this church community, you see a level of engagement and commitment that is unparalleled. We are now three weeks in. How are you doing being fully committed and engaged in your Gospel centered community? ROMANS 2:0 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. This week spend some time alone reflecting on your church history. What have your experiences been in previous churches? In Timberline? Journal your thoughts below or if you have a personal journal, write it in there. WATCH DVD WEEK THREE. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Read Acts 2: After reading this passage, what things might feel uncomfortable for you in small group, and why? 6 7

10 WEEK 4 : GETTING WHAT YOU DON T ASK FOR ACTS 3:-8 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, Look at us! 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, I don t have any silver or gold for you. But I ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,* get up and walk! 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 0 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. 2 Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. People of Israel, he said, what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? 3 For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob the God of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate s decision to release him. 4 You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. 5 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact! 6 Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus name has healed him before your very eyes. 7 Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. 8 But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah that he must suffer these things. What is one thing in your life that God did for you that no one else could have done? FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Someone has well said that every miracle is a parable, designed not only to demonstrate the power of God, which can literally, physically heal instantaneously and completely, but also to illustrate, in symbolic form, people s needs and the miracles that can happen in their inner lives. You see, what happens to your body is not nearly as important as what happens inside you. All the time, your body is getting older and grayer and stiffer and more difficult to manipulate. Some of us feel this very much. But what is happening inside? That is the important thing. Paul says, The outward man perishes, but the inward man is being renewed day by day... (2 Corinthians 4:6). - Ray Stedman A WATCH DVD WEEK FOUR. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Read Acts 3:-8 together. In verse four, we are told that Peter and John looked intently at the lame man and that they asked him for his attention. The lame man then looked up at them with eager expectation. What might we learn about the apostles, the man, and God from this exchange? 3. In your daily life, do you look to Jesus with expectation for the great things He is able to do in you and your friends, family, and co-workers? Discuss. 4. The man does not receive what he asks for from them. God, through John and Peter, gives the man something of even greater worth! What effect does this healing have on the people in this account? How does the crippled man respond to God s healing? How does the crowd respond? And Peter? 5. Read Ephesians 2:0. What has God given to you that you can share with others for the glory of God? Be specific. 8 9

11 WEEK 5 : SUPERNATURAL AND SUFFERING Look to God with eager expectation for the great things He has in store in you and through you. ACTS 3:6 But Peter said, I don t have any silver or gold for you. But I ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk! Do you sense that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a specific circumstance, attitude, or belief where you can begin to apply what you have learned? Write it here so, in prayer and application, you can refer back to it throughout the week. ACTS 4 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. 2 These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. 4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women and children. 5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, By what power, or in whose name, have you done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 0 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. 2 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. 3 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 4 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 5 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves. 6 What should we do with these men? they asked each other. We can t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 7 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus name again. 8 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 9 But Peter and John replied, Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard. 2 The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. 23 As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. 24 When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: O Sovereign Lord, Creator 20 2

12 of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them 25 you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? 26 The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah. 27 In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. 28 But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. 29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. 3 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. 32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. 36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement ). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. If you could only have one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Religious leaders are often the biggest critics of believers. Peter and John were not in conflict with the church, but rather, the religious leaders of the day. The reality is that this world is against the Kingdom of Heaven. We have to keep the perspective of Peter and John. They were not concerned with the suffering and persecution that they would endure. Their eyes were set on the Lord and making Him famous, no matter the cost. It was only through prayer and seeking Christ first, that the salvation of men and women came to be. Especially in the Book of Acts, God draws people closer to Him through suffering and difficult times.. Take a couple of minutes to share your own story. Where were you when you were saved? What drew you to God? Where are you now? What has God done in your own life? 2. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 3. Read Acts 4. After reading this passage, what things would feel uncomfortable to do in your small group, and why? 4. Read Philippians 3:0-. How does this verse fit in with your pursuit of Jesus? 5. Who is in your life that could use prayer or a word of encouragement during their time of suffering? Acts 4:3 says, After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. The challenge this week is boldness. While we are not all called to work in a church, we are all called to proclaim the Gospel. Will you be bold in your witness this week with the people you encounter? Pray for boldness in your words and your actions. ACTS 4:2 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. In our lives, we have seen and experienced suffering and persecution, or will at some point. It will undoubtedly look different for each person. Remember what the Apostles went through in suffering and persecution. Remember how strong they were. By putting their faith and trust in the Lord during tough times, they were able to stand firm in the name of Jesus. What does this look like for you right now? WATCH DVD WEEK FIVE 22 23

13 WEEK 6 : GET REAL ACTS 5: 2 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife s consent, he kept the rest. 3 Then Peter said, Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren t lying to us but to God! 5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, Was this the price you and your husband received for your land? Yes, she replied, that was the price. 9 And Peter said, How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too. 0 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. 2 The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon s Colonnade. What was the best part of your day today and why? FOR CONSIDERATION Religious posing of any kind is dangerous business. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is an extreme example for extreme times. The authority of the Holy Spirit and the apostles of the early Church had to be established and protected among the new-covenant, grace-filled people of God. Envy, dishonesty, pride, and self-seeking will kill what God wants to do in and through all of our relationships. On the other hand, Spirit-empowered gratitude, honesty, humility, and servanthood are needed for the kind of God-vitality that the Church represents to a dying world.. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Read Acts 5:-2. If we re truthful, we ve been tempted to hide some aspects of ourselves at church as well. What is it about church, in particular, that tempts people to want to hide the truth about themselves? 3. What about church ought to help us be rigorously honest with ourselves and others? How can we all help with this at Timberline? 4. Read James 3:6-8. How might this portion of Scripture apply to the story of Ananias & Sapphira? Discuss. 5. James 3:2b states, We all stumble in many things. (NKJV) What area(s) of your life do you need to evaluate right now in light of today s discussion? Discuss. Start each day with a prayer that the Holy Spirit helps you get real. Cast off jealousy and selfish ambition as they come up throughout the day. JAMES 3:6 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. Do you sense that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a specific circumstance, attitude, or belief where you can begin to apply what you have learned? Write it here so, in prayer and application, you can refer back to it throughout the week. WATCH DVD WEEK SIX 24 25

14 WEEK 7 : STORM CLOUDS AND SONGS ACTS 5: The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon s Colonnade. 3 But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. 4 Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord crowds of both men and women. 5 As a result of the apostles work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 6 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. 7 The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 8 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 9 But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life! 2 So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching. When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial. 22 But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, 23 The jail was securely locked, with the guards standing outside, but when we opened the gates, no one was there! 24 When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. 25 Then someone arrived with startling news: The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people! 26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man s name! he said. Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death! 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. 3 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him. 33 When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. 34 But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. 35 Then he said to his colleagues, Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! 36 Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. 37 After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. 38 So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God! 40 The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. 4 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: Jesus is the Messiah. What was your favorite Halloween candy as a child? FOR CONSIDERATION This chapter is a long one that encompasses two different things that we encounter as believers. The first is a miracle of many miracles. Continuing through this study, we will see miracles happen in the name of Jesus by the Apostles. The second part is continued persecution at the hands of the Jewish church leaders. During the times of the early church and even up 600 s, the lines of the church and state were blurred. Church leaders had the authority to make life miserable for the Apostles. We will continue to see the Apostles go through persecution during this series and take note of it. It is important to see what cost they paid for following Jesus. WATCH DVD WEEK SEVEN. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Context is important. What is the significance of Luke telling us about the signs and wonders performed by the Apostles before they were persecuted? 26 27

15 WEEK 8 : WIDOWS, WAITERS, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT 3. Persecution comes in many different ways. In what ways do you see persecution, for yourself or others? 4. What negative experience in your life might God be leveraging for making a difference for the Kingdom? Pray. In reflecting upon the persecution of the Apostles, lets pray for the persecuted church. We are fortunate to live in a place where we can meet and freely discuss the things of our Lord. There are many who fear death for even mentioning the name of Jesus. This week, pray for the persecuted Christians around the world. ACTS 5:39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God! This week, spend some time alone reflecting on this question. Based on this week s memory verse, are there things in your life that you are doing that are against God? It was once said to me, Find out what God s doing and get on board! Are you doing the things of God? Journal and ask the Lord to reveal to you His things, that you may not find yourself fighting against God. ACTS 6: 7 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greekspeaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word. 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. 7 So God s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. What is one gift or experience that you have that the Holy Spirit can use for good of others? FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION The church is a living organism. In the physical body, the hand moves when the brain says to. So too the members of Jesus spiritual body takes direction from Him as our Head. Jesus gives each member gifts and talents, making himself alive within his church. He equips his people to love one another, and to serve in unity his kingdom. - Ray Stedman B WATCH DVD WEEK EIGHT. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Read Acts 6:-7. Is it surprising to learn that there were complaints and divisions in the early church? Why or why not? Discuss. 3. How do the Apostles respond to the complaints? What are some things that we can learn from this for church life? Or, what about when someone has a complaint about you? 28 29

16 WEEK 9 : REAL TRANSFORMATION 4. This is one passage that shows us that even though the Holy Spirit was moving with power in the Church, there was still a need for structure. In your opinion, what does a healthy balance look like at Church? In your daily life? 5. Read Corinthians 2:4-7. How does this passage support the decisions and structure that the Twelve instituted in the Acts 6:-7 scenario? What about this do you need to take to heart? The Book of Acts shows us that every Believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit. We each have a role to play to make a difference in the Name of Jesus Christ, wherever He puts us. This week, prayerfully commit or recommit yourself for His purposes to faithfully take action whenever He prompts you. Are there changes that are needed in your life to facilitate your responsiveness to the Holy Spirit s leading in your life? CORINTHIANS 2:5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. Do you sense that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a specific circumstance, attitude, or belief where you can begin to apply what you have learned? Write it here so, in prayer and application, you can refer back to it throughout the week. ACTS 7: The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God s right hand. 56 And he told them, Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God s right hand! 57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, Lord, don t charge them with this sin! And with that, he died. ACTS 8:-3 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. ACTS 8: As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, Go south[p] down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza. 27 So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, Go over and walk along beside the carriage. 30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, Do you understand what you are reading? 3 The man replied, How can I, unless someone instructs me? And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. 32 The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 33 He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth. 34 The eunuch asked Philip, Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else? 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. 36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, Look! There s some water! Why can t I be baptized? * 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and 30 3

17 they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea. *Some late manuscripts: 37 Philip said, if you believe with all your heart, you may. The eunuch answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Have you been baptized? Share your baptism story with the group. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Stephen s martyrdom was a turning point for the young Church. Jesus commanded the disciples to go and preach the Gospel to the nations in Acts :8. They never went. They stayed in Jerusalem and were afraid of what would happen to them. When Stephen was killed for his belief in Jesus, the Apostles fled, again out of fear. This is the quintessential story of God taking a lemon and making lemonade. As opposed to keeping Stephen s death in a negative light in church history, God used Stephen to become a catalyst for a new movement and expansion of His Gospel message. Chapter 8 shows the fruits of this expansion with the stories of Philip s preaching and evangelism. We also see the first mention of Saul, who will later become Paul. It is important to note Saul s approval for the death of Stephen. In the next few chapters, God will change Saul s heart in an incredible way. 5. Read Isaiah 53:7-8. Philip in Acts 8:32-33 quotes Isaiah s prophecy of Jesus death. Why do you think these religious teachers missed this quote in reference to Jesus? Discuss. We begin to see the Gospel movement in Acts. The church is about to explode and Philip is a start of the expansion of the Gospel. Where do you and your story fit in the Gospel expansion? Have you shared the Gospel lately? Have you shared your testimony to someone who doesn t know Jesus? This week s challenge is to do so. And be sure to tell your group what happens! PSALM 6:5 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. It is never fun to think about your death or the death of a loved one. Each of the Apostles joined in the martyrdom of Stephen. I want to encourage you to pray about this topic. We are told not to fear death. Stephen didn t fear death. Is your faith in the Lord and your relationship with Jesus comforting to you in death? WATCH DVD WEEK NINE. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Read Acts 7:54-8:3. Thinking about the death of Stephen, what thoughts come to mind when you see this vicious stoning? 3. How did Stephen respond in his death? What were his words to his accusers and killers? 4. Read Acts 8: If you feel comfortable, in what ways has God transformed your heart as He did with the eunuch? As He was about to do with Saul (later to become the Apostle Paul)? 32 33

18 WEEK 0 : GOD STILL CALLS PEOPLE ACTS 9:-3 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them both men and women back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me? 5 Who are you, lord? Saul asked. And the voice replied, I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 0 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, Ananias! Yes, Lord! he replied. The Lord said, Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 2 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again. 3 But Lord, exclaimed Ananias, I ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 4 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name. 5 But the Lord said, Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 6 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name s sake. 7 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 8 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 9 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is indeed the Son of God! 2 All who heard him were amazed. Isn t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus followers in Jerusalem? they asked. And didn t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests? 22 Saul s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall. 26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He debated with some Greekspeaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. 3 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. Coke or Pepsi? FOR CONSIDERATION Jesus calling of Saul is a turning point in Church history because He had chosen Paul to be the Apostle to the Gentiles (Non-Jewish people). We take it for granted now, but never before had it been made crystal clear that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:6, NKJV) Luke considered the calling of Saul, later named Paul, of great importance, as evidenced by the fact that he included the account of it three times in the Book of Acts. Saul was positioned for this special calling by the sovereign Grace of God because he was advanced in Judaism and the Hebrew language, well versed in Greek culture and philosophy, a Roman citizen, and a tentmaker by profession. He was also greatly humbled, calling himself the chief sinner, because of his earlier persecution of the Church. The Holy Spirit would eventually use each one of these characteristics of the Apostle to call Gentiles into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ. WATCH DVD WEEK TEN 34 35

19 WEEK : IT S A NEW DAY. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. How did you come to Christ? Or, if you are not yet sure about placing your faith in Jesus, what questions do you still have? Have you ever struggled with comparing your story with another s? If so, in what way? 3. Read Acts 9:-3. Is there anything about this story or the people in it with whom you can personally relate? 4. What, do you think, is the main message that Luke is trying to convey in the telling of Paul s conversion? 5. Is there anything about this passage which encourages you, inspires you, or convicts you? Discuss. God still calls people. Is there someone in your life who you ve believed will never come to faith in Jesus? Maybe you ve believed this about yourself. Begin praying diligently for an encounter with the Lord, believing Jesus very words, in Matthew 9, that with God everything is possible. ACTS 9:5-6 But the Lord said, Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name s sake. Do you sense that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a specific circumstance, attitude, or belief where you can begin to apply what you have learned? Write it here so, in prayer and application, you can refer back to it throughout the week. ACTS 0:24-:8 24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter pulled him up and said, Stand up! I m a human being just like you! 27 So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled. 28 Peter told them, You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me. 30 Cornelius replied, Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. 3 He told me, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! 32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore. 33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you. 34 Then Peter replied, I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, 4 not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name. The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit 44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did? 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days

20 ACTS :-8 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them! they said. 4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. 5 I was in the town of Joppa, he said, and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me. 6 When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of tame and wild animals, reptiles, and birds. 7 And I heard a voice say, Get up, Peter; kill and eat them. 8 No, Lord, I replied. I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean. 9 But the voice from heaven spoke again: Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean. 0 This happened three times before the sheet and all it contained was pulled back up to heaven. Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying. 2 The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles. These six brothers here accompanied me, and we soon entered the home of the man who had sent for us. 3 He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 4 He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved! 5 As I began to speak, Peter continued, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. 6 Then I thought of the Lord s words when he said, John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 7 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God s way? 8 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life. Who was your best and most trusted friend as a child? Why? FOR CONSIDERATION When the church began, it was comprised mostly of Jews. The Apostles were Jewish and Jesus was a Jew. They began preaching in the synagogues because the Jews were God s chosen people. In the Jewish laws, there were things that were unclean. The first five books of the Bible, the Torah, or the Law, are filled with instructions and customs they had to follow as God s chosen people. One of these was prohibiting association with Gentiles. Peter s affirmation of Cornelius and his family was monumental. The Holy Spirit s transformation of Cornelius and his family was a new shift in the Church. Jesus came to save all! It was not a faith for a few; Christianity is for everyone. WATCH DVD WEEK ELEVEN. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Why do you think the word of the Lord came to both Peter and Cornelius? Why is it significant that an angel came? 3. What traditions do we have in the church today? Are they biblical? 4. What can we do to ensure that we are living a lifestyle of Christianity versus a religion of Christianity? 5. In what ways are you enjoying the work of the Gospel? Or, where are you tempted to become critical and judgmental of others? Rejoice! This week is an encouraging message. We need to rejoice that God designed salvation and the Holy Spirit for each of us! The gift of the Holy Spirit being with us is such a blessing to share in. Take some time rejoicing and looking at the Holy Spirit in your life. Would you say that you are connected with the Holy Spirit? Define your understanding of the Holy Spirit as a group this week. ACTS 0:34-35 Then Peter replied, I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. Cornelius was a governmental employee. He was a leader in the Roman army and was very influential in his role. He happened to be a believer and lover of the Lord. This week let s pray and encourage our leaders. Read Timothy 2:-4. This week, do what Paul commands Timothy to do in this passage

21 WEEK 2 : HEALTHY CHURCH ACTS : Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 2 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.) 27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. How many places have you lived in your lifetime? FOR CONSIDERATION The martyrdom of Stephen and subsequent persecution scatters Believers outward into Gentile lands such as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. The message of Christ begins to go out with power to very different cultures, crossing age-old boundaries which haven t been crossed before. Many are being reconciled to God through faith in the Jewish Messiah. Antioch, the third largest city in the Roman Empire, becomes the center for Paul s missionary journeys.. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Read Acts :9-30. What seems to be the main message of this passage? 3. Why do you think it was Barnabas that was chosen by the church at Jerusalem to go to Antioch? What special gifts and abilities did he bring to the table and why might these have been important? 4. Read Galatians 3:28. One aspect of healthy church is when we are able to give and receive from other Believers with very different backgrounds and stories. Considering the Galatians passage and what you ve learned in Acts so far, what makes this possible? Discuss. 5. What is one thing that God has been doing in your life since the beginning of this series? Ask God to broaden and deepen your capacity for relationship with people who are different from you. GALATIANS 3:28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Do you sense that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a specific circumstance, attitude, or belief where you can begin to apply what you have learned? Write it here so, in prayer and application, you can refer back to it throughout the week. WATCH DVD WEEK TWELVE 40 4

22 WEEK 3 : GET OUT OF JAIL ACTS 2 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, Quick! Get up! And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, Get dressed and put on your sandals. And he did. Now put on your coat and follow me, the angel ordered. 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn t realize it was actually happening. 0 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. Peter finally came to his senses. It s really true! he said. The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me! 2 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 3 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 4 When she recognized Peter s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, Peter is standing at the door! 5 You re out of your mind! they said. When she insisted, they decided, It must be his angel. 6 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 7 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. Tell James and the other brothers what happened, he said. And then he went to another place. 8 At dawn there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. 9 Herod Agrippa ordered a thorough search for him. When he couldn t be found, Herod interrogated the guards and sentenced them to death. Afterward Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while. 20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod s personal assistant, 2 and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. 22 The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, It s the voice of a god, not of a man! 23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. 24 Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. 25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them. What was the best Christmas present you received as a child? FOR CONSIDERATION To say that there were bumps in the road for the early Church is a an understatement. Yet, God is still moving forward, strengthening His Church, and accomplishing His sovereign plan. WATCH DVD WEEK THIRTEEN. What is one thing that stood out to you from either the DVD or the weekend message? 2. Persecution led these believers to prayer. How can you respond well and go to the Lord when trouble happens? How have you done that in the past? 3. Do you trust in the Lord when tough times come, or do you blame Him? Share specific experiences with your group. 4. How has your prayer life been lately? Do you pray expectantly? 5. Do you believe God still performs miracles? Discuss. Pray. This week as you pray, will you pray for big things? Move beyond the traditional prayers at mealtime or at bedtime and pray that God would move mountains. Is there a breakthrough physically or spiritually that you need to pray for God s help for? If so, ask for it and wait expectantly for God to move

23 PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL ACTS 2:24 Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. Use this week as a catalyst for your prayer life. We have talked in these sessions about praying expectantly, praying for each other and praying for the persecuted church. Gather as a family and pray for these things. Prayer is an opportunity to place God as the head of you and your family. Act upon these commands to pray for others and see what happens! 44 45