Granted, but sincerity and pure motives do not protect us from making major mistakes. What is a testimony? Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), How to Overcome the Distraction of Boredom, A Spiritual Check-up To Help You To Thrive, Write Gods Word on the Tablet of Your Heart. 9:20). 6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship . Remind students that the Lord may also use them to help other people accomplish what the Lord wants them to do. Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Agabus) - and the Lord Himself confirmed it to be His will when Paul As a child of God, we may feel hopelessness in our hearts, but we must move beyond our feelings and remind our hearts of the great hope we have in Christ. Do you agree that Paul erred by going along with this scheme? This passage goes on the detail their activities including meeting daily. But in light of Pauls epistles, verse 20 should jar any sensitive reader of Scripture. 10:4). He should have said to James and the elders, Brothers, we need to have a long discussion. He should have found out exactly what they meant by their statement about being zealous for the Law. Discuss their step-by-step preparation, from learning the basics of their sport through the years of practice, coaching, relearning, strength training, competing, and improving until they become the best they can be at their sport. Regarding the final argument, that the negative results are no basis for determining right or wrong, I agree. But Paul's testimony was important. Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done", "But the following How did Pauls friends react to his commitment? We must long for Him to manifest Himself in our midst (vv.1-3). Pauls hope was not in mans approval. Who can help us prepare to fulfill our responsibilities? His offering animal sacrifices here did not deny the finished work of Christ, but were only memorials. "unload her cargo" (Acts 21:3) and load new cargo. "through" (Acts 21:4), is a preposition whose many meanings include "on account of." Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul did when he encountered a "damsel" ( verse 16 ), or servant girl, who was possessed by an evil spirit. 1. Silas is called a "prophet" who "said much to encourage . In the words of Peter, I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him(Acts 10:34-35). In what ways could we follow his example? 296-297). It was an example of unity at the expense of holiness, and it had disastrous consequences. Stephen must have known that he was putting himself in danger when he said what he did. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Character of God, Failure, Temptation, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. "Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he Acts shows us how the church is to respond when living in a predominately pagan culture. Are we ever fully prepared for Church callings? All rights reserved. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin (Acts 13:38-39), The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. Ask students to consider the training athletes undergo to become competitive at a world-class level. To avoid a backlash from the Jewish faction of the church on account of the leaders welcoming Paul and his Gentile converts and accepting their gift, they propose that Paul join these four men in their Jewish vow and sacrifice. He taught in Ephesians 2:14 that the dividing wall between them had been broken down in Christ. The world is continually pushing back against the Gospel, and so it pushed back against the work Christ had set before Paul. 4) The style similarities between Acts and Luke indicate at least a possibility that they share an author. 1. But there is a lesson for us too. ], What should we do with our Jesus Story? Ask: Why would it be difficult to accept such a call? I have been crucified with Christ. The news of Christs resurrection and ascension spread like wildfire and several key churches were planted during this period. 3:24-26). But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.. Andit seems like the questions just get bigger as our kids grow older. Invite students to read Acts 21:117. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Brethren should receive faithful brethren gladly. For example, when we pray for help in understanding a gospel principle, He might prompt a teacher to discuss that principle in a lesson. Notice the phrase "to the ends of the earth." Recommended: The Preeminence of Christ Colossians Bible study (free). What does that show about Pauls testimony? How might their feelings be similar to the feelings of new members of the Church today? He should have used this as an opportunity to educate the Jerusalem leaders that in Christ we are not under the Law, but under grace. Jesus Christ has told us that He has a bride, and she is the Church. This is part of Gods plan of revealing himself to his children. Some examples of people with Nazirite vows from scripture would be Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. We see His promise to send the Holy Spirit fulfilled (Acts 2), enemies transformed into allies (Acts 9), prison doors opened (Acts 16:22-26), and miracles performed (Acts 9:36-43). Pentecost was the second major festival of the Jewish year after Passover. As we learn Pauls testimony, if we hear about Paul BEFORE Jesus, then lets lift up the BEFORE sign. The ship Rather than clearing up a problem, it only resulted in greater confusion and misunderstanding. New Testament Video presentation 12, PaulA Chosen Vessel (11:34), can be used in teaching Acts 2128(see New Testament Video Guide for teaching suggestions). ], What is something special we know about Paul when he is arrested? 18. night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you They end with Paul under arrest in Herods judgment hall in Caesarea awaiting a hearing before Felix. Scripture: Continue reading, Zach Mabry leads our SWO worship band and spends days working through potential songs every spring. If you have a Jesus Story then you had a new beginning as well. (Indicate one or two specific countries.). They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. Cancel, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, Experiencing the mercy of God in our lives, Looking to Jesus for help now and hope in the future, Help your church understand God's plan in pain. Sign up below for a Sample LESSON from What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids (16 pages!). Paul shows us that God is sovereign but demands everything from us in our pursuit of personal holiness, the execution of the Great Commission and the building of the Church. You might be wondering how on earth could this spectacular Event - described in Acts 2 - have given birth to the Church? 1. The early disciples had witnessed the power of God to heal and they considered it natural that Gods power was not diminished just because Jesus was no longer with them. The Christian life should be lived with joy. Thus why is it wrong for him to participate in this ceremony? Read Acts 9:1516. But when Jesus asks us to do something he provides us with the means. Consider sharing the gospel with them. In Ephesus he survived a huge riot (Acts 19) and when he came to Jerusalem and Caesarea later in his ministry to face Roman governors and Jewish kings not once did he ever shrink back (Acts 21-28). As you do, hold up the signs BEFORE, the CROSS, and AFTER describing how your life changed because of Jesus. Notice Pauls boldness as a missionary and his ability to seize every opportunity to teach the gospel, no matter how difficult the circumstances. As they read, pause to discuss questions like the following: What did the Lord desire Paul to do? Phoenicia is the Mediterranean coastal region north of Israel, where Read more for my statement of beliefs. Power Gospel-centered and Christ-exalting. Part 2, How Can Christians Knock Down Fear of the Future? why did the power of God come down on the disciples at Pentecost? night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you The disciples earthed their message in Gods, 1. The disciples. Paul (Saul), the former Pharisee whom Christ called as the Apostle to Gentiles, is one of the main characters in the Acts narrative. Pentecost was a harvest festival - at the beginning of the wheat harvest - when the first fruits of the wheat harvest were presented to God. The Commander ordered Paul to be brought into the barracks and whipped. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. (Acts 2:32-33), Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for youeven Jesus(Acts 3:19-21), Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:11-12), Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 2023jimthefollower.com. 10:4). We must learn to do so. Paul loved the Church and it is evident in the greetings and salutations he would send in his letters to the various cities and churches. Have students read Acts 20:2225, and ask: What consequences did Paul know would come if he followed the Spirits direction to go to Jerusalem? From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Anne Marie is a Bible Teacher and Bible curriculum writer with more than 25 years of experience. Since the disciples in Tyre "told Paul through the First, Paul ardently desired for there to be unity between the Jewish and Gentile Christians. It fit in with his policy of becoming a Jew to the Jews, in order to win the Jews (1 Cor. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1). This will give you an opportunity to look into their spiritual world to see how much about following Jesus they understand. annually evaluates the general education programs at over 1,100 U.S. colleges and universities, public and private, with a stated liberal arts mission. Second, Pauls participation did not compromise any biblical truth, but was a matter of Christian liberty. Since Paul was "hurrying to be at Jerusalem" its south coast. Try, What Small Groups Do Bestand What They Don't, The Power Of Choosing To Be A Touchable Leader. These two thingsbold witness and visible lovehave been the hallmark of the church in every age of persecution and hostility. ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done" If we hear about how Paul changed, then hold up the AFTER sign. ], With whom? Ask:}. We are all members of one body, with different purposes, working toward the same eternal goal. (see v.11). Their response has always struck me as a bit odd. And surely I am with you till the end of the age (Mt. Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to youunless you believed in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:12). What can we learn from it? So what are our lessons learned from Acts? Many of you already know that the theme verse of Acts is found in the first chapter, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). 1. When Paul was younger, he studied under the Pharisee Gamaliel. The disciples consulted with and obeyed, 2. D. L. Moody said, If you dont go to work for the Lord because youre afraid of making mistakes, you will probably make the greatest mistake of your lifethat of doing nothing. Hes right! I love this verse. I dont want to play armchair quarterback on the apostle Paul here today. During the roughly ten years of his three journeys Paul traveled many thousands of miles and boldly testified of Jesus before the Gentiles and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). Explain that we too must prepare for our callings in the Church. Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. . Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. Since they boarded "the ship" (Acts 21:6), it most likely Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem" (Acts 21:4), was the Holy Spirit against The tension and confusion depicted in Acts surrounding this issue has led some Bible scholars to favor an earlier date (AD 60s) for its writing. It is never right to maintain peace and unity at the expense of compromising or confusing major truth. When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Where is "Phoenicia" (Acts 21:2)? What did the Lord tell Ananias about His purpose in calling Saul to the ministry? 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was . May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13). As I already said, we cannot judge any actions by the results, but only by whether or not they line up with Gods revealed truth. What was Pauls religious training? And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Missionaries can proclaim the gospel more effectively when they are well prepared (see Acts 2128; see also D&C 4; 11:2122). Paul and his delegation from the Gentile churches arrived at Jerusalem, bearing the gift for the poor that had been collected from the Gentile churches. Why didnt Paul confront these church leaders? Paul and Silas are imprisoned and then freed. Months 9:1-3). Invite students to share similar experiences they may have had. Like the Disciples Before Pentecost, We must Long for the Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Church and in Our Personal Lives Today. The staircase the soldiers were using would take Paul up to the very platform where Pilate presented Jesus to the multitude. They had such a great appetite for spiritual life and zeal for worship and learning. Heaven is the greatest crisis call . How do you get one? His strategy for leadership and discipleship was never based on his own merit, but on the Lords calling and the Lords power (1 Corinthians 2:3, 4:10). {Show the three signs. . (see Acts 21:3740). (see Acts 26:45). Paul knew that the Spirit of God dwelled in him, richly. We learn three important lessons from this story: I. Prayer makes a difference, especially when there is united prayer as we have seen here and in Acts 4:31. Clicking on a chapter will show you the text of that chapter of Acts in the Bible (New International Version). After this spiritual change takes place, a person isjust that, changed. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Christ himself called Paul to salvation and chose him to go and proclaim His message to the Gentile world. Read and discuss the following statement by Elder NealA. Maxwell: God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability! (Its Service, Not Status, That Counts, Ensign, July 1975, 7). Lebanon is today. God had given Paul a clear calling to plant churches throughout the Roman world. [Allow for answer], Can you think of another person from the Bible who has a testimony? Why/why not? He released Paul, but commanded the Chief Priests and the counsel to appear before him and Paul was to stand before them. He entered the scene as an approving party of Stephens killing in Acts 7:58. We can disagree without raising our voices and becoming angry and vindictive in our ways. Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Manila To Alabang Town Center,
101 Campbell Blvd Manahawkin, Nj 08050,
Idaho Driving Test Instructors,
Lone Wolf Bison Maine,
Open House Mobile Homes Near Me,
Articles W