1/27/2016 Day 27 - Acts 8:4-8, 26-40 - MissionaryConnecting to the Larger StoryAs the church grew and there were more demands on the time of the disciples as leaders, they set apart seven deacons to serve the community so that the disciples could focus on proclaiming the gospel. One of those was Stephen who was later stoned for his ministry in the name of Christ. After his execution, many of the new converts and their leaders scattered into the surrounding towns and began to preach there. This spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem. One of those who fled and began preaching in Samaria was Philip. Important to Note1) The eunuch was already reading from the Scriptures - specifically the prophet Isaiah - before he ever met Philip and heard about Jesus Christ. Yet he did not understand what it means on his own. Reading Scripture alone was not enough. The eunuch needed to read it alongside another believer to come to a fuller understanding of its meaning. 2) The eunuch then asked what would prevent him from being baptized. The implied answer, of course, was nothing. Not his nationality or ethnicity, not his being a eunuch, not his lack of understanding, nothing could keep him from being baptized if he wanted it. 1) How does being a part of church help us better understand the Scriptures?
2) What stands in the way of our connecting with God? 1/26/2016 Day 26 - Acts 5:12-42 - PersecutionConnecting to the Larger StoryAs people responded to the preaching of the gospel and the church began to grow, the disciples continued Jesus' disciples continued his ministry not only of teaching but also of healing. The religious authorities were threatened by the growing movement and looked for ways to silence the disciples by arresting and intimidating them. Yet the movement continued to grow and more people came to believe in Jesus. Important to Note1) Despite the best efforts of the religious authorities, the disciples stood firm against them and continued to spread the message of Jesus while the church grew. No matter what they tried, they could stop what God wanted to succeed. The advice that Gamaliel offers to the authorities reflects this idea: if Jesus were not from God, then the movement would fail much like the ones before; if Jesus were from God, then there is nothing they can do to stop the movement. So it is best for the authorities to do nothing and let God's will be done. Thoughts for Reflection1) Would we have the courage to continue preaching the gospel in the face of persecution?
1/25/2016 Day 25 - Acts 2:36-47Connecting to the Larger StoryJesus spent forty days after his Resurrection appearing to and instructing his disciples before ascending in to heaven. As the Spirit came upon the disciples heavily empowering them to fulfill the mission that Jesus had put before them, they left their hiding places to begin preaching the good news of Jesus and his kingdom. Important to Note1) Peter preached the good news of Jesus in Jerusalem, and many people were convinced. They were baptized and committed themselves to learning more, praying, eating together, and sharing what they had. Thoughts for Reflection1) How do we react to the good news of Jesus Christ?
Connecting to the Larger StoryJesus had been crucified and his body was taken by Joseph of Arimathea to be buried in a stone tomb. As the Sabbath day was rapidly approaching, he was quickly buried without his body being anointed according to custom. His disciples has scattered upon his arrest and now hid in fear. The women who had followed him, led by Mary Magdalene, came to his tomb after the Sabbath was over to anoint his body. Important to Note1) Jesus appeared first to the women who had come to anoint his body. He gave them a message for the male disciples, and the women became the first to proclaim the miracle of the risen Christ. 2) Jesus left his disciples with an important message that has to be known as the Great Commission. Jesus sent his disciples into the world to make disciples by baptizing and teaching all that he had commanded them wherever they may go. Thoughts for Reflection1) Why should we tell others about Jesus' resurrection? Why is it important?
2) How can we fulfill the Great Commission today? |
Bible Blast 31A month-long reading plan to get a grasp of the whole story of Scripture! Archives
February 2016
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