Crystal Coast Nazarene. Small Group Bible Study. Book of Acts

Crystal Coast Nazarene Small Group Bible Study Book of Acts May, 2014 GOD’S PLAN – OUR MISSION At CCNaz, we believe that it is GOD’S PLAN for everyo...
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Crystal Coast Nazarene Small Group Bible Study Book of Acts May, 2014

GOD’S PLAN – OUR MISSION At CCNaz, we believe that it is GOD’S PLAN for everyone to be… Saved – Healed – Delivered – Filled (Luke 4:16-19)

God’s plan leads us to our mission…

The Mission of CCNaz is … “SHARING the Good News of Jesus while GROWING in our faith”. (Acts 1:8; Col. 2:6-7)

Our Mission, “Sharing the Good News of Jesus while Growing in our faith” is mandated by the Word of God. The priorities and methods of our mission form several faces: (Time) investing our time in worship and small groups for spiritual growth; (Talents) using our spiritual gifts and talents to serve others; (Testimony) sharing our testimony, our story of God’s transforming work in our lives with others; (Treasures) honoring God by the giving of our financial resources to build the kingdom of God through CCNaz; (Teachings) by obeying God’s Word in all areas of our lives. These are not separate objectives but an integrated and comprehensive plan to make disciples according to the commands of Jesus. They are biblical mandates that we will all learn and strive to obey by: 1. Making a commitment to an investment of my Time to regular attendance in a Worship service and to become part of a Small Group for spiritual growth. 2. Making a commitment to use my Talents or spiritual gifts to serve God by involvement in a ministry to others in our church, or the outside world 3. Making a commitment to share my Testimony (my story) of God’s transforming work in my life with others 4. Making a commitment to honor God by giving of my Treasures (financial resources; money) to build the kingdom of God through CCNaz. 5. Making a commitment to obedience to the Teaching of God’s Word in all areas of our life.

Book of Acts Introduction to the Book of Acts By Mary Fairchild

The book of Acts provides a detailed, orderly, eyewitness account of the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel immediately after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its narrative supplies a bridge connecting the life and ministry of Jesus to the life of the church and the witness of the earliest believers. The work also constructs a link between the Gospels and the Epistles. Written by Luke, Acts is the sequel to Luke's Gospel, furthering his story of Jesus, and how he built his church. The book ends quite abruptly, suggesting to some scholars that Luke may have planned to write a third book to continue the story. In Acts, as Luke describes the spread of the gospel and the ministry of the apostles, he focuses primarily on two, Peter and Paul. Author of the Book of Acts: Authorship of the book of Acts is attributed to Luke. He was a Greek and the only Gentile Christian writer of the New Testament. He was an educated man, and we learn in Colossians 4:14 that he was a physician. Luke was not one of the 12 disciples. Although Luke is not named in the book of Acts as the writer, he was credited with authorship as early as the second century. In later chapters of Acts, the writer uses the first-person plural narrative, "we," indicating that he was present with Paul. We know that Luke was a faithful friend and travel companion of Paul. Date Written: Between 62 and 70 A.D., with the earlier date being more likely. Written To: Acts is written to Theophilus, meaning "the one who loves God." Historians are not sure who this Theophilus (mentioned in Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1) was, although most likely, he was a Roman with an intense interest in the newly forming Christian faith. Luke may also have been writing in general to all those who loved God. The book is written to Gentiles as well, and all people everywhere.

Landscape of the Book of Acts: The book of Acts details the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church from Jerusalem to Rome. Themes in the Book of Acts: The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of God's promised Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. As a result, the preaching of the gospel and the witness of the newly formed church sparks a flame that spreads across the Roman Empire. The opening of Acts discloses a primary theme throughout the book. As believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit they bear witness to the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. This is how the church is established and continues to grow, spreading locally and then continuing to the ends of the earth. It's important to recognize that the church did not begin or grow through its own power or initiative. Believers were empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, and this remains true today. Christ's work, both in the church and in the world, is supernatural, born of his Spirit. Although we, the church, are his vessels, the expansion of Christianity is God's work. He provides the resources, enthusiasm, vision, motivation, courage and ability to accomplish the work, by the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Another overriding theme in the book of Acts is opposition. We read about imprisonments, beatings, stoning’s and plots to kill the apostles. Rejection of the gospel and persecution of its messengers, however, worked to accelerate the church's growth. Although discouraging, resistance to our witness for Christ is to be expected. We can stand firm knowing God will do the work, opening doors of opportunity even in the midst of severe opposition. Key Characters in the Book of Acts: The cast of characters in the book of Acts is quite numerous and includes Peter, James, John, Stephen, Philip, Paul, Ananias, Barnabas, Silas, James, Cornelius, Timothy, Titus, Lydia, Luke, Apollos, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.

Permissions: All lesson questions come from Adult Questions for LESSONmaker. New Testament Questions copyright © 1992 by iExalt, Inc. Old Testament Questions copyright © 1994 by iExalt, Inc. Used by permission of WORDsearch. All rights reserved. Database © 2006 WORDsearch Corp.

BIBLE STUDY AID FOR THE BOOK OF ACTS Here are some steps you can use to study a book, chapter, or passage in the Bible. As we study the Acts, you might consider using this tool to help you learn more about the Book of Acts and apply Biblical principles to your life. 1. Read the chapter or passage. 2. Compare different translations (read the same chapter or passage in several different Bibles and see how they differ – record anything you find interesting or important). 3. What are some key words in this passage (note reputation of words, phrases or ideas)? 4. Define the key words to help you understand the passage. 5. What is the writer telling us to do (Advise warnings)? 6. What is the writer telling us not to do (advise warnings)? 7. Is there a relationship between what the writer is saying and why he is saying it (a cause and effect, that is: if you do this, then this will happen)? 8. Are there any examples to follow? 9. Is there an attitude to change? 10. Is there a prayer to pray? 11. Is there a truth to believe? 12. Is there something to thank God for? 13. Are there any commands to obey? 14. Is there any error to avoid? 15. Is there any sin to confess and/or renounce? 16. Are there some promises to claim? 17. Is there anything you are not sure about in this passage that you would like to do further study on? 18. Check cross-references (other passages that eal with the same subject). 19. Summarize what this passage is saying to you.

20. How does this apply to my life? How can I use what I have learned?

May 4, 2014

Acts 18

Read Acts 18 every day this week. It will not take you long. Look over suggestions on the Bible Study Aid for Acts on page 4 of this guide. Look over the questions for study. Write any answers on the back side or another piece of paper. (Leaders – keep in mind there will be more material that you will be able to cover in 45 minutes, so pick the questions that you want to lead your group in discussing)

Acts 18:1-17 – In Corinth 1. Aquila and Priscilla had to leave their home in Roman (18:2). They were probably discouraged in all the events that surrounded this event and needed to be encouraged in their faith. When you are discourage, what usually encourages you? How are you encouraging others in times of difficulties in their lives?

2. In verse 4, Paul was trying to persuade people to come to Jesus. Why? What are your doing to persuade people to come to Jesus? What did Paul spend his time doing when Silas and Timothy arrived? (18:5) 3. Why was Paul able to stop tent-making when his friends arrived from Macedonia? (18:5) 4. Paul was serving as a full-time missionary after Silas and Timothy arrived in Corinth. Their support for Paul is similar to what we give in Faith Promise funds to support missionaries. We support missionaries down the street and around the world. Do you give financially to support missionaries? In what ways can we give more financial support for full-time missionaries? 5. What difference would it make if missionaries weren’t given financial support? 6. When the Jews opposed Paul, how did he react (18:6)? What are some responses we should have when people reject the gospel?

7. What prompted Paul’s vision of the Lord? (18:9-11) Why would Paul be afraid? Why would he stop telling others about Jesus?

8. Why did the crowd attack Sosthenes (18:17)? While he had a difficult name to pronounce, he belonged to the Ron family. They all have the same first name, Mo. He was MoRon. 9. Why didn’t Gallio intervene in the attack against Sosthenes? (18:17)

Acts 18:18-28 - Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos 10. What did Paul do before he sailed for Syria? Why? (18:18) 11. What kind of vows/promises have you made to God? Why would you make a promise/vow to God? 12. What promise did Paul make to the Jews? (18:19-21) 13. Are you conscious of living out God’s will in your life in the decisions you make? 14. How do we “strengthen” others in their faith (18:23)? 15. How do vs24-25 describe Apollos (18:24-25)? How do we gain a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures? How are we instructed in the way of the Lord? How do we ensure that we are teaching others about Jesus accurately? 16. How did Priscilla and Aquila help Apollos become a more effective missionary (18:26)? Who has helped you in your spiritual growth? Who are you helping in their spiritual growth? If you are not mentoring or discipling someone, why?

May 11, 2014 Acts 19 Read Acts 19 every day this week. It will not take you long. Look over suggestions on the Bible Study Aid for Acts on page 4 of this guide. Look over the questions for study. Write any answers on the back side or another piece of paper. (Leaders – keep in mind there will be more material that you will be able to cover in 45 minutes, so pick the questions that you want to lead your group in discussing) Paul in Ephesus – Acts 19:1-22

1. What did Paul ask the disciples at Ephesus (19:2)? Why do you think he would ask a question like that? How did the group respond to Paul? 2. What was the significance of John’s baptism (19:3-4)? Examine Mark 1:4-7. What did John preach? How did the people respond? 3. What did the believers do in vs 5? (19:5)? Some believe they were “rebaptised” in water, others think they were not. What do you think? Why? Is there a basis for getting “rebaptised”? What does baptism declare to yourself and others? 4. How did the Spirit come on the disciples (19:6)? Is there a significance for spiritual leaders “placing their hands” on others as they pray? If so, what? 5. What was the result of these believers when the Holy Spirit came on them (19:6)? 6. Why did Paul stop speaking at the synagogue (19:9) and what did he do next? 7. How did God work through Paul (19:11-12)? Who was doing the “miracle work”? When was the last time you saw God perform a miracle? What was it? 8. What did others try to do (19:13-16)? What was the results? How does the devil counterfeit the work of God today? 9. Why did people both fear and praise Jesus (19:17)? How is this working in your life? Do you live in “fear and praise” of Jesus? What does this look like? 10. How did faith in Christ change the Ephesians (19:18-19)? How did faith change you?

11. What practices did the Ephesian’s give up (19:18-19)? What did you give up when you became a Christian? What things is God working in your life to give up now (not bad stuff, but stuff like forgiveness, resentment, stinginess, jealousy, discontentment, critical attitude, etc. … you know, stuff like that)? 12. When the Ephesians openly confessed their sin (evil deeds). Is there any value in public confession of sin? When should a public confession of sin be made? What do you need to confess and burn in order to be used by God? 13. What happened to the spread of Christianity? (19:20)

The Riot in Ephesus - Acts 19:23-41

14. To whom does "the Way" refer? (19:23) 15. On what basis did Artemis make a case against those of the Way? (19:25-27) 16. To what group did the silversmith present his case? (19:24-25) 17. How can a person make idols out of work, money, or success? 18. What underlying motive did the Artemis have for his protest? 19. How do Christians sometimes compromise the kingdom of God for money? 20. In what ways can money become more important to us than it should? 21. How can we show our trust in God as provider? 22. Why did the silversmith’s talk create such an uproar? (19:27-29) 23. Why wouldn’t the people listen to Alexander? (19:33-34) 24. How can you honor the Lord without all the religious and cultural trappings that Christians have placed on Him?

May 18, 2014 Acts 20 Read Acts 20 every day this week. It will not take you long. Look over suggestions on the Bible Study Aid for Acts on page 4 of this guide. Look over the questions for study. Write any answers on the back side or another piece of paper. (Leaders – keep in mind there will be more material that you will be able to cover in 45 minutes, so pick the questions that you want to lead your group in discussing)

Through Macedonia and Greece - Acts 20:1-6

1. What did Paul do after the uproar in Ephesus was over? (20:1) 2. How could Paul teach and encourage Christians when his own life was in danger? 3. What did Paul do while he was in Macedonia (20:2)? 4. When you experience trouble, how does it affect your Christian witness? 5. Where did Paul go in order to avoid his enemies? (20:3) 6. What made Paul effective in dealing with his enemies? 7. Who were Paul’s traveling companions on his journey? (20:4-5) 8. Paul had some traveling companions who were involved in his ministry. Are you involved in the ministry with others? If not, how can you be involved in ministry with other Christians?

Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas - Acts 20:7-12

9. What made it hard for Eutychus to stay awake? (20:8-9) 10. What happened when he fell sound asleep? (20:9) 11. Why do you think Paul talked on and on to the Ephesian Christians? 12. If our worship service lasted longer than usual, let’s say to 1 or 2 pm, would you stay? Leave? Do you think there would be some complaints? If so, like what? Why? 13. When do you tend to be inattentive or sleepy during a church service? 14. What was Eutychus condition when Paul picked him up? (20:9) 15. What did Paul do and say to the group when he picked him up? (20:10) 16. After the interruption to the meeting, what did Paul do? (20:11)

Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders - Acts 20:13-38

17. What did Paul say in review of his ministry in Ephesus? (20:18-21) 18. How does Paul’s life and work challenge you? 19. Why did Paul expect trouble in Jerusalem? (20:22-23) 20. How does the Holy Spirit lead and guide us? 21. How did Paul describe his life and mission? (20:24) 22. What made Paul "innocent of the blood of all men"? (20:26-27)

23. What were the future responsibilities of the Ephesian elders? (20:28-35) 24. Why do mature Christians need to "be on guard" and "watch over" younger believers in their congregation? 25. What does it mean to commit someone else to God?

May 25, 2014 Acts 21 Read Acts 21 every day this week. It will not take you long. Look over suggestions on the Bible Study Aid for Acts on page 4 of this guide. Look over the questions for study. Write any answers on the back side or another piece of paper. (Leaders – keep in mind there will be more material that you will be able to cover in 45 minutes, so pick the questions that you want to lead your group in discussing)

On to Jerusalem - Acts 21:1-16

1. At Tyre, what did the Christians advise Paul to do? (21:4) 2. Why did Paul ignore the believers’ warning? (21:5-6) 3. What did Paul say to the Christians at Caesarea? (21:13-14) 4. How do you think Paul felt about going to Jerusalem? 5. Why did Paul ignore all the warnings against going to Jerusalem? 6. What decision do you stand by even though some others don’t approve of your choice? 7. When was a time you rejected the advice or counsel of virtually everyone who cared about you?

Paul's Arrival at Jerusalem - Acts 21:17-26 8. What are some ways your life-style or way of life is different from that of your parents? 9. What did Paul report? To whom? (21:18-19) 10. What concern did the church leaders voice? (21:20)

11. What did the leaders of the church suggest that Paul do? Why? (21:22-24) 12. What is the difference between compromising God’s will and doing something in order to avoid offending someone? 13. How can we decide when we should stand up for our beliefs and when we should give in for the sake of In what situations will you need to adjust your behavior for the sake of others? How?

Paul Arrested - Acts 21:27-36 14. How does it make you feel when someone is treated unfairly? 15. Who stirred up the crowd and seized Paul? Why? (21:27-29) 16. Why were the temple gates shut? (21:30-31) 17. How did the commander and his soldiers save Paul’s life? (21:32) 18. Why were the Jews from Asia so angry at Paul? 19. What groups are particularly anti-Christian today? 20. What "false reports" about Christianity can you help dispel? How?

Paul Speaks to the Crowd - Acts 21:37-22:21 21. What do you have in common with a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor?

22. What did Paul ask as he was about to be taken away? (21:37) 23. What language did the apostle use in speaking to the crowd? (21:40) 24. How did Paul address his audience? (22:1) 25. How did Paul show respect to his audience? 26. Why is it important to be kind toward and respectful of others? 27. What words, gestures, or practices can you use to show respect in how you speak to others?