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Study 3. Acts 1:12-26

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To apply Acts to our lives sensibly, we need to distinguish when Luke is describing an example we should follow; when he is describing one we may follow; and when he is giving details to portray the overall message, not to be exact models for us. One clue to this distinction is that primary patterns recur whereas specific details vary. For instance, people repeatedly pray for God’s guidance to make decisions in Acts but casting lots occurs only once, before the Spirit is poured out at Pentecost. Likewise, when people become believers in Acts, water baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit normally occur, but “these can be in reverse order, with or without the laying on of hands, with or without the mention of tongues; and scarcely ever with a specific mention of repentance, even after what Peter says in 2:38-39.” You’ll find more guidelines for applications later in this study guide. For now, keep this question in mind: When is a practice in Acts a norm we should follow; w
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Study 2. Acts 1:1-11

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 1. For each of the following sections, write a title that expresses what the section is about.  1:1-11  Introduction and ascension. (“Hello again Theophilus”, says Joe!) “command” 1:12-26     Replacing Judas. “Obey”   2. If Acts tells how the church began to fulfill its mission through the Holy Spirit, how does 1:1-26 relate to this theme?  Acts is about Jesus' continued work through the Holy Spirit by the apostles.  He has returned to heaven in glory to receive all authority, but will not return untill the mission of the church to the world is complete. The church is the new Israel, with the 12 apostles representing the 12 tribes of the new people of God. The apostles are to carry on the ministry of Jesus through the power of the Spirit. The Spirit helps identify the apostles. 3. From Acts 1:2-5, what was apparently the purpose of the forty days Jesus spent with His disciples after the Resurrection? He gave commands through the Holy Spirit, I.e. the spirit was teaching them and g
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Sermon at FFMC (25/8/24) -The King’s Introduction - The King’s Ministry

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  12  Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13  And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14  so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15  “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,      the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16  the people dwelling in darkness      have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,      on them a light has dawned.” 17  From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 18  While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19  And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [ b ] 20  Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21  And going on from there he saw two other
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Study1. Acts Overview (I)

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 1. Look at Luke’s prologue to his whole work (see Luke 1:1-4). What does he say Luke-Acts is meant to be?    "...to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us... to write an orderly account...t hat you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught." An accurate narrative from eyewitnesses   O rderly To bring certainty about received teaching     2. In Acts 1:1-2, Luke summarizes volume 1 (Luke’s gospel) as an introduction to volume 2 (Acts). He says the gospel is about “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” until His ascension into heaven forty days after the resurrection. If Luke’s gospel is about what Jesus began to do and to teach, what is Acts probably about?   All that Jesus continued to do and to teach via His apostles.  3. What does Acts 1:8 tell you about the purpose of the book?  But you will receive power when
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Study 60. Summary (II)

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 6.What have you learned about what a disciple is and does 5:10 catches men 6:22 hated, excluded, reviled, spurned for Jesus's sake, 6:27-49 loves enemies, does good to those who hate them, blesses those who curse them, prays for those who abuse us. Offers cheek when insulted and accepts unjust demands, does to others what we wish they do to us. Does good and lends expecting nothing in return. Merciful 8:15, 21, 24-25 Holds the word fast in a honest and good heart. Bears fruit with patience. Has faith in Jesus in difficult times 9:1-5, 13, 23-26. Has authority over demons and diseases. Trusts God's provision. Rejects those who reject us. Denies self, takes up cross daily, follows Jesus. Doesn't lose/forfeit self. Not ashamed of Jesus. 9:48, 57-62 The greatest disciple is the least. Follows Jesus as a matter of priority 10:1-12, 16-24, 39 Labourers for the harvest, lambs in the midst of wolves. proclaiming the kingdom. pronounceing judgment. 11:1-13 Prays to God as a good Fa
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Study 59. Summary (i)

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1.  What does it mean that Jesus is the Christ? 1:32-33 'great, Son of the Most High, throne of his father David, reign over the house of Jacob forever, his kingdom there will be no end' 1:78-79 'sunrise, give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, guide feet into the way of peace' 2:11, 32 'a savior who is Christ the Lord'. 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your poeple Israel' 3:22, 38 'beloved Son, with you I am well-pleased'. A descendent of Adam 4:18-21 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, fulfilling Scripture. 9:20-22 He must suffer many things, be rejected...killed...raised. Takes up a cross 20:41-44 David's Lord, who sits at the right hand of God and who has his enemies as his footstool 21:25-28 'coming in a cloud with power and great glory', bringing 'redemption. 22:19, 22 giving his body for us. dying according to God's predetermined plan 23:3, 33 'K i ng of
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Study 58. Luke 24:36-53

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 10 a. At least three of those present already had seen Jesus risen, and everyone else had believed them (24:33-35). Still, how did everyone react when Jesus suddenly appeared (24:37)? This is the same appearance as in John 20:19ff., Jesus shows the disciples the marks of his wounds and gives them the greeting of peace. This incident occurs when the two from Emmaus return .   The disciples were 'startled'. Likely because Jesus' appearance was sudden. They were also 'frightened'. The is harder to explain.   b. Why do you think they reacted in this way? Morris: "That they were frightened is not quite so explicable. They had just been telling the two from Emmaus that ‘The Lord has risen indeed’. But it is one thing to accept such a statement on the word of someone else about an absent Person and quite another to accept it for oneself when the Person is suddenly present despite locked doors. Small wonder that they supposed that they saw a spirit, i.e. a
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