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Acts 41. Acts 20:1-38

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 Even before the silversmiths’ riot, Paul had planned to leave Ephesus and go to Jerusalem (see 19:21). Although Luke barely mentions the reason (see 24:17), we know that Paul’s chief errand was to deliver money collected from his Gentile churches as a gift to the poor believers in Jerusalem (see Romans 15:25-33; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15). To gather this money, Paul intended to visit the churches in Macedonia and Achaia—in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. From Acts 19:21, Romans 1:8-15, and Romans 15:17-33, we also know that Paul was already convinced he “must visit Rome also” and that he hoped to bring the gospel to Spain thereafter.   Luke tells us little of what Paul did after he left Ephesus and before he reached Greece (see 20:2), but Paul’s letters fill in some details. While in Ephesus, Paul learned of a dispute in the Corinthian church. He sent two letters to settle the strife (one is lost  - referred to in I Corinthians 5:9. ; the o...
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Acts 40. Acts 19:23-41

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“What aspects of your former lifestyle did you have to give up when you became serious about being a Christian?” Leisure Changed priorities re time  Foul language Tithing   For Thought and Discussion: How do people you know attempt to gain health, money, love, success, and security? Are any of their methods similar to magic? (Think about the health books, money books, or success books you have seen.)  Job- hopping Gambling   For Thought and Discussion: is healing still one way God shows His power? What are some other ways?   Yes, but He also shows His power in life lived with joy despite physical trouble and suffering (cf. 2 Cor 12:9). He shows His power in how His children enjoy and glorify Him Improbable events. In the movements of history. Through faithful preaching (2 Cor 10:4)   8. Why were the Ephesian silversmiths against Paul (see 19:23-27)?  Their business was threatened (19:24,27) Their religion was mocked (19:26) The significance of the...
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Acts 39. Acts 19:11-20

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 5. From what you know about the people of Ephesus (see 19:17-20), can you think of a reason why God worked healings and exorcisms through Paul (see 19:11-12)? If so, explain.  They lived in a world filled with magic and the occult. They therefore needed to see the power of God in Paul's ministry. God’s power was the supreme spiritual power.     6. Why couldn’t Jesus’ name be invoked to magically cast out demons (see 19:13-16)? What else is necessary for the name to be effective? Being acknowledged by demonic powers as one associated with Jesus. There must be true power - that power is found in our connection with Jesus  Praying as if Jesus were praying Praying only through Jesus as our mediator Praying as if on behalf of Jesus, as one knowing, belonging to and acting for Him For Thought and Discussion: How might a Christian use “in Jesus’ name” in his prayers with a wrong attitude that approaches magical invocation? How should Acts 19:13-16 help us interpr...
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Acts 38. Acts 18:18 - 19:10

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 A temporary Nazirite vow involved abstinence from alcohol and also from cutting one’s hair. Its conclusion was marked by shaving one’s hair completely off and offering a sacrifice in the temple at Jerusalem” (Numbers 6:1-21; Acts 21:17-26). Went up (18:22). Because Jerusalem was in the mountains, people spoke of “going up to” Jerusalem and “going down from” Jerusalem. Verse 22 probably means that Paul went to Jerusalem to offer the sacrifice that ended his vow and to visit the church. For Thought and Discussion: How did Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos show their fellowship/partnership with Paul in 18:18-28? List all the ways you observe. (See also Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9.)  He 'stayed with them and worked' (18:3) They accompanied him on his return journey to Antioch, until Ephesus (18:18-19) They taught Apollos 'more accurately' the way of God (18:25) Apollos went to Corinth to teach and preach there (18:27-28)  1. Both Apollos and the disciples Paul met had...
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Sermon at FFMC 10/8/25. Lessons on Worship (Nehemiah 12:27-47)

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  Lessons on Worship (part of a Nehemiah Series: Building a People of God) Nehemiah 12:27-47   27  And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28  And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; 29  also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. 30  And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall. 31  Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate. 32  And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah, 33...
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