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Growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by reading His word.

10/31/2024

Today we're reading: 1 Ths 1:1-10
Paul Writes the Thessalonians

1. Shortly after being “torn away” from the brethren (cf. 17:10; 1 Ths 2:17), Paul writes his first epistle to the Thessalonians. What challenges and discouragements would you have faced as a Christian in Thessalonica? From just these first words, how would Paul’s epistle have encouraged your faith?

2. While the Jews in Thessalonica by and large reject Paul, many Gentiles do not - they “turned” from idols, to “serve” God, and “wait” for Jesus. How is this a model for Christian conversion and life?

3. Through the Thessalonians, the Lord’s “message rang out” in Macedonia and beyond. Where are your spheres of influence where the Lord’s message can ring out through your words and actions?

10/30/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 17:5-9
Paul and Silas Persecuted in Thessalonica

1. With Paul seeing major success among the Gentiles, jealous Jews take matters into their own hands. Trace the events that lead to Paul and Silas leaving Thessalonica under the cover of darkness (v. 10).

2. As in Philippi, the gospel’s detractors level serious civil charges against Paul (cf. 16:20-21). List each charge and explain whether each is true or false.

3. In what sense is Paul (and Christianity as a whole) turning the world upside down? What is your role in how Christ is changing the world with the gospel?

10/28/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 16:10; Col 4:14; Phm 23-24; 2 Tim 4:9-11
Luke: A Character Study

1. Acts 16:10 marks a grammatical shift in the narrative. As the missionaries move into Greece, Luke joins the group – note first-person “we” and “us” (cf. 16:11-17; 20:1-21:8; 27:1-28:16). Skimming over the “we” passages, give each a brief title that captures Luke’s involvement in the episode.

2. Additionally, Luke stays with and attends to Paul during later imprisonments. What does this steadfast commitment reveal about Luke's character – especially when contrasted with Demas?

3. As Paul leaves Philippi (Act 16:40), the narrative switches back to the third person “they,” indicating Luke stays behind. In what ways does his presence help strengthen and encourage the Philippian brethren?

10/25/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 16:35-40
Paul and Silas Refuses to Leave Secretly

1. The next day, the magistrates set Paul and Silas free, but he won’t leave without a public apology. Considering the original charges (vv. 20-23), what effect might this public gesture have on the perception of the new church in Philippi?

2. In Philippi, Paul leaves behind a thriving church composed of Gentile believers from all walks of life. How does this testify to the gospel’s ability to redeem and unite people from various backgrounds?

3. Years later, Paul writes a letter to the Philippians overflowing with affection for them. From Php 1:3-11, summarize the key elements of his heartfelt prayer for this beloved church.

10/24/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 16:26-34
The Philippian Jailer Converted

1. In the darkness of the night, God responds to the missionaries’ prayers and songs with an earthquake. What effect does the quake have on Paul and Silas, the other prisoners, and especially the jailer?

2. Paul’s response to the distraught jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” is “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Then, “that same hour of the night… he was baptized.” In what ways, is baptism the expression of belief in the Lord Jesus for salvation (cf. Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:11-15; 1 Pet 3:21)?

3. Like most new converts, the Jailer, “rejoiced… that he had believed in God” (v. 34). Do you still have the joy you first had when you were baptized? If so, how are you expressing it? If not, why not?

10/23/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 16:16-25
Paul and Silas in Prison

1. As Paul and his group evangelize Philippi, a demon-possessed slave girl follows them. Her proclamation, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation,” is accurate. Why, then is Paul annoyed by this and ultimately casts out the spirit?

2. While money motivates the owners of the slave girl, their accusation is serious. Explain the nature of their charge and its meaning within the context of a Roman colony like Philippi.

3. Bloody, battered, and locked in stocks, Paul and Silas spent the night singing and praying. What do you think they are praying for? If they had your repertoire of hymns, which ones do you hear them singing? How can you adopt their attitude?

10/22/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 16:6-15
The Macedonian Call-The Conversion of Lydia

1. As the missionaries travel from place to place, the Spirit is directing them. What do you make of the Spirit forbidding them from preaching the gospel in some areas, while encouraging them to go to other areas?

2. Moving into Macedonia, Paul and his group immediately go to the Roman colony of Philippi. Luke’s initial focus is on a woman named Lydia. Trace the details of her conversion.

3. Lydia’s first act as a Christian is to open her home to Paul and his party (cf. 16:34). Using passages such as Act 2:42; Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9; Heb 13:2, why is it important that Christians show hospitality?

10/21/2024

Today we're reading: Act 16:1-3; Php 2:19-22; 1 Tim 1:1-2a, 18-19a; 2 Tim 1:3-7; 3:10-15
Timothy: A Character Study

1. From this point forward, Timothy emerges as Paul’s right-hand-man. Based on the verses from today's reading, develop a detailed character portrait of Timothy, highlighting his key traits and qualities.

2. Picture the contrasting influences in Timothy's home: an unbelieving Gentile father and a devout Jewish mother and grandmother. What pressures or temptations might Timothy have faced due to this divided household? How did his mother and grandmother nurture a “sincere faith” despite these opposing forces?

3. Timothy faces opposition and persecution in his ministry (cf. Heb 13:23). In what ways does he demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of these difficulties? What can we learn from his example?

10/18/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 16:1-5
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

1. In Lystra, Paul encounters Timothy, now a young man who had personally observed Paul's previous suffering and persecution in the city (Acts 14:19-23; 2 Tim 3:10-12). What arguments could Paul have used to convince Timothy to join him and Silas?

2. Despite the debate in Acts 15, why is it acceptable for Paul to circumcise Timothy for the sake of the Jews in that area (cf. 1 Cor 9:19-23)?

3. The answer to how a church grows is found in v. 5. Why does “strengthened” faith come before “increased” numbers? What areas of faith does your congregation need to be strengthened in before you can increase in number?

10/17/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 13:5, 13; 15:37-39; Col 4:10-11; 2 Tim 4:11
Mark: A Character Study

1. Growing up in Jerusalem, John Mark was immersed in the church from a young age (Act 12:12). How might his experiences have shaped his faith and inspired him to join Paul and Barnabas (cf. Act 12:25)?

2. While initially assisting Paul and Barnabas, John Mark abruptly left their mission. Paul later uses strong words like “withdrawn” or “deserted” to describe this departure. What might have motivated John Mark to leave? Do you think Paul's reaction was justified, or was he being overly harsh? Explain.

3. Despite their earlier conflict, Paul later speaks highly of Mark and recognizes him as a valuable companion. What changes do you think occurred in both Paul and Mark that led to this reconciliation?

10/16/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 15:36-41
Paul and Barnabas Separate

1. With one dispute resolved, Luke follows with another dispute. However, this was over a difference of opinion, not doctrine. What is behind the split between Paul and Barnabas?

2. Luke records, that their disagreement was so “sharp… that they separated from each other.” How do you imagine the argument sounding? Do you see the two reconciling (cf. 1 Cor 9:6; Col 4:10)? Explain.

3. Why do you think Barnabas wants to take Mark with them/him despite the fact the young man had previously deserted them? When has someone given you a second chance like Barnabas does for Mark?

10/15/2024

Today we're reading: Acts 15:22-35
The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers

1. With theological matters decided, the group now turns to practical matters. Not only does the Jerusalem church’s letter address the issue of Gentile salvation, but it also addresses Gentile-Jewish relationships. Why does James lay four “burdens” (vv. 28-29) on the Gentiles?

2. How do both the Jews and Gentiles in Antioch and beyond receive the letter? What role do you imagine Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas playing in the delivery of the letter?

3. The conflict of Acts 15 has the potential of severing the church in two, yet truth prevails. What principles for conflict resolution among believers do you see in Acts 15? How would this help you today?

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