Acts Bible Study: The Church began in the Acts of the Apostles with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It’s the story of the birth of the Church, how it was formed, how it developed – and I believe it’s how the Church should be today. I believe we should live as they lived in the Acts of the Apostles, in the same Power of the Holy Spirit – it’s the Power behind my ministry of evangelism. In Joel 2 the prophet speaks of the first rain and the last rain. I believe, and many would agree, this refers to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost when the church began, and now in these last days before Christ returns.
How can I have eternal life?
Did you receive the Holy Spirit?
Acts Bible Study Chapter 19: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” “No”, they replied, “we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” “Well then, how were you baptised?” asked Paul. “We were baptised with John’s baptism,” they replied.
“John’s baptism was a baptism to show a change of heart,” Paul explained, “but he always told the people that they must believe in the one who should come after him, that is, in Jesus.”
When these men heard this they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus, and then, when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to speak with tongues and the inspiration of prophets. (There were about twelve of them in all.) (Acts 19.1-7, PHILLIPS)
Paul's ministry in Corinth and Antioch
Acts Bible Study Chapter 18: This passage recounts the apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth and Ephesus, detailing his interactions with Jews and Gentiles, his companions, and his trials. This chapter highlights the spread of the Gospel despite opposition, the importance of discipleship and mentorship, and the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.
Preach the Gospel to all
Acts Bible Study Chapter 10: This passage recounts the significant event where Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus, receives a vision from God that challenges his understanding of who can be included in the Christian community. In the vision, Peter sees a sheet descending from heaven containing various animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice commands Peter to kill and eat, but Peter refuses, citing his adherence to Jewish customs.
Prepare the way of the Lord
Risen with Christ to new life
“If you are then risen with Christ…” You can ONLY have this experience IF you have died with Him! Being dead to the old life is the theme that runs throughout the Gospels and the Letters! Water baptism is the symbol of this! When a Christian dies, your body dies, but YOU are not dead! And when the Day of Resurrection comes, we shall rise with Christ with new Resurrection bodies! Where Christ is, there we shall be. With Him!
Living for Christ (Philippians 1 Bible Study)
We are called to live for Christ through the Power of His resurrection. It is the Holy Spirit which empowers us for ministry and Christian living. Jesus Himself had to be baptised in the Spirit before He entered into Ministry, and for us, it is this same Holy Spirit which was in Christ, that will infill us and make us perfect and complete at the return of Christ.