Acts Bible Study Chapter 16: This passage details the missionary journeys of Paul and his companions, highlighting several key events and their impact on the spread of Christianity. Throughout this chapter, the story demontrates the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the power of the Gospel to transform lives, and the resilience and faithfulness of Paul and his companions amidst persecution.
Salvation by grace
Acts Bible Study Chapter 15: For by Grace we are saved, through faith and not of ourselves, a Gift of God, not of works, so that we cannot boast, (Ephesians 2.8-9). Our salvation is by faith alone, nothing else. SAVED by FAITH. Not by religious observance, tradition or any ordinances of the Church, or by what we have done. We are SAVED by FAITH IN CHRIST! We receive salvation as a free gift! A GIFT! And like every gift, you can accept or refuse. It’s SO SIMPLE. Salvation is GIVEN to us! A GIFT from GOD OUR FATHER, and we receive it THROUGH CHRIST by faith alone!
Confirming the Word of Grace through Signs and Wonders
Acts Bible Study Chapter 14: This passage recounts the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas to various cities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). In Iconium, they face opposition but continue to preach boldly, performing miracles that lead to some conversions. However, a plot to stone them forces them to flee to Lystra and Derbe, where they continue to spread the Gospel.
The Apostle Paul's first missionary journey
Acts Bible Study Chapter 13: 'While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.' (Acts 13.2-3, NIV.) Acts 13 details the start of Paul's first missionary journey.
Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison
Acts Bible Study Chapter 12: I learnt how to pray in that prison, I learnt to know God better there than in any Bible College or church meeting. I found a new reality, a new relationship with Him. All my life, it has been a journey, step by step. It was first in my teenage cry for God, then in my throat cancer, then in my prison that God touched my life and gave me a new power. Without that year in a communist prison, I would not have the ministry or the Authority I have today in the Russian-speaking countries.
Baptised in the Holy Spirit
Acts Bible Study Chapter 11: In Acts 11, we see a significant shift in the early church's understanding of its mission, as it embraces the inclusion of Gentiles and expands beyond its Jewish origins. At Pentecost the Gospel began with the Jews, but Jesus came to save the world. We are intructed by Jesus in the Great Commission to bring salvation to all people. Jesus told the parable of the Wedding Feast: the invited guests didn't enter into the celebration, so we Gentiles have been invited. During the ministry of Jesus He healed the Centurion's servant; from this we can understand that Jesus came to save the whole world, just as He said in John 3.16, 'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
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.
The transforming power of God
Acts Bible Study Chapter 9: The experience Paul had with God was so powerful, he could not refuse to obey! If only our encounters with God were as powerful and life-changing as this! Like Saul (Paul) I have met with God. I know God. I have seen the fire. More than that, the fire is in me, burning in my soul. There is a power that transforms me when I preach the Gospel so that I am not the ordinary David Hathaway. I have a power, yes a fire – from God. That is why, when I declare the Word of God, miracles happen. It’s not me, it's God. He wants you to know, to see the evidence of His fire and power!
From persecution to great joy
Acts Bible Study Chapter 8: The Acts of the Apostles, with its challenges and miracles, demonstrates to us the work of the Believing Church, to prepare for and bring about the Kingdom of God on earth by sharing the Good News – the Gospel – in Power. Deliverance from sin and miracles of healing were the tools Jesus used. These, and the power of prayer, supported by our faith in God’s infallibility, the Holy Spirit working in and through us, are the Mission of the Church and you as part of God’s Mission!
Full of the Holy Spirit and Power
Acts Bible Study Chapter 6&7: These chapters are significant because they illustrate the challenges faced by the early Christian community, the importance of serving all members of the community, and the courage and faith of individuals like Stephen, who remained steadfast in their beliefs even in the face of persecution and death. Additionally, Stephen's speech in Acts 7 provides a concise summary of Israel's history, emphasising God's continual pursuit of His people despite their repeated disobedience.