FALL 2016 - Amazon S3€¦ · A little boy once heard that if he asked Jesus to be his Savior, God...

FALL 2016 | PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE

UNVARNISHED TRUTH: LIFE’S GREATEST STORY

UNSTOPPABLE GOSPEL

Q U E S T I O N #1

What is something you have waited for that was worth the wait?

SESSION 7

UNSTOPPABLE MISSION

#unstoppable

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S U G G E S T E D U S E | W E E K O F O C T O B E R 16 83

THE POINT

The Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the gospel.

THE PASSAGESActs 1:4-8,12-14

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFEWe don’t like to wait.

Chalk it up to impatience or maybe it’s because we live in a world of instant gratification, but we want what we want when we want it.

Two minutes waiting at the fast food drive-thru—too long.Sixty seconds to heat up food in a microwave—too long.Fifteen seconds for a movie to stream to your TV—too long

Some things, though, are worth waiting for.The fine craftsmanship that goes into a well-designed and well-built house.An all-day, slow-roasted barbecue dinner.Finding and marrying the love of your life.

At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus told His disciples to wait. He was going to give them an incredible gift—the presence and power of His Holy Spirit. They couldn’t have fully appreciated all that meant, but they waited nonetheless.

When the Holy Spirit came, He empowered the disciples for a mission that was unstoppable. From their single location, His mission spread across the world—and it continues today.

His gift was worth the wait.

THE POINT

Acts 1:4-5 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

The life of a Christian is not hard, it’s impossible. Following Jesus means …

… loving people—even people who hate you. … doing the ethical thing at work even if it means putting your career on the line. … forgiving people who don’t deserve to be forgiven.

The One who called us to this impossible life never sugarcoated how difficult it would be. Jesus said:

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33).

Jesus, the Son of God, never expected us to live this impossible life in our own power. Jesus Himself lived His life on earth in union with and empowered by God the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit is the secret to the power we need to live and follow Jesus. Living the Christian life is only possible with the power of the Holy Spirit living through us.

Before Jesus’ crucifixion, He prepared His disciples for the time He would soon leave the earth. He told them, in essence, He would send Someone to be with them always. The Holy Spirit would dwell in them—and us—to comfort, guide, remind us of Jesus’ words, give us the right words to say, and fill us with power (John 14:16-21,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15).


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In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus reminded His followers they soon would receive the gift He had promised earlier: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples were already familiar with water baptism. John the Baptist had baptized people in the Jordan River as a sign of repentance in preparation for Jesus’ arrival. Jesus’ followers adopted the same practice to show repentance and to confess faith in Jesus. Just as a believer is immersed (baptized) in water, so the disciples would be “baptized with the Holy Ghost.” At Pentecost, the Spirit would descend on believers to empower them to preach the gospel. From that moment forward, God’s people would be forever changed in how they relate with Him.

God began to dwell within His people in the Person of His Holy Spirit. This was a game-changer. Up until this time, the Holy Spirit came only upon certain people like judges, prophets, or kings, to equip them for a specific task. After the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would indwell and empower all believers permanently.

So the Christian life really is impossible to live—apart from the Holy Spirit. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. But once we receive His power at salvation, we can do anything He calls us to do.

A little boy once heard that if he asked Jesus to be his Savior, God would come and live inside his heart. So he asked his parents, “How can God live inside my heart? He’s so big! He made the whole world! If He lived inside my heart, He’d stick out!”

That little boy was right. If God truly lives in our hearts, He’s going to stick out. His love will too. His forgiveness will stick out.

His power will too.

Q U E S T I O N #2

What do you find difficult about waiting on the Lord?

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THE POINT

Acts 1:6-8 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

KEY WORDwitnesses (v. 8)—A witness (Greek: martys) gives a testimony of something he or she has

experienced. Our English word “martyr” comes from the same Greek root.

God is always pursuing His people. Many people have yet to be won, but He will not rest while they are apart from Him. God sent the Holy Spirit to work through us to continue the work of bringing His children home. Rather than occupying one human body—as Jesus did—the Holy Spirit indwells all believers. In this way, God multiplied His efforts to spread the message of how He sent His Son to bring people to Himself.

In verse 8, Jesus laid out God’s agenda succinctly. His mandate in this verse laid the foundation for the rest of the Book of Acts, which is largely about how the early believers carried out this mandate.

Initially, the disciples had other things on their minds. Based on verses 6-7, they viewed the gift of the Spirit as an answer to their hopes for a new kingdom for Israel. They wanted freedom from Rome, military might, and a political king. But God had something bigger in mind. Not a regional government, not a temporary kingdom, but a mission to reach all the people on earth with a message that would impact eternity.


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Jesus told His followers to remain in Jerusalem and wait because they would soon receive the power the Father had promised (v. 4). When they were filled with the Spirit, they would be His “witnesses,” telling what they had experienced with Jesus—all they had seen Him say and do, including His death and resurrection. They would do this with His power, the power of His Spirit.

The Greek word for power is dunamis, from which we get our English words dynamo, dynamite, and dynamic. The Spirit fills believers with the “dynamite” of God. He empowers His church to do amazing things. By the power of the Holy Spirit, a handful of believers turned the world upside down as the “gospel earthquake” rumbled from Jerusalem to “the uttermost part of the earth.”

The Great CommissionThe geographical scope of

Acts 1:8 provides a rough

outline of the entire book: Jerusalem

(1–7), Judaea and Samaria (8–12), the

ends of the earth (13–28). As such it can

well be considered the “theme” verse of

Acts. It is not by accident that Jerusalem

came first. In Luke’s Gospel, Jerusalem

was central, from the temple scenes of

the infancy narrative to the long central

journey to Jerusalem, to Jesus’ passion in

the city that killed its prophets. The story

of Jesus led to Jerusalem; the story of the

church led from Jerusalem. Judaea and

Samaria are probably to be taken together;

Judaea was understood in the sense of the

Davidic kingdom, which would include

the coastal territories and Galilee as well.

Samaria would be included within Judaea

in this broader sense, but it is mentioned

separately because of its non-Jewish

constituency. The “uttermost part of the

earth” is often taken as referring to Rome,

since the story of Acts ends in that city.

This or a similar phrase is often found in

the prophets, however, as an expression

for distant lands; and such is the meaning

in Isaiah 49:6, which may well lie behind

Acts 1:8. In fact, the final verse in Acts, with

Paul preaching without hindrance in Rome,

suggests that the story has not reached its

final destination—the witness continues.—John B. Polhill, Acts, vol. 26 of The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David Dockery (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), 85-86.

DIGGING DEEPER

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THE POINT

“In Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Jesus laid out a deliberate plan of expansion that began at home and moved outward geographically to include all people.

The same Spirit who descended on believers at Pentecost and turned the world upside down for Jesus is alive today in every person who has placed faith in Jesus Christ. He is sending you and me out on a mission. He is commissioning us to go, to be His messengers locally, nationally, and globally. In Acts 1:8, Jesus is authorizing us and empowering us to “be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

We live in amazing times. We can obey Acts 1:8 by hopping on a jet plane and flying to the ends of the earth. We can carry out Acts 1:8 by sending the good news out to the ends of the earth over the Internet. We can fulfill Acts 1:8 right at home, because the world is literally coming to our cities. Wherever you go, you are likely to hear unfamiliar languages being spoken: Spanish, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, and on and on. In this “melting pot” called America, we can carry the Lord’s message to the ends of the earth in our own neighborhoods even as we also go to the ends of the earth.

Q U E S T I O N #3

What do these verses teach us about God’s mission?


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Acts 1:12-14 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

What do you do when you find yourself waiting on the next thing God has for you? So many of us just try to stay busy. We fill the waiting with activity. Not these disciples. They went to a single upstairs room and prayed. And they didn’t just pray for an hour or two. They “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.”

Let me share what I see in the disciples’ ten-day prayer meeting:1. Prayer should be primary. For many of us, prayer is neither

our primary nor even our secondary choice, but prayer is often only a last resort. “When all else fails, pray.” But prayer was not the last resort for the early church. It was not the first item to open the agenda; it was the main agenda.

2. Fear can be a great motivator. For all the disciples knew, the same people who crucified their Lord might come for them as well. It was fear, not piety that drove the early church to its knees. Prayer is your life when you’re scared to death.

3. Prayer unites us. The disciples were single-minded, joined together as one. Why? Because prayer unites us.

Q U E S T I O N #4

How is praying with others for a common mission different from your personal prayers?

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THE POINT

Prayer maximizes “Thee” and minimizes “me.” Prayer says, “My agenda is unimportant, Lord, but your agenda is all-important.” The reason for so much disunity and disharmony in the church is because many Christians contend for their own agendas, not God’s agenda. When we pray and seek God’s will together, He will unify us and keep us focused on our common center: Jesus the Lord.

Praying together with a unified mind and purpose says, in effect, “Lord, we want Your power. We want Your plan, We want You to do Your work through us.”

Pray—and wait for God to work.

Q U E S T I O N #5

What common mission can our group pray for together?


“YE SHALL BE WITNESSES …”

Make a prayer list based on Acts 1:8. Write specific requests you can pray throughout the

coming week.

A prayer for my city:

A prayer for my nation:

A prayer for my world:

How might God use you to answer your own prayer in each case?

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LIVE IT OUTActs 1:8 is our mission. It’s mine, and it’s yours. It may seem like an impossible mandate, but we can fulfill that mission by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. Consider one or more of the following applications to live out His mandate this week.

Accept the mission. Recognize Jesus has commanded you to be His witness wherever you go and wherever He sends you. Say “yes” to Jesus and then ask Him when and where.

Embrace the gift. Understand the Holy Spirit is the source of your strength to be the witness God has called you to be. Rely on Him for guidance and power.

Pray together. Make prayer a priority with your Bible study group, not an afterthought. Consider meeting with another member this week for coffee or tea and a time of prayer.

God’s mission is unstoppable—and so is the Spirit He’s placed within you. Remember His mission is your mission—and it starts with prayer.

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Q U E S T I O N #1

What often gets you sidetracked during the day?

SESSION 8

UNSTOPPABLE MESSAGE

#unstoppable

92 S e S S i o n 8


THE POINT

Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns as Lord.

THE PASSAGESActs 2:22-24,32-33,36-38

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFEDo you know the original mission statement of Harvard University?

“Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3) and … seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, let every one seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of him (Prov. 2:3).”

Surprised? When the school was founded in 1636, the administration hired only Christian professors, forming Christian character was a top priority for students, and ministers were trained and equipped to share the gospel. Every diploma displayed a shield that contained the school’s motto, Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, meaning “Truth for Christ and the Church.”

Today, the university maintains a legacy of academic excellence but has lost its original mission. Harvard has experienced “mission drift”; it has lost sight of its original purpose.

That happens in the church as well, but it doesn’t have to. God has given us a clear mission. From the beginning, as we will see in Acts 2, an unstoppable message drives our mission.

THE POINT

Acts 2:22-24 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

KEY WORDS miracles, wonders and signs (v. 22)—Miracles show the power of God. Wonders

emphasize the response of people who witness miracles. Signs are intended to point back

to God.

Ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit descended in power just as Jesus had promised. The Spirit launched His great work on earth with a miraculous show of power that included the sound of a mighty wind, tongues of fire, and the ability of the believers to speak in languages from all nations.

Skeptics accused the disciples of being drunk. But then Peter stepped forward and preached the first sermon of the New Testament church. When Peter opened his mouth, he had one item on his to-do list: Declare Jesus Christ. Acts 2:14-36 provides Peter’s entire sermon. Everything that had just happened—from the tongues of fire to the disciples’ speaking in many languages—served to fulfill the Old Testament prophecy of Joel. In fact, every Old Testament prophecy pointed to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

Peter aimed for the heart of the crowd. He stated simply: Jesus was crucified, but God raised Him back to life. Peter explained that Jesus was handed over to be crucified by the deliberate plan and foreknowledge of God the Father. Both the crucifixion and the resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament.


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This was God’s plan from the beginning. Peter’s message holds two truths that some people tend to set

against each other: the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. The cross was “delivered by determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” yet it was “by wicked hands” He was “crucified and slain.” In other words, God is in control, but the men involved are held responsible for their deeds. The tension between these two truths has sparked debate for centuries, but Peter stated them together unflinchingly and without apology.

As for human responsibility, we can never grasp the meaning of the cross until we understand the depth of our sin and how it

separates us from God. Along with the lawless men who crucified Him, we all are responsible for Jesus’ death. Once we see

ourselves as sinners in need of salvation, we can understand why there had to be a cross and why the cross is vital to our message.

But Jesus didn’t merely die; He rose again. If Jesus had sacrificed His life for us and then remained dead, His would just be a poignant story about a martyr. But Jesus is unique in all of history; He is the only person who ever lived, and died—and then returned to life never to die again. His death and resurrection are the heartbeat of the gospel message.

“It was Christ who willingly went to the cross, and it was our sins that took Him there.”

— F R A N K L I N G R A H A M

Q U E S T I O N #2

What can we learn from Peter’s approach to sharing the gospel?

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THE POINT

Acts 2:32-33,36 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

In A.D. 186, Polycarp, a church leader in Smyrna, stood before Roman authorities. The proconsul weighed Polycarp’s fate and urged him to, “Swear, and I will release thee—reproach Christ.” But for Polycarp there was no other lord but Jesus.

Polycarp held fast: “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, who hath saved me?” And with that confession, Polycarp was burned alive and pierced with a sword. Polycarp died for professing his belief that Jesus alone is Lord.1

Why is it so important to confess Jesus as Lord and not give that title to anyone else? The Greek word for lord, kurios, sometimes was used simply as a title of respect, like ‘sir.’ It also referred to one who was master over many slaves or servants. But when the Romans called Caesar kurios, they were using the term in its 1. Foxes Book of Martyrs, Chapter II: The Ten Primitive Persecutions [online] [cited 23 October 2015]. Available from the Internet: http://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/fox102.htm.

Q U E S T I O N #3

What are the personal implications of recognizing Jesus as Lord?


9 6 S e S S i o n 8

highest sense: to signify divinity. They were acknowledging the emperor as their god, since the title denoted absolute sovereignty.

Peter used the term at the climax of his sermon in Acts 2:36 to describe the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Here, Lord is a majestic title, used to show God’s sovereignty and divine power. The word points to the Deity of Jesus; Peter was declaring Jesus is God.

The title of Christ was also extremely significant. Jews believed the only one who could claim that title would be he who had accomplished the work of the Messiah. In His death and resurrection, Jesus proved He was worthy of the title.

Jesus “being by the right hand of God exalted”; with the Father He sits in the most authoritative, sovereign position in the universe. It’s because Jesus holds this most exalted position that He had the authority to send the Holy Spirit along with the signs and wonders people witnessed that day.

Jesus is Lord, equal with God; that truth is central to the gospel message. It matters that Jesus is more than a good man or a great teacher. Because Jesus is Lord and Christ, He alone is able to save. Later, Peter and John would proclaim about Jesus, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (4:12).

Because Jesus is Lord and Christ:1. He is worthy of our worship. He’s not only worthy of our

respect, but also of our worship. He is the One before whom every knee one day will bow (Phil. 2:10-11).

Q U E S T I O N #4

What are the worldwide implications that God has made Jesus Lord?

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THE POINT

2. He is worthy of our obedience. Because Jesus is Lord and Christ, He deserves to be sovereign in our lives. He has the absolute right to tell us what to do and expect our complete obedience.

As our King, He is worth living for—and dying for.

Acts 2:37-38 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

KEY WORDrepent (v. 38)—In the New Testament, repent means to change one’s mind in the sense of

turning away from sin and self and turning to God (Jesus), making God (Jesus) the center of

one’s life.

The final words of Peter’s sermon had a devastating impact on his hearers. Imagine how it would have felt to realize you had taken part in murdering the long-prophesied Messiah of Israel! No wonder many in the crowd turned to the apostles, deeply convicted, and asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (v. 37).

In the original Greek, Luke’s words actually mean they were “cut to the heart.” These people didn’t merely feel bad or ashamed; they were suffering and sorrowing over the sin of having rejected and crucified the Messiah. They were filled with anguish and horror over what they had done.

The goal of preaching is not to make people feel condemned, but to open their hearts to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.


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Condemnation brings a general feeling of worthlessness. It can paralyze you from realizing God’s love and plan for your life. When you feel condemned and riddled with guilt, you say to yourself, “I’m no good. I always mess up. I can never measure up as a Christian.” Condemnation leaves you feeling powerless and immobilized.

Conviction brings awareness of specific sins, attitudes, and habits in your life that need to be changed. It is not a general feeling like condemnation. It is a specific spotlight on areas in need of care. When the Holy Spirit convicts you, it is with the loving desire that you turn from sin and turn to Christ. Conviction motivates and encourages you to change.

When the people asked, “What shall we do?” Peter was poised and ready with a call to action: “Repent, and be baptized.” Peter was not saying we must do two things. Only one action is required: repentance.

Repentance in the Greek language literally means “after-mind” or “changed mind.” To repent is to change the way you think about your life and your behavior. It means to change your thinking, change your heart, and change the direction of your life. It is agreeing that God is right and you are wrong. So Peter told his listeners to repent and reverse the course of their lives.

But what about being baptized? The phrase that follows—“for the remission of sins”—sounds like we experience forgiveness as a result of baptism. But the little word that begins the phrase is the Greek eis, which can be translated for, because of, or on account of. Peter was calling the crowd to be baptized because their sins had been forgiven.

That’s the unstoppable message: Jesus is Lord and Christ, and when we acknowledge Him and turn from our sin, we are forgiven.

Q U E S T I O N #5

As we share the gospel, how can we work toward the goal of conviction rather than condemnation?

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THE POINT Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns as Lord.

ConvictionSense of guilt and shame

leading to repentance. The

words “convict” and “conviction” do not

appear in the KJV. The word “convince”

comes closest to expressing the meaning

of “conviction.” The Holy Spirit is the

One who convicts, and the (inhabited)

world is the object of conviction. First,

conviction for sin is the result of the Holy

Spirit awakening humanity to a sense

of guilt and condemnation because of

sin and unbelief. Second, more than

mental conviction is intended. The total

person is involved. This can lead to action

based on a sense of conviction. Third, the

conviction results in hope, not despair.

Once individuals are made aware of their

estranged relationship with God, they

are challenged and encouraged to mend

that relationship. The conviction not only

implies the exposure of sin (despair) but

also a call to repentance (hope).

—Glenn McCoy, “Conviction,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, gen. eds. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 336-337.

DIGGING DEEPER

SIGNS OF LIFE

List some of the things God used to call you to repentance and new life in Christ:

Now list evidence that God indeed saved you and gave you new life:

How can you use these details as a witness to call others to repentance and faith?

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LIVE IT OUTHow will the unstoppable message of the gospel influence your life this week? Consider the following applications:

Focus. Evaluate the focus of your spiritual life. Are you focused on Jesus or on programs; activities, or your own interests? Determine one way you will support your church in spreading the message of Jesus, whether it’s inviting someone to church, volunteering to help in the nursery, or something else.

Develop. Improve your skill at sharing the message of Jesus. Take an evangelism class at your church or read a book on how to share your faith. Of course, there is no better way to hone your witnessing skills than by witnessing.

Share. The message of salvation is for all Christians to share. Pray for opportunities to share the message of Jesus in your everyday conversations. Consider asking one of the members of the group to go with you this week.

Let’s avoid the dangers of “mission drift,” both in our lives and in our churches. Let’s not forget that the message of Jesus Christ and His salvation is the reason for everything we do.

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Q U E S T I O N #1

What are some employee benefits that would get you excited?

SESSION 9

UNSTOPPABLE LOVE

#unstoppable

10 6 S e S S i o n 9


THE POINT

Loving people is a powerful expression of loving God.

THE PASSAGEActs 2:41-47

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFEBusinesses are not just known for their products or services. They’re known for their work environment and culture.

An Internet-related company offers its employees on-site vehicle maintenance, a laundromat, hair salon, and “nap pods” where employees are free to take power naps during work hours.A toy company offers paid time off for school-related absences like parent-teacher conferences or field trips. A healthcare company gives month-long vacations after only five years and will pay most of the cost if you choose to go to a country you’ve never visited.One pet food company allows employees to bring their dogs to work.

These companies have created an inviting culture that draws people to work there.

The church is also known for its culture that is far deeper than corporate perks. The early church’s culture overflowed with love—love that reflected Jesus Christ and drew people to Him. Their example in Acts 2 challenges us to continue that reputation and be a church immersed in a culture of love.

THE POINT

Acts 2:41-42 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

KEY WORDSfellowship (v. 42)—The Greek word koinonia comes from a root word meaning “common.”

In this context, koinonia expresses shared interests and concerns, full engagement in a

community of believers.

breaking of bread (v. 42)—Most likely this refers to the Lord’s Supper, which is a reminder

of Christ’s body and blood sacrificed for the salvation of those who place their faith in Him.

God did an incredible work in and through the believers on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came upon the believers, Peter proclaimed the gospel of Jesus, and “about three thousand” people responded and “were added unto them.” Out of their common love for the Lord Jesus, the believers came together and shared meals, worshiped and praised God together, and enjoyed each other’s company. They continued to grow “in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Let’s focus for a moment on that crucial last element: prayers. Every great movement from God starts with prayer and is confirmed by prayer. Remember from our study of Acts 1, the first activity of the church was a prayer meeting.

Q U E S T I O N #2

What aspects of church life have been especially meaningful to you?


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The iconic evangelist of our generation, Billy Graham, led multitudes to Christ for decades. Now in his 90s, Billy Graham still recognizes prayer as the power behind effective evangelism. His son Franklin said,

My father can no longer take walks or kneel in the woods to pray. His eyesight has dimmed and his conversations are brief. But I can tell you that he kneels in spirit to the Lord as he prays for lost souls….1

1. Franklin Graham, “Franklin Graham: My Father Still Prays for the Lost,” Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Newsletter [online], 25 July 2014 [cited 23 October 2015]. Available from the Internet: http://billygraham.org/story/franklin-graham-my-father-still-prays-for-the-lost/

The Lord’s Supper One of the continuing activities

of the early Christians was

the “breaking of bread” [Acts 2:42] from

home to home, accompanied by the

apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and prayers.

Sometimes the phrase breaking of bread

may refer to a regular fellowship meal,

but most often it seems to refer to the

Lord’s Supper because it is in the context

of worship, prayer, and praise to God.

Although they seem to have observed the

“breaking of bread” frequently, there is

no command anywhere in the Bible that

specifies how often the Supper should be

observed. The only indirect reference is

in Jesus’ phrase “do ye, as oft as ye drink

it, in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11:25).

The emphasis is always upon the proper

observance and meaning, not upon the

frequency.

—Brian L. Harbour, Notes on Acts 2:42-46 in Disciple’s Study Bible, gen. ed.

Trent C. Butler (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988), 1365.

DIGGING DEEPER

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THE POINT

Prayer is the key to effective evangelism. We don’t change people’s hearts with our convincing arguments or clever presentations. Far more important than anything a believer can learn about evangelism is how much he or she depends on the Holy Spirit for witnessing. Before you start to have a conversation about Christ with another person, pause for prayer. It doesn’t need to be a long, involved prayer. Sometimes it’s enough to say, “Lord, let me speak your words.”

A friend of mine says, “The reason we don’t pray is not because we’re too busy, but because we’re too confident.” Jesus said, “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5); and Paul wrote, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Prayer should drive us to our knees in humility, knowing we need Jesus every hour.

Prayer is more than just calling on God to act on behalf of others; prayer allows God to change me—the one praying. As I pray in the love of Christ for others who don’t know God, I become more burdened for their souls. As I pray for their broken relationships, health concerns, financial worries, or problems at work, I grow in concern and love for them. In the process of praying, God transforms me into a more loving, compassionate messenger of His good news. I become more motivated to share the love of Christ and more effective in sharing. People will be more open to hearing our message when they sense that we genuinely care about them and what matters to them. Praying for others leads to caring for others.

Q U E S T I O N #3

In what ways have you seen or experienced the transformational power of prayer?


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Acts 2:43-45 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

The believers in the early church didn’t just meet together to pray and worship. Verses 43-45 shows how they provided for the needs of one another. It’s an incredibly moving picture of the church living out its divine identity. Three characteristics are prominent:

Unity. They “were together, and had all things common.”Selflessness. They “sold their possessions and goods.”Mutual care. They “parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

Caring for people is an incredible way to open a conversation about Jesus Christ. When people see your sincerity, they’re more willing to listen to you.

I’m not suggesting we should use “caring” as a tool of manipulation. We care because it is right, because God cares. And even if they reject the gospel, we continue to care just as God does. Meeting physical needs is one way we obey the second greatest command: “Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mark 12:31).

The first Christians were so committed to caring for others they sold their own possessions and property to provide for anyone among them who was in need. That’s pretty radical. In the second century, Aristides, the Athenian philosopher, described believers:

They love one another: and from the widows they do not turn away their countenance: and they rescue the orphan from him who does him violence: and he who has gives to him who has not, without grudging. … And if there is among them a man that is poor or needy, and they have not an abundance of necessaries, they fast two or three days that they may supply the needy with their necessary food.2

2. The Apology of Aristides: on Behalf of the Christians, edited by J. Rendel Harris (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2004), 49.

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THE POINT

Anything they contributed was a gift that came directly from the heart, not from autocratic rule. They gave from the overflow of their generosity.

In this passage, Luke was describing what happened in the early church. Their example of caring and extravagant love should motivate us to consider how we can imitate it. How much should we give and how much should we keep? No one can give a pat answer to that question. We must find the balance in our own lives.

For example, my son and I have the goal of watching a baseball game in every Major League ballpark before he finishes high school. Believe me, flights, hotels, tickets, meals, and souvenirs all add up. Someone could chime in with “Just think how that money could have been spent on the needs of the poor.”

I think of those needs, but I also think of what my son needs from his dad and the depth of conversations we have on our journeys. We have to find the balance that’s right for our families, budgets, and conscience.

Living with certain tensions is one of life’s challenges. Money spent building relationships and creating memories with our children is not wasted, but can be a step of discipleship and love in their lives. Our family goes on mission trips and vacations, both with the desire to share the unstoppable gospel with others.

The point is not to adopt an attitude of “How much do I have to give?” but to respond to the God who loves us extravagantly with a heart of loving generosity.

Q U E S T I O N #4

What would it look like for our group to practice the extravagant love we see in this passage?


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Acts 2:46-47 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The early church prayed and cared for others. But they didn’t stop there. Perhaps if they had done only these two things—nothing more—none of us would know about Jesus. At some point, in addition to praying for and helping people, they had to tell them about Jesus—who He is and why He lived, died, and rose again. They had to speak the message behind their love and caring acts.

The early believers evangelized! We know this is true because “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” This happened because someone who knew Jesus told someone who didn’t know Jesus how to know Jesus!

Sharing completes the cycle of prayer, care, and share. We pray, and God leads us to care. We care, and He leads us to talk about His Son, Jesus: “Let me tell you why I can love at all. It’s because Jesus first loved me.”

It may not always happen in this precise, 1-2-3 order—prayer, care, and share. But it’s a pretty good template. We talk to God, we love others through our actions and words, and we connect them to God—a beautiful circle.

Prayer, care, and share: three acts that can become an incredible, dynamic lifestyle.

In most cases, the opportunity to share Christ will be built on the foundation of a friendship. You’ll pray for that person and find some way to demonstrate you sincerely care—even if it’s just to say, “I’ve been praying for you about that problem you shared with me.” In the course of praying and caring, the Lord will give you an opportunity to share how Jesus is the answer to whatever he or she is going through.

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THE POINT

A statement that’s been around for years says, “Preach the gospel. Use words when necessary.” Catchy, but wrong. Sure, we preach the gospel as we show people we care, but we also need to tell them the reason we care. They need to know about Jesus Christ, and they need to know how to be saved. Ed Stetzer aptly rephrased this statement:

Preach the gospel, and use words, since it’s necessary.3

3. Ed Stetzer, “Preach the Gospel, and Since It’s Necessary, Use Words,” Outreach Magazine, [online], 5 August 2015 [cited 23 October 2015]. Available from the Internet: http://www.outreachmagazine.com/features/4816-ed-stetzer-preach-the-gospel-and-since-it-s-necessary-use-words.html/3.

Q U E S T I O N #5

Loving others involves praying, caring, and sharing. In which of these areas would you like to grow?


THE FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS

Choose the words that best describe your church or Bible study group:

___ chaotic ___ fun ___ life changing ___ close ___ sharing

___ caring ___ warm ___ exciting ___ giving ___ praying

List some words that you would like to see describe your fellowship in the coming years.

_________________ _________________ _________________

How can God use you to contribute to that reality?

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LIVE IT OUTHow will you actively and intentionally show love to people this week? Consider the following applications:

Prayer. Instead of merely taking an exercise walk through your neighborhood, take a prayer walk. Pray for the people who live in each house in your neighborhood. Pray for their spiritual, emotional, and financial needs—and pray especially for their salvation. Ask God to work in their lives and to use you as His chosen instrument to tell them about Jesus.

Care. Actively look for someone in need this week. Determine to give sacrificially, whether of your time, money, or other resources to help that person in the name of Jesus.

Share. Think of someone you’ve prayed for or helped in practical ways but never talked to about Jesus. Bring Jesus into your conversation with that person. Let them know your concern for them is motivated by the love of Christ in your life.

As members of the church, we have an opportunity to create a culture that’s much more attractive than anything a corporation could produce. But it starts with you. Choose to pray, care, and share as a witness of Christ.

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Q U E S T I O N #1

When has a “chance” encounter changed your life?

SESSION 10

UNSTOPPABLE OPPORTUNITIES

#unstoppable

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S U G G E S T E D U S E | W E E K O F N O V E M B E R 6 117

THE POINT

We intersect daily with people who need Christ.

THE PASSAGEActs 3:1-10

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFEIn the early 70s, Bill Fernandez had two friends, both named Steve. Out walking around the neighborhood one afternoon with one of them, Bill saw the other Steve washing his car. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce his two friends.

And that’s how Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak met. They hit it off immediately. They both had an interest in technology and eventually they co-founded a little company called Apple.

A chance meeting led to the founding of one of the world’s most highly valued businesses, one that has redefined computers, phones, and even how we listen to music.

Wait a minute. A chance meeting?As a follower of Christ, I hesitate to call the encounters I have

with people mere “chance” meetings. The daily interruptions and intersections with people may be unplanned on our part—they may even feel random—but from God’s perspective they are not. These unplanned intersections can be “divine appointments”—opportunities that can change the direction of a life.

In Acts 3, Peter and John took advantage of just such an “unplanned meeting” to do something incredible for God.

THE POINT

Acts 3:1-4 1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

Peter and John chose a busy intersection. They were going to the temple in Jerusalem at the time of afternoon prayer. Three o’clock in the afternoon—”the ninth hour”— was one of the times designated daily for prayer, and it was also the time for one of the two daily sacrifices. Needless to say, it would be a busy time at the temple with large crowds coming to pray and offer sacrifices. Peter and John likely chose this crowded time and place as a forum to witness. They were men on a mission.

As they approached the temple gate, they saw a disabled man begging from those who passed. It’s similar to scenes we might see in urban America. I say “we might see,” because so many of us choose not to see. We walk on, avoiding eye contact.

David Sleppy chronicled the lives of the homeless in the book No One Sees Me. The book’s title is based on a conversation Sleppy had with a homeless man on the street. The photographer/author asked the man, “What’s the worst part about being homeless?”

The man replied, “No one sees me.”1 Individuals matter. Peter and John had just seen 3,000 people

come to Christ in one day, but they still saw and cared about the individual. They did just what Jesus had done—they looked at the individual as if, at that moment, no one else in the world mattered.1. Alyssa Figueroa, “Do You Ignore Homeless People?” Alternet [online], 29 January 2013, [cited 6 January 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.alternet.org/poverty/psychology-behind-why-people-react-way-they-do-homeless-person-asking-help.


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Jesus was never too busy to make time for those who interrupted His busy schedule. Jesus stopped for the woman with a bleeding disorder who touched His robe while on His way to heal Jairus’s dying daughter (Mark 5:21-34). Jesus saw purpose in the interruptions that came at Him.

Intersections bring opportunity. Whenever we drive just about anywhere, we pass crossroads—intersection after intersection. Most of the time, we just drive through them without taking in the sights. That’s a pretty good picture of everyday life: each day we intersect with people, and sometimes we fail to notice them at all. God put us on this pathway called life, and we need to be aware of the people who come and go in our lives.

It’s been said life is what happens while we’re making other plans. Divine intersections usually happen when we’re heading somewhere else. They may not fit comfortably into our schedule or our agenda. But God brings people into our lives for a reason. He wants us to slow down and allow ourselves to be divinely inconvenienced for the sake of the unstoppable gospel—and for the sake of each of those individuals. Don’t look at these divine intersections as interruptions to the journey; they are a part of the journey itself.

BEAUTIFUL GATE

Scene of the healing of a lame

man by Peter and John (Acts

3:2,10). Neither the Old Testament nor

other Jewish sources mention a “Beautiful

Gate.” Christian tradition has identified the

gate with the Susa (or Shushan) or Golden

Gate on the east side of the temple leading

from outside into the Court of the Gentiles.

Modern scholars, however, identify the

gate as the one on the east side of the

Court of Women leading from the Court

of the Gentiles. Others place it east of

the Court of the Men. Josephus, a Jewish

historian in the first century, described a

gate of “Corinthian bronze” outside the

sanctuary. Jewish sources refer to this gate

as Nicanor’s Gate.

—“Beautiful Gate,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, gen. eds. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 179-180.

DIGGING DEEPER

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THE POINT

Up to this point, the beggar at the temple rightly might have also said, “No one sees me.” But no more. Peter said to the beggar, “Look on us.” Peter was acknowledging, “We see you. You are not invisible to us. We want to help.”

Thanks to the willingness of Peter and John to turn a divine interruption into an unstoppable opportunity, this man’s life was about to change. Forever.

Acts 3:5-8 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

These words reflect Peter and John’s attitude toward the beggar:

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”—Stephen Grellet

Q U E S T I O N #2

How can we get better at noticing the opportunities God gives us to love others?


120 S e S S i o n 10

They didn’t see the man as a nuisance blocking their path. They didn’t rationalize, like many people do when accosted by panhandlers: “I don’t have any money … someone else will help … he’ll always be here begging … his relatives should provide for him … he should get a job.” Instead, they viewed his need as an opportunity God had placed in their path.

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” He then took the disabled man by the right hand and pulled him to his feet. The man, who had been lame from birth, may have expected to topple to the ground immediately; yet his feet and ankles supported him perfectly. Think of the wild emotional ride the man surely must have experienced: disappointment when Peter told him he would receive no money; terror at being yanked to his feet; and finally, overwhelming joy when he was suddenly whole.1. Peter and John gave what they had. They didn’t stop because

of what they didn’t have; they looked at what they did have and moved forward. God always supplies what we need to do His work; otherwise, He wouldn’t have brought us to that place. Even when we feel ill-equipped, we must take a step of faith.

2. Peter and John relied on Jesus. The apostles didn’t have the power to heal; Jesus did. When they said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” they were acknowledging the power and authority of Jesus Christ to heal.

When we open our eyes to the needs around us, it can be overwhelming. People in physical, emotional, and spiritual need are everywhere. Where do we begin to help with problems so deep-seated? We have to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

Q U E S T I O N #3

When have you seen Jesus make a dramatic difference in someone’s life?

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THE POINT

Acts 3:9-10 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

The impact of Peter and John’s actions in the lame man’s life were huge. Before that day, his disability had …

… prevented him from being able to earn a living. … marked him as blemished, cut off from access to full worship in the temple (Lev. 21:17-20). … caused others to reject him, and kept him socially ostracized.

Now suddenly the man was physically whole and considered worthy to worship with his fellow Jews. He had been asking for pennies and been handed a treasure.

But the impact of this single deed didn’t end with the beggar; it impacted the crowd. They responded “with wonder and amazement.” And why not? After all, the man had been lame since birth. He had a congenital condition; his was not the cause of a recent injury or disease. When a man has been unable to stand or walk for “above forty years” (Acts 4:22), he just doesn’t suddenly get better. So when the crowd saw this man standing, walking, and even leaping and praising God, it got their attention!

If you read the rest of Acts 3, you’ll see Peter seized this opportunity to talk about Jesus to all those who had come to the temple to worship. One opportunity to talk to one man about Jesus led to another opportunity. As a result, the number of the men alone who believed swelled to about 5,000 (4:4).

1. Peter and John interrupted their plans to respond to a man in need.


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2. People who saw the healing were amazed and surely their interest was piqued.

3. Peter shared the gospel. 4. Many people came to Christ.

The ripple effect: one opportunity leads to another. One changed life leads to another, and another.

Edward Kimball took an interest in a 17-year-old teenager and determined to reach out to him in the name of Jesus. In the shoe store where the young man worked, Kimball led Dwight L. Moody to faith in Christ. Moody would go on to lead thousands to faith in Christ, impacting a whole generation on two continents.2

Edward Kimball was an ordinary man, just like Peter and John—and just like us. God will take our little acts of obedience and multiply them a thousand times over.

Jesus’ parable of the talents speaks to the repercussions of what we do at life’s intersections. The servant who seized the opportunity to use what the master gave him was rewarded with more responsibility and more opportunities. The servant who declined the chance to use what the master gave him was denied future opportunities for service (Matt. 25:14-30).

One “yes” to the God-given opportunity in front of you can lead to ongoing impact. One “yes” can bring further opportunities. Because Peter and John responded to the man in their path, they had the opportunity to preach to a crowd. Multitudes responded, bringing more opportunities for ministry.

Say, “Yes!” 2. Rev. J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., The Life and Work of Dwight Lyman Moody, ch. 5 - His Conversion, [online], [cited 6 January 2016]. Available from the Internet: http://www.biblebelievers.com/moody/05.html

Q U E S T I O N #4

How have you been affected personally by others’ obedience to Christ?

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THE POINT

Q U E S T I O N #5

How can we make room now so we can say yes to future opportunities to serve?


INTERSECTIONS OF HOPE

Consider the places you are likely to encounter someone in your community in need of

the gospel message. Make a short list or sketch a map.

Now consider ways you or your group can help get the gospel message out in those

places. List some means that might demonstrate God’s grace and power there.

How will you ensure that God gets the glory?

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LIVE IT OUTHow will you make the most of the intersections and opportunities that come your way this week? Consider the following applications.

Look. Search for such opportunities. Allow your schedule to be interrupted to allow you to minister by listening, offering encouragement, praying with someone, or meeting a need.

Obey. Respond to opportunities God has placed in your path to reach out to someone at work or in your neighborhood. When you see a need, determine to be a “first responder.” Ask God to use you to show the love of Jesus to someone who doesn’t know Him.

Join others. Discover opportunities your church has to show Christ’s love to people in need nationally or globally. Consider talking with a staff person at your church and signing up for ministry opportunities that match your gifts.

To follow Jesus is to serve a sovereign God who guides your path and that of others. That doesn’t leave much room for random chance. Every day provides more opportunities to intersect with His plan.

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