Acts
Below are recorded lessons of a previous Bible study Pastor Inghram has taught National Capital Bible Church.
Audio Library
ACTS - Lessons 1 - 289
Acts 289 - January 5, 2014
Summary of the Book of Acts, chapters 1 through 28. Beginning in Jerusalem and then to Judea and Samira and all the way to Rome, Luke recounts the birth and growth of the early Church. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and equipped with spiritual gifts, the apostles and disciples prevailed in spreading the gospel despite fierce opposition. Luke highlights key witnesses including Peter, Philip, Barnabas, and Paul, whose ministries helped unite Jew and Gentile. Luke traces the three missionary journeys of Paul, culminating in his Roman imprisonment. End of Series.
Acts 288 - December 29, 2013
Acts 28:30-31. A Historical Perspective of Paul’s Epistles. While in Rome under house arrest, Paul wrote the four prison epistles. Reviewing his three missionary journeys, we can coordinate the timing of his epistles composed prior to Rome with his pastoral epistles written following Rome. What did the apostle accomplish with his five remaining years post-prison? The purposes of the Book of Acts reviewed: historical, transitional, theological, apologetic, and biological.
Acts 287 - December 22, 2013
Acts 28:26-28. As Moses once addressed the Israelites (Deut. 30) and Isaiah the Judahites (Isa. 6:9f), so Paul urged the Jewish leaders to return to the Lord in obedience, that they would be restored to a position of favor. Because they refused to hear, Israel's mission of being salt and light to the world passed from her hands into the Church’s. Luke concludes his account with a brief description of Paul's two years in Roman prison, where he preached the kingdom of God.
Acts 286 - December 22, 2013
Acts 28:23-27. Expounding on the Hebrew Scriptures, Paul witnesses to the Jewish leaders, testifying that Jesus is the Messianic fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Some were persuaded; others refused to believe. The apostle concluded with a passage from Isaiah, who centuries earlier had exhorted Israel to return to faithfulness (Isa 6:9). The Doctrine of the Inspiration of Scripture defined (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20).
Acts 285 - December 8, 2013
Pre-Trip Conference Summary; Act 28:23-25
Acts 284 - November 10, 2013
The importance of remembering Veteran's Day with excerpt from Lieutenant General John Kelly's speech. Following this, Pastor Inghram discusses the factors being considered for NCBC's future relocation. He addresses the question: Why is the growth of the church slow? A church cannot build itself; the members, assisted by the Lord, must do it; believers have been charged with the ministry of reconciliation.
Acts 283 - November 3, 2013
Communion Service; 2013 Election
Acts 282 - October 27, 2013
2 Tim. 2:10-13 [Acts 28:31]: The Kingdom of God. What determines what we, as individual believers, will be doing during the Messianic Kingdom? Having positionally died with Christ, Church Age believers are assured of eternal security and will enter into the Millennium with resurrected bodies. But will there be distinctions in future rewards and position between the faithful and unfaithful? Only those who endure will be joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Whether suffering hardship or distracted by prosperity, we must be dedicated to God's mission for our lives.
Acts 281 - October 20, 2013
Remembering Christopher Columbus: his purpose, beliefs, and influence. Doctrine of the Kingdom of God (Acts 28:23). The future 1,000 year reign of the Messiah from Jerusalem is grounded in the covenants given to Israel: the Abrahamic, Land, Davidic, and New Covenants will simultaneously come to fulfillment with the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom. Israel's rejection of Jesus and His offer of the kingdom has delayed its establishment. Are we in a form of the kingdom today as progressive dispensationalists maintain?
Acts 280 - October 13, 2013
Acts 28:21-23. At a second meeting with the Jewish religious leaders in Rome, Paul worked his way through the Old Testament, explaining to them that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law—He is the Messiah. Paul also testified of the kingdom of God that was promised to Israel (cf Acts 1:6). Was this to be understood as spiritual in nature or as a literal, physical, earthly kingdom? The disciples' understanding would have been grounded in God's promise to David (2 Sam 7:12-16).
Acts 279 - October 6, 2013
Communion. Acts 28:17-22. Under house arrest and no longer free, Paul calls for the Jewish leaders in Rome. What are four reasons why the apostle sought to evangelize the Jews first wherever he went, and not Gentiles? Paul denies the charge that he had spoken against the Jews, the Law, and the temple. It was "for the hope of Israel,"—that is, the resurrection and the future fulfillment of Old Testament promises, that Paul was chained.
Acts 278 - September 29, 2013
Acts 28:11-16. After three months' wintering on Malta, Paul boards another ship and resumes travel to Rome. En route the apostle receives encouragement when he, for the first time, encounters Roman believers. How would these brethren have received the gospel? The answer lies in Acts 2:10. Further clues reside in Paul's letter to the Romans where he had expressed his desire to visit them (Rom 1:10). Although he arrives to Rome in chains and under guard, the Lord used it for good (Philp 1:12ff), and Paul's ministry continued to flourish.
Acts 277 - September 22, 2013
Acts 28:1-10. Paul's Experience and Ministry in Malta. Though the ship and many lives should have been lost at sea, God continued to demonstrate His faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to deliver Paul safely to Rome. Aground the island Malta, the natives kindled a fire for the drenched survivors. The stage was now set for Paul to twice authenticate his spiritual gift of apostleship: Instead of falling dead from the bite of a viper, he is unharmed; secondly, the apostle heals numerous islanders.
Acts 276 - September 15, 2013
Commemorating the signing of the US Constitution (September 17, 1787). The Founding Fathers recognized the Creator God as the source of rights, and civil government's purpose to secure those rights. What is the basis for American exceptionalism? And what are the principles of civil government that derive from God's model? In 1 Sam 8:1-22, Samuel warns the people of the negative consequences that will ensue should a king rule over them and their limited government expand.
Acts 275 - September 15, 2013
Acts 27:27-44. What does it mean for believers to be "salt and light" to the rest of the world? After two weeks lost in the Adriatic Sea, the sailors discerned the ship was drawing near land. Paul warned that all 276 men must stay aboard if they are to survive. He urged them to take nourishment; soon afterward the ship ran aground near Malta. Despite the soldiers' plan to kill the prisoners, all of them escaped safely to land. God keeps His promises, and the godly apostle was integral to their survival.
Acts 274 - September 8, 2013
Acts 27:19-22; faithfulness of Paul an encouragement to the crew; economy and fall of Rome
Acts 273 - September 8, 2013
Acts 27:9-18; Paul advice against sailing rejected and the ship encounters a typhoon
Acts 272 - September 1, 2013
Communion Service; Heb 1:1-13; Ps 2; the meaning of “begotten”
Acts 271 - September 1, 2013
Acts 27:1-8; Paul begins his journey to Rome
Acts 270 - July 28, 2013
The Faith-Rest Life continued. Ex 14:10-18. Moses encourages the frightened Israelites that the Lord will fight for them. God has a solution; He knows all about your trials and has made provision for them. When we learn, recall, claim, connect promises, and form doctrinal rationales, we can stabilize our thinking and control our emotions. Laying the background for Paul's sea voyage from Caesarea to Rome (Acts 27).
Acts 269 - July 28, 2013
Acts 27:1-6; mechanics of the Christian life, the faith-rest drill
Acts 268 - July 21, 2013
Acts 26:19-32. Armed with a first century witnessing technique, Paul addresses King Agrippa with three indirect questions: did the Christ suffer, rise from the dead, and proclaim light to the Jews and Gentiles. Festus, nonplussed by Paul's scriptural defense, accuses the apostle of being insane. And Agrippa, although refusing to be persuaded to become a Christian, deems Paul innocent.
Acts 267 - July 21, 2013
Acts 26:19-23; biblical forgiveness; continuation of Paul’s bold defense before King Agrippa; cite OT prophecies basis for teaching Gospel
Acts 266 - July 14, 2013
Acts 26:17-23. Paul's use of the metaphors "darkness" and "light"—representing living under Satan vs. life in Christ. At what point are a believer's sins forgiven—at the moment he believes in the LJC as his Savior, or was it at the cross? The four types of forgiveness: judicial, positional, experiential, and relational.
Acts 265 - July 14, 2013
Acts 26:12-18; Paul continues his defense before King Agrippa; living in spiritual darkness
Acts 264 - July 7, 2013
Communion Service; Acts 26: 6-9; hope-expectation in what God has promised; Paul realizes the Way is the fulfillment of God’s promises
Acts 263 - July 7, 2013
Acts 26:1-5; Paul’s apologetic before King Agrippa; civil rights are divinely ordained rights
Acts 262 - June 30, 2013
Acts 25:23; Helen Keller; temporal impact vs. eternal impact
Acts 261 - June 30, 2013
Acts 25:13-22; historical context surrounding Paul’s imprisonment; Herod’s family hears the Gospel on multiple occasions
Acts 260 - June 23, 2013
Acts 25:7-12; Festus calls Paul’s case; Paul appeals his case to Caesar; importance of the rule of law
Acts 259 - June 23, 2013
Acts 25:1-6; Festus replaces Felix as governor in an attempt to restore peace in Israel; Sanhedrin press Festus to send Paul to Jerusalem
Acts 258 - June 16, 2013
Acts 24:19-27; Paul concludes his defense; Felix delays rendering justice in hopes of securing a bribe from Paul; Herod’s family had many opportunities to hear the Gospel
Acts 257 - June 16, 2013
Acts 24:10-18; Paul begins his defense before Felix
Acts 256 - June 9, 2013
Acts 24:2-9; Sadducees make four accusations before Felix against Paul, including sedition, in order to secure his execution by the Roman Empire; no evidence is submitted
Acts 255 - June 9, 2013
Acts 24:1; 1 Cor 10:13. In the hands of the Romans and accused by the Sanhedrin, Paul finds himself under extreme pressure and in the same situation as the LJC. Be encouraged, God rules history; He is faithful and in control. The situations in life need not overwhelm us; God has provided the resources that we may endure.
Acts 254 - June 2, 2013
Communion Service; Acts 23:16-35; Plot against Paul's life; Sanhedrin acts in their own self-interest rather than following the law; God's will worked in Paul's life; Paul moved to Caesarea enroute to Rome
Acts 253 - June 2, 2013
Acts 23:11-16; Plot against Paul's life;
Acts 252 - May 26, 2013
Acts 23:9-11; Paul changes the focus of the discussion to theological differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees; appearance of the Lord to Paul; principles on witnessing
Acts 251 - May 26, 2013
Acts 23:1-8; Paul’s defense before the Jerusalem Council; Sanhedrin and Pharisees
Acts 250 - May 19, 2013
Acts 22:22-30; scourging in the Roman Empire; Paul intercedes with his Roman citizenship to prevent the scourging
Acts 249 - May 19, 2013
Acts 22:17-21; Paul’s defense halted by reaction of Jews to his ministry to the Gentiles; brought into the Antonio barracks for interrogation
Acts 248 - May 12, 2013
Acts 22: 12-16; doxa - glory or brilliance; Paul’s appointment/commission from God; baptismal regeneration not found in GK of Acts 22:16 nor in any other passage in the Bible
Acts 247 - May 12, 2013
Acts 22:1-11; Paul defense from the steps of the Antonio Barracks uses the same phrases that Stephen used in his defense; giving a defense requires knowing the mind of Christ; more details from the Damascus Road experience; persecution of The Way
Acts 246 - May 5, 2013
Communion Service; Acts 21:38-40; Paul’s desire to witness to his Jewish brethren not swayed by their desire to kill him
Acts 245 - May 5, 2013
Acts 21:30-6; false accusations against Paul; Roman soldiers rescue Paul from the Jewish mob on the Temple mount
Acts 244 - April 28, 2013
Acts 21:26-29; Was Paul wrong in complying with James request to participate with those taking the Nazarite vow?; Paul seized in the Temple and falsely accused.
Acts 243 - April 28, 2013
Acts 21: 24-15; Paul’s participation in Temple ritual in Jerusalem; Nazarite vows
Acts 242 - April 21, 2013
Acts 21:17-23; understanding the historical and cultural context of Jerusalem at the time of Paul’s visit; Paul, the Mosaic Law, and the Jerusalem church
Acts 241 - April 21, 2013
Acts 21:15-16; parallels between Paul and the Lord
Acts 240 - April 14, 2013
Acts 21:1-14; Importance of the Book of Acts
Acts 239 - March 3, 2013
Communion. Acts 21:14. Paul perceives it is God's will to head to Jerusalem, but his companions warn and attempt to dissuade him from going. Principles about God's Will. We do not know the will of God for someone else's life; people have to live their own lives before the Lord. Paul was ready to face his adversity, tranquil and trusting in God's provision.
Acts 238 - March 3, 2013
Acts 21:10-14; Agabus, a reliable prophet; characteristics of prophets
Acts 237 - February 24, 2013
Acts 21:1-9; Paul and his companions travel to Jerusalem
Acts 236 - February 24, 2013
Acts 21; Rom 8:17-28; what suffering means in the Christian life today and what is the only true source of happiness for believers as they live out their lives on this earth
Acts 235 - February 17, 2013
Acts 20:32-38; Paul’s 2-part farewell to the Ephesian pastors; giving graciously and receiving graciously; attitude of forgiveness; the end of Paul’s 3rd missionary journey
Acts 234 - February 17, 2013
Acts 20:29-31; role and responsibility of the pastor cont.; 1 Pet 5:1-4; on guard against attacks on the church
Acts 233 - February 10, 2013
Acts 20:28; role and responsibility of the pastor/ elder/ overseer
Acts 232 - February 10, 2013
Acts 20:25-27; Paul’s warning to the Ephesian pastors; personal needs must not crowd out spiritual needs; how the Holy Spirit ‘speaks’ to or leads us today
Acts 231 - February 3, 2013
Communion service; Acts 20:25-26; the kingdom offer still valid until the fall of Jerusalem; responsibilities of the watchman; every believer given a evangelism ministry; ambassadors for Christ
Acts 230 - February 3, 2013
Acts 20:22-27; compelled by the Holy spirit; staying the course God has set before you
Acts 229 - January 27, 2013
Acts 20:21-24 Paul constrained by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem; he discounted hardship to fulfill his mission; god does not send us where He cannot support
Acts 228 - January 27, 2013
Acts 20:17-21. A look at the Greek word presbyteros and elder rule as a form of church government. Paul's farewell address to the pastors of Ephesus and his example of a tireless, committed servant of the Lord. Prosperity and entertainment were not distractions to the humble apostle; he understood his life belonged to the Lord.
Acts 227 - January 20, 2013
Acts 20:7-16; “breaking bread;” hunger for the teaching of the Word; Paul establishes priorities to get to Jerusalem in time for Pentecost
Acts 226 - January 20, 2013
Acts 20:1-6; Paul’s teaching is impacting the local cultures; emphasis on the unity of the Church; Paul’s ministry is changing; relying on trained disciples
Acts 225 - January 13, 2013
Acts 19:24-41; Paul in Ephesus; 2 Tim 4:14; mob overruled by City official; Paul uses Word of God to impact society
Acts 224 - January 13, 2013
Acts 19:21-29; Paul's missionary journey plans; Believers future plans, Christian service, and the will of God
Acts 223 - January 6, 2013
Acts 19:11-20; The Kingdom; temporary spiritual gifts; exorcism
Acts 222 - January 6, 2013
Acts 19:1-10; laying on of hands; biblical purpose of tongues; Deut 28:47-51; Jer 5:11-15; Isa 28;7-12; Four Pentecosts (Jewish, Samaritan, Gentile, OT Saints)
Acts 221 - December 16, 2012
Acts 19:1-7; purpose of the gift of tongues; the sign of foreign languages
Acts 220 - December 16, 2012
Acts 19:1-7; John the Baptist; transitional spiritual gifts in the church; tongues/languages
Acts 219 - December 9, 2012
Report on 21st Annual Pre-Trib Study Group Conference
Acts 218 - December 9, 2012
Acts 19:1; principles gleaned from Apollos
Acts 217 - December 2, 2012
Communion. In Acts 18:24-28 the Scripture shifts from Paul to Apollos showing that G/HS used many believers to spread the gospel and grow the body of Christ. Bold and humble, Apollos was a gifted communicator but deficient in doctrine. Aquila and Priscilla ministered to him before he headed to Corinth where he was a great help and overcame Jewish opposition. Like Apollos, God has a ministry for each one of us.
Acts 216 - December 2, 2012
Acts 18; the husband and wife team, Aquila and Priscilla, who supported Paul and his ministry
Acts 215 - November 25, 2012
Acts 18:19-27; Paul returns to his home church in Antioch after visiting churches in Jerusalem; impact of Paul’s ministry and his disciples a source of encouragement, arrival of Apollos
Acts 214 - November 25, 2012
Acts 18:18; Paul’s visits Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem; vows and Nazarite vows;
Acts 213 - November 18, 2012
Acts 18:11-15; Paul case before Proconsul Gallio dismissed; Col 4:2; Thanksgiving
Acts 212 - November 18, 2012
Acts 18:9-11; Ps 100; God's command to Paul not to fear; God's promise to the disciples; Matt 28:18-20; The Lord reassures Paul; Heb 13:5;
Acts 211 - October 28, 2012
Acts 18:7; Corinthian response to Paul’s message; Moral and spiritual principles of the 2012 election cont.
Acts 210 - October 28, 2012
Acts 8:5-6; Paul’s ministry in Corinth; figures of speech-“shook off his garment” and “your blood be upon you”
Acts 209 - October 21, 2012
Moral and spiritual principles of the 2012 election
Acts 208 - October 21, 2012
Acts 18:1-5; Paul at Corinth during his second missionary journey; facts about Corinth; Aquilla and Priscilla
Acts 207 - October 14, 2012
Acts 18; doctrine of witnessing/evangelism cont.; moving beyond excuses and anxiety; http://www.youtube.com/embed/OvN1jTkzXbY?rel=0
Acts 206 - October 14, 2012
Acts 18; doctrine of witnessing/evangelism cont.; we are blessed even when rejected; 1 Pet 4:14; Luke 6:22-23
Acts 205 - October 7, 2012
Communion Service; challenges to freedom of speech from the pulpit; moral and spiritual principles that might be encountered in the 2012 election; Rom 13:1-2; Deut 17:18; Ez 44:24
Acts 204 - October 7, 2012
Acts 18; doctrine of witnessing/evangelism cont.; how to turn a conversation to eternity
Acts 203 - September 30, 2012
Acts 18; Good News Club Kick Off; doctrine of witnessing/evangelism cont.
Acts 202 - September 30, 2012
Eph 6:10-21: preparing for spiritual warfare by putting on the full armor of God. Article read: Did Jesus Have a Wife? What is the Coptic language, and how does it help with dating ancient documents? The Doctrine of Evangelism continued. Summary principles on how to witness. You don't need to be an expert in world religions to witness nor should you expect every conversation to end in conversion.
Acts 201 - September 23, 2012
Doctrine of Witnessing and Evangelism continued. 1 Thess 2:1-20 is the biblical pattern for witnessing. The proper attitude toward witnessing is to be neither ashamed nor afraid. A look at examples in the NT of intimidation, physical persecution, and peer pressure. Paul asked for prayer and boldness in communicating the gospel (Eph 6:18-20).
Acts 200 - September 23, 2012
What constitutes a violation of the first amendment? The Founders desired to give citizens the freedom to worship; they did not want a government established religion. Doctrine of Witnessing & Evangelism and the Responsibility of the Believer (points 1-7 reviewed). The issue is believing in the LJC for salvation—believe and receive eternal life; no longer is sin the issue. When addressing the unbeliever, we should not add anything to the gospel of grace, nor encourage the Christian way of life prior to salvation.
Acts 199 - September 9, 2012
In recognition of the Abrahamic Covenant, the US has historically been a strong supporter of Israel. Our nation's freedoms come from God, not government. If we take Israel lightly, we will no longer be blessed. The Doctrine of Evangelism, continued. As ambassadors for Christ, we have been entrusted with the ministry and message of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-20). The emphasis is on the good news: the barrier of sin has been removed because of Christ's work on the cross.
Acts 198 - September 9, 2012
The Doctrine of Witnessing and Evangelism. Personal evangelism isn't restricted to a few, that is, to those who have the gift, but is the responsibility of all believers. We need to be prepared with a sound knowledge of the gospel, doing our best to not clutter the message of reconciliation. The believer is the agent of witnessing; the word of God is the weapon; and G/HS is the sovereign executive who makes spiritual information clear to the unbeliever.
Acts 197 - September 2, 2012
Communion; Acts 17:30-34; concept of propitiation; God’s standards; all judgment given to the Son; results of Paul’s invitation
Acts 196 - September 2, 2012
Acts 17:30-34; Paul’s invitation to the Athenians; responsibility for ignorance; longsuffering of God; Great White Throne Judgment
Acts 195 - August 26, 2012
Acts 17:27-29. It is God's desire that men should probe for Him, but Paul's use of the fourth-class condition indicates that they will likely not. With more idols than people, the Athenians had demonstrated their God-consciousness, and even their poets affirmed that life is in Him. Paul argued, however, that their concept of God was backwards. It wasn't man who fashioned and sustained their gods, but God who had formed and was sustaining them. The indicative, subjunctive, optative, and imperative moods explained.
Acts 194 - August 26, 2012
Acts 17:22-27; Paul’s Mars Hill message; knowledge required of the culture of the people we are evangelizing; starting with God as Creator; Paul deals a blow to racism and emphasizes God’s lordship over the nations
Acts 193 - August 19, 2012
Acts 17:22-23; how Paul juxtaposes biblical principles with Greek ideas when witnessing to the Greeks in the Areogapus cont.
Acts 192 - August 19, 2012
Acts 17:22-23; how Paul juxtaposes biblical principles with Greek ideas when witnessing to the Greeks in the Areogapus
Acts 191 - August 12, 2012
Acts 17:18-21; God's control of weather; gods of the Pantheon; Intellectual climate in Athens not focused on God; How to present the gospel
Acts 190 - August 12, 2012
Acts 17:18-21; History and beliefs of Epicureans and Stoics
Acts 189 - August 5, 2012
Communion. In Col 3:5, Paul defines idolatry as covetousness. The trends of our sin nature can function as idols in our lives, obstructing our focus on God. Socialism breeds covetousness within a nation, instead of motivating individuals to achieve success. Strongly opposed to Christian beliefs, environmentalists push a nature based agenda at the expense of humanity.
Acts 188 - August 5, 2012
Acts 17:16-17; review four basic principles of mankind; evolutionist thinking; entropy; emerging ‘science’ of spontaneous order
Acts 187 - July 29, 2012
Acts 17:16-18 cont.; four basic principles of mankind cont; there is no truly secular world - this is God’s world; no such thing as being religiously neutral
Acts 186 - July 29, 2012
Acts 17:16-18; Paul faces the challenge of Greek rationalism with the Word of God; for Paul all subjects of discussion take him to the Gospel; four basic principles of mankind; religions star by rejecting the Word of God
Acts 185 - July 22, 2012
Acts 17:16-21 Paul’s message at Athens; Paul refutes idolatry
Acts 184 - July 22, 2012
Acts 17:1-15; Paul’s message at Thessalonica and Berea; categories of Proselytes
Acts 183 - June 10, 2012
Acts 17:9-15; Paul’s message well received by Jews in Berea; positive response to Word; Jews from Thessalonica stir up more trouble in Berea forcing Paul to move on again’ cosmic system affects every part of our world.
Acts 182 - June 10, 2012
Acts 17:4-9; Paul’s message rejected by the Jews in Thessalonica; Jason acts unwisely in paying security resulting in Paul being prevented from returning to Thessalonica; God takes the negative and turns it into a positive.
Acts 181 - June 3, 2012
Communion. Acts 17:1-3. Why does Paul go to the Jew first and not the Gentile? During this transitional period in Acts, the kingdom was still being offered. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the evangelistic mission was passed to the church. Diasporic Jews were already indoctrinated with the Old Testament, therefore shared in Paul's Biblical framework. The standard procedure for the 1st century synagogue described.
Acts 180 - June 3, 2012
Acts 17:1-2; Paul’s 2nd missionary journey-Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens; the value of testimonies; Paul goes to the Jew first; doctrinal principles guide Paul’s call for his life; human history built on Jewish timeline
Acts 179 - May 27, 2012
Acts 16:35-40; testimony of LTG Joseph Fil, Jr.; the jailor responds to the Gospel and cares for Paul and Silas; baptism; magistrates release Paul and Silas, but they refuse to go without an public apology; exercising legal rights as Christians
Acts 178 - May 27, 2012
Acts 16:25 ff; Paul and Silas demonstrate how we should act in pressure situations; God has purpose for the hardships in our lives; enduring hardship can be a testimony to others; jailor’s evangelism wake-up call; belief in Jesus Christ requires some knowledge of Him and what He has done for us
Acts 177 - May 20, 2012
When the U.S. President states he believes same-sex couples should be able to get married, he is substituting his own thoughts in place of the Bible as the absolute authority for right and wrong. Doctrine of Same-Sex Marriage: both Old and New Testaments classify homosexuality as a sin. NT passages don't reference Jewish tradition, but the original creation which unified a man and woman. Like thievery or adultery, homosexuality is volitional. It is not God's will for us tolerate or accept immorality, but to abstain from it.
Acts 176 - May 20, 2012
Acts 16:25-14; Doctrine of Suicide follow on; 4 rules for dying; Judas Escariot-believer or unbeliever?
Acts 175 - May 13, 2012
Acts 16:25-34; Doctrine of Suicide cont.
Acts 174 - May 13, 2012
Doctrine of Suicide (Acts 16:27). Paul and Silas demonstrate the Biblical approach to problem solving: put the problem in the Lord's hands, make the best of the situation, and face the problem using the resources in your soul (1 Cor 10:13). The HVP solution is to end it all. Since mankind is made in the image of God, we are inclined not to death but to life. What is happening in our lives is designed by God; we need to allow Him to apply His solution.
Acts 173 - May 6, 2012
Communion. Doctrine of Suicide (Acts 16:27). Trapped in prison, Paul and Silas are without a solution but choose to turn the problem over to the Lord. The unbelieving Philippian jailer is also without a solution, but perceives that killing himself is the best option. Suicide is never the solution and is always wrong. As a believer in the LJC there are no desperate situations; God has a solution. Suicide is in compliance with Satan's plan, not God's.
Acts 172 - May 6, 2012
Acts 16:25-18; approaches to problem solving -pagan or biblical; Paul motivated to snatch the jailer’s soul from death; principles on suicide
Acts 171 - April 29, 2012
Acts 16:19-26; Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey and Ministry in Philippi con’t.; Paul and Silas dragged before the magistrates, falsely accused, beaten and jailed; Paul and Silas’ bodies were broken, but not their spirits; 1Thess 5:16; 2 Cor 12:7; Paul and Silas delivered by the power of God in an earthquake.
Acts 170 - April 29, 2012
Acts 16:16-19; Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey and Ministry in Philippi; understanding the biblical position of those with means; oracles of Delphi; fortunetelling; the Gospel is always under attack in Satan’s world.
Acts 169 - April 15, 2012
Acts 16:11-15; Paul’s second missionary journey; God the Holy Spirit guides Paul to Greece, the doorway to Europe; Lydia, an example of faith, generosity, and the liberty Christianity granted to women
Acts 168 - April 15, 2012
Acts 16:11-15; Paul’s second missionary journey; God the Holy Spirit guides Paul to Greece, the doorway to Europe; divine guidance principles; Lydia
Acts 167 - April 8, 2012
Resurrection Day; John 20:1- 9; Passover; OT sacrifices foreshadow Christ's work on the cross; the four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah; Isa 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 53:5-12; Paul led by the Lord through Asia; Acts 16:8-11;
Acts 166 - April 8, 2012
Resurrection Day; Rejoice in the Risen Lord; Matt 28:1-9; the "Macedonian call" of Paul; Act 16:5-9; Divine Guidance; Acts 9:15
Acts 165 - April 1, 2012
Communion; Acts 16:1-3; Timothy, a servant of God, and part of Paul's team; Timothy trusted, used, and esteemed by Paul; Acts 19:22; 1 Tim 1:3; 2 Tim 4:9; 1 Tim 4:12-13
Acts 164 - April 1, 2012
Acts 16:1-3; Timothy an example to us; taught the Word of God in his youth; believed the gospel and desired to serve God under Paul; "a true son of the faith"; helped Paul established assemblies in Macedonia; 1 Tim 2:13; Phil 2:19-24
Acts 163 - March 25, 2012
Acts 16:3; the issue of circumcision in regards to Timothy cont.; circumcision not exclusive to the Mosaic Law, but a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant and the faithfulness of God to the Jew; as a descendant of Abraham Timothy must be circumcised
Acts 162 - March 25, 2012
Acts 16:1-3; Timothy joins Paul on the 2nd missionary journey; timothy’s spiritual witness well known throughout the region; the issue of circumcision in regards to Timothy
Acts 161 - March 18, 2012
St. Patrick; Report on chafer Seminary Bible Conference—the role and responsibility of the Christian citizen, cont.
Acts 160 - March 18, 2012
St. Patrick; Report on chafer Seminary Bible Conference—the role and responsibility of the Christian citizen
Acts 159 - March 11, 2012
Ps 127—contrary to liberal teaching, children are a gift from God and part of His design. Acts 15:40-41. Character Study of Silas. Proving himself faithful in small things, God selects this willing servant to be on one of the most prominent missionary teams. He served not only as Paul's representative, but also as Peter's amanuensis.
Acts 158 - March 11, 2012
Acts 15:15:39-40; the call of Silas; character of Silas recognized by Paul; called to go with Paul on the 2nd missionary journey
Acts 157 - March 4, 2012
Communion: Acts 15:35-41; the paroxysm over Mark and the call of Silas: summary of John Mark cont.; what to do when you fail
Acts 156 - March 4, 2012
Acts 15:35-41; the paroxysm over Mark and the call of Silas: summary of John Mark
Acts 155 - February 26, 2012
Acts 15:35-41; Jerusalem council aftermath and preparation for the 2nd missionary journey; spiritual gifts in the Age of Grace; Paul and Barnabas separate over John Mark
Acts 154 - February 26, 2012
Acts 15:30-35; letter from the Jerusalem council to the church in Antioch; 4 prohibitions to promote harmony in the transitional period, cont.; prophecy in the transitional period
Acts 153 - February 19, 2012
Acts 15:22-29; Jerusalem conference cont.; letter from the Jerusalem counsel to the church in Antioch; 4 prohibitions to promote harmony in the transitional period; Barsabas and Silas sent with Barnabas and Paul.
Acts 152 - February 19, 2012
Acts 15:18-22; Jerusalem conference cont.; 3 Eschatological views; James proposes 4 points of cultural sensitivity to promote harmony among Jews and Gentiles in transitional period of the early Church from the Age of Israel to the Age of Grace.
Acts 151 - February 12, 2012
Acts 15: 14- 19; Jerusalem conference cont.; how NT authors used OT in quotations
Acts 150 - February 12, 2012
Acts 15:6-14; Jerusalem conference cont.; God solves our problems; James, half-brother of Jesus; God places His name on the Jews and now the Gentiles
Acts 149 - February 5, 2012
Communion. Acts 15:6-12. The Jerusalem Council. How were the Gentiles to join the Church and was keeping the Mosaic Law a requirement? Peter draws on the precedent set ten years earlier when Cornelius was saved by grace, not by the law. Moreover, even the believing Pharisees were unable to keep the law, so how could they place this burdensome yolk upon the Gentiles?
Acts 148 - February 5, 2012
Acts 15: 6-7; Jerusalem conference; progression of converts; levels of Jewish proselytes; unanimity in the way of salvation
Acts 147 - January 29, 2012
Acts 15:5-6. The believing Pharisees required Gentiles to adhere to the ritual aspects of the Mosaic Law, including circumcision. A look into Paul's letter to the Galatians which addressed this very matter. He taught there is a distinction between Israel and the Church. Dispensationalism defined.
Acts 146 - January 29, 2012
Acts 14:27-15:4. Failing to adjust to the dispensation of the Church, the Judaizers espoused that Gentiles needed the Mosaic Law for salvation or sanctification. Paul and Barnabas disputed with them over this false doctrine. Just what were the Gentiles required to do? This controversy sets the stage for the first Jerusalem council.
Acts 145 - January 22, 2012
Acts 14:21-28; proper place for applause in worship; discipleship-training new believers in basic doctrines; quitting not an option; the establishment of local churches by Paul and Barnabas, the Church Age model; biblical concept of fasting
Acts 144 - January 22, 2012
Acts 14:19-20; Paul is stoned to death in Lystra and after being revived returns to the city; Paul’s attitude toward ministry; adversity goes with territory
Acts 143 - January 15, 2012
Acts 14:13-18; a different worldview ignorant of the one sovereign living God; Paul and Barnabas attempts to straighten out the misinterpretation starting with presenting the God of the creation
Acts 142 - January 15, 2012
Acts 14:8-12; Paul heals the lame man in Lystra; miracles used to validate apostolic authority; pagan perspective of citizens of Lystra misinterpret the miracle
Acts 141 - January 8, 2012
Acts 13:47-14:7; “appointed” does not indicate determinism; women responded to Judaism in the ancient world; reaction to Paul and Barnabas’ message in Iconium; when to stay and fight and when to leave; the Gospel message of grace spreads
Acts 140 - January 8, 2012
Acts 13:42-47; reaction to Paul’s message in Antioch of Pisidia; why to the Jew first and then to the Gentile?
Acts 139 - December 18, 2011
Acts 13:27-41; ignorance of the Jews; Luke 24:46; resurrection of Christ our hope; Luke 18:31; Sonship of Christ; Ps 2; Rom 1:4; God will fulfill His promise to David; Is 55:3; Christ did not see corruption; Ps 16:10; Paul’s invitation to believe and warning
Acts 138 - December 18, 2011
Acts 13:16-26; Paul’s first recorded message; foundation for evangelism found in OT; Ps 89:20; 1 Sam 13:14; 2 Sam 7;
Acts 137 - December 4, 2011
Communion. Paul reviews Israel's history to the synagogue in Antioch (Acts 13:19-24). From their sojourn in the wilderness to God's destruction of the Canaanites, to their rejection of Him and asking for a king, and finally to the coming Messiah promised to David, Paul emphasizes God's great character, provision, and divine control over human history.
Acts 136 - December 4, 2011
Acts 13:13-19; John Mark; past spiritual failures does not mean you are not still vital to God’s plan; Paul’s message in the synagogues
Acts 135 - November 27, 2011
Acts 13:3-9; fasting; laying on of hands; Saul first called Paul
Acts 134 - November 27, 2011
Acts 12:25-13:2; summary of themes; Luke’s purposes for writing Acts; gift of prophecy in the early Church; Herod Antipas
Acts 133 - November 20, 2011
Acts 12:12; John Mark; Act 15:36; History of the Herodian Dynasty; Herod's Death; Act 12:20-24; Psalm of Thanksgiving; Ps 145
Acts 132 - Nov 20, 11
Principles on Prayer. Eph 2:14-3:2, 14-21. We are commanded to pray to G/Father, in the authority of the Son, by means of G/HS. With Peter in maximum security prison expecting to be executed, the church sought succor from the only resource they had: prayer (Acts 12:5). We may think the situation is hopeless—that there is no way this can be solved, but God has the solution. He is well aware of our needs, prayers, and of the desperate situations in which we find ourselves.
Acts 131 - November 13, 2011
Acts 12:1-18; Persecution of the Apostles; Peter's miraculous escape from prison
Acts 130 - November 13, 2011
Acts 11:24-30; Spiritual Gifts to build the body of Christ; Eph 4:11-15; Temporary gifts; 1 Cor 13-8-10; Grace Giving; Rom 15:25-28 2 Cor 8:12; Phil 4:14-20
Acts 129 - November 6, 2011
Acts 11:26-27. Barnabas and Saul minister together in Antioch—the place where the disciples were first called Christians. The foundation of the early church was predominantly Jewish; for them the question was how the Gentiles should join. The fact that salvation is the same for Jew and Gentile alike, was a challenge for these Jewish believers.
Acts 128 - November 6, 2011
Acts 11:19-30; Gospels spreads to the Gentiles; why some Jewish believers have a problem with the title Christian
Acts 127 - October 30, 2011
Acts 11: 20-26; spreading of the Gospel to the Gentiles; use of “Lord” rather than “Messiah;” Barnabas sent to Antioch to organize and encourage the Church, engages Saul/Paul’s help; disciples first called Christians in Antioch
Acts 126 - October 30, 2011
Acts 11:18-20; repercussions of God granting the Gentiles “repentance to life;” beginning of the Church Age; occurrences of the baptism of the Holy Spirit; The Gospel is being proclaimed to both Jews and Gentiles in Antioch
Acts 125 - October 23, 2011
Acts 11:16-19; Peter presents irrefutable proof of the Gentile conversion and the baptism of the Spirit; the Church is becoming a distinct entity; persecution rises again
Acts 124 - October 23, 2011
Acts 11:1-16; Jewish believers contend with Peter regarding his socializing with Gentiles violating the Jewish traditions; God uses men to spread the Gospel; Peter sees the baptism of the Spirit in a much broader picture
Acts 123 - October 16, 2011
Acts 10:44-48; parables; Jesus appointed by God as judge of the living and dead; remission of sins; biblical forgiveness—forensic, positional, experiential and relational; Gentiles receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Acts 122 - October 16, 2011
Acts 10:34-43; Peter comes to terms with the impartiality of God; OT understanding of the Gospel; teaching the Gentiles Lord = Anointed One = Messiah = Jesus; the purpose of Jesus’ ministry of healing
Acts 121 - October 9, 2011
Acts 10:30-34; Cornelius reveals his vision to Peter; God does not show partiality between the Jew and the Gentile; Gospel is for both Jew and Gentile
Acts 120 - Oct 9, 11
Acts 10:24-29; Cornelius gesture of respect rejected by Peter; worship the Creator not the creature; Acts 14:11; Rev19:9ff; not distinction in the Age of Grace between Jew and Gentile
Acts 119 - October 2, 2011
Acts 10:14-22; the Jewish apostles take the Gospel to the Gentiles; Mosaic Law set aside in the Age of Grace; Jewish ceremonial barrier was abolished; food the example but the application was much wider; Jews and Gentiles on an equal footing before God
Acts 118 - October 2, 2011
Acts 10:9-14; Peter’s vision prepared him to loose his strict adherence to Mosaic Law; OT dietary laws; Gen 1:29; 9:1ff; Lev 11, Deut 14; associating with Gentiles
Acts 117 - September 25, 2011
Acts 9:40-10:7; Peter performs a resuscitation exactly as the Lord had done it in Capernaum; Mark 5:35--21-43; Peter moving away from strict adherence to Mosaic Law in staying with Simon, the tanner; God hears the prayer of the centurion
Acts 116 - September 25, 2011
Acts 9:31-43; Peter’s ministry beyond Jerusalem; Luke uses the ministry of Peter to establish the apostolic authority of Paul; Peter’s acts of healing not out of compassion but to demonstrate the power of Jesus Christ working through him
Acts 115 - September 18, 2011
Biblical concepts in the US Constitution, cont.; Acts 9:20-31; Saul begins teaching in Damascus; title Son of God, a HB idiom; Saul escapes death and goes to Jerusalem, meets with Peter and James. Diagram: Chronology of Saul’s Life
Acts 114 - September 18, 2011
Biblical concepts in the US Constitution; Acts 9:19; Saul puts spiritual priorities ahead of physical needs; principles form Saul's conversion
Acts 113 - September 11, 2011
Acts 9:16-18; addressing “Brother Saul”; Paul will suffer much or what perpetrated but for the Christ’s name
Acts 112 - September 11, 2011
Acts 9:11-16; Ananias’ small task critical to God’s plan; Saul, a chosen vessel of God
Acts 111 - September 4, 2011
Communion Service; Acts 9:10-16; the Lord speaks to Ananias in a vision; Ananias questions God about the instructions given to him; God shapes Saul for His plan and purpose
Acts 110 - September 4, 2011
Acts 9:1-9; the resurrected Lord in Heaven speaks to Saul of Tarsus; Saul’s confrontation with Jesus and his conversion
Acts 109 - August 21, 2011
Acts 9:1-9. Background of Saul: a Roman citizen, Benjamite, Pharisee and tentmaker, this passionate man was the number one persecutor of the Church. Saul's experience on the road to Damascus—the conversion of the apostle to the Gentiles.
Acts 108 - August 21, 2011
The Offer of the Kingdom of God. Are we in a form of the kingdom today? The blaspheming of G/HS (Matt 12:31) sets the stage for Jesus to teach in parables. The kingdom will be a literal, physical, earthly kingdom in Israel. Apart from the returning of the King, however, there can be no kingdom; thus Peter exhorted the Jews to change their mind about Jesus (Acts 3:19). Throughout Acts, the nation continues to reject the Messiah resulting in a new entity—the Church.
Acts 107 - August 14, 2011
Communion. Doctrine of Baptism reviewed and concluded. What does the Bible say about rebaptism and under what circumstances is it valid? When done biblically rebaptism is unnecessary, but if one is baptized improperly or in ignorance—such as an infant or by sprinkling—then doing so is appropriate. The three reasons for baptism reviewed.
Acts 106 - August 14, 2011
"Water", "saved" and "baptism" are all used in 1 Pet 3:20-21. Is this teaching baptismal regeneration? Peter uses the deliverance of Noah and his family as an OT type of the NT believer who is delivered from judgment. By means of G/HS the believer is placed into union with Christ through His death, burial and resurrection. Comparison of 2 Pet 2:4 and Jude 6, referring to the fallen angels of Genesis 6.
Acts 105 - July 31, 2011
Acts 8 cont.; report on New Apostolic Reformation group; missionary report from Jack McMahan
Acts 104 - July 31, 2011
Doctrine of Baptism cont'd. When Jesus spoke with Nicodemus, was He teaching baptismal regeneration or national cleansing required for entrance into the Messianic Kingdom (Jn 3:5)? Further passages often misinterpreted: Peter's address to Israel for repentance (Acts 2:38), and Ananias' command for Paul to be baptized following his salvation (22:16).
Acts 103 - July 24, 2011
1 Cor 1:10-17. The Relationship Between Salvation & Baptism. Examination and explanation of problem passages in the NT that can be misconstrued as baptismal regeneration (Mk 16:16; Jn 3:5; Acts 2:38). Baptism was standard Jewish practice, a means to demonstrate identity with a new position. It is only necessary for discipleship and obedience, never for salvation.
Acts 102 - July 24, 2011
Doctrine of Baptism continued. Review: ordinances vs sacraments. Baptism is a ritual designed to teach, not a meritorious act to accrue divine grace. Arguments against infant baptism. When Christianity became a state religion, centuries after the early church, infant baptism arose. Believers' baptism: who qualifies? The distinction between circumcision and baptism.
Acts 101 - July 17, 2011
The four factors of ritual baptisms reviewed. Modes of baptism: arguments for and against immersion vs. non-immersion. Who qualifies for baptism? Arguments in defense of infant baptism. Church tradition supports infant baptism; the Bible does not.
Acts 100 - July 17, 2011
Doctrine of Baptism continued. Further exploration into the eight baptisms in the Bible: Noah, Moses, fire, God the Holy Spirit, the cross, John's Baptism, Jesus, and believers' baptism. With each there is an identification, and with each there is a change from an old to a new status. As believers who have changed identity from Adam to in Christ, we are able to have victory over sin.
Acts 99 - July 10, 2011
Doctrine of Baptism continued. 1 Cor 1:10-16. History of baptism in the early church. What is the difference between an ordinance and a sacrament? Which churches believed baptism provided grace? The three qualifications that confirm a ritual as an ordinance. The formula and mode of baptism. Arguments in favor of immersion.
Acts 98 - July 10, 2011
Acts Mt 28:19-20. Doctrine of Baptism expounded. What does the Greek "baptizo" mean? There are three ritual baptisms, all of which are wet and serve as visual teaching aids: John the Baptist, Jesus, and the believer. And there are five real baptisms, which are all dry and accomplished by members of the Godhead: Noah, Moses, fire, G/HS, and the cross.
Acts 97 - June 26, 2011
Acts 8: 26-40; angels; Philip evangelizes the Ethiopian eunuch; impact of the Ethiopian’s conversion in Nubia
Acts 96 - June 26, 2011
Acts 8: 12-26; baptism of the Holy Spirit to all believing peoples; laying on of hands; simony;
Acts 95 - June 19, 2011
Acts 8; 14-17; authority of the family delegated to the father; Deut 6; 4-9; Peter and John follow Phillip to Samaria; praying for the Samaritans to receive the Holy spirit indicative if the transition period from OT to NT economy
Acts 94 - June 19, 2011
Acts 8:9-13; Phillip travels to Samaria; Simon the magician; only the Word of God can change a person from self- absorption to Christ oriented.
Acts 93 - June 12, 2011
Acts 1:1-8; more observations of Stephen’s stoning; Judaism goes from Trinitarian monotheism to solitary monotheism; death of Stephen launched the Greek speaking Jews and the Gospel out of Jerusalem and into the world; Saul’s consent of execution and rampageous pursuit of the Greek (Hellenistic) Jewish believers in the synagogues; Phillip goes to Samaria
Acts 92 - June 12, 2011
Acts 7:57-60; summary of Stephens' execution and the intentional miscarriage of justice by Sanhedrin
Acts 91 - June 5, 2011
Communion Service; Acts 7:52-59; Sanhedrin’s violent reaction to Stephen’s accusations; Stephen’s trial and execution witnessed by Saul who became the Apostle Paul
Acts 90 - June 5, 2011
Acts 7:44-52; the Temple and God; 1 Kgs 8:10-11; in the climax of his defense Stephen distances himself from the stiff-necked and uncircumcised; Ex 32:9; 33:3, 5; Deut 9:6
Acts 89 - May 29, 2011
Memorial Day remembered. Harold Camping's 2011 prediction of the Rapture. Is the problem with his calculation or the fact that he's calculating? The principal for the Rapture is the same as the Lord's 2nd Coming—we don't know when it will occur. The Imminency of the Rapture means the Lord can return at any moment; no prophesied event need occur
Acts 88 - May 29, 2011
Memorial Day remembered. Acts 7:44-47. The Testimony of Stephen continued. In his defense against the charge of blaspheming the temple, Stephen reviews the history of the tabernacle. The purpose of the tabernacle, he argued, was not that God needed a place to live, but for God to manifest His presence with them.
Acts 87 - May 22, 2011
Acts 7:41-43. Stephen reviews Israel's history of apostasy before the Sanhedrin—the 40 rebellious years in the wilderness, and the N. Kingdom's disobedience. Consequences of rejecting God (Rom 1:24ff).
Acts 86 - May 22, 2011
Acts 7: 35-47 cont.; the culture of Israel; Deut 9:7; 1 Sam 8:1-9; Ez 20:1-9; Israel today; Ps 22:6
Acts 85 - May 15, 2011
Acts 7:35-47 cont.; Num 25:19; Israel’s idolatry on the plains of Moab; sexuality immorality destroys both the body and the soul; consequences of disobedience and rebelling against God
Acts 84 - May 15, 2011
Acts 7:35-47 cont.; Num 25:1-15; Israel, an example of what not to do; Balaam; God’s protection
Acts 83 - May 8, 2011
Acts 7:35-47; Num 21:4-9; the fiery serpent; Israel in the OT is a picture of the spiritual life of the Church Age believer; out of fellowship causes a skewed perspective of life; what happened to the bronze serpent?―2 Kgs 18:4
Acts 82 - May 8, 2011
Acts 7:35-47; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion cont; Num 21:4-9 sets up another test for Israel;
Acts 81 - February 27, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 cont.; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion cont; the presumption of Moses cont.
Acts 80 - February 27, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 cont.; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion cont; no water at Kadesh cont.; the presumption of Moses
Acts 79 - February 20, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 cont. .; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion cont; Meribah incident in Kadesh-Barnea; testing not a problem for those advancing spiritually; going to God with our problems; Moses loses his temper and disobeys God’s command
Acts 78 - February 20, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 con't; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion cont; Israel rebels again after the destruction of Korah, Nathan, and Abiram; Num 16:41-50 , Moses and Aaron in humility intercede with God and make atonement for Israel, stopping the plague
Acts 77 - February 13, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 con’t; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion con’t; rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram; Num 16
Acts 76 - February 13, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 con’t; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion con’t; Israel and the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea; Num 13-14
Acts 75 - February 6, 2011
Communion; Acts 7:37-43 con’t; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion con’t; Israel’s complaining; Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea; Num 13:1-ff
Acts 74 - February 6, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 con’t; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion con’t; Israel’s complaining at Kibroth-hattaavah; Num 11; Does God have emotion?; anthropopathisms and anthropomorphisms
Acts 73 - January 30, 2011
Acts 7:37-43 con’t; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion con’t; did Pharoah die in the Red Sea?; Ps 136:1-15; Israel’s complaining
Acts 72 - January 30, 2011
Acts 7:37-43; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion review; 40 days and 40 nights; delayed departure form Mt. Sinai
Acts 71 - January 23, 2011
Acts 7:37-43; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion con’t
Acts 70 - January 23, 2011
Acts 7:37-43; Israel’s history of faith and rebellion
Acts 69 - January 16, 2011
Acts 7:37-43; Stephen sets up more parallels between Moses and Jesus; cites high priest’s complicity in rejection of Moses and Jesus; living oracles (hapax)and Living Bread and Water; Jn 6:51
Acts 68 - January 16, 2011
Acts 7:30-36; Stephen establishes parallel between Moses and Jesus; a global view of what God is doing; “this one”; Israel’s pattern of rejection of Moses and of Jesus
Acts 67 - January 9, 2011
Acts 7:20-30. Analogies between Moses and Jesus continued. Both received early training, and were powerful in word & deed. Both were rejected as deliverers and departed, forming a new family with Gentiles. Stephen argues against the Sanhedrin's tradition, which limited the Word of God to Jerusalem.
Acts 66 - January 9, 2011
Acts 7:17-19. Not just a recitation of history, Stephen's speech shatters the Sanhedrin's entire framework, demonstrating that God's initial relationship with Israel didn't depended on the land, temple, or Torah. Both Moses and Jesus were anticipated deliverers, and as baby boys both escaped execution.
Acts 65 - January 2, 2011
Acts 7:9-16; Stephen lays groundwork through history an uproots charges against him; story of Joseph parallels life of Christ;
Acts 64 - January 2, 2011
Acts 7:1-8; charges against Stephen parallels charges against Christ; Stephen’s response to give testimony of Christ not to defend himself; and OT review
Acts 63 - December 26, 2010
Acts 6:8-15. With an irrefutable message Stephen debates in the Hellenistic synagogue. The diaspora Jews accuse him of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin. His death was not a tragedy, but a means to launch the gospel around the world, and significantly impact Saul.
Acts 62 - December 26, 2010
Acts 6: 8-9; witness of Stephen and the resultant accusation and arrest; performed signs and wonders; synagogues; Hellenistic Jews spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth
Acts 61 - December 19, 2010
Acts 6:5-7; the body of Christ and spiritual gifts; importance of prayer in daily living; the laying on of hands; the power of the Word of God
Acts 60 - December 12, 2010
Pre-Trib Study Group report; lesson cut short for the congregational meeting
Acts 59 - December 12, 2010
Acts 6:1-7; the choosing of the seven and the role of the pastor-teacher; qualifications for the seven; spiritual gifts and the Body of Christ
Acts 58 - December 5, 2010
Communion Service: Acts 6:1-7; the choosing of the seven and the role of the pastor-teacher
Acts 57 - December 5, 2010
Acts 6:1-7 Apostles continue to teach Jesus as the Messiah; growing number of believers results in administrative problems; the Hebrews, the Hellenists, and the widows
Acts 56 - November 28, 2010
Acts 5:31-42; human viewpoint vs. divine viewpoint; guard against being led or intimidated by human viewpoint; apostles give credit to the Holy Spirit; Sanhedrin motivated to kill; apostles were flogged, rejoiced in their suffering, and continued to proclaim Jesus is the Christ
Acts 55 - November 28, 2010
Acts 5:26-30; effectiveness of the apostles; what God wants proclaimed, man cannot hinder; Peter assigns guilt of Jesus’ murder to the Sanhedrin
Acts 54 - November 21, 2010
Acts 5:15-25; healing by the apostles authenticated the Lord's power and message; God’s supposed representative on earth, the High Priest exercises authority in opposition to God; apostle continue to teach the words of this life, the resurrected life of Jesus
Acts 53 - November 21, 2010
Acts 5:1-14; why the sin unto death for Ananias and Sapphira; apostles prayer for boldness answered by God; civil disobedience; doctrines of the Church begin to emerge as Israel’s opportunity for the Kingdom wanes
Acts 52 - November 14, 2010
Acts 5:5-12; sin unto death; lesson for the early Church; potency and impact of the apostle’s gifts
Acts 51 - November 14, 2010
Acts 4:36-5:4; religious Jews of OT did not know Christ because they did not know the Father, religious focus on the traditions of men not Scripture; Matt 15:1-9; Ananias and Sapphira; deceiving he Holy Spirit; Peter rebuffs ‘Christian socialism’
Acts 50 - November 7, 2010
Communion. Acts 4:36-37. Profile of Barnabas (Joseph)—the son of encouragement. A Levite, apostle, and Hellenistic Jew, this man of action traveled with Paul to the Gentiles, and is an example of generosity, having sold his property to give to those in need.
Acts 49 - November 7, 2010
Acts 4:32-35. During this time of famine and political unrest "they had all things in common". Sharing among bels was voluntary and spontaneous, not compulsory, distributing according to need. Socialism, Marxism, and Communism do not work; but charity, which is biblical, does.
Acts 48 - October 31, 2010
Acts 4:26-32; Reformation Day; God’s plan not hijacked by opponents but fulfilled; apostles ask not for revenge for their incarceration but boldness to testify of Christ; ask God for strength to endure the trial not for Him to remove it; prayer changes things; Barnabas introduced; unification of early Church manifest in their commitment to the Lord; charity, not socialism in the early Church
Acts 47 - October 31, 2010
Acts 4:22—25; Peter's quote from Ps 2 keeps emphasis on the Messiah; apostles confidence in the sovereignty of God
Acts 46 - October 24, 2010
Acts 4:10-21; Peter uses play on words for “name” and “healed” to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah; quotes OT-the chief cornerstone; Sanhedrin marvel at uneducated speeches of Peter and John, cannot refute the healing of the lame man; messianic deliverance application
Acts 45 - October 24, 2010
Acts 4:5-9; scribes; the Annas High priest dynasty; Peter speaks boldly and accurately in the power of the Spirit reflecting Christ’s prophesy; Matt 10:16; Luke 12:1
Acts 44 - October 17, 2010
Acts 4:2-4; Reformation Day: Martin Luther, Thomas Bilney, Hugh Latimer; what the Sadducees believed; though Peter and John were locked up, the Word of God is never chained; 2 Tim 2-8-9; Philp 1:12
Acts 43 - October 17, 2010
Acts 4:-1-2; Jesus Christ belittled by the Jewish leadership; Matt 12:38; Luke 16:19ff; timing of the truth is not the issue, but volition; Sadducees; Pharisees
Acts 42 - October 10, 2010
Acts 3: 22-26; distinction made by Jews between the Prophet and the Messiah; endless grace of God extended toward Israel; Deut 18:15-19; manna, food of angels; Ps 78-19-25; Peter connects Jews to Prophet and the Abrahamic covenant; Paul to the Jews first because they are the decision point in history; Rom1:16
Acts 41 - October 10, 2010
Acts 3:17-22; Peter’s approach emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah for whom the Jews anticipated; times of restoration; Matt 17:1-13; Millennial Kingdom still being offered
Acts 40 - October 3, 2010
Communion; Preparing to move from Mt. Vernon Baptist Church: all members are vital to the congregation. Acts 3:19-21. When are the times of refreshment? It is not until there is national conversion that the LJC will return and establish His Messianic Kingdom. This is also the times of restoration.
Acts 39 - October 3, 2010
Acts 3:17-19. God's Blessing for the Nation Israel. What did it mean to be an OT saint transitioning into the NT era? Even though the nation in ignorance rejected their Messiah, Peter exhorts them to change their attitude for national deliverance. As a result, Israel's sins would be purified and the times of refreshment would begin.
Acts 38 - September 26, 2010
Acts 3:8-16; Peter seizes opportunity to gain the attention of the crowd on the Temple mount to focus attention on Jesus , the Messiah
Acts 37 - September 26, 2010
Acts 3:1-8; traditional way of life of the early Church; 3 critical points of Judaism; the Beautiful Gate; miraculous cure of the lame man; NOTE: diminished audio quality
Acts 36 - September 19, 2010
Acts 2:42-47; Christ’s imminent return plays significantly in early churches actions of sessions in their mutual support of one another, the selling of their possessions, their attendance at the Temple, and the fellowship of their meals
Acts 35 - September 19, 2010
Acts 2:42-47; early church exhorted to continue steadfast in the teaching of the apostles and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers; early church also continued in their Jewish traditions; 5th Anniversary of NCBC
Acts 34 - September 12, 2010
Acts 2:39-41. What "promise" for Israel is Peter addressing in v.39? Peter exhorts the nation to deliver themselves from the divine judgment that is coming upon their generation for rejecting the Messiah. About 3,000 heed his word and are baptized, transitioning from OT to NT saints.
Acts 33 - September 12, 2010
Acts 2:38. In Peter's context, neither "repent" nor "remission of sins" relates to regeneration. Rather he is presenting an offer of the kingdom. If Israel would change their attitude about Jesus the Messiah, the nation would experience national cleansing from sin and the outpouring of GHS. Baptism was the overt sign of their accepting the msg.
Acts 32 - September 5, 2010
Acts 2:38; arguments against baptismal regeneration; usage of "repent" in the New Testament
Acts 31 - September 5, 2010
Acts 2:38; arguments against baptismal regeneration
Acts 30 - August 29, 2010
Acts 2: 22ff; perspective of the Jews at the time Peter addressed them on the Day of Pentecost; is forgiveness of sins contingent upon baptism?; Report on missions-Dave Southwell, ABWE Caribbean, Central and Latin American Director
Acts 29 - August 29, 2010
Acts 2: 22ff; are there contradictions in the Bible?; NT quotes OT in four different ways
Acts 28 - August 22, 2010
Acts 2; Church Age Ministries of God the Holy Spirit cont.; definition of efficacious grace-classical vs. theological; a focus on the baptism of the Holy Spirit; differentiation between disciples and apostles and between apostle to Israel and apostle to the Church
Acts 27 - August 22, 2010
Acts 2; How valuable is our freedom?; Church Age Ministries of God the Holy Spirit
Acts 26 - August 8, 2010
Acts 2:14ff; Peter’s response to he crowd in Jerusalem; outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 similar to quote from Joel 2, but not a fulfillment of the prophecy; Peter emphasizes repent as Millennial Kingdom offer still an option on the Day of Pentecost
Acts 25 - August 8, 2010
Acts 2:5-13; no human failure is greater than the character or plan of God; lessons from the insertion of the Church Age; the filling and baptism of the Holy Spirit are not synonymous
Acts 24 - August 1, 2010
Communion Service; ransom for sin study; Acts 2:1-4; when does the Church begin?
Acts 23 - August 1, 2010
Acts 2:1-4; what the OT prophets knew about the church Age; was the baptism of the Holy Spirit prophesied by John the Baptist the same as the coming of the Holy Spirit promised by Christ?; dispensational distinctive
Acts 22 - July 25, 2010
Acts 2:1-4; the spiritual gift tongues two-fold purpose; dispensational transition from Israel to the Church; baptism of the Holy Spirit to all believers
Acts 21 - July 25, 2010
Acts 2:1-4; Feasts of Israel review; baptism, indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit; tongues, the spiritual gift of languages
Acts 20 - July 18, 2010
Acts 2:1 cont.; Feasts of Israel con’t; commemorative and prophetic meanings of Feasts
Acts 19 - July 18, 2010
Acts 2:1; early church historians; what happened to the disciples, extrabiblical accounts; Pentecost; Feasts of Israel, both commemorative and prophetic
Acts 18 - July 11, 2010
Acts 1: 23-26; Mathias, to be or not to be a disciple, cont.; objections to Matthias as the replacement disciple.
Acts 17 - July 11, 2010
Acts 1: 23-26; Mathias, to be or not to be a disciple, cont.; Paul not qualified to be a disciple; he was an apostle to the Gentiles
Acts 16 - June 27, 2010
Acts 1:23-26; Selection of Matthias- to be or not to be a disciple, cont.; Peter states three qualifications for replacement disciple; Paul not qualified
Acts 15 - June 27, 2010
Acts 1:23-26; Selection of Matthias- to be or not to be a disciple
Acts 14 - June 20, 2010
Acts 1:26; casting lots in the OT; Pro 16:23; Josh 14:2; Col. Bill Stebbins’ testimony
Acts 13 - June 20, 2010
Acts 1:20-26; the defection of Judas; the remaining disciples cast lots for Judas’ replacement
Acts 12 - June 13, 2010
Acts 1:16-19 Luke clarifies what happened to Judas
Acts 11 - June 13, 2010
Acts 1:14-16; D-Day Invasion, Operation Overlord; importance of prayer, a moment-by-moment running communication with the Father; Jesus Christ personally called and selected the 12 disciples; Peter acknowledges the inspiration of Scripture; Christ applies the OT to Judas; Ps 41:9; Judas Iscariot, an example that even when exposed to the absolute Truth, some still reject it
Acts 10 - June 6, 2010
Acts 1:12:20 Leadership in the local church; qualifications; 1Tim 1:8ff; God invests authority in individuals not groups; 1 & 2 Tim; Titus; 1 Pet 5:1-4; This message cuts off with the start of the Congregational Meeting
Acts 9 - June 6, 2010
Acts 1:12-20 Disciples were still focused on the Kingdom as Christ taught them that was still a legitimate offer until 70AD; Sabbath Day distance - religious law cf. Mosaic law; list of the disciples; Peter, James, and John groomed by the Lord to be leaders
Acts 8 - May 23, 2010
Acts 1:8-11; Christ in the air accompanied by clouds, angelic host
Acts 7 - May 23, 2010
Acts 1:4-7; Jesus Christ baptizes us in the Spirit; OT references to the Spirit and the Millennial Kingdom; Isa 44:3-5; Ez 39:27-29; understanding the times and seasons and the anticipation of near return of Christ
Acts 6 - May 16, 2010
Acts 1:4; who are the Apostles?; the baptism of the Spirit and the Promise of the Father; Luke 24:29
Acts 5 - May 16, 2010
Acts 1:1-3; Theophilus, a high ranking Roman official; infallible proofs of our living Savior; the Kingdom still a legitimate offer prior to 70AD and the fall of Jerusalem
Acts 4 - May 9, 2010
Acts introduction; outline overview of the book
Acts 3 - May 9, 2010
Acts introduction; the purpose of the book- historical, transitional, theological, apologetic, biological; a definition of faith
Acts 2 - May 2, 2010
Communion Service; Acts introduction cont.; the date of composition; CEF Report
Acts 1 - May 2, 2010
Acts introduction; the title of the book; the author