The Quizzers Pad - Family Edition

ANNOUNCEMENT: Study Guides Discontinued for 2007-2008 Season

2007-09-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Due to a lack of interest in the study guides by Quizzers, we will not be providing Study Guides/Devotionals for the 2007-2008 season. If you need an alternative source of devotionals for this year, please click "contact the Coaches" to the left and drop us an e-mail.

Acts 28 Study Guide

2007-03-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for March 22 - March 28, 2007
(Read Acts 28 Online)

Reflections on Acts 28 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

Finally after several chapters Paul arrives in Rome. As you remember the reason that he has been headed to Rome since chapter 21 is because of opposition from the Jewish leaders. The Jews have several times confronted Paul about his teachings and have attempted to have him arrested and ultimately killed. In order to save himself Paul falls back on his Roman citizenship and appeals his case to Caesar and Rome for judgment. Paul has made his case before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. None of them can find any reason to convict Paul of any wrong doing. Because of his appeal to Caesar they push him along towards Rome as he requested. The most surprising thing to me in this chapter is found in verse 5. “The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” Paul has been preaching the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and through Him the forgiveness of sins. His practice was to first go to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. Jerusalem was the most Jewish place on earth. Rome was the most Gentile. I expected as the story of Acts progressed that Paul would be the first to bring the good news about Jesus from Jerusalem to Rome. He was after all the Apostle to the Gentiles (… also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles Galatians 2:8b). But to my surprise when Paul gets to Rome the gospel has reached Rome ahead of him and there are even many Christians there to welcome him. The message of Jesus is more powerful than any man even the great apostle Paul.

In the book of Acts many things have changed dramatically between chapter 1 and 28. We have seen the new work of God on earth in the church and the differences that has made in the former Jewish way of relating to God. We have seen the number of believers in Jesus increase from about 120 disciples (1:15) in Jerusalem, to many thousands of believers between Jerusalem and Rome. Although many things have changed at least one thing has not. In 1:3 Jesus “spoke about the kingdom of God”. In 28:31 Paul “preached the kingdom of God”. The way God deals with man may change but the overall plan of God and his kingdom has not. Like the apostles in 1:6 I believe we should be anticipating Jesus’ return and the establishment of his Messianic Kingdom on earth. Even so come Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22).

Questions to Consider
- What is the theme of Acts?
- What story from Acts is most relevant to today?
- Is Acts the beginning or the end of the story?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 28
2. On Malta (28:1-10)
a. Paul’s Snake Bite (28:1-6)
b. Paul’s Miracles (28:7-10)
G. Paul In Rome (28:11-31)
1. Arrival at Rome (28:11-16)
2. Paul’s Proclamation to the Jews (28:16-24)
3. Paul’s Proclamation to the Gentiles (28:25-28)
H. Conclusion of Book Seven (28:30-31)

Acts 27 Study Guide

2007-03-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for March 15 - March 21, 2007
(Read Acts 27 Online)

Reflections on Acts 27 by Michelina Buchino, Coach

One of the things we try to work out when we’re younger is how we will present ourselves to the “world”. Do I want to be known as the girl who wears pink? Or maybe it will be black. Shall I do whatever hairstyle is in, have it always the same or not like anyone else’s ever! Do I speak and write plain English or talk in slang and write in wacky abbreviations? The guys go through the same types of decisions. How about that walk? Do I want to come across as the great athlete, computer geek, or a sensitive guy? Shall I practically live in the same jacket or have a skateboard with me wherever I go?

The hardest part in this process is when our company changes. Are we going to be the same in front of our family as our friends? Do we treat the stranger in the mall the same as our principal? There’s that oldie but goodie – at church and away from church. What about when times are bad and hard as opposed to good and fun? Yes, we’ve all faced this stuff at least once in our lives.

Acts chapter 27 is an exciting passage of scripture. Be sure to read it once just as an adventure – a tale of the sea. Learn through a captain and an owner making business decisions on the vessel and cargo. Ponder a centurion who has to maintain a jail-less prison. Carefully watch how Paul goes from being just a prisoner to someone who practically runs how the people on board respond to the crisis.

Captain and centurions do not give up control and authority easily or often. There had to be something very special about how Paul presented himself to his “world”. Whether to frightened prisoners or a military commander, Paul was honest and trustworthy. He never compromised his beliefs or faith in God but showed compassion and respect to all. He gave great encouragement but also told the hard facts. His trust in God’s promise of protection never wavered.

We waste a lot of time, effort and emotions trying to live different lives before different people. We also risk hurting our relationship with God, others and even ourselves in the attempt. Learn from Paul’s example as you mature towards a consistent Christ-like character. It is not presumptuous to strive to be like Jesus. It’s a command.

Questions to Consider
- Why do you think Julius let Paul go to his friends at Sidon?
- What gives your parents or teachers the confidence to allow you to do new and different things with less involvement by them?
- Give some examples of Paul’s faith on this trip.
- Give some examples of Paul’s practical use of knowledge.
- Why was Paul’s encouragement critical to the outcome?
- Try being an encourager this week – note the results.

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 27
F. The Voyage to Rome (27:1–28:10)
1. The Shipwreck (27:1-44)
a. Setting (27:1-12)
1) From Caesarea to Myra (27:1-5)
2) From Myra to Fair Havens in Crete (27:6-8)
b. Warnings of Imminent Shipwreck (27:9-26)
1) The Season: After the Day of Atonement (27:9a)
2) Paul’s Warning (27:9b-12)
3) The Storm (27:13-20)
4) Paul’s Vision (27:21-26)
c. The Shipwreck on Malta (27:27-44)
1) A Foiled Escape by the Sailors (27:27-32)
2) A Last Meal on Board (27:33-38)
3) The Ship Runs Aground (27:39-41)
4) All Safe Ashore (27:42-44)

Acts 26 Study Guide

2007-03-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for March 8 - March 14, 2007
(Read Acts 26 Online)

Reflections on Acts 26 by Matt Chesner, Coach

One of the keystones of the American justice system is trial by a jury of your peers. There are many reasons for this, but the most fundamental is that it is hard for someone from a different geographical area or culture to understand the situations that you function in from day to day. A non-judicial example might be how those living in Florida can't understand what it is like for those living in Buffalo who get 2 or more feet of snow many times a year.

In Acts Chapter 26, Paul uses the opportunity of having King Agrippa visiting to give his defense in front of someone who is familiar with his culture and the region in which he lives. Paul himself says to King Agrippa "you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies." Paul also says “I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice.” referring to King Agrippa.

When we are facing challenges and persecution, we should look to those who can understand where we are coming from. We can't expect those coming from entirely different backgrounds (like non-Christians) to understand the references we make when forming our arguments.

Questions to Consider
- When have you caught yourself using "church slang" when talking to a non-believer?
- What experiences do you have that can be useful in reaching out to others?
- Is it a good thing or a bad thing that Christians share an experience that is different from the outside world?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 26
b. The Defense by Paul (26:1-23)
1) Introduction (26:1-3)
2) The Jewish Hope of Resurrection (26:4-8)
3) Paul’s Persecution of Christians (26:9-11)
4) Paul’s Conversion (26:12-18)
5) Paul’s Commission to the Gentiles (26:19-20)
6) Paul’s Arrest in Jerusalem (26:21)
7) Concluding Appeal (26:22-23)
c. Interchange between Festus, Paul and Agrippa (26:24-29)
d. Paul’s Innocence and the Irony of his Appeal to Caesar (26:30-32)

Acts 25 Study Guide

2007-03-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for March 1 - March 8, 2007
(Read Acts 25 Online)

Reflections on Acts 25 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There is a famous quotation from Christ which some modern Christians misinterpret.

But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:39

This is often taken to mean that Christians should be completely passive, and simply accept whatever comes in our lives without complaint or action. Such people do not attempt to take charge of events in their lives at all, but instead accept evil when it comes as a natural occurrence in life, and hope that God will bring something better the next time.

But Paul shows us that "turning the other cheek" does not mean surrendering to evil. In Acts 25, the trial of Paul before Festus begins. This time, the judge is eager to do something for Paul's accusers, likely for political reasons. He decides the best way to please his constintuency and get the problem of Paul off of his hands, is to send Paul to Jerusalem. He makes the offer to Paul, who knows that a trip to Jerusalem means death, whether in an ambush or before the Sanhedrin.

But Paul is not passive at all in his reaction. He immediately appeals to Caeser! This is the ultimate appeal in the Roman justice system, the equivilent to an American appealing to the Supreme Court. It is not passive at all, but rather a powerful move. But also note it does not violate Christ's command to "turn the other cheek", because he is still allowing himself to stand under judgement by Gentiles for his crimes. He does not challenge the justice system, but uses it to the best possible effect.

While we are to "turn the other cheek," that does not mean we are to passively accept whatever. Rather, Paul shows us that we are to be active participants in life, always looking to do what will bring about God's ends.

Questions to Consider
- Do you find yourself leaning toward passivity or over-activity when you are opposed?
- Have you ever been tempted to completely give in and surrender to evil?
- Have you ever been tempted to react too much to evil?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 25
b. Arrival of Festus in Jerusalem (25:1-5)
c. Paul before Festus: Appeal to Caesar (25:6-12)
4. Consultation of Festus with Agrippa II (25:13-22)

Acts 24 Study Guide

2007-02-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 22, 2006 - Feburary 28, 2007
(Read Acts 24 Online)

Reflections on Acts 24 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There are times in our lives when it seems like God takes forever to answer our prayers. When I was a child, my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. It was a tumor and we prayed unceasingly for his healing. He had one surgery to remove the tumor, but God held off his answer and the tumor returned a few years later. He had a second surgery to remove a tumor, but God held off His answer to our prayers, and after a number of years another tumor returned. My father went in for surgery one last time, and came out and we learned that God had finally given His answer to our prayer for healing: No. My father died a few months later.

But in our impatience for an answer, we might have failed to see that God's lack of an answer was all part of His plan for our lives. When my father was first diagnosed with cancer, I was in fifth grade. Second time, I was a teenager. When he died, I was in college. While God had held off his final answer for us, in doing so He had given us what we all really wanted - time for my father to live to see his sons grow into young men.

We see this same principle here in Acts 24. Paul is brought before a Roman court and a Roman governor. Governor Felix hears the case against Paul, and his defense, and apparently understands Christianity well enough that he knows Paul is no threat to the Empire. Paul's friends and companions must have been praying daily for Paul's freedom, and his vindication before the court. But God had other plans and held off his answer of these prayers. But in doing so, He gave Paul two more years to live and to be a witness to the court of Felix. And we will see in the next chapter that these same sets of circumstances will allow Paul to be a witness for Christ before more and more important officials, until finally he will be sent to Rome.

Remember, when God appears to not be answering your prayers, the non-answer may be better for you in the long run than the answer you are looking for.

Questions to Consider
- Is God withholding His answer to a prayer in your life?
- How has the waiting for an answer affected you? What has it given you time to do, and to think about?
- When you pray to God, do you ever consider that His answer to your request may be "No"?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 24
2. The Trial before Felix (24:1-26)
a. Accusations of the Jews (24:1-9)
b. Defense of Paul (24:10-21)
c. Adjournment by Felix (24:22-23)
d. Intermittent Interviews by Felix (24:24-26)
3. The Trial before Festus (24:27–25:12)
a. Felix Replaced by Festus (24:27)

Acts 23 Study Guide

2007-02-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 15, 2006 - Feburary 21, 2007
(Read Acts 23 Online)

Reflections on Acts 23 by Matt Chesner, Coach

Great political candidates not only know what they want to do if elected, but know how to control the debate. They can take any question and bring it back to the themes that they want to discuss or sometimes more importantly, to the issues that their opponents don't want to discuss. The gracefully take the conversation from one place to another to give themselves the advantage in their current situation. We often think of this as a negative, but we can see in Chapter 23 that Paul does this after being brought before the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.

Paul deflects criticism for a time by changing the issues that are being debated and turns some who oppose him into his allies. In Acts 23:6-9 Paul turns his accusers against each other by bringing up classic difference between the Sadducees and Pharisees. The Pharisees turn to support Paul based on the fact that he is a Pharisee. This seems like it may save him, but in the end Paul is rescued by the Roman authorities.

Paul sets an example for us that although we should not manipulate others for evil gain, it is OK to use the mind that God gave us in creative ways to get out of unjust situations.

Questions to Consider
- When have you been in a difficult situation where creative thinking did or could have saved you?
- Is Paul's example really a good one or is he setting a bad example?
- What groups in Modern Christianity might have these same type of issues?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 23
5. Paul before the Sanhedrin (22:30–23:10)
a. Confrontation with the High Priest (22:30–23:5)
b. Dispute over the Resurrection (23:6-10)
6. Night Vision of the Lord (23:11)
7. The Plot to Kill Paul (23:12-22)
a. The Plot by the Jews (23:12-15)
b. The Revelation to the Romans (23:16-22)
8. The Protection of the Romans (23:23-30)
a. Protection provided (23:23-24)
b. Cover-Letter Written (23:25-30)
E. Paul in Caesarea (23:31–26:32)
1. A Roman Escort to Caesarea (23:31-35)

Acts 22 Study Guide

2007-02-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 8, 2006 - Feburary 14, 2007
(Read Acts 22 Online)

Reflections on Acts 22 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Often in reading the Bible, it seems like when we call ourselves Christian, we can not be anything else. Jesus says that He must be the most important person in our lives, and that even family can not come before our walk with God. God is a jealous God, wanting everything of us. Does this mean that we can not also be other things? Can we still be part of families? Can we be Americans? Can we ally ourselves with sports teams, with schools, with hobbies? Or does God want our only identity to be Christian?

We gain a glimpse into this issue in Acts 22, where Paul is facing torture after having been shouted down by a crowd of riotous Israelites.

As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?"
Acts 22:25

We see here, as Paul in the midst of suffering for his faith, that he uses his identity as something other than Christian to further his Christian witness. By claiming Roman citizenship, he saves himself from further flogging, and ultimately this appeal will lead him to Rome where he will be able to witness to those of the Emperor's court.

God uses every part of us to serve His Will. While our primary identity shoud be as His child, He will make use of those other identities that we take on and the other groups we join with. We should not be afraid to reach out, and to always be looking for ways that our activities "outside church" can be used to glorify God.

Questions to Consider
- How has something you do outside of church been used to glorify God?
- What is one activity you take part in, where you can use the time to witness to others?
- What is one identity other than "Christian" that God can use?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 22
b. Recounting His Conversion (22:1-11)
c. Recounting His Call (22:12-21)
4. The Disclosure of Paul’s Roman Citizenship (22:22-29)
5. Paul before the Sanhedrin (22:30–23:10)
a. Confrontation with the High Priest (22:30–23:5)

Acts Chapter 21 Study Guide

2007-02-01T06:17:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 1, 2006 - Feburary 7, 2007
(Read Acts 21 Online)

Reflections on Acts 21 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

In chapter 20:22 Paul declares that he is now headed for Jerusalem. Chapter 21 begins with Paul setting sail and heading for Jerusalem. Along the way the ship stops at several ports. In Caesarea Paul stays with Philip the evangelist one of the Seven. This is one of the men chosen to oversee the distribution of food to the widows in Jerusalem in chapter 6. It is also probably the same man who had the encounter with the Ethiopian in chapter 8.

Next we see Agabus the prophet for the second time. We first saw him in chapter 11 when he predicted a famine in Jerusalem. Now he is predicting that Paul will be bound in Jerusalem. Although Paul’s companions try to persuade Paul not to continue on to Jerusalem because of this prophecy but Paul will not be dissuaded.

When Paul finally arrives in Jerusalem he is greeted by James and all the elders. They are pleased to hear all that God has been doing among the Gentiles through Paul’s ministry. They are concerned however that some Jews will falsely accuse Paul of persuading Jews to break the Law of Moses. To avoid this they convinced Paul to join in and pay for the purification rites of 4 men who had made a vow. This was done to disprove any rumors that Paul tried to discourage Jews from following the Law and customs of Moses. Why would he pay for these men’s vows if he was encouraging them not to take them?

It is not wrong for Jewish believers to continue to follow the customs of Moses (v. 24). Paul would later write that he would become all thing to all men so as to win some (1 Cor. 9:22). The Old Testament sacrificial system is no longer necessary for the covering of sins (Leviticus 16). Salvation is through acceptance of Jesus who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Neither Jew of Gentile is bound to the Law of Moses (Romans). Just as it is acceptable for Jews to follow Jewish customs it is also not necessary especially for Gentile believers (v. 25). So that the earlier decision by this same group as to the requirements for Gentile believers not be confused they are again reiterated. Gentile believers are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. We would be better off today as American Christians if we would simply follow the standards set forth by the first century elders here and in Chapter 15. A word to the wise is sufficient.

Questions to Consider
- What does it mean to be "all things to all men"? Is it hypocrisy or just reaching out?
- Why did God set aside the Old Testament system for Gentile believers?
- Why does Paul agree to pay for the vow costs of some Jews?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 21
5. From Miletus to Tyre (21:1-6)
6. From Tyre to Caesarea (21:7-14)
a. Staying with Philip (21:7-9)
b. The Prediction of Agabus (21:10-14)
7. Arrival at Jerusalem (21:15-16)
D. Paul In Jerusalem (21:17–23:30)
1. The Meeting with James and the Elders (21:17-26)
2. The Arrest of Paul in the Temple (21:27-36)
3. The Address of Paul to the Crowd (21:37–22:21)
a. The Request to Speak (21:37-40)

Acts Chapter 20 Study Guide

2007-01-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for January 26, 2006 - January 31, 2007
(Read Acts 20 Online)

Reflections on Acts 20 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Middle School and High School are times of uncertainty. You are emerging from the person you were raised to be, and becoming the person you are deciding to be. You are making choices, for good or for bad, that will shape the person you will be for the rest of your life. Whether the choice is the friends you hang out with, the activities you do after school, or the college you are looking to attend after graduation, every choice seems critically important and every decision seems so unclear.

It may surprise some to see that Paul was going through something similar in Acts chapter 20, as he turns and considers his next trip to Jerusalem.

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:22-24

At this point in Paul's ministry, he has emerged from a clear path of his missionary journeys He has gone from town to town, from province to privince, preaching and teaching. He has faced riots, stoning, prison, and worse. He now knows that he has another journey ahead of him - the Holy Spirit is speaking to him clearly - and now he has to make the choice to go... or to flee instead. He knows that if he goes to Jerusalm, things will only get worse for him. But he also knows it is the course that God would have him take.

So, what does Paul do? First, he reviews where he has been, and what God has done for him.

You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
Acts 20:20-21

Then he looks ahead and knows that the right choice is to follow God's priompting. he warns his friends about the hardships he sees for them, but does not worry about the hardships he himself wil face.

As you come to the big decisions in your life, remember Paul's approach to decision-making. Listen for the Holy Spirit's prompting. Look back to what you have done, and what God has done for you. Understand realistically the challenges ahead. But do not let the challenges stop you from following the course God has laid out in front of you.

Questions to Consider
- What big life decisions are you facing today? What little life decisions may easily become "big" if you let them?
- What is the Holy Spirit leading you toward?
- How can you both recognize the challenges to come, and still go forward without worrying about them?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 20
C. The Journey to Jerusalem (20:1–21:16)
1. Through Macedonia and Greece (20:1-6)
2. In Troas: The Raising of Eutychus (20:7-12)
3. From Troas to Miletus (20:13-17)
4. In Miletus: Farewell Message to the Ephesian Elders (20:18-38)
a. Paul’s Message (20:18-35)
b. The Elders’ Response (20:36-38)

Acts Chapter 19 Study Guide

2007-01-23T06:16:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for January 18, 2006 - January 25, 2007
(Read Acts 19 Online)

Reflections on Acts 19 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Studying is hard work. I hardly need to tell this to quizzers and teens who are still in school. You know that your life from dawn to dusk (and often beyond) is consumed with learning new things, and preparing for that next exam that is around the corner. One of the reasons we quiz - instead of just reading the bible together 0- is that a quiz meet is a deadline which forces us to work hard to learn and be ready by a certain time.

But it is easy to get complacent in our Christian walk, and to think that once we have learned a little bit about God that it is enough. Humans are naturally lazy, and it is inevitable for most of us at some point to think, "I learned about Jesus, I got saved, my ticket to heaven is punched and ready to go. So why do I need to keep studying the Bible? Why do I need to go to Sunday School, study for Bible Quizzing, or listen to the sermon on Sunday?"

Acts 19 gives us three examples of people who thought they knew "enough", but were quickly proved wrong by events.

First, we meet the believers at Ephesus. They are called "disciples" which indicates they knew about Jesus and believed they were following Him correctly. They thought they knew everything they needed to know. But Paul arrives and asks them a very simple question, "Do you know about the Holy Spirit?" But they had no idea what he was talking about. Knowing about Jesus was good - it was a start. But it was not enough, and their lives are transformed by Paul's teaching and the laying on of hands.

Second, we meet the seven sons of Sceva, who are a very different sort. They probably are not believers. But they have heard Paul speak and they have seen the miracles that he has been doing. They note the form by which Paul casts out demons: always invoke the name of Jesus and tell them to come out. They figure that Paul is doing magic the same way that other magicians do, and it is all about knowing the proper incantation. So they go to a demon-posessed man and try their luck. And they get beaten severely, when the demon tells them he knows all about Jesus and Paul but that has nothing to do with them. Again, they have a little knowledge, but not enough for the task at hand.

Third, we meet a group of former sorcerers who have amassed GREAT knowledge. They have a library of books about magic of great value (50,000 drachmas - a drachma is a day's wage for the average worker - about $3,000,000 if we assume an 8 hour day and use he current minimum wage for comparison). But these people, after listening to Paul, have come to understand that they have invested in the wrong knowledge. So, they burn this great library, and turn to learning about the new life instead.

As Christians, we should never assume we have "learned it all" or even "learned enough." We should recognize like the Ephesian believers that we need to be looking for the truths we have not learned, we need to recognize unlike the seven sons of Sceva that we may need to learn more before we try to be a superstar, and like the former sorcerers we need to make sure what we are learning is beneficial in an eternal sense, or else let it go.

Questions to Consider
- What can you do to ensure you are always looking for more knowledge of God and His gospel?
- What is a task you have ahead of you that you need to ensure you truly have the right amount of knowledge and experience about, before you try to do it?
- What is one bit of knowledge or interest that you might need to leave behind in order to follow Christ?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 19
3. In Ephesus (19:1-19)
a. With Twelve Disciples of John (19:1-7)
b. In the Synagogue of the Jews (19:8-9a)
c. In the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus (19:9b-10)
d. In Conflict with the Occult (19:11-19)
H. Conclusion of Book Six (19:20)
VII. Book Seven: The Extension of the Church to Rome (19:21–28:31)
A. The Plan Announced (19:21-22)
B. The Riot in Ephesus (19:22-41)
1. The Accusations by the Silversmiths (19:22-27)
2. The Demonstration in the Theater (19:28-34)
3. The Quieting of the Mob by the Town Clerk (19:35-41)

Acts Chapter 18 Study Guide

2007-01-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for January 11, 2006 - January 17, 2007
(Read Acts 18 Online)

Reflections on Acts 18 by Mark Chesner, Coach

As a teenager, life seems like a very ordered and well-planned operation. You're born, you grow up, you enter grade school, play soccer, learn to play a musical instrument, go to middle school, join youth group, enter high school, take the S.A.T.'s, find a college, graduate, get a job, get married, and so on. Especially those of us here in America tend to think that there is one way of doing a "normal" life, and that we need to plan for every step along the way.

But in Acts 18, we are reminded that while God wants us to be thoughtful and considerate about our plans, His plans for us are not always those we can predict. Paul comes to Corinth and sets up shop with two local tentmakers. He preaches in the synogogue and in the main thoroughfares of town. Based on past experience, we would now expect Paul to be opposed by the local Jewish leaders and driven out of town. But God changes things up this time. Paul finds opposition, but they can not get the local authority to punish him. This time, suddenly, Paul has a chance to put down some roots, and preach for over a year! It would appear that God has decided Paul's place for the rest of his life. But that was not God's plan. Instead, God sends Paul to Syria and Ephesus. And as he leaves Ephesus, Paul says something that sums up his view of God's working in his life.

But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus.
Acts 18:21

Paul realizes that his life is not his own to plan. God takes His people where He will, whether it fits with their plans or not. We need to realize the same thing. Even as we plan for the future, we need to be open when God's plans and our plans are not the same. And we need to be ready to be obedient and realize that His plans are the better ones!

Questions to Consider
- What plans do you have for your life that God may think differently about?
- What is one promise you want to make, that you need to add "if it is God's will" to the end of?
- When have you see God change your plans for you? Are you ready for the next time?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 18
E. Corinth (18:1-18a)
1. With Aquila and Priscilla: Tentmaking and Preaching (18:1-4)
2. With Silas and Timothy: Eighteen Months of Ministry (18:5-11)
3. Before Gallio (18:12-18a)
F. Return to Antioch (18:18b-22)
1. From Cenchrea to Ephesus to Caesarea (18:18b-22a)
2. Arrival in Antioch (18:22b)
G. Ephesus (18:23–19:19) [Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23–21:16)]
1. Return to the Galatian-Phrygian Region (18:23)
2. Apollos in Ephesus: Forerunner to Paul (18:24-28)
a. Apollos’ Arrival in Ephesus (18:24)
b. Apollos’ Instruction by Aquila and Priscilla (18:25-26)
c. Apollos’ Departure for Corinth (18:27-28)

Acts Chapter 17 Study Guide

2007-01-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for January 4, 2006 - January 10, 2007
(Read Acts 17 Online)

Reflections on Acts 17 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There is an interesting idea that you can see floating around the American airwaves. It is that a religious person must be fundamentally illogical - a slave to their emotions, who is somehow weak in needing God as a "crutch". This idea is commonly espoused by atheists and agnostics on the airwaves, as they attempt to tear down religious arguments and assumptions, and for some reason many Christians have accepted this. They tend to assume they need to check their brain at the door of the church on Sunday, and pick it up again for school or work on Monday.

Acts 17 shows us that this idea is simply wrong. As we see Paul going from town to town, and place to place within the towns, he is not acting the part of a hyper-emotional preacher, but rather carefully laying out the facts of Jesus's life and the logic of his identity as the Messiah. Consider these verses:

As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said.
Acts 17:2-3

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Acts 17:11

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him.
Acts 17:17-18

You will note in each of these passages that Paul is not appealing to his audience's emotions and unreasoning fears, but rather to their minds. Furthermore, the author of Acts praises he Bereans especially because they did not take Paul's words at face value, but compared them to the prophecies in scripture! Apparently, Paul's favorite audience is the one who is intellectually engaged and eager to learn.

Christians need to be aware that when the world tells us that religious people are somehow inferiour intellectually, they are ignoring the evidence of history. Christians are a reasoning and reasonable people who are eager to find audiences who want to honestly evaluate the intellectual side of the gospel. Let us not forget that many of our modern heroes - Josh McDowell and C.S. Lewis among others - actually started out as atheists or agnostics who set out to disprove the claims of scripture. But scripture holds up under scrutiny, and general converts those who give it an honest evaluation.

Questions to Consider
- When has someone tried to convince you that Christianity is illogical? How did you answer them?
- Have you ever wondered why some of the greatest philosophers and scientists of the past were also devout believers? Do you think that is a coincidence or an accident of history, or an indication of something else?
- How can you bring your intellect to bear on scripture to prove out what it says?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 17
B. Thessalonica (17:1-9)
1. Through Amphipolis and Apollonia (17:1a)
2. In Thessalonica (17:1b-9)
a. Paul’s Proclamation in the Synagogue (17:1b-3)
b. The Conversion of Some Jews and Greeks (17:4)
c. The Hostility of other Jews (17:5-9)
C. Berea (17:10-14)
D. Athens (17:15-34)
1. Discussion in the Agora (17:15-18)
2. Dispute on the Areopagus (17:19-34)
a. Paul’s Message (17:19-31)
b. The Athenians’ Reaction (17:32-34)

Acts Chapter 16 Study Guide

2007-01-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for December 27, 2006 - January 3, 2007
(Read Acts 16 Online)

Reflections on Acts 16 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There is a verse in Matthew that has always bothered me.

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16

As I read the verse the "innocent like doves" part makes perfect sense to me. It fits in with "turn the other cheek", "do unto others as you would have them do to you", "live at peace with all men", and the other commands that Jesus gave. But "shrewd as snakes"? That seems completely out of place here, doesn't it? The devil is depicted as a snake in Genesis, and we aren't supposed to be like him are we?

In Acts 16, we see this verse played out in the marketplace and jail of Macedonia. Paul and Silas start out preaching in the marketplace. But quickly they are joined by a woman who is posessed by a demon. The demon follows them around screaming out "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." At first glance, this seems like a great thing - a respected fortune teller calling upon the people of the city to listen to the missionaries. An "innocent dove" would be pleased. But you will note that she keeps it up day after day, and the "shrewd snake" in Paul recognizes what she is really doing - she is heckling the disciples and driving away the crowds who would quickly get tired of her same shout over and over and over again. So Paul casts the demon out of the woman, ending the scene.

But this displeases the woman's owners who were using her demon-inspired powers to earn money, so they have Paul and Silas publicly beaten, and thrown into prison. Now, we are back to seeing "innocent like doves" as Paul and Silas pray and sing to God in prison, as though they had not a care in the world. An earthquake comes and opens all the doors, and still they act the part of the "dove" by staying in prison despite an easy escape. This leads the jailer to listen to the gospel and become a Christian. Finally, a message comes from the magistrates: "Let them go", and Paul shifts back into "shrewd as a snake" mode. He notes that they were publicly beaten which will lead all the people to assume they are guilty. If they are released secretly because they are innocent, that won't change public opinion about them! So they force the local leaders to escort them out of prison, showing everyone they were innocent of any crime. Thus, no one is left to wonder if a servant of Christ was also a crook.

In serving Jesus, we are called upon to be innocents, viewing the world like a child. But we also need to use our minds critically, and seek to be shrewd in dealing with the world. Doing both gives us the balance that God is looking for as we seek to serve him.

Questions to Consider
- When have you seen a time when a Christian needed to be "shrewd as a snake"?
- When would it be important to set shrewdness aside, and just be "innocent like a dove"?
- What is a situation in your life that could use both innocence and shrewdness right now?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 16
2. In South Galatia (Derbe, Lystra): Timothy Joins Paul and Silas (16:1-4)
E. Conclusion of Book Five (16:5)
VI. Book Six: The Extension of the Church to the Aegean Area (16:6–19:20)
A. Philippi (16:6-40)
1. Throughout the Phrygian-Galatian Region (16:6)
2. To Troas in Mysia (16:7-8a)
3. Paul’s Vision: Come to Macedonia (16:8b-10)
4. Troas to Samothrace to Neapolis to Philippi (16:11)
5. In Philippi (16:12-40)
a. The Conversion of Lydia (16:12-15)
b. The Exorcism of a Slave Girl (16:16-18)
c. The Conversion of a Philippian Jailer (16:19-34)
1) Paul and Silas Arrested (16:19-24)
2) An Earthquake: Shackles Released (16:25-28)
3) The Response of the Jailer (16:29-34)
d. The Release of Paul and Silas (16:35-40)

Acts Chapter 15 Study Guide

2006-12-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for December 14 - December 20, 2006
(Read Acts 15 Online)

Reflections on Acts 15 byMark Chesner, Coach

You know, there are some days when looking in the Yellow Pages under "churches" can make you dizzy. There are Catholic churches, Protestant churches, there are Evangelical churches, Baptist churches, Methodist churches, Wesleyan churches, Lutheran churches, Eastern Orthodox churches, Russian Orthodox churches, and the list goes on and on and on. It is easy to wonder, "How can so many Christians disagree on so many things, if there is one God and one Christ?" After all, we see the church agreeing on everything in Acts, right?

In Acts 15, we see that Christians do not always agree, and sometimes the disagreements are passionate. Now that the church has finally gotten used to the idea of Gentiles joining the church, the debate changes gears to a new question. "If Gentiles are welcome in the Church, how 'Jewish' do they have to act in order to stay in the Church?" And the Pharisee Christians believe the answer is obvious: Christian means acting like Jesus did in all things, and Jesus followed the Law of Moses and was circumcized. Therefore, Gentile Christians must do the same things!

(Please note that calling these people "of the party of the Pharisees" was not an insult. They were people who honestly had been Pharisees beforehand, and had become Christians upon hearing the words of Christ or of the apostles. These days we tend to think of 'Pharisee' as an insult, meaning 'hypocrite', but at the time it referred to a political party and way of thinking. More like saying in our day "of the part of the Democrats" or "of the party of the Republicans.")

But rather than get into an all-out shouting match, as some Christians in our time might do, the Christians of that time did the right thing. They got together and talked it out. They listened carefully to the recognized spiritual leaders: Peter, Paul, Barnabus, and James. And they came to a consensus and a compromise.

And then they did one more important thing. They not only came to a decision amongst themselves, but they sent back the full decision to Antioch - where the debate had first begun. They let no one doubt the decision, and made sure that it was clear that it was the decision not just of Peter, not just of Paul, but of the whole assembly.

When you see debates and divisions within the church, keep in mind this model from Acts 15. Don't grumble or just walk away from a disagreement. Start a discussion, look for spiritual elders, and try to bring about a consensus.

Questions to Consider
- When have you seen a division in the church that seemed insoluable?
- When have you walked away from a spiritual debate, rather than try to come to common ground with another Christian?
- Do you think there would ever be a time that the consensus would be wrong? Why?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 15
C. The Council at Jerusalem Concerning the Gentile Mission (15:1-35)
1. The Occasion: Judaizers in Antioch (15:1-5)
2. The Meeting of the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem (15:6-21)
a. The Setting (15:6-7a)
b. Peter’s Message (15:7b-11)
c. Barnabas’ and Paul’s Testimony (15:12)
d. James’ Concluding Thoughts (15:13-21)
3. The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers (15:22-35)
a. The Selection of Barnabas and Paul as Letter-Bearers (15:22)
b. The Contents of the Letter (15:23-29)
c. The Response in Antioch (15:30-35)
D. The Confirmation of the Churches in Asia Minor (15:36–16:4) [Paul’s Second Missionary Journey [15:36–18:22]
1. The Dispute between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark (15:36-41)
a. The Desire to Return (15:36)
b. The Discussion over John Mark (15:37-39a)
c. Barnabas and Mark Depart for Cyprus (15:39b)
d. Paul and Silas Depart for Tarsus (15:40-41)

Acts Chapter 14 Study Guide

2006-12-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for December 7 - December 14, 2006
(Read Acts 14 Online)

Reflections on Acts 14 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Currently, we are experiencing something in the church many are calling a "Praise Movement" where Christians try to "rediscover" praise as a center of the Christian experience. Christian rock bands are sometimes moving away from their own original music toward "praise albums" where they sing traditional or modern spiritual songs with the intention of leading others in praising God. Sometimes it can even be hard to find a CD on the shelf for a Christian band that has original music on it, because everyone is doing yet another version of "Awesome God" or "Shout To the North". The current Christian culture is steeped in "praise", it seems. But what is the proper way to regard "praise"?

Scripture often uses contrasts to remind us that we all reach the same decisions, but that there is a right way to go and a wrong way to go. In Acts 12 and Acts 14 we see the same situation coming about to two different people. First, in Acts 12:21-25 we see Herod give such a magnificent speech that the people start calling him "a god". In Acts 14:11-18, we see Paul and Barnabus perform a miracle and the people start calling them "gods". The situation is almost identical, but their responses are very different.

Herod, hearing the praise, leans back and soaks it in. He knows that he is no god, but probably figures it can't hurt and might even help his mission to Tyre and Sidon for the people to feel a little awe. After all, it makes them more likely to accept his decisions later on when they start talking about the food supply. But God doesn't see it that way. He sees plenty of harm in people glorifying another person as a God, and immediately punishes Herod with death.

Paul and Barnabus on the other hand, react very differently. They hear people calling them Zeus and Hermes, and immediately rip their clothes (a traditional sign of Jewish mourning) and run around trying to convince anyone who would listen that they were not gods, but that there was only one God and only He deserved praise and worship. They do manage to convince the people, but not without making them mad enough to try and stone Paul. But God spares him and he survives.

What is the lesson here? Proper praise is not about us. It is not about making us feel good or special or even making our eay in life easier. Proper praise is for God, about God, and focussed on God. Anytime we see someone trying to glorify us, we should be turning them toward God. And any time we feel tempted to use praise to bring attention to ourselves, we should remind ourselves that we're not gods, no matter how beautiful we are, no matter how wonderfully we speak or sing, and no matter how talented or intelligent we may be..

Praise is a wonderful thing, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it.

Questions to Consider
- When have you accepted praise that should rightfully have gone to God?
- Have you ever been tempted to use praise music to bring attention to yourself, instead of God?
- When have you let others think something special about you - talent, intelligence, looks, etc. - was due to your own specialness, rather than God's gift to you?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 14
3. South Galatia: Iconium, Lystra, Derbe (13:51–14:21a)
a. In Iconium: Jewish and Gentile Response (13:51–14:5)
b. In Lystra and Derbe (14:6-21a)
1) From Iconium to Lystra and Derbe (14:6-7)
2) A Healing in Lystra (14:6-18)
a) The Healing of a Man Crippled from Birth (14:8-10)
b) The Response of the Crowd (14:11-14)
c) The Message of Paul and Barnabas (14:15-18)
d) The Stoning of Paul (14:19)
3) Escape to Derbe (14:20-21a)
4. Return to Antioch (14:21b-28)

Acts Chapter 13 Study Guide is ONLINE

2006-12-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for November 30 - December 6, 2006
(Read Acts 13 Online)

Reflections on Acts 13 by Matt Chesner, Coach

Ever get so excited about telling someone something that you begin your story in the middle? Have you ever been out with friends or family and been thinking about something while a different conversation is going on and started your conversation in the middle of your thoughts instead of the beginning? Some of us have gotten a Quiz Team nickname from this. (”cough...Wang...cough.” Excuse the writer, he must have a cold.) We have all done this at one time or another. What we fail to do is give context to our story or thoughts. Instead, we assume everyone knows where our train of thought has come from and where it is going.

In chapter 13 Paul is sure to bring his audience along from the beginning to the end of his argument that Jesus is the fulfillment of scripture. He gives a quick review of Jewish history and then quotes Old Testament verses that Jesus fulfilled. His audience is sure to understand his line of thought. Even if the non-gentiles there were not thrilled with the message.

Do we as Christians forget to give context when we are sharing about God with our friends? Or do we sometimes start our arguments for moral causes assuming that the person we are talking to understands our background and where we are coming from. We must remember that even when we think we are talking to those of like mind, it is a good idea to give our comments some context. Our words and message will be better understood and perhaps we will bring more people to Christ.

Questions to Consider
- When was the last time you were so excited about something that you started your story in the middle?
- Have you ever tried sharing your faith with someone, but forgot to give context to your testimony?
- How can we follow Paul's example when sharing our faith with those who don't have much Bible knowledge?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 13
A. The Commission of Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (12:25–13:3) [Paul’s First Missionary Journey (13:4–14:28)]
B. The Mission of Barnabas and Paul In Asia Minor (13:4–14:28)
1. Cyprus (13:4-12)70
a. From Antioch to Seleucia to Cyprus (13:4)
b. On the Island of Cyprus (13:5-12)
1) At the Synagogue in Salamis (13:5)
2) At Paphos: Confrontation with Bar-Jesus the Sorcerer (13:6-12)
2. Pisidian Antioch (13:13-52)
a. From Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia: John Mark’s Departure (13:13)
b. From Perga to Pisidian Antioch (13:14a)
c. In Pisidian Antioch (13:14b-52)
1) Paul’s Message on the Sabbath (13:14b-41)
a) Setting (13:14b-15)
b) Introduction (13:16)
c) Body (13:17-37)
1] Preparation for Christ in the OT (13:17-22)
2] Proclamation of Christ to the Hearers (13:23-37)
d) Application (13:38-41)
2) Initial Jewish Response to Paul’s Message (13:42-43)
3) Later Gentile Response and Jewish Opposition to Paul’s Gospel (13:44-50)
3. South Galatia: Iconium, Lystra, Derbe (13:51–14:21a)
a. In Iconium: Jewish and Gentile Response (13:51–14:5)

Acts Chapter 12 Study Guide

2006-11-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for November 23 - November 29, 2006
(Read Acts 12 Online)

Reflections on Acts 12 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

The story of Peter’s second release from prison is filled with humor and irony. Peter is well guarded by soldiers and securely locked up. When an angel comes to loose him he appears to be in a deep sleep. He is so overcome by sleep that the angel has to give him step by step instructions on how to escape. It isn’t until later when he is free that he realizes that he is no longer in prison and he is not merely dreaming. He can hardly believe himself that he is free. All the while he is making his way to John Mark’s mother’s house to let the church know the news of his escape. There they have been praying for his release. They are so wrapped up in prayer that they don’t seem to want to believe that Peter is in fact free. A young woman named Rhoda sees him and in her excitement actually leaves him standing outside the gate. The others when hearing Rhoda’s story don’t even believe it is true. Ironically Peter keeps knocking and when they finally let him in they are all “astonished”. Two things struck me while thinking about this story. It is comforting to me that even at the beginning believers had doubts and did not always pray expecting God to answer their prayers, certainly not as fast as he did in this particular case. Secondly it made me think of the phrase “they are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good”. The Church was so into prayer for Peter that they actually missed the real Peter. They were so wrapped up in praying for something that had already been answered that they almost missed letting him in and the joy that came with answered prayer. Some people find it is easier to pray than act. This week lets pray and not only pray but expect an answer and act upon it. Let’s not miss the opportunity for action because of the opportunity to pray.

Questions to Consider
- When have you prayed about something instead of stepping up and acting to help out yourself?
- Do you pray expecting God to answer?
- How can we ensure a balance between being "heavenly minded" and still useful on Earth?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 12
D. Herod’s Persecution of the Church at Jerusalem (12:1-23)
1. The Martyrdom of James by Herod (12:1-2)
2. The Arrest of Peter by Herod (12:3-19)
a. The Arrest and Imprisonment (12:3-5)
b. The Angel and Escape (12:6-11)
c. The Response of the Church (12:12-16)
d. The Withdrawal of Peter (12:17)
e. The Reaction of Herod (12:18-19)
3. The Death of Herod (12:20-23)
E. Conclusion of Book Four (12:24)
V. Book Five: The Extension of the Church to Asia Minor (12:25–16:5)
A. The Commission of Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (12:25–13:3)

Acts Chapter 11 Study Guide

2006-11-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for November 9 - November 15, 2006
(Read Acts 11 Online)

Reflections on Acts 11 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Most of us in the church today are what Jews in Jesus time would have called "Gentiles." We are not Jewish and we do not follow the old Jewish law. We do not do sacrifices, we do not keep kosher in our eating, we do not wear a yarmulke while worshiping, and we do not celebrate Passover.

At the same time, we call ourselves Christians which means "followers of Christ" (a term which was invented in this chapter at Antioch). And Jesus Christ was absolutely Jewish in his life! He kept the Sabbath, He followed kosher eating laws, He worshiped God in the Temple which involved sacrifices, and He celebrated Passover (that was what He was doing at the Last Supper!).

Hasn't this stuck you as odd? How can be trying to be "like Christ" when we are avoiding so many rituals and laws that He observed every day of His life?!

The answer was given in Acts 10, and is seconded in Acts 11. Acts 11 opens with the circumcised believers (which means both those born Jewish and those who converted to Judaism in order to follow Christ) calling Peter onto the carpet for having preached to Cornelius and the other gentiles in his house, and having brought salvation to them. They criticize Peter's actions, and force him to recount everything that happened before they are willing to believe that this could be how God is working in the present time.

Does this seem weird to you? Are you asking yourself, "Why should the Jewish believers care how God works with Gentiles?" Think about how hard it is to try and keep the Law! We find it hard enough to get up every Sunday morning for church, but in the Jewish world the Sabbath was only one day of a fully ritualized week! They had to watch what they ate, watch what they said, watch how they prayed, watch how they dressed, keep doing sacrifices (which meant buying an animal if you did not happen to own one), etc. That costs time, money, effort, and leaves no time off! And now, God is offering the same salvation to a people who don't have to bother with any of that. No different from the last time you had to spent hours studying for a big test in order to get a B or a C, and found out the kid who got the A didn’t study at all. It seems unfair.

But God does not leave off "proving" to everyone that His New Deal is in effect! After Cornelius, God works the same way with the disciples who fled from the persecution that sprang up around the killing of Stephen. We will see that even after this, not all "circumcised believers" are as willing to accept the change of affairs as those in Acts 11. But for now, God is teaching the same lesson over and over again: "I accept both Jews and Gentiles into the Kingdom of God."

Questions to Consider
- When has life seemed unfair, when God gave someone something for free that you had to work very hard to achieve?
- Why is God changing the deal for salvation, after Jesus? Or is it really the same "deal"?
- Why did the first Christians assume that Christianity was for Jews only?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 11
1. The Accusation of the Jewish Believers (11:1-3)
2. The Explanation of Peter (11:4-17)
a. Recounting of Peter’s Vision in Joppa (11:4-10)
b. Recounting of Peter’s Visit to Cornelius in Caesarea (11:11-16)
c. Recognition of the Legitimacy of the Gentile Mission by Peter (11:17)
d. Response of the Jewish Believers (11:18)
C. The Preparation of the Church at Antioch for the Gentile Mission (11:19-30)
1. The Birth of the Church in Antioch (11:19-21)
2. The Response of Jerusalem to Antioch: The Sending of Barnabas (11:22-24)
3. Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (11:25-26)
4. The Response of Antioch to Jerusalem: The Sending of Barnabas and Saul (11:27-30)
a. The prophecy of Agabus: Worldwide Famine (11:27-28)
b. The Poverty of the Judean Churches: A Collection Taken (11:29-30)

Acts Chapter 10 Study Guide

2006-11-03T04:51:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for November 2 - November 8, 2006
(Read Acts 10 Online)

Reflections on Acts 10 by Michelina Buchino, Coach

In Acts 10 God again teaches us that His blessings are poured out in our obedience. More than just a lesson, the obedience here helped fulfill an old promise and crossed a threshold into a new dimension for the church. Until this time repentance unto life through Jesus as the Messiah was considered fulfilled prophecy to the Jews only.

Cornelius was not a Jew but he was God-fearing and faithful to practice what he knew about. This included helping the needy and a consistent prayer life. When Cornelius has his vision he obeys exactly as the angel says sending other men and not going himself. In his daily life he has sought God and God keeps his promise of Jeremiah 29:13 and will let Cornelius “find” Him. Such is his faith and confidence that God will bring Peter with an important message that he gathers his family and friends in time to be there when Peter arrives so they won’t miss anything.

Peter arriving in Joppa also receives a vision. But the vision and direction to eat of traditionally unclear animals is hard for Peter to accept and obey. Once again it takes Peter three times to catch the lesson. We see his behavior change as he invites the arriving men from Cornelius to be his guests. This type of association with Gentiles was against Jewish law. Peter accepts the timing of these two visions as God’s design. Perhaps he even remembers, as we have recorded in John 21, that Jesus asked him three times to feed His sheep. In any case Peter clearly states the truth that God does not show favoritism but accepts all men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Later in the presence of Cornelius and his guests Peter tells them that this forgiveness of sins comes to everyone who believes in Jesus.

While Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit comes on all who are listening. This time the Holy Spirit was given before they were baptized. This event confirmed that Peter’s understanding of the vision was correct and God’s will. The promise to bless all the families of the earth through Abraham’s line was fulfilled. (See Gen. 12:3 and Matt 1:1-16) The church of Jesus Christ and repentance unto eternal life included the Gentiles.

Questions to Consider
- What is Cornelius’ relationship like with God? With others?
- Why does Peter struggle with the vision’s meaning?
- How does Cornelius show his faith beyond sending the men to Joppa?
- Track the faith of each and the effects of each: Cornelius, 3 men, Peter
- What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming on them before being baptized with water? Does this still have meaning for us today?
- Was it important that some other believers came with Peter to Cornelius’s home and not just Peter?
- Have you ever been judged by someone that didn’t really know you or your circumstances? How did it feel?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 10

2. Peter in Caesarea: With Cornelius (10:1-48)

a. Cornelius’ Vision: Send for Peter (10:1-7)

b. Peter’s Vision: Receive the Gentiles (10:8-23a)

c. Peter at Cornelius’ House (10:23b-48)
1) Setting (10:23b-27)
2) Recounting of Peter’s Vision (10:28-29a)
3) Recounting of Cornelius’ Vision (10:29b-33)
4) Peter’s Message (10:34-43)
5) The Gentiles’ Response (10:44-48)
a) Gift of the Spirit (10:44-46)
b) Water Baptism (10:47-48a)
c) Fellowship (10:48b)

Acts Chapter 9 Study Guide

2006-10-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for October 26 - November 1, 2006
(Read Acts 9 Online)

Reflections on Acts 9 by Mark Chesner, Coach

"Fate" is a word you hear a lot about in English classes when you’re studying Greek myths, but you don’t hear much about it in Sunday School. Dictionary.Com defines fate as...

fate -noun
1. something that unavoidably befalls a person; fortune; lot
2. the universal principle or ultimate agency by which the order of things is presumably prescribed; the decreed cause of events; time
3. that which is inevitably predetermined; destiny
4. a prophetic declaration of what must be
5. death, destruction, or ruin.
6. the Fates, Classical Mythology. the three goddesses of destiny, known to the Greeks as the Moerae and to the Romans as the Parcae.

That doesn’t sound much like the way we view our lives. We tend to think of ourselves as "free" – after all we’re Americans and America is all about freedom, right? We look at each day as a series of choices, a new chance every minute to "Deal or No Deal" our way to success or failure. And to an extent, it is true.

But in Acts 9, we are reminded that our freedom in Christ is not absolute. God is God, Lord, and King, and when He decides something, we do not have the choice to go against Him. Christians do have a "fate" to which God is moving us, and we can’t do a thing about it. (Luckily, He is a good God, so we can trust his decisions!) Consider how many people are forced to comply with God’s decision, against their own better judgement:

Saul is struck down with blindness to force him to see that Jesus is the Christ, despite his "choice" to persecute and kill Christians as heretics,
Ananias is forced to go to Saul and heal him from blindness, despite his "choice" to stay away out of fear of the man who has harmed so many of the faithful, and
The apostles are forced to accept Paul into their midst as one of the disciples, despite their choice to avoid him out of fear.

And note that it is not just those who are "not right with God" who sometimes have to be dragged along. It is not just Saul who has to be pushed, but also Ananias (a faithful disciples) and even the apostles themselves (presumably including Peter and John who showed amazingly open minds in the last chapter towards the Samaritans). We all have to give in to God’s decisions, whether we agree with them or not.

The Christian life is always a split between freedom and the recognition of God’s absolute power. "Fate" is something real in our lives, and we need to be ready for it when it comes.

Questions to Consider
- When have you tried to be "free" when God wanted you to follow the "fate" He had set for you?
- Right now in your life, is God teaching you more about freedom or about obedience?
- If God’s decisions are irresistible, how can someone who is "lost" come to Christ by their own "free will"?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 9

C. Saul’s Conversion (9:1-30)
1. Setting: On the Road to Damascus (9:1-2)
2. The Conversion of Saul on the Road (9:1-9)
3. The Coming of Ananias in Damascus (9:10-19)
4. The Confrontations with the Jews in Damascus (9:20-25)
5. The Coming of Saul to Jerusalem (9:26-30)
D. Conclusion of Book Three (9:31)
IV. Book Four: The Extension of the Church to Antioch (9:32–12:24)
A. The Preparation of Peter for the Gentile Mission (9:32–10:48)
1. Peter in Western Judea: With Aeneas and Dorcas (9:32-43)
a. In Lydda: The Healing of Aeneas (9:32-35)
b. In Joppa: The Raising of Dorcas (9:36-43)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 9

Finish the Verse: But the // Lord said to
Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." [Acts 9:15-16]

Finish the Verse: Yet // Saul grew more and
more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. [Acts 9:22]

Finish the Verse: But Barnabas // took him and
brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. [Acts 9:27]

Finish the Verse: Then the // church throughout Judea,
Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. [Acts 9:31]

Reference Questions for Acts 9

Q: According to Acts 9:04, who fell to the ground?
A: He - Saul

Q: According to Acts 9:18, who was baptized?
A: He - Saul

Q: According to Acts 9:20, Jesus is what?
A: The Son of God

Acts Chapter 8 Study Guide

2006-10-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for October 19 - October 25, 2006
(Read Acts 8 Online)

Reflections on Acts 8 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There is a parable in the book of Matthew that always bothers me. It is the parable of the sower. As Jesus tells it in Matthew 13:3-8, it goes…

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

The disciples were confused by the parable and asked Jesus about it, and he explained it in Matthew 13:19-23…

"When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

What has always bothered me about this is how many ways Jesus seems to indicate the gospel can be received by someone, understood, and accepted, but fail to really bring about any change in your life. How would that look in real life? Am I like that?

Well, in Acts 8, we get to see two examples of people who receive the gospel, understand it, and accept it. And we see how in real life this can have very different outcomes: one which leads to joy and faith, and one that leads to a return to an evil life.

First, we meet Simon the Sorcerer (sometimes called Simon Magus from the latin for “Magician”). He is a popular illusionist who has built up a great following by leading people to believe he is not only a performer, but actually some kind of god. They call him “the Great Power”. But, he hears Philip preaching and he “believed and was baptized” (Acts 8:13). Later, Peter and John come to the same place and they learn that the Holy Spirit has not yet been given to these believers, and they begin to lay hands up on them (note: another sign of God having given the apostles special authority). Simon sees this amazing thing and immediately realizes if he could earn so much money with illusion, he could earn a whole lot more with a REAL power like this. He tries to buy the power from the Apostles. Peter is furious and rejects the offer out of hand, and warns Simon that this little thing is an indication that he is not right with God, even if he has been baptized. The gospel story ends here so we don’t know for sure what came next, but church tradition indicates that Simon did not repent and become a humble man. Instead, he turned back to magic and tried to claim he had special powers from God. Tradition indicates that he lead many away from God, and became very rich selling his services. In fact, there is a word “simony” used for thousands of years by the church in reference to Simon the Sorcerer, which means “the making of profit out of sacred things.” It is considered a crime.

Here is our seed that seed choked and killed by the deceitfulness of wealth.

Second, we meet the Ethiopian eunuch – an important government official who was apparently interested in religious things because Philip comes across him reading the book of Isaiah during his free time. God sends Philip up to talk to this man, and he immediately asks Philip to explain to him what Isaiah is talking about. Philip launches into an explanation that shows that Jesus is in fact the Messiah that the prophets talk about, which leads the eunuch to action. He not only receives the gospel, and understands it, but he takes immediate action. He orders his chariot stopped, and uses a nearby bit of water to be baptized – accepting Christ and announcing his change to the world. Note that unlike Simon, he is not looking to make himself look good in front of others. It is very possible the “water by the side of the road” was a muddy puddle, that would leave him damp and messy for whatever important meeting he was going to next. He humbles himself and comes up out of the water rejoicing.

Here is the seed that fell on good soil.

It is rare that we get so clear a real-world view into one of Jesus parables. It is worth studying and carefully considering in our lives today.

Questions to Consider
- Have you received the gospel, believed, and accepted it? Has it made a change in your life?
- When in your life have you let money come ahead of your faith? Have you ever been guilty of “simony”?
- Do you think your life is more like Simon’s or more like the eunuch’s?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 8

B. Philip’s Ministry (8:1b-40)
1. Setting: the Persecution by Saul (8:1b-3)
2. Philip in Samaria (8:4-25)
a. The Activities of Philip (8:4-8)
b. The Response of Simon (8:9-13)
c. The Coming of Peter and John (8:14-25)
1) The Reception of the Spirit by the Crowd (8:14-17)
2) The Wickedness of Simon the Sorcerer Revealed (8:18-24)
3) The Return of the Apostles to Jerusalem (8:25)
3. Philip and the Ethiopian on the Road to Gaza (8:26-39)
4. Philip on the Coast of Palestine (8:40)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 8

Finish the Verse: And // Saul was there, giving
approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. [Acts 8:1]

Finish the Verse: But Saul // began to destroy
the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. [Acts 8:3-4]

Finish the Verse: Peter answered: // "May your money
perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. [Acts 8:20-21]

Reference Questions for Acts 8

Q: According to Acts 8:01, that day what?
A: A great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria

Q: According to Acts 8:07, who were healed?
A: Many PARALYTICS and CRIPPLES

Q: According to Acts 8:09, who had practiced sorcery?
A: A man named Simon

Q: According to Acts 8:12, who preached the good news?
A: He - Philip

Q: According to Acts 8:17, who received the Holy Spirit?
A: They - those Peter and John placed their hands on -- the people of Samaria who had accepted the word of God

Q: According to Acts 8:22, repent and what?
A: Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord

Q: According to Acts 8:30, Philip what?
A: Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

Q: According to Acts 8:35, Philip what?
A: Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus

Q: According to Acts 8:38, Philip what?
A: Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Q: According to Acts 8:40, Philip what?
A: Philip appeared at AZOTUS and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea

Acts Chapter 7 Study Guide

2006-10-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for October 12 - October 118, 2006
(Read Acts 7 Online)

Reflections on Acts 7 by Mark Chesner, Coach

If there was ever a man with a gift for giving a complicated answer to a simple question, it must be Stephen. The High Priest asks, "Are these charges true?" - a simple yes or no question - and instead we recieve a short course on Israel's history as a people and a nation. Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Aaron... What is going on here? Is Stephen just stalling for time?

No, notice how he pairs off each stage of Hebew history:

Abraham contasted with logical doubts about God's promises.
Joseph contasted with the Patriarchs (i.e. the fathers of the tribes of Israel)
Moses versus the Israelites he tried to save
Moses versus Aaron in the wilderness

Each time, we are left with two conclusions: (1) God was following a plan through what was apparently good and apparently bad, and (2) the great leaders trusted God and followed his plan even when it did not appear to make sense at the time.

And in case anyone missed the implication, he ends off with a pretty direct shot, "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

This leads to the obvious conclusion, as the leaders become furious and drag Stephen off to be killed. Stephen, following and trusting in God's plan, is cursed and murdered by the leaders of his day. And he dies not knowing how God's plan is going to be worked out after he is gone.

But the writer of Acts knows. Notice the little phrase there in the middle of the last section, "Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." This Saul is going to become Paul in the chapters to come. By following God's plan for his life, Stephen has ensured that Saul is drawn closer to the message of Christ, so that he will be ready when God decides to speak to him. And the world will never be the same.

Questions to Consider
- Have you ever had to follow God's plan, even when it did not make a lot of sense at the time?
- When have you seen God's plan unfolding in your life, working against your expectations?
- Have you ever been like the Jewish leaders here, opposing God's plan simply because it did not fit your preconceptions?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 7

2. His Defense (7:1-53)
a. The High Priest’s Question (7:1)
b. Stephen’s Response (7:2-53)
1) The Patriarchal Age (7:2-8)
2) The Nation in Egypt (7:9-19)
3) The Rejection of Moses by the Nation (7:20-39)
a) Moses’ Early Years (7:20-29)
b) Moses’ Call by God (7:30-34)
c) The Nation’s Rejection in the Wilderness (7:35-39)
4) The Rejection of the Nation by God (7:40-43)
5) The Tabernacle and the Temple (7:44-50)
6) The Rejection of Christ by the Nation (7:51-53)
3. His Death (7:54–8:1a)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 7

Finish the Verse: Then he // gave Abraham the
covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. [Acts 7:8]

Finish the Verse: However, the // Most High does
not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: "'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?' [Acts 7:48-50]

Finish the Verse: While they were stoning // him,
Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. [Acts 7:59-60]

Reference Questions for Acts 7

Q: According to Acts 7:02, who was our father?
A: Abraham

Q: According to Acts 7:09, God was with whom?
A: Him - Joseph

Q: According to Acts 7:20, Moses what?
A: Was born, was no ordinary child, for three months was CARED for in his father's house

Q: According to Acts 7:22, Moses what?
A: Was EDUCATED in all the wisdom of the EGYPTIANS, was powerful in speech and action

Q: According to Acts 7:25, Moses what?
A: Thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them

Q: According to Acts 7:26, Moses what?
A: Came upon two Israelites who were fighting, tried to RECONCILE them

Q: According to Acts 7:36, for forty years in the desert he did what?
A: Wonders and miraculous signs

Q: According to Acts 7:37, Moses what?
A: Told the Israelites, "God will send you a prophet like me from your own people."

Q: According to Acts 7:42, what is written?
A: It is written in the book of the prophets: "Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the desert, O house of Israel?"

Q: According to Acts 7:46, David what?
A: Enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a DWELLING place for the God of Jacob

Q: According to Acts 7:55, who was full of the Holy Spirit?
A: Stephen

Q: According to Acts 7:55, who was standing at the right hand of God?
A: Jesus

Q: According to Acts 7:56, I see what?
A: Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God

Q: According to Acts 7:56, who was standing at the right hand of God?
A: The Son of Man

Acts Chapter 6 Study Guide

2006-10-06T05:56:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for October 5 - October 11, 2006
(Read Acts 6 Online)

Reflections on Acts 6 by Dagney Pitts, Missionary

The outline that I see in Acts 6 has two parts:

A church administration issue: some people thought that they were being treated unfairly b/c they weren’t getting as many handouts as others were getting. V1-7
Stephen, a very articulate and wise evangelist was falsely accused and hauled off to court.v8-15

In Acts 6:1-7, how very amusing it is to see that even in the first days of the Christian church, the leaders (actually the apostles) were receiving complaints from people. To be fair, the scripture says that the one group of ladies actually were being overlooked. But most likely it wasn’t intentional. But like any mistake, peoples feelings (and needs) got hurt. So the leadership had to do something about it. Notice just a few things:

Verse 2: They gathered together all the disciples together to talk it over. Now, “all the disciples” meant the whole congregation of believers.
Verse 7: “So the word of God spread”…after their social issues were resolved and people problems taken care of, they were more free to spread the Gospel. We have to take care of each other first, then we can share Jesus together.

In Acts 6:8-15, We read that Stephen was “full of God’s grace and power” and “did great wonders and miraculous signs”. This is no ordinary, average believer. But notice that although he was doing amazing things, he had opposition. Verse 10 says that when anyone argued with Stephen they just never won. But that didn’t stop his enemies. Since they couldn’t stop him honestly, they had to get rid of him by any means necessary. They conjured up all kinds of lies and took him to court. Notice a few more things on this part:

No matter how full of God’s spirit we are, we will be opposed. We have enemies, because Jesus has enemies. Just because someone disagrees with you or finds fault with you, doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong.
The Sanhedrin (the executive, judicial and legislative big shots) noticed that when Stephen was faced with these lies he looked even more godly, ie. His face was like an angel. Stephen didn’t get discouraged by the false accusations, but just kept telling them the truth. It made them “furious”.

This chapter is about opposition and how the church handled it correctly, but other authorities handled it the wrong way.

Questions to Consider
- Do you have any issues with other Christian friends that you need to work out? First talk to God about it and FORGIVE ; and then talk to them and work it out! You may not be able to evangelize without doing that! How have you been sharing the gospel in your community?
- Is it possible to have God’s power in your own life like Stephen had? Check out Eph.1:18-19 for help on that.
- Do you know what you really believe, so that when someone puts down your faith, you can stand up under it without being discouraged? Do you know your Lord well enough to withstand accusation?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 6

D. Community: Distribution and Administration (6:1-6)
E. Conclusion of Book Two (6:7)
III. Book Three: The Extension of the Church to Judea and Samaria (6:8–9:31)
A. Stephen’s Martyrdom (6:8–8:1a)
1. His Arrest (6:8-15)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 6

Finish the Verse: So the // word of God spread.
The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. [Acts 6:7]

Reference Questions for Acts 6

Q: According to Acts 6:01, in those days what?
A: When the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food

Q: According to Acts 6:05, Stephen was what?
A: A man full of faith and the Holy Spirit

Q: According to Acts 6:05, they chose whom?
A: Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, PROCORUS,NICANOR, TIMON, PARMENAS, NICOLAS from Antioch (a CONVERT to Judaism)

Q: According to Acts 6:08, Stephen was what?
A: A man full of God's grace and power

Q: According to Acts 6:09, what arose?
A: Opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedman (as it was called) -- Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia
Q: According to Acts 6:12, they seized whom?
A: Stephen

Q: According to Acts 6:15, they saw what?
A: That his face was like the face of an angel (his/Stephen)

Acts Chapter 5 Study Guide

2006-09-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for September 28 - October 4, 2006
(Read Acts 5 Online)

Reflections on Acts 5 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

The story of Acts chapter 5 is a profound one in the history of the early church. It is also the background for one of my favorite CCM songs from the Resurrection Band, but I digress. In order to properly understand the events in chapter 5 we must have the proper context. In chapter 2:45 we see that after Pentecost some believers sold possessions and goods and then gave to those in need. This practice evidentially continued because at the end of chapter 4 we see similar actions. One man named Barnabas went so far as to sell a field and brought the money to the Apostles so they could give the proceeds to other believers in need.

Acts of charity were imperative in the early church. The Jewish nation had rejected Jesus the Messiah and therefore would not look favorably upon Jewish people who became followers of Jesus. Because the church, up until chapter 10, is exclusively Jewish those who chose to follow the apostles teaching would be persecuted and need to band together and share resources to survive.

This is the back story so to speak of what was surrounding the happenings when a husband and wife also sold some property. From Scripture we learn that Ananias and Sapphira sold some property, held back some of the profit, but portrayed it as the full price when they gave the money to the apostles. I don’t believe they had to give any money to the Apostles but from the context of chapter 4 they evidentially wanted whatever recognition Barnabas had received for what he had done without actually doing it. By misrepresenting what they had done in order to get human praise they became guilty of lying to God.

My impression, and it is only mine not from Scripture, is that Ananias had devised this plan and convinced his wife to go along with it. Unfortunately for Sapphira when she had the chance to tell the truth she didn’t and her fate was the same as her husband. This is a lesson for me as a husband, father, and leader. I should never allow other to become guilty with me because I am a leader. Leaders have a great responsibility to lead and others may benefit or suffer for our choices. I believe this lesson applies to all whether young or old. We all have people we influence and it is important that we do so wisely. We should always seek to please God and not ourselves and follow the example of Jesus who humbled himself to become sin for us and was willing to be separated from God the Father for our benefit Philippians 2:5-8.

The effect of the death of these two on the early church was that they were seized with great fear. Remember that the church was in its early development and the book of Acts is transitional. It was imperative that sin was dealt with quickly and dramatically so it was not repeated by others. I believe only the apostles were able to deal with sin this way and that is why we don’t see more people struck dead today for what might seem like a petty sin. The whole of Scripture teaches that God never changes but evidentially our impression of sin has. Most times we tend to look the other way when we know a fellow believer is living in sin. If we really want to see the power of God like was evident in the book of Acts I believe we must see sin for what it is and do everything we can to remove it from our lives and from the lives of other believers. Please church be the church and see sin for what it is. Sin is what separates us from God our Father and causes death both physically and spiritually.

Questions to Consider
- When have you been a leader? Have you ever worried about leading someone else wrong?
- Have you ever thought that you could deceive God for your own benefit?
- Have you ever looked the other way when you saw sin in yourself, your friends, or your family?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 5

2. The Deception of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11)
C. Healings by the Apostles and their Consequences (5:12-42)
1. Healings of the Apostles, Responses of the Crowds (5:12-16)
2. The Arrest and Escape (5:17-24)
3. The Apostles before the Sanhedrin (5:25-40)
a. The Sanhedrin’s Rebuke (5:25-28)
b. The Apostles’ Defense (5:29-32)
c. The Debate in the Sanhedrin (5:33-39)
d. The Release of the Apostles (5:40)
4. The Rejoicing of the Apostles (5:41-42)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 5

Finish the Verse: No // one else dared join them,
even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. [Acts 5:13-14]

Finish the Verse: Peter and // the other apostles
replied: "We must obey God rather than men!" [Acts 5:29]

Finish the Verse: The God of our // fathers
raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. [Acts 5:30-32]

Finish the Verse: The apostles left // the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. [Acts 5:41]

Finish the Verse: Day // after day, in the
temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. [Acts 5:42]

Reference Questions for Acts 5

Q: According to Acts 5:05, who fell down and died?
A: He - Ananias

Q: According to Acts 5:06, the young men what?
A: Came FORWARD, WRAPPED up his body, and carried him out and buried him (him/Ananias)

Q: According to Acts 5:10, who fell down and died?
A: She - SAPPHIRA

Q: According to Acts 5:10, the young men what?
A: Came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband (her/SAPPHIRA)

Q: According to Acts 5:12, the apostles what?
A: The apostles PERFORMED many miraculous signs and wonders among the people

Q: According to Acts 5:12, all the believers what?
A: Used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade

Q: According to Acts 5:14, who believed in the Lord?
A: More and more men and women

Q: According to Acts 5:16, who were healed?
A: Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed

Q: According to Acts 5:19, during the night what?
A: An angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out (them/the apostles)

Q: According to Acts 5:30, the God of our fathers what?
A: Raised Jesus from the dead -- whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree

Q: According to Acts 5:35, men of Israel what?
A: Consider carefully what you INTEND to do to these men (these men/Peter &
the other apostles)

Acts Chapter 4 Study Guide

2006-09-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for September 21 - September 27, 2006
(Read Acts 4 Online)

Reflections on Acts 4 by Sean Dean, Master of Church History and Youth Pastor of Fircrest Church in Tacoma, WA

Acts chapter 4 is a great chapter with a lot of interesting items in the development of the plot that is the story of the early church. A basic outline of the chapter shows us the first of many arrests for social disruption (or at least perceived social disruption), an interrogation with a mandate, a terrific refusal to that mandate followed by one of the best prayer meetings you'll ever see - that concludes with an earthquake, then the example of how life was lived in the early church. There is also the positive example of Barnabas that is part of a larger description of positives and negatives that extends into chapter 5 with Ananias and Sapphira being the negative to Barnabas' positive - but you'll talk about that next week. With all of that content, picking one thing to discuss is a bit rough. We could discuss opposition to our faith by authorities, something we all have, do and/or will face in our world today. We could discuss the nature of prayer and the way God responds to it. But what I want to discuss is the idea of unity.

Unity is rough! Lots of people talk about it, few people succeed at it. The reason why is that we all have opinions and we all think we're right most of the time. When we disagree, we tend to throw unity out the window rather than work through our difference - because we all think we're right, which automatically makes THEM wrong. Unity requires that we suck up our pride and give other people the benefit of the doubt - that doesn't mean that we're necessarily wrong or that we take the attitude that we're always wrong, but it does mean that before we decide that we hate them for their opinion we hear them out. Unity means destroying (in a rational and common sense way) those things that come between us, not each other.

When we look at the picture of the church provided in Acts 4 we see a group of people that have decided to not let things come between them. Society at this time told them that money, status, education, religious devotion, gender were all things that were appropriate to use as separators - to deem oneself better than somebody else. The early church didn't use those dividers - well at first they did, but gradually and with some work they were stripped off (check out chapters 10 & 11 for one such process). The point is that the rich helped the poor, the well educated helped that not so well educated. Now when unity comes about, something else happens, your stuff no longer is only your stuff. Well, legally and practically it's still yours, but because of unity it also belongs to those with whom you are united with. Generosity is a fruit of unity. Security is a fruit of unity. Love is a fruit (and a cause) of unity.

The real question is, how does unity happen? First, unity was a result of the grace of God among them. So for us to live in unity we need to live in unity with God - that means living an upright life in relationship with Jesus Christ. Second, they chose to live in unity. Unity doesn't just happen, it's purposeful - each of us decides on our own to live in unity. That's why Barnabas and Ananias & Sapphira are so important - Barnabas chose to live in unity, while A & S chose to lie to the group and not live in unity. Our choices within our relationships make a difference on whether we're going to live in unity or not. For instance, a while back I wanted to buy a fairly expensive camera. We had the money to buy the camera, but it wouldn't have been the best use of our money so my wife told me that we couldn't get the camera. Now, I could have gone out and bought the camera anyway or I could decide to wait until my wife and I could agree on the camera - I chose to not buy the camera. Doing the first would have destroyed the unity of our marriage - at least for a while. Doing the second maintained the unity of our marriage and in fact made it stronger because my wife knew that I had sacrificed something for her/us. Later on when we had a little more money my wife and I agreed and I did get the camera, which has made owning it that much easier. In the same way unity within the church/youth group/quiz team/any other group you can think of is a result of each member making choices based upon what's best for each member of the group. That is why it's so significant that members of the early church were selling off land and giving the money to the church - it was their way of thinking of the group before themselves.

My challenge to you for the next week and the rest of your life is to think of others before yourself and learn to live in unity with others.

Questions to Consider
- What have you allowed to come between you and another Christian?
- When is it more important to be unified, than to feel like you personally are right?
- What is one thing you need to put aside to restore unity with another youth grouper?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 4

4. The Arrest of Peter and John (4:1-4)
5. Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (4:5-22)
a. Peter’s Defense (4:5-12)
b. The Debate in the Sanhedrin (4:13-17)
c. The Release of Peter and John (4:18-22)
6. The Thanksgiving of the Saints (4:23-31)
B. Community and Discipline (4:32–5:11)
1. The Sharing of All Possessions (4:32-37)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 4

Finish the Verse: But many // who heard the
message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. [Acts 4:4]

Finish the Verse: If // we are being called to
account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [Acts 4:9-10]

Finish the Verse: He is // "'the stone you
builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'” [Acts 4:11]

Finish the Verse: Salvation // is found in no one
else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." [Acts 4:12]

Finish the Verse: When they saw // the courage
of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [Acts 4:13]

Finish the Verse: Then they // called them in
again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." [Acts 4:18-20]

Finish the Verse: All the believers were one //
in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. [Acts 4:32]

Finish the Verse: With // great power the apostles
continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. [Acts 4:33]

Finish the Verse: There // were no needy persons
among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. [Acts 4:34-35]

Reference Questions for Acts 4

Q: According to Acts 4:02, who were teaching the people?
A: The apostles
R: Acts 4:2 (C/R 5:25)

Q: According to Acts 4:03, they seized whom?
A: Peter and John
R: Acts 4:3 (C/R 6:12, 16:19, cp. 19:29)

Q: According to Acts 4:04, who believed?
A: Many who heard the message
R: Acts 4:4 (C/R 5:14, 8:12, 8:13, 9:42, 11:21, 13:12, 13:48, 14:1, 17:12, 17:34,
18:8, cp. 18:27, 21:20)

Q: According to Acts 4:08, who was filled with the Holy Spirit?
A: Peter
R: Acts 4:8 (C/R 2:4, 4:31, 13:9, cp. 9:17)

Q: According to Acts 4:10, God raised whom from the dead?
A: Jesus Christ of Nazareth
R: Acts 4:10 (C/R 3:15, cp. 3:26, same as 2:24, 4:10, 10:40, 13:30, 13:34)

Q: According to Acts 4:11, he is what?
A: The stone you BUILDERS rejected, which has become the CAPSTONE
R: Acts 4:11 (C/R 10:22, 10:42, 13:25, 17:25, 17:27)

Q: According to Acts 4:21, all the people what?
A: Were praising God for what had happened
R: Acts 4:21 (C/R see 3:9)

Q: According to Acts 4:25, who was our father?
A: David
R: Acts 4:25 (C/R 7:2)

Q: According to Acts 4:32, all the believers what?
A: Were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
R: Acts 4:32 (C/R see 2:44)

Q: According to Acts 4:33, the apostles what?
A: The apostles continued (with great power) to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus
R: Acts 4:33 (C/R see 4:2)

Acts Chapter 3 Study Guide

2006-09-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for September 14 - September 20, 2006
(Read Acts 3 Online)

Reflections on Acts 3 by Ron Fay, PhD. and Former Quizzer

What does it mean to be a mirror?

A mirror never is the center of attention. When someone looks at a mirror, all they want to see is what image is held in the mirror and not the mirror itself. People like mirrors simply for their function, not for being beautifully carved or having exquisite glass. A mirror can be as tall as a building or small enough to fit into a woman’s purse. A mirror is a mirror as long as it does its job: reflecting an image not its own.

In Acts 3, Peter and John walk to the temple and along the way perform an amazing miracle. Rather than taking the glory for themselves or standing around the gate Beautiful and admiring the work they had done in healing the lame man, instead Peter immediately proclaims the greatness of God and the salvation found only in Christ.

Peter and John did not seek praise, rather they gave it. Peter and John did not discuss themselves, rather they talked about their Lord. Peter and John were mirrors, reflecting the glory of God and the salvation that comes from Jesus. They could have been doors, and decided who gets to see God. They could have been windows, and only allowed people to see themselves. Instead, they chose to be mirrors and ignore themselves for the sake of God and their hearers.

The same choice stands before you and me ever day. Will you display only yourself, trying to get the world to like you? Or will you live a life honoring to God and transparent in your faith? Will you be a door or a window?

Perhaps, just perhaps, you will choose to be a mirror reflecting the light of the Son.

Questions to Consider
- How can you be a "mirror" in your life, reflecting God?
- Why did Peter and John choose to heal the crippled man, when he had not asked them to?
- When have you NOT been a mirror in your life?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 2

II. Book Two: The Expansion of the Church in Jerusalem (3:1–6:7)
A. A Healing by Peter and Its Consequences (3:1–4:31)
1. The Healing of a Man Crippled from Birth (3:1-8)
2. The Response of the Crowd (3:9-10)
3. The Message of Peter (3:11-26)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 3

Finish the Verse: Then Peter said, // "Silver or gold
I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." [Acts 3:6]

Finish the Verse: The God of Abraham, // Isaac
and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. [Acts 3:13]

Finish the Verse: You disowned // the Holy
and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. [Acts 3:14-15]

Finish the Verse: But this // is how God
fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. [Acts 3:18]

Finish the Verse: Repent, // then, and turn to God,
so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. [Acts 3:19-21]

Acts Chapter 2 Study Guide

2006-09-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for September 7 - September 13, 2006
(Read Acts 2 Online)

Reflections on Acts 2 by Mark Chesner, Coach

There are some people who look at the Bible and simply see a God who is always being the tough guy. Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, God curses them and casts them out of Eden. Cain kills Abel, God curses him and forces him to wander. The Hebrews worship idols and God forces them into exile in Babylon.

But what these people fail to notice is that God rarely curses anyone without also providing a way back. Consider this section from Acts 2:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?
Acts 2:1-8

Does it remind you of anything? How about this:

Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."
But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other."
So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
Genesis 11:1-9

Do you see the parallels? In Genesis, God doles out the required punishment – scrambling of the languages. But in Acts, God shows that the punishment is not forever and rolls it back – the speaking in tongues.

This is the story of the New Testament, and the story of Acts as well. God’s punishments need not be forever. If we accept Him and His Son, then the natural curses that are a part of our lives can start to be rolled back. And we can look forward to a future without curses, a future of hope and joy.

Questions to Consider by Pastor Scott Craddock, Youth Pastor
Vss. 1-13

Sometimes when we read this story, we get so caught up in the incredible things that happened that we fail to see “why” it happened. What caused this amazing event? (Spirit enabled them – vs. 4)

What might we be able to do if we let the Spirit enable us.

Vss. 14-32

How do you see God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit working together throughout history?

Vss. 42-45

What were the things that the believers did together in this passage?

Why did God add to their number daily? Would God add to our number, if we did those very same things?

Is there one or two things in this passage that your family would commit to doing together?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 2

C. Realization: The Day of Pentecost (2:1-41)
1. The Descent of the Spirit (2:1-13)
a. The Response of the Apostles: Speaking in Tongues (2:1-4)
b. The Reaction of the Crowd (2:5-13)
2. The Proclamation of Peter (2:14-39)
a. Introduction: Fulfillment of Prophecy (2:14-21)
b. Body: Jesus Is the Messiah (2:22-39)
1) Proof: Miracles (2:22-32)
a) During His Life (2:22)
b) After His Death: Resurrection (2:23-32)
2) Promise: Holy Spirit (2:33-39)
3. The Response of the Crowd (2:40-41)
D. Conclusion of Book One (2:42-47)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 2

Finish the Verse: When the day // of Pentecost came,
they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [Acts 2:1-2]

Finish the Verse: They saw // what seemed
to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. [Acts 2:3-4]

Finish the Verse: 'In the last // days,
God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
[Acts 2:17-18]

Finish the Verse: "Men of Israel, // listen to
this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. [Acts 2:22]

Finish the Verse: This // man was handed over
to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. [Acts 2:23-24]

Finish the Verse: Seeing // what was ahead,
he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. [Acts 2:31-32]

Finish the Verse: Exalted // to the right hand
of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. [Acts 2:33]

Finish the Verse: Therefore let // all Israel be
assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." [Acts 2:36]

Finish the Verse: Peter replied, // "Repent and be
baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." [Acts 2:38-39]

Finish the Verse: Those // who accepted his message
were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. [Acts 2:41]

Finish the Verse: They devoted // themselves to the
apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [Acts 2:42]

Finish the Verse: Everyone // was filled with awe,
and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [Acts 2:43]

Finish the Verse: All the believers were together //
and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [Acts 2:44-45]

Finish the Verse: Every // day they continued to
meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. [Acts 2:46-47]

Acts Chapter 1 Study Guide

2006-08-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

Family Study Guide for August 31 - September 6, 2006
(Read Acts 1 Online)

Reflections on Acts 1 by Mark Chesner, Coach

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." One thing we learn reading great novels is that all good writers open their stories with something that tells us where we are and tells us what kind of story is coming our way. The Book of Acts is no different. Luke (the same writer as the gospel of Luke) spends the first chapter telling us where we are, and where we are going.

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 1:1-5

Luke begins by telling us where we are. Jesus has lived, taught, died, and been resurrected. He has not only risen, but PROVEN that he had risen to a large number of witnesses. These witnesses would be the source of Luke's reporting, as they would most likely have still been alive. Jesus has completed his ministry with the disciples, and has set the scene for upcoming events by commanding his people to stay in Jerusalem.

So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:6-8

Next Luke directly addresses the expectations of the disciples on the ground to tell them what the story is NOT. It is NOT going to be about the End of the World, and/or a massive war to throw off the shackles of Rome. It is important to remember that Jews of Jesus's day understood the role of Messiah to be a warrior to lead Israel to freedom and greatness, in the mold of King David. Jesus (and Luke in his report) needs to remind Christians that this next story is not war, but instead a time of reaching out to the world.

But since he has now told the disciples that the story is NOT about a war, that means they have to live in the same world that killed Jesus. The same world which will now want to kill them. How can they possibly survive, and what are they supposed to do? Jesus answers by telling them (1) the Holy Spirit is coming, and (2) that their life from here on out is about telling people about Christ locally, regionally, and globally.

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Acts 1:9-11

But then, Luke reminds the readers that Jesus is not saying there will not be a triumph to come. Jesus is taken away, but He is coming again! The next chapter is about reaching out and living in the current world, but the climax of the story is still coming. Stay tuned for more!
"For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms,
" 'May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,' and,
" 'May another take his place of leadership.'"
Acts 1:20

Finally, as the disciples hang out in Jerusalem, they realize that the death of Judas (the disciple who betrayed Jesus) has left a hole in their group. They see that they need to have twelve apostles again, and instead of waiting to see what God does, they look within their own group for the next leader. They find a man everyone respects and who knew Jesus, and choose him to step up into leadership. But we have ANOTHER leader coming up in Acts, and we'll see that even in the first generation of Christians, God did not always work the way people expect. Instead, He is following His own plan to make sure every need is filled in the right way.

So Luke has set for us a few key pieces in this first chapter which we can expect to see played out in the ones to come:
1. Everything starts in Jerusalem,
2. The Holy Spirit is coming,
3. A new leader is coming for the Christians.

The story has begun! Now we can proceed and see how the plot plays itself out.

Questions to Consider

Why did Jesus have to tell the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit?
Why were the disciples expectations different from what Jesus knew was to come?
When in your life has God worked in a way that was completely different from your expectations?

Bible.Org Outline for Acts 1

I. Book One: The Birth of the Church in Jerusalem (1:1–2:47)
A. Prologue (1:1-2)
B. Anticipation: From Resurrection to Pentecost (1:3-26)
1. From Resurrection to ascension: Christ’s Forty Day Ministry (1:3-11)
a. The Apostles’ Commission (1:3-8)
b. The Ascension (1:9-11)
2. From Ascension to Pentecost: The Apostles’ Ten Day Wait (1:12-26)
a. Praying in the Upper Room (1:12-14)
b. Selecting a Replacement for Judas (1:15-26)

Finish the Verse Questions for Acts 1

Finish the Verse: After his // suffering, he showed
himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. [Acts 1:3]

Finish the Verse: For John // baptized with water,
but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. [Acts 1:5]

Finish the Verse: He said to them: "It //
is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. [Acts 1:7]

Finish the Verse: But you // will receive power
when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. [Acts 1:8]

Finish the Verse: After he // said this, he
was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. [Acts 1:9]

Finish the Verse: "Men of Galilee," // they said,
"why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." [Acts 1:11]

Family Study Guide for James 5

2006-03-10T03:55:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for March 9 – March 15, 2006
(Read James 5 Online)

Reflections on James 5 by Matt Chesner, Coach

Anyone who has played competitive sports knows that there are some players that can not be contained for a whole game. In basketball, this is the player who can score 10 points in 3 minutes. In baseball, this is the player who can strikeout 3 times and then hit the game winning grand slam in the 9th inning. Great players are great, because you know that no matter how quiet they have been this point, you know they are just moments away from acting and showing their true prowess.

James chapter 5 addresses God as this great player in the Universe who is about to act. We must be patient until his power is shown. We are encouraged to persevere like the prophets of old (verses 10-11) in sufferings. We are also told to be careful not to judge as “the Judge is standing at the door.” (Verse 9) This judge is ready to act. And we want to be found faultless before him. Lastly, we are called to pray, praise, and consult with our elders as God is ready to act when we seek him and confess our sins.

When the God of all acts his power is great. He is able to do things that defy human logic or science. (“it did not rain for three and a half years…” verse 17) What are we missing out on because we do not wait for God show his power? No matter how quiet God seems to have been in your life lately, remember that his is just outside the door, and is ready to act.

Questions to Consider:

When, in your life, has God suddenly acted and shown His great power?
Why does it sometimes seem like God waits until the final moments to act?
When have you acted instead of waiting on God, and things did not work out so well?

Chapter Outline:

IV. Witnessing to Divine Providence (4:1–5:20)

B. Specifics (4:11–5:20)

c. Warning to Wealthy Oppressors (5:1-6)

2. The Patience of Faith (5:7-12)

3. The Prayer of Faith (5:13-20)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Above all, my brothers, // do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
James 5:12

Therefore confess your sins // to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

What if any one of you is sick?
The Lord will raise him up why?
The cries of whom have REACHED the ears of the Lord Almighty?
Take whom as an example of patience in the face of suffering?
The Judge is what?
Whoever TURNS a sinner from what?
The wages you failed to pay the WORKMEN who MOWED your FIELDS are what?
In the last DAYS you have what?
Whoever TURNS a sinner from the ERROR of his way will save him from what?
We consider blessed whom?
2 Part : Again he prayed and what?
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other why?
If one of you should WANDER from what?
2 Part : Because the Lord's coming is near, do what?
What gave rain?
What have REACHED the ears of the Lord Almighty?
What has ROTTED?
2 Part : You rich people do what?
Don't GRUMBLE against each other why?
It did not rain on the land for how long?

Any questions about quizzing? Email the coaches at coaches@quizpad.com
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** RTF Files may be read by Microsoft Word or OpenOffice

Family Study Guide for James 4

2006-03-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for March 2 – March 8, 2006
(Read James 4 Online)

Reflections on James 4 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Our church has been spending a lot of time recently on prayer, and when we think about the "action oriented" book of James, we might think he has nothing much to say on the subject. After all, sometimes prayer feels like something we do when there is nothing else to do. But in Chapter 4, James speaks to prayer... in his usual direct and no-nonsense way.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4:1-3

In our church, we love to talk about prayer. We have concerts of prayer, prayer meetings, prayer at small groups, prayer before quiz meets... and there is nothing wrong with that. But sometimes this constant presence of prayer causes us to trivialize it. We remember to ask for the little things in life: food, sleep, grades, fun, etc. And we ask for things without thinking of why we are asking for it. And yet we forget to ask for the most important things: the salvation of non-Christian family, comfort for those who are suffering, etc. We get so wrapped up in the habit of prayer that we forget we are coming into the throne room of the King of All Creation.

And James reminds us that the results of these problems with prayer are not just academic. They lead us to fight with each other, because we allow what we want to become more important than what He wants. Proper prayer focusses us on God, and keeps our attention on the things we need rather than the things we want. Improper prayer comes about when we let our attention fall upon our own desires.

Questions to Consider:

When recently have you allowed your prayers to lose their focus on God?
What kinds of prayers are effective? How do we make sure our prayers are effective?
Why do problem prayers lead to quarrels between believers?

Chapter Outline:

IV. Witnessing to Divine Providence (4:1–5:20)

A. Summary/Main Theme: The Reward of Faith (4:1-10)

1. The Prayer of Faith (4:1-3)

2. Friendship with the World (4:4-6)

3. The Humility of Faith (4:7-10)

B. Specifics (4:11–5:20)

1. Avoiding Worldly Influences (4:11–5:6)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

What causes fights and quarrels // among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?
James 4:1

When you ask, you do not receive, // because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4:3

You adulterous people, don't you know // that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4

Submit yourselves, then, // to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded
James 4:7-8

Grieve, mourn and wail. // Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:9-10

Why, you do not even know // what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
James 4:14-15

Anyone, then, who knows // the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
James 4:17

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Reference : According to James 4:12, there is only one what?
What is evil?
Anyone who knows WHAT and DOESN'T do it, sins?
You ought to say what?
3 Part : We will go to this or that CITY why?
What BATTLE within you?
(God) gives grace to whom?
Do not SLANDER one another, WHO?
FRIENDSHIP with the world is what?
You do not receive when?
Reference : According to James 4:4, don't you know WHAT?
Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and DOESN'T do it, does what?
You want something but what?
PURIFY what?
You kill and covet, but what?
Because you do not ask God, you what?
Humble yourselves where?
Who sins?
Who is able to save and destroy?
2 Part : Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him does what?

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Family Study Guide for James 3

2006-02-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 26 – March 1, 2006
(Read James 3 Online)

Reflections on James 3 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

James the writer seems to have a reoccurring theme in this chapter which he carries over from chapter one. Remember back in chapter one he made reference to a person being able to “keep a tight rein on his tongue”. Well in chapter 3 he revisits the topic of the tongue and expands his teaching about it.

James begins with a warning to those who teach. Teaching encompasses many things but the primary way we teach is by talking. As a businessman most of my day is spent in verbal communication. Of course there are other ways to communicate but the most common is verbal. James warns those who teach to be careful because they will be responsible for what they teach and the actions that those who are taught do with the information they are given. In the same way parents are at times accountable for the way their children behave based upon how they are raised. Those of us who are parents know both the joys and sadness that can be a result of the way we have taught our children.

James then goes on to give several examples of great results that can be accomplished by small means. A horse can be guided by a small bit, a ship can be steered by a small rudder, and a fire can be started by a small spark. Likewise an entire person’s life can be affected by their small tongue. Taming an animal like a dog can be hard work, just ask Dagney, but that is considered easier by James to the task of controlling one’s speech. One reason controlling your speech is so difficult is because if you are not careful it can become wild again. A tame animal pretty much remains tame but speech can become wild at any time. Speech can be found praising God on Sunday and then caught tearing down one made in God’s image on Monday. James also makes the rhetorical observation that bitter and fresh water do not usually come from the same spring. Likewise fig trees do not bear olives or grapevines figs. In the same way a follower of Christ should not be able to speak well of God and ill of men with the same heart.

James concludes this chapter by contrasting two kinds of wisdom. Wisdom that comes from God is not polluted, not selfish, and not phony. Wisdom that is proud and selfish comes from the Devil.

In summary I think that in chapter 3 James is encouraging followers of Christ to have God’s wisdom. That wisdom should relate to verbal communication that would positively reflect the love of God to a lost world. The ability to control one’s speech is a reflection of one’s spiritual maturity. This doesn’t mean only saying nice things about people but being able to tell the hard truth in love. Many times it is far easier to say nothing when something needs to be said than saying something in God’s wisdom.

Questions to Consider:

Have you ever been called wise? Where does your wisdom come from?
What is an example in your life of a small thing you did, which had LARGE results?
When have you found it hard to control your tongue, and said the wrong thing without thinking?

Chapter Outline:

3. Speech and Obedience (3:1-12)

a. Summary: The Tongue as a Measure of Maturity (3:1-2)

b. Argument by Analogy (3:3-12)

1) Analogy One: The Tiny Tongue (3:3-6)

a) Bits in Horses’ Mouths (3:3)

b) Rudders on Ships (3:4)

c) Sparks and Forest Fires (3:5-6)

2) Analogy Two: The Tamed Tongue (3:7-8)

3) Analogy Three: The Forked Tongue (3:9-12)

a) Praising and Cursing (3:9-10)

b) Fresh and Salt Water (3:11)

c) Schizophrenic Produce (3:12)

4. The Wisdom of Obedience (3:13-18)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Not many of you should presume // to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
James 3:1

We all stumble in many ways // If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
James 3:2

The tongue also is a fire, // a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:6

With the tongue we praise // With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:9-10

Who is wise and understanding // Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3:13

For where you have envy // and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
James 3:16

But the wisdom that comes // from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Can both fresh water and salt water what?
2 Part : All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and CREATURES of the sea what?
What are DRIVEN by strong WINDS?
We all stumble how?
Neither can WHAT PRODUCE fresh water?
With it we curse whom?
What is a small part of the body?
The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes what?
We who teach will be what?
Who can TAME the tongue?
With the tongue we praise whom?
When we put BITS into the mouths of HORSES to make them obey us, we can what?
(Can) a GRAPEVINE what?
3 Part : SHIPS are what?
Can a FIG tree WHAT?
Take what as an example?
What makes great BOASTS?
Not many of you should PRESUME to be TEACHERS why?
What is first of all pure?
2 Part : Let him show it by what?

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Family Study Guide for James 2

2006-02-16T05:38:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 16 – February 22, 2006
(Read James 2 Online)

Reflections on James 2 by Mark Chesner, Coach

During the presidency of Bill Clinton, there was one particular Republican policitian whom I had great respect for. He was a great intellectual - writing books and teaching classes about American history and the theories of democracy. He was a successful politician - rising to the leadership of Congress, passing many important bills, and helping to bring a majority of his party into Congress. And he was a crusader for morality - standing up to the problems in the Clinton administration. I looked up to this man, and wondered perhaps if he would be President one day.

And then it all changed.

It was revealed, during the Impeachment Hearings, that this man was himself having an affair. Shortly after it was exposed, he divorced his wife of many years - who was also sick with cancer and in great suffering - and quickly left his post in Congress. He was disgraced and I was disillusioned.

James cautions us all in chapter 2, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" Living in a post-Martin Luther world, we tend to be very big on salvation being thru faith alone. And it is. But this sometimes leads us to forget that a faith that is not reflected in our lives is not faith at all. Claiming to be a Christian is claiming much more than that you attend church, that your parents are Christians, that you read the Bible, or even that you recognize God as God. James notes, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe thatóand shudder." Being a Christian means to "come after Christ," which Jesus said meant to "pick up your cross and follow me." Not only believe in your mind, but also to live it out in your life.

When we were studying Romans, we highlighted Romans 10:9-10 as being the formula for Salvation, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Note that even Paul shows that belief is not enough. Confession - speaking with your mouth - is part of the process of accepting Jesus Christ and becoming part of His family. Neither belief alone, nor acts alone, are what God is looking for. He wants both our minds, and our hearts, and our lives. Every part of us. Otherwise, we are just fooling ourselves. And setting up those around us for disappointment.

The man I looked up to during the Clinton years proved to be a hypocrite. He spoke all the right words, but in the end it turned out that his actions did not line up with them. He was shown to be false. May the same never be said of us.

Questions to Consider:

What actions in your life show that your faith is alive?
What actions in your life might make others doubt your faith is live?
Have you both believed in your heart AND confessed with your mouth, as Romans 10:9-10 says?

Chapter Outline:

B. Specifics (2:1–3:18)

1. Partiality Vs. Obedience (2:1-13)

a. Summary (2:1)

b. Hypothetical Situation: Rich and Poor Enter the Assembly (2:2-4)

c. Rebuke for Showing Partiality (2:5-7)

d. Conditions of Obedience (2:8-11)

e. Principle (2:12-13)

2. Passivity Vs. Obedience (2:14-26)

a. Summary (2:14)

b. Hypothetical Situation: Impoverished Believer in your Midst (2:15-17)

c. Rational Argument: Demons’ Faith is Passive (2:18-20)

d. Biblical Argument: Abraham’s and Rahab’s Faith is Active (2:21-25)

e. Principle (2:26)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

My brothers, as believers // in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.
James 2:1

For whoever keeps the whole law // and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
James 2:10

As the body without the spirit // is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:26

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Love whom as yourself?
What was made complete by what he did?
2 Part : Was not even RAHAB the PROSTITUTE considered righteous for what she did when she WHAT?
2 Part : A person is justified by what?
As BELIEVERS in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't what?
What is USELESS?
Reference : According to James 2:22, you see what?
As the body without the spirit is dead, so what?
2 Part : What were WORKING together?
Who are EXPLOITING you?
It was credited to him how?
Who also comes in?
4 Part : Have you not DISCRIMINATED among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts if what?
Reference : According to James 2:17, what is dead?
Who gave LODGING to the SPIES?
What will be SHOWN to anyone who has not been MERCIFUL?
Why speak and act as those who are GOING to be judged by the law that gives freedom?
Who believed God?
2 Part : Suppose a brother or sister is without what?
Judgement without mercy will be what?

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Family Study Guide for James 1

2006-02-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 9 – February 15, 2006
(Read James 1 Online)

Reflections on James 1 by Dagney Pitts, Youth Missions Adventures

James, the book full of surprises and seemingly unattainable goals! If you ever think that you know the Bible and got it down, read James.
What am I talking about? Consider these thoughts from chapter 1:

When you have a bad day, be very glad for such a bad day, in your heart!
Don’t doubt God, or He won’t provide what you ask.
If you have money and are well cared for, don’t depend on it, it fades away.
We are expected to stand up through tests and trials.
Don’t blame God for your mistakes, it is your own mind that causes you trouble and could even lead to your death.
Don’t talk much, but listen more and never get angry!
When you read the Bible, do what it says; because if you don’t, you are deceiving yourself.
Don’t pollute yourself with the things of this world.
If you can’t control your tongue, your religion is worthless!

Discouraged yet?

Don’t be. I’ve left out the blessings, the Whys, the purpose of it all. What I left out makes all the difference! When you read this book of Dos and Don'ts, keep yourself from getting discouraged by remembering that GOD wrote it! Read James in context of WHO wants you to be this way.

Check out the good stuff:

v.3-4 "because the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete NOT LACKING ANYTHING!"
v.5 "if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all WITHOUT FINDING FAULT, and it will be given him"
v.12b “because when he (a man or woman) has stood the test, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE that God has promised to those who love him."
v.13-15 God doesn’t tempt us!!!
v.17 "EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE…..from the Father…..who does not change like shifting shadows!!!"
v.18 "He chose to give us birth (spiritual birth)…..that we might be a kind of firstfruits (His choicest picks) of ALL HE CREATED"
v.25 "the perfect law, which gives FREEDOM…doing it-he will be BLESSED in what he does"

Feeling better?

Be encouraged. God does not expect anything of us that He Himself does not do also. Nahum 1:3 "the Lord is slow to anger and great in power"; Psalm 145:8 "the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger…" This is not a God who is simply demanding, for the sake of watching us fail. He helps us in our weakness (Rom.8:26) and remains our constant companion and counselor (John 14:16). We will learn to obey the truth written in James because we have already become His, and because we love Him and therefore strive to please Him! Pleasing Him is not only reading the truth, but James chapter 1 is all about making that faith of yours real. Living it out. So, "do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says!"

Questions to Consider:

How can you balance the hard things God asks of us?
Is James only focussed on actions, or also on what goes on in our hearts and minds?
How does God's character influence who He wants us to be?

Chapter Outline:

I. Salutation (1:1)

II. Enduring Trials (1:2-18)

A. Summary/Main Theme: The Testing of Faith (1:2-6)

1. Faith in God’s Sovereignty (1:2)

2. Faith and Perseverance (1:3-4)

3. Faith and God’s Gifts (1:5)

4. Faith Vs. Doubt (1:6)

B. Specifics (1:9-18)

1. Faith Vs. Doubt (1:7-8)

2. Faith and Finances (1:9-11)

3. Faith and Perseverance (1:12)

4. Faith and Fatalism (1:13-18)

III. Applying the Word: Faith Within the Church (1:19–3:18)

A. Summary/Main Theme: The Obedience of Faith (1:19-27)

1. Anger Vs. Obedience (1:19-21)

2. Passivity Vs. Obedience (1:22-25)

3. Speech and Obedience (1:26)

4. The Impartiality of Obedience (1:27)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Consider it // pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

If any // of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

Blessed is // the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

When tempted, // no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15

Every // good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

My dear // brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20

Do not merely // listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22

Anyone who // listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:23-24

But the man who looks // intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25

If anyone // considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26

Religion // that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Man's anger does not bring about what?
3 Part : No one should say, "God is TEMPTING me" why?
2 Part : He who doubts is like a WAVE of the sea that is what?
Everyone should be QUICK to listen, SLOW to speak and SLOW to become angry why?
2 Part : The SUN what?
What DEVELOPS perseverance?
The TESTING of what DEVELOPS perseverance?
2 Part : JAMES, a servant of whom?
That man should not what?
Who will pass away like a wild FLOWER?
2 Part : After LOOKING at himself, he what?
He will receive what?
He CHOSE to give us birth through the word of truth why?
Greetings to whom?
2 Part : When he ASKS, he must what?
God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he what?
He will receive the CROWN of life when?
The man who PERSEVERES under TRIAL I what?
God desires what?
2 Part : RELIGION that God our Father ACCEPTS as pure and FAULTLESS is what?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 16

2006-02-02T05:04:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for February 2 – February 8, 2006
(Read Romans 16 Online)

Reflections on Romans 16 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

In this, the final chapter of Romans, Paul gets even more personal. He shows his people skills by expressing his greetings to the many friends he has in Rome. It is apparent that he knew many people, men, women, married couples, clergy, and even politicians. Paul apparently was a popular person and had many supporters in his ministry. He was a “people person” who had great concern for the spiritual well being of people as did they for him. This is the first thing that I take from this chapter. The second, and more important thing is his exhortations in verse 19, “but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” Paul’s use of the word “innocent” intrigued me. As used in this verse, innocent means unmixed, simple, and pure. In Greek it was used for wine that was undiluted or metal that was not weakened in any way (The Bible Knowledge Commentary page 501). Paul encourages his readers and all of us to live our lives not mixed with or diluted by evil in any way. What a great way for him to end this letter to us on Christian living. The world every day would like us as followers of Christ to mix our standards with theirs. The world would have us compromise our standards as to what we watch, listen to, what we say, and how we act. I believe Paul would agree that this is not correct Christian living and ultimately as stated in verse 20 that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
I hope you have enjoyed this book as much as I have and will continue striving for a high level of understanding as we move on to the epistle of James.

Questions to Consider:

How is it possible to remain "innocent of evil" in an increasingly wicked world?
How do you avoid compromising with the world?
What does Paul's many friendships tell us about his experience in Rome?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

6. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Transformed Living (12:1-15:13)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

I urge // you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Romans 16:17-18

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

To the only wise God be what?
Reference : According to Romans 16:15, greet whom?
2 Part : I ask you to what?
Reference : According to Romans 16:13, greet whom?
Greet those who belong to the household of what?
Reference : According to Romans 16:9, greet whom?
Who worked very hard for you?
MARY worked how?
Who was our fellow worker in Christ?
2 Part : PHOEBE was what?
TIMOTHY, my fellow worker, sends what?
2 Part : Who RISKED their lives for me?
By SMOOTH talk and FLATTERY, they what?
Who is the CITY'S DIRECTOR of PUBLIC works?
AMPLIATUS, whom I love how?
2 Part : Who are my fellow WORKERS in Christ Jesus?
I commend to you whom?
Another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord is whom?
To the only wise God be glory forever how?
Keep away from whom?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 15

2006-01-26T05:38:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for January 26 – February 1, 2006
(Read Romans 15 Online)

Reflections on Romans 15 by Pastor Randy Matthews, Pastor of Prayer

Having "almost everything" the world could offer, one young man chose to live and die for others rather than enjoy a comfortable, self-centered life. He had graduated summa um laude from a college where he also had received many awards as an outstanding football player. After three years in the NFL, he turned down a $3.6 million contract to play professionally for the Arizona Cardinals in order to serve our country in the Army Rangers. On April 22, 2004, at the age of 27 years, Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan, leaving behind a wife to whom he had only been married for two short years.

If there is one theme that stands out in Pat Tillman's life, it is that he committed himself to living for the good of others. As the oldest of three sons, he took the responsibility of his younger siblings upon himself, and his passion to sacrifice himself for others continued until he died.

This same theme, sacrificing for the good of others, emerges as the main idea of Romans 15. The Apostle Paul stated that maturing Christians increasingly live to "please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (15:2) Rather than living for their own desires, interests and comfort, strong Christians carry the loads others feel pressing upon them. Their weaknesses and infirmities, far from being repulsive, give the maturing believer the very fulfilment of their destiny, which is to become like Christ. Paul clearly paints our ultimate example in the One who did not seek to please himself (John 5:30), but made himself the servant of all (Matthew 20:28).

Bear with each other and "accept one another" (15:7) are the commands of Christ for us. What is at stake is the unity of the body so it is no wonder Paul prays that believers would have "one heart and mouth" with which to glorify God. How wonderful the church of Jesus would be if the members of Christ's body chose this sacrificial way of living for others. We see too many instances of division and fighting among those who call themselves Christians.

As I mentioned before, Pat Tillman died on April 22, 2004; but do you know what killed him? Fratricide. This is the military term for "friendly fire." On that spring evening in Afghanistan, someone had mistaken Tillman for the enemy, and they shot to kill. It was most assuredly a bad mistake, no malice was intended; but the result was the same. Too often Christians are shot with a "friendly fire" of words. Bear with one another and accept one another takes on a whole new meaning when viewed from this perspective.

Living sacrificially for others was our Lord Jesus' lifestyle... and it was that of the Apostle Paul as well. He, a Jew, gave himself completely to reach Gentiles (15:14-22); then, the Gentiles gave of their resources to aid needy Jewish believers in Jerusalem (15:23-30). I wonder how this lifestyle might spread to others in our church if we all lived it more today?

One more thing about Pat Tillman that grieves me and convicts me deeply: It has been reported that he was an "announced atheist." This saddens my heart most, and I can only pray that with his last breath he put his trust in Christ. Yet, one thing in this story plagues my conscience: If one outside of Christ so lived and died for others, what is keeping us back from doing even more?

Paul knew that sacrificing for others (especially to reach the lost) is a battle bigger than his (or anyone's) ability. Is it any wonder he asked for prayer? (15:30-33) Perhaps, where Paul ended this chapter is where we begin: with prayer. Let us pray for other, my friends, so that through the great working of God's Spirit within us, Jesus' sacrificial life for others will be seen and known.

Questions to Consider:

How could you give up "everything" for someone who is in need? What is something important to you, that you could give up for someone else?
When is a time that someone else gave up something very important to them, for you?
Why is prayer so important to Paul?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

6. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Transformed Living (12:1-15:13)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

We who // are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Romans 15:1-2

For everything // that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4

May the God who // gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6

Accept one // another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:7

May the God of // hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Reference : According to Romans 15:12, Isaiah says what?
All you PEOPLES what?
Reference : According to Romans 15:30, I urge you to what?
I will go where?
Do what by PRAYING to God for me?
I myself am what?
I glory in Christ Jesus in what?
They owe it to the Jews to share with them their MATERIAL BLESSINGS if what?
Who be with you all?
When I come to you, I will what?
Praise the Lord who?
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of UNITY among yourselves as you follow Christ why?
With one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of whom?
Who may glorify God for his mercy?
Again it says what?
2 Part : You may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with what?
Even Christ did not what?
Those who were not told about him will what?
I hope to visit you when?
2 Part : I urge you HOW to JOIN me in my STRUGGLE by PRAYING to God for me?
The Root of JESSE will what?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 14

2006-01-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for January 5 – January 11, 2006
(Read Romans 14 Online)

Reflections on Romans 14 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Evangelical Christians (i.e. folks like us) take great pride in standing on the absolute authority of scripture. We know what is right and what is wrong, because "the Bible told me so." And we are right to put God's Word as the authority in our lives. After all, Luke 21:33 says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." But in doing so, we have to also be mindful that there are some matters of life and living, where not everyone's life is required to be exactly the same. On the contrary, Paul shows us in Romans 14 that an action which is sinful for one person, may not be for another.

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:1-4

Paul was writing to Christians in a time when Christianity and Judaism were still very close, and the majority of Christians were also Jewish. Thus, when it comes to sin, his mind often turned to the kosher dietary laws. For the Jew, eating shellfish is sinful, as is mixing meat and dairy, as are many other "unclean" foods. In Acts, the Apostles agreed that Christians were not bound by these laws (check out Acts 15 for more info), since Christ was the fulfillment of the Law. Yet many still felt compelled to eat in a kosher manner. Some of those who did felt it showed they were more righteous than those who did not. Some of those who did not eat kosher felt that this showed they were superior, since they were fully able to embrace the freedom of Christ. Paul shows that neither was superior. Each were simply following the path demanded of them by God.

As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.
Romans 14:14

So, if God demands of you to avoid doing something, then for you it is sinful. On the other hand, if He does NOT demand this of the person next to you, for them it is not sinful. This is why some in the church, for example, can drink alcohol without feeling any guilt. (So long as it is not to excess.) But for others, drinking is a sin because God has called them to abstain from it altogether.

(We must keep in mind, however, that this does not cover all sin. There are many things in scripture which are black and white, and sin for everyone. Lying, stealing, taking the Lord's name in vain, murder, envy, etc. We must always be careful to weight our actions first against scripture, then against our conscience. If either scripture OR our conscience tells us something is wrong, then we should stay away from it.)

So, Paul concludes that we need only worry about what is sinful for us, right? Nope. After the long discussion of reminding the Roman Christians not to judge, Paul goes on to explain that this means that we should always be considerate of those around us.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.
Romans 14:13-16

In other words, always be mindful of those around you. If you are at a party with someone who thinks playing cards is wrong, then don't try to strike up a game of Spades. If you are at school with someone who is sensitive to the appearance of cheating, be sure to clear your desk of anything that could look suspicious. If you are in the van with someone who has a problem with hard rock music, switch to something else.

Christ's command to us is always about looking to others. What has God called us to? How can we serve those near us? But it is also a message of freedom.

Questions to Consider:

What is something in your life which is a sin for you, but maybe not for everyone?
What is a case when you had to change your behavior, in order to make someone else more comfortable with something that might have been wrong for them?
What is an example of something that is ALWAYS wrong? What is an example of something which God may call one person to avoid, and thus is wrong for them?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

6. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Transformed Living (12:1-15:13)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Accept him // whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. Romans 14:1

For none // of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-8

It // is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:11-12

Therefore let // us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13
Let us // therefore make ever effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19

But the man who has //doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Reference : According to Romans 14:11, what is written?
We will all stand where?
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on what?
2 Part : For this very reason, Christ what?
For a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble is what?
2 Part : Make up your mind not to put what in your brother's way?
The kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy how?
Reference : According to Romans 14:19, let us what?
He STANDS or falls to whom?
2 Part : The man who has doubts is condemned if he eats WHY?
The man who does not eat everything must not what?
Who eats only VEGETABLES?
Reference : According to Romans 14:22, blessed is whom?
Each of us will give an account of himself to whom?
What if we live?
Another man considers every day how?
What if we die?
You are no longer ACTING in love if what?
Spirit why?
Make every effort to do what?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 13

2005-12-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for December 15 – December 21, 2005
(Read Romans 12 Online)

Reflections on Romans 13 by Mark Chesner, Coach

pro·cras·ti·nate
1. To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.
2. To postpone or delay needlessly.

Sometimes I think there is nothing more human than procrastination. When given a major task, we like to think our first reaction is to plan it out carefully, set a timeline for action, organize our resources, and start working on it methodically. But what happens when you are actually given an assignment for a major paper? If you are like me, you look at the deadline and say to yourself, "Well, I don't have to start thinking about that until next week." Don't think this applies to you? Well, just think about this: How many weeks do you start studying for next week's chapter in Quiz Team, the day before the practice?

Some people even extend procrastination to their spiritual life. "I'll do whatever I want now," They think, "and I'll ask God for forgiveness later, if I need to. After all, I have plenty of time." There is even a slang term used sometimes to talk about people who take this to extremes: "Fire Insurance Buyers." They act like Jesus came to give us "Fire Insurance" to keep us out of Hell, rather than coming to give us a full life in this life AND the one to come.

But scripture, and especially Romans 13, reminds us that procrastination is a BAD IDEA in your spiritual life, because you never know when the Last Day is coming… whether it be the Last Day for the world or just for me.

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:11-12

Cynical people will note that Paul thought he was living in the last days, too, and it is now 2000 years later. But the point is exactly this: You have to live like the Last Days are almost here, because you won't have time for a do-over afterward. God is merciful, but He won't be like a teacher giving you an extension on a paper you forgot about. When the Day of Judgment comes, it will be "pencils down and turn in your tests" time.

So, in light of this, how should we react? Stop procrastinating about doing the right thing…

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 13:8-10

…and leave all the bad stuff behind…

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Romans 13:13-14

Questions to Consider:

What good thing have you been putting off doing?
What bad stuff have you let continue in your life, because you can always make it right later?
If you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow morning at 9 AM, what would you spend the rest of the day doing?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

6. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Transformed Living (12:1-15:13)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Everyone // must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist
have been established by God. Romans 13:1

Consequently, he // who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:2

Let no // debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

The commandments, // "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:9

Love does // no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10

The night // is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12

Rather, // clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

The HOUR has come for you to WAKE up from your SLUMBER why?
CLOTHE yourselves with whom?
What does no HARM to its neighbor?
He who REBELS against the authority is REBELLING against what?
Do WHAT, understanding the present time?
What is the FULFILLMENT of the law?
(Pay) REVENUE if what?
2 Part : He will commend you why?
The authorities are God's SERVANTS who WHAT
He who LOVES his FELLOWMAN has what?
(Pay) honor if what?
What if (you owe) REVENUE?
Let no DEBT what?
RULERS HOLD no TERROR for whom?
Do what is right and WHAT?
It is NECESSARY to submit to whom?
What has come?
Do you want to be free from WHAT?
It is NECESSARY to what? (What is NECESSARY?)
"Love your neighbor as yourself" is how WHAT?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 12

2005-12-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for December 8 – December 14, 2005
(Read Romans 12 Online)

Reflections on Romans 12 by Mark Chesner, Coach

If you have been raised in the church (especially OUR church), you know this verse very, very well:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

But I wonder how many of us have really seen it in context of the rest of Chapter 12, which is in many ways about how alien the Christian walk is to "this world." Consider these verses:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8

Essentially, these verses tell us to find the gifts God has given us and to use them to their fullest. Compare that to what you see on television every day: models telling you that you are not pretty enough, commercials telling you that you don't have the right stuff and to go out and buy more, television programs telling you the most important thing is the witty comeback, etc. The world is always looking to make us just like everyone else. A copy of whoever is the hot person of the moment. But God wants us to be the best version of ourselves, developing and enjoying the gifts and talents he has given us.

And then, of course, we move into the really radical stuff:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Romans 12:17-19

Not only are we supposed to be the best version of ourselves in our talents, but also in our everyday life. Again, compare this to the world around us. Movies are full of violence from the little (comedies where creative vengeance is taken and "hilarity ensues") to the humungous (action-adventures where the hero is the guy who blows up the most stuff and comes out the other end with perfect hair). The news is focused on explosions, murders, political battles, and scandal. The world loves violence - it is pleasing to the eye and full of drama… so long as it is happening to someone else. But God wants us to love those around us. It is no accident that in the Christmas season we talk so much about the "Prince of Peace" when speaking of Jesus.

The truth is that Christians truly are aliens and strangers in this world. The more we CONFORM, the farther we move from God. But the more we TRANSFORM, the closer we are to our Father, and the more joy we can find in becoming the people God meant us to be.

Questions to Consider:

When have you felt like an alien and a stranger in this world?
When in your life has doing what is right meant doing exactly the opposite of what the world would have you do?
When is it hardest to live “at peace” with everyone around you?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

6. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Transformed Living (12:1-15:13)
a. The basic consecration (12:1-2)
b. In Christian ministry (12:3-8)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Therefore, I // urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

Do not conform // any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

For by // the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you, Romans 12:3

Just // as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5

Love must // be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10

Never // be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:11-13

Bless // those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:14-15

Live // in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16

Do not repay // anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:17-18

Do not take // revenge, "my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ""It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"" says the Lord. On the contrary: ""If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20

Do not be // overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

(Be) patient in what?
Reference : According to Romans 12:17, be what?
What if he s THIRSTY?
(Be) FAITHFUL in what?
By the RENEWING of your mind be what?
What if it is SHOWING mercy?
Practice what?
Each MEMBER BELONGS to whom?
Situation Who says it? To whom? How?: Do not think of yourself more HIGHLY than you ought, but rather think of yourself with SOBER judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Do not CONFORM any longer to what?
Reference : According to Romans 12:12, be what?
What if it is possible?
Do not repay anyone how?
You will be able to test and approve what God's will is when?
Reference : According to Romans 12:17, do not what?
Reference : According to Romans 12:1, I urge you, brothers, to what?
These members do not all what?
BLESS those who PERSECUTE you how?
LEAVE ROOM for God's wrath why?
2 Part : You will HEAP BURNING COALS on his HEAD how?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 11

2005-12-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

Family Study Guide for December 1 – December 7, 2005
(Read Romans 11 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 11 by Matt Chesner, Coach

“I’d Rather Be Lucky than Good”

Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, John Stockton and Karl Malone. Will Purdue, Craig Hodges, Scott Hastings and Bill Wennington. What do the second group of players have in common that the first group doesn’t? Each player in the first group is a future Hall of Fame player who has never won an NBA Championship. Whereas, the second group is full of players who were lucky just to play in the NBA, but were all also fortunate enough to play with Michael Jordan and win on Championships on his Bulls teams.

We gentiles are lucky like the second group of players. We are lucky that God’s salvation has been offered to us. We reaped the benefits of the Messiah coming to Earth to offer salvation. (First to the Jew, then to the Gentile. -Romans1:16) Romans 11:11 says “…Rather because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.” Chapter 11 also goes on to explain our situation as that of a wild branch grafted to a tree with nourishing sap. We were not naturally meant to have this salvation, but God chose to offer it to us so that his people would see our joy and turn to him.

The Jewish People had all the benefits of being God’s people and yet did not accept God’s means for salvation. Because of this, we were shown the way to salvation so that they would see and come to God. How great our joy should be. What ever the reason, how lucky we gentiles are that the salvation that came through Jesus was not just provided to the Jewish people, but to the whole world.

Questions to Consider:

What was a time in your life that you benefited from being “Lucky” rather than Good?
What in my life would someone be envious of that could bring them to God?
How have you thanked God for extended His salvation to you?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

c. God’s sovereign choice fulfilled (11:1-36)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Consider therefore // the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22

Oh, // the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Romans 11:33

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

3 Part : All things (are) what?
What if their REJECTION is the reconciliation of the world?
Reference : According to Romans 11:26, what is written?
2 Part : How much GREATER riches will their FULLNESS bring if what?
He will not spare you EITHER if what?
As a result of their disobedience you what?
Kindness to you, PROVIDED what?
God did not spare what?
May their eyes be what?
I make much of what?
Who is the apostle to the Gentiles?
Who is an ISRAELITE?
There is a remnant chosen how?
What if it were (by works)?
Who will turn godlessness away from Jacob?
What Israel sought so earnestly it did not WHAT?
Who has been grafted in among the others?
What will their ACCEPTANCE be but life from the dead if WHAT?
3 Part : God gave them what?
Reference : According to Romans 11:22, consider what?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 10

2005-11-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

November 24 – November 30, 2005
(Read Romans 10 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 10 by Sean Dean, Youth Pastor of Fircrest Church UMC

I grew up in the church – seriously I was born on Saturday and attended my first service in church on Sunday at 26 hours old. I’ve known a lot of people that have grown up in the church. Most of us come to know Jesus and become followers of Him, but what about those who grow up in church and never come into relationship with Jesus and start to follow Him. What’s the deal with them? What about people who are on the complete other side of the spectrum, those who have never heard of Jesus? What’s going to happen with them?

These are the questions that the Apostle Paul is dealing with in Romans chapter 10. More specifically he’s trying to figure out what’s going to happen to his Jewish brothers and sisters. They had all grown up in “church”, they knew the scriptures – most of them had the Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) memorized by the time they were twelve. Many of them had even come into contact with Jesus while He walked on the earth. And yet so many of them had decided not to become followers.

Paul does not come to any grand conclusions here, but what Paul does say is this: anyone can be saved and the way to start the process of being saved is simple.

Say the welcoming word to God--"Jesus is my Master"--embracing, body and soul, God's work of doing in us what He did in raising Jesus from the dead. That's it. You're not "doing" anything; you're simply calling out to God, trusting Him to do it for you. That's salvation. (10:9 The Message).

What’s interesting is that Paul doesn’t leave it there – as we often do. He goes on to say that while salvation is simple, it requires that people be out there proclaiming the word of Christ. What are you doing to proclaim the word of Christ? If no one is out there proclaiming, those who have never heard can never hear and if they never hear they can never believe.

I think that the ending of the passage is very interesting; it’s a quote from Isaiah about how God has been continually calling out to the people of Israel to follow Him. It never says that God stops calling out and that needs to be our perspective as well. Continue proclaiming no matter how often it is rejected, because eventually they will hear and when they hear they can believe.

Questions to Consider:

Who do you know who grew up “in the church”, but has never come to Christ? Why do you think their knowledge and experience do not help them to know Jesus?
If you grew up in the church, have you really examined your life and compared it to that of Jesus? Have you really said in your heart “Jesus is Lord” and proclaimed with your mouth that God raised Him from the dead?
Why is it important that you be telling your friends about Jesus? Who do you know who has grown up around Christians here in America, but still does not know the gospel?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

b. God’s sovereign choice applied (9:30-10:21)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

That // if you confess with "your mouth, ""Jesus is Lord,"" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

For there // is no difference "between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’" Romans 10:12-13

How, // then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15

Consequently, faith // comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

I was found by whom?
Who did not know the righteousness that comes from God?
My HEART'S desire and prayer to God that they may be saved is for whom?
Reference : According to Romans 10:17, consequently what?
2 Part : You will be saved if you what?
2 Part : There is no difference between whom?
Situation Who said it? About what?: "The man who does these things will live by them."
Reference : According to Romans 10:16, Isaiah says what?
2 Part : With your heart you what?
They did not know what?
How can they hear without someone WHAT?
Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not what?
2 Part : With your mouth you what?
2 Part : That they may be saved is what?
You confess and are saved how?
(They) sought to establish their own what?
What is heard through the word of Christ?
How can they believe in the one of whom WHAT?
Who will ASCEND into heaven WHY?
2 Part : The righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart WHAT?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 9

2005-11-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

November 10 – November 16, 2005
(Read Romans 9 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 9 by Pastor Dave McIntyre, Senior Pastor Calvary EFC

Let’s face it: there are things in life that are much bigger than we are! How does gravity work? Why does the earth stay in orbit around the sun? How is it that you can fill a cup slightly over the top...and the water stays in (Try it...you’ll be amazed)? Why does a high pitched sound break a glass? How is it that teens never see the piles of clothes on their bedroom floor? Life is filled with things that we just can’t fully understand!

So what do we do when we can’t understand? Some ignore the issue...others struggle, trying to figure it out for themselves. There are explanations for many of the questions man raises about the world in which we live, but when it comes to the greatness of God, there are some things that are just too big for us to fully grasp!! We’re coming to one of those “too big to fully grasp” passages of Scripture in Romans 9-11...so hold onto your seat!! It has been the subject of debate for centuries. Theologians have actually come up with names to summarize their convictions on the topic you begin studying this week in Romans 9. Some people are called “Calvinists” because of their interpretation of these chapters and others are called “Arminians” because of their convictions.

This section of Scripture is all about God’s sovereignty (meaning: His absolute rule over the universe) and it will “make your head hurt” as you try to understand it. Each of these three chapters fit closely together in Paul’s argument and in chapter 9 we find Paul emphasizing the absolute authority God possesses and the way it shapes the lives of men.

Paul describes God’s choice of Abraham and then more specifically Isaac’s descendants, and then even more specifically Jacob’s descendants, the Israelites. Further, God’s Word to Pharaoh (vs 16-18) reveals that God is sovereignly working through Pharaoh to accomplish His purposes. Why do these things occur? Because God was sovereignly at work!!

When Paul imagines someone raising a logical challenge to this truth (vs 19f), he answers it by saying that God’s ways can’t be questioned by man because man isn’t God...never will be God...and is too limited to understand what God fully grasps. We are like lumps of clay, Paul says. What right does the clay have to tell the potter what type of pot it wants to be? That’s absurd! The potter has the wisdom, skill and understanding to do what is best with that lump of clay for his purposes to be accomplished. So it is with our wise, loving, good Heavenly Father. He is Sovereign, but we can trust Him because He is also Good...even when we don’t fully understand.

One more thing that can easily be lost in our discussion of God’s sovereignty is the powerful example we see in vs 1-5. Read those verses slowly and let them sink in!! If you want to know what made Paul a super-evangelist who never met a lost person he didn’t want to share the gospel with...this is it! Paul had Jesus’ heart for lost people. He had such a love for his people the Jews that he could even wish that he be cut off from Christ, if it would result in the unsaved Jews coming to know Jesus. THAT’S THE REAL DEAL, PEOPLE: CHRIST’S HEART FOR THE LOST!!

Questions to Consider:

When have you wondered about how much of your life is your own, and how much is controlled by God?
When have you been forced to trust in God, when events were beyond your control? How did God show Himself to be good?
If God is sovereign, why does He allow people to NOT be saved? How does Free Will mix into all of this?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

5. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Sovereign Choice (9:1-11:36)
a. God’s sovereign choice enunciated (9:1-29)
b. God’s sovereign choice applied (9:30-10:21)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

No FTVs for this week. You may want to take the time to memorize some more from Romans 8

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

The Lord will carry out his SENTENCE where?
I will call her 'my loved one' who is what?
2 Part : Does not the POTTER have the right to make out of the same LUMP of CLAY WHAT?
Who will serve the YOUNGER?
What might stand, not by works but by him who calls?
2 Part : Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have what?
Who are the objects of his mercy?
My conscience CONFIRMS it how?
Reference : According to Romans 9:17, Scripture says what?
It is not the natural children who are what?
Who did not PURSUE righteousness?
Your offspring will be RECKONED how?
What is by faith?
3 Part : Whose is the adoption as sons?
Reference : According to Romans 9:13, what is written?
Situation What says it? To whom?: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might DISPLAY my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
The Gentiles did not what?
Theirs is the adoption how?
ESAU I what?
Only the remnant will what?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 8

2005-11-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

November 3 – November 9, 2005
(Read Romans 8 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 8 by Ron Fay, Doctoral Student in N.T. Greek

When I was young, I remember how the people across the street from us seemed to be very different. The kids were abrasive and very aggressive. They were mean and loud. I remember hearing other people talking about them.

“Peter and David cannot help what they are. It is just their parents living through them. After all, both parents are the same way.”

Looking back on that, I realize that in many cases it is true that what most influences us determines, in many cases, how we act. If Muhammad Ali is my hero, I will want to be witty, a fast talker, and a braggart who can back up my claims. If Donald Trump is my hero, I will want to be urbane, yet ruthless.

As Christians, we are not to grow up to be like any earthly hero, rather we want to be like our heavenly Father. But how is this realistically accomplished? That is what Romans 8 is telling us. You and I both began in a state of sin, a state caused by the Fall of Adam and Eve. Due to their Fall, none of us will ever be able to attain God’s righteousness on our own. Instead, we need Jesus to give us His, and He does that through someone else: the Holy Spirit.

Living as a Christian is not easy, but then we do not have just our own power to live by. We no longer have to “live according to the sinful nature,” instead our minds should be “set on what the Spirit desires” (8:5). The Holy Spirit should control us because “the Spirit of God lives in you” (8:9). All of creation awaits the final day when we are declared righteous, the rest are condemned, and creation itself is renewed. Why? Because our sin affects not only ourselves, but the very ground we walk on and all of nature itself. It is through God’s foreknowledge and predestination that we will become glorified, but we are not there yet.

So what about now? That is why He sent the Spirit! The Holy Spirit indwells each of us, not as a security device or monitoring system, but rather as a guide, confidant, and comforter. God wants us to live for Him, and so He has given us HIMSELF to help with it. After all, “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (8:31) We have already overcome this world by making the first decision to follow Christ, we just need to follow up that one decision with the daily determination to truly live for Him. After all, He sent His Son to die, and He sent His Spirit to dwell within us, why would we not choose the Father daily?

Questions to Consider:

When in your life have you seen friends or neighbors acting in a way that was their parents “acting through them”?
When is a case where you allowed God to live through you? Why have you found it hard to do so at all times?
Who is your hero? Is that person acting like God in their lives?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

d. Power for sanctification (8:1-17)
e. Goal of sanctification (8:18-27)
f. Certainty of sanctification (8:28-39)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

Therefore, there // is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

For what // the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met Romans 8:3-4

Those // who live according tothe sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5

The mind // of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8

For you // did not receive "a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ""Abba, Father.""" Romans 8:15

The Spirit // himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:16-17

I consider // that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

In // the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26

And // we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

For those // God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30

He // who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

Who shall // separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35

No, // in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

For I // am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Who HOPES for WHAT?
3 Part : The sinful mind what?
The Spirit himself intercedes for us how?
Who justifies?
3 Part : If we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory, then we are what?
He who did not spare his own Son, but what?
2 Part : What if Christ is in you?
2 Part : The law of the Spirit of life se me free from the law of what?
Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what?
Multiple : I am convinced that WHAT will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord?
In all things God what?
Those who are LED by the Spirit of God are what?
We have an obligation, but it is not to what?
The Spirit himself TESTIFIES with our spirit that what?
2 Part : Christ Jesus, who died, is what?
In accordance with God's will the Spirit what?
2 Part : We are more than CONQUERORS how?
The Spirit himself TESTIFIES how that we are God's children?
The creation was what?
What is hostile to God?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 7

2005-10-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

October 20 – October 26, 2005
(Read Romans 7 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 7 by Jim Brake, Head Coach

It is a commonly known fact that Jesus had more to say about money than heaven or hell. It is a lesser known fact that the Bible also has many things to say about marriage. Marriage is an institution ordained by God and first mentioned all the way back in Genesis 2. Marriage is a very important biblical concept and the clearest human picture of the relationship between God and man. Quite often in the Old Testament, Israel (God’s chosen people), is referred to as God’s wife. The book of Hosea is based upon the imagery of Israel as the unfaithful wife of Jehovah. Marriage imagery is also prominent in the Book of Revelation, as we find the church referred to as the bride of Christ.

Paul uses this word picture to compare a Christian’s relationship with the Law to the relationship between a husband and wife. Paul makes the case in verse 4 that through the accomplishments of Christ on the cross, we as believers died to the law. Just as a woman is free to take another husband only if her current husband dies, so we as Christians are free to be joined to Christ because we died to the law. The law produced the fruit of death in us since it only showed us how far we fall short of God’s glory. The law could not and was never intended to save but only made our sin more apparent. The law did not help us get to God or make us acceptable to him (v5). In fact, the more law we got, the more unable to conform to God’s standard we appeared. In Christ, the wrath of God against us was satisfied and therefore God is now able to look at us through the perfection of Christ.
We died to the law so that we can be joined to Christ to produce “fruit to God” (v4&6).

The rest of this chapter is about Paul’s personal struggle with sin. This is an extremely personal section of Scripture. Many times we wrongly think of the writers of the New Testament books as giants of the faith. We tend not to consider them to be our equal or to have the same struggles as we do. In this chapter it is plain that there can be nothing farther from the truth. Paul asks this haunting question in verse 24, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Fortunately, he doesn’t leave us hanging, but answers his own question in verse 25. “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” This chapter, as well as being packed with good practical theology, also gives us a glimpse into the man Paul and his struggles. Paul, although a great figure in the Christian faith, is also just a man with the same sin struggles as all of us. Chapter 7 ends and chapter 8 begins by showing that since we died to sin and now live for Christ, we no longer are to be slaves or obligated to obey sin.

Questions to Consider:

How is the relationship between God and the Church like a marriage?
Why do you think Jesus had more to say on money and marriage, than on heaven or hell?
When have you felt lost in your sin, and wondered how God could love you?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

Conflict of sanctification (7:1-25)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

“I know // that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Romans 7:18

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

What lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature?
3 Part : The commandment is what?
Nothing good what?
We have been released from the law how?
The sinful PASSIONS AROUSED by the law were what?
What if the law had not said, "Do not covet"?
What might become UTTERLY sinful?
She is released from that law if what?
Another law at work in the members of my body (is) WAGING WAR against what?
We bore fruit for death why?
What is dead apart from law?
So that through the commandment sin might become UTTERLY sinful, it what?
(Another law at work in the members of my body is) MAKING me what?
What if she MARRIES another man while her husband is still alive?
2 Part : We have been released from the law why?
What is WAGING WAR against the law of my mind?
In my INNER being I DELIGHT in God's law, but what?
2 Part : We serve how?
Sin is dead how?
2 Part : I would not have known WHAT?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 6

2005-10-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

October 13 – October 19, 2005
(Read Romans 6 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 6 by Mark Chesner, Coach

For many people, the teenage years are all about exploring freedom. Childhood can seem like a parade of people telling you how to eat, sleep, learn, work, and breathe, whereas the teen years are the beginning of a chance to tell yourself how to live. For the first time, you are left home alone and trusted with the run of the house. For the first time, you are able to go out with friends without a small army of chaperones watching your every move. For the first time, you are handed the keys to the car and given a chance to sit behind to wheel. The world seems to be expanding and every day seems like a new chance to strike out on your own.

But Romans 6 reminds us that it is not really in our nature to be “free” in the sense we think of ourselves. Sure, we have political freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of religious expression. But these forms of freedom are just ways for us to choose whom to serve. And to decide which reward you want to reap from your servitude:

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[b] Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23

For each step we take in exploring our freedom, we need to examine where we are going. Will this bit of exploration take me to be a slave to God, or a slave to sin? Is this decision a step toward God or a step away from him? Is this expression of freedom a praise to the Almighty or a call to evil? Because no matter what we may think about the colors of “gray” in the world – and sometimes the world does seem awfully foggy and it is hard to find your way – every move we make is either a step up toward heaven or a step down, deeper into the mud and the grime.

In the end, there is only one question: whom shall I serve? Okay, maybe two questions: where will that master lead me?

Questions to Consider from Romans 6:

When in your life have you made a choice to be a servant of God?
When have you wanted to explore your freedom, but accidentally fallen into something unexpected and unpleasant?
When have you been unsure about where a choice would lead? How did you decide which action to take?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

4. God’s Righteousness Revealed in Sanctification (6:1-8:39)
a. Grounds of sanctification (6:1-4)
b. Attitudes for sanctification (6:5-23)

Finish the Verses for this Chapter:

“We were // therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
“For we // know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” Romans 6:6-7
“The death // he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Romans 6:10-12
“Do not offer // the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”
Romans 6:13-14
“Don't // you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Romans 6:16
“For the // wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Reference : According to Romans 6:3, don't you know WHAT?
So that the body of sin might be done away with, our old SELF was what?
You have been set free from what?
How can we live in WHAT any longer?
Offer what in SLAVERY to righteousness leading to holiness?
You were slaves to what?
Reference : According to Romans 6:15, by no means what?
Reference : According to Romans 6:6, we know that what?
What benefit did you reap at that time from WHAT?
Do not offer what to sin?
2 Part : Count yourselves what?
I put this in what?
Reference : According to Romans 6:9, we know that what?
Death no longer what?
We were therefore BURIED with him through BAPTISM into death why?
The death he died, he died to sin how?
Count yourselves dead to what?
Reference : According to Romans 6:1-2, by no means what?
Through the glory of the Father, Christ was what?
2 Part : We should no longer be slaves to sin why?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 5

2005-10-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

October 6 – October 12, 2005
(Read Romans 5 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 5 by Metty Mesick, Seminary Graduate

Romans chapter 5 begins like an elaborate logic problem. “If x is justified by y, x has z with G through JC, by which x has gained y and access to JC and G, via JC first and thereby G. Therefore, x should T in G.” And that’s only a rendition of verses 1 and 2! Then we move through verses 3-5, and it seems to go from Algebra I to Algebra III. “If x rejoices in A, it’s okay because a=b, b=c, c=t.” Did you get all of that?
There are things in our lives that will always defy logic. Thankfully, God is in control of both the logical and illogical. Romans 5:1-5 offers us a bit of both. To many who do not know Christ, faith in an unseen and unvoiced God is entirely illogical. So to rejoice in sufferings seems crazy, especially if we suggest that our sufferings set in motion another chain reaction that precipitates hope. And in the midst of suffering, it is human nature to attempt to find logical reasons. Instead of coming to the suffering or crisis situation with faith, we many times set into motion an entirely different chain reaction. We begin the “coulda-shoulda-woulda” that spirals into remorse, guilt, and regret. Instead of persevering we become apathetic, instead of building character, we tear ourselves, and others down. And in the midst of our crisis and suffering, we wail and wade in miry despair. Yet Romans 5:1-5 reminds us that if we believe in Jesus Christ, then we have hope in all situations, hope that is both logical and illogical. And that’s because our relationship with God is both logical and illogical.
As Christians, we daily face temptations that could cause us to sin and fall short of the glory of God; but sometimes I think we have an even bigger, less noticeable problem: LOGIC! We live in a logic-based world, but the Bible gives us an illogical framework with which we are to view our logical, daily experiences. As Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” As things happen, our human tendency is to attach logical meanings, and as Christians, we are to attach illogical (to human logic) meanings. When struggle and crisis comes we seem to switch modes from faith to logic; and we can easily be set adrift in questions that defy what we know and believe as Christians.
The bottom line for Romans 5:1-5 is this: with God, events and outcomes can be extremely logical or illogical. With earthly life, events and outcomes can be extremely logical and illogical. As Christians, when confronted with either logical or illogical situations we must first remember God defies all situations because of His Sovereignty. Secondly, we must then continue to have faith that God’s sovereignty will continue to defy all situations both logical and illogical. And that is precisely when hope does not disappoint us. It can only act to strengthen our faith in God’s seen and unseen, logical and illogical, sovereignty in our lives.

Questions to Consider from Romans 5:

When in your life have you been forced to trust God when life seemed suddenly to defy logic?
When has an event that you could not understand suddenly made sense long after the event?
How can we trust God, when we do not understand?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

By faith in God’s promise
c. Righteousness enjoyed (5:1-11)
d. Righteousness contrasted (5:12-21)

Finish the Verses for Romans 3:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“Not only // so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given” Romans 5:3-5

“You see, // at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6

“Very // rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:7-8

“Therefore, just // as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—“ Romans 5:12

“For if, // by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17

For just // as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

The law was ADDED why?
Where sin INCREASED, grace INCREASED all the more why?
Reference : According to Romans 5:9, we have been justified how?
We have peace with God how?
When we were still powerless, Christ what?
Reference : According to Romans 5:11, we rejoice in what?
Perseverance (produces) what?
2 Part : Death reigned how?
Reference : According to Romans 5:8, Christ died for whom?
Through the disobedience of the one man the many were what?
We were RECONCILED to him when?
The many were many sinners how?
Who has given us (the Holy Spirit)?
Grace might reign through righteousness why?
We have peace with whom?
By the trespass of the one man, death what?
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ why?
What (produces) hope?
Because we know that suffering PRODUCES perseverance, we also what?
2 Part : What overflow to the many?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 4

2005-09-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

September 22 – September 28, 2005
(Read Romans 3 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 4 by Ron Fay, Former Quizzer (& Doctoral Student in N.T. Greek)

After every major sporting event, the cameras invariably end up focusing on the one hero of the game. Typically, the question asked by the oh-so-creative reporter is something along the lines of “how does it feel to be the hero of the game?” The stereotyped response quickly follows, “I just want to thank my teammates for helping us win the game.” Is this a case of false humility or a case of someone who knows what he is talking about?

Paul makes it clear that nobody makes it alone, that the only way to salvation is through God alone. God is the team we rely upon, God is the only source of our faith, of our strength. He gives us signs to see if we are among His people, usually called the fruit of the Spirit. The faith that He grows in us, however, is what counts as our righteousness, not our deeds. Salvation comes about through faith, and faith comes about through God’s work in our lives and our willingness to submit to His call. “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be the heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith,” Romans 4:13.

We are each born of an earthly father, but we are also born of a spiritual one. Christianity historically speaks of multiple fathers in the life of an individual. First, there is the birth father, the person from whom we get our genetic makeup. Second, there is our heavenly Father, the One who grants us life, existence, and the ability to become His children by adoption. Finally, there is the last one, the spiritual father, the person who help to nurture our faith until it grew into a blazing fire inside of us. For me, it was my Youth Pastor who changed my life. He made God real to me, no just modeling the life led by faith, but making sure that I understood and accepted the same type life of faith as well.

In Abraham we find our ultimate spiritual father, for he was the first of us to be saved by faith in the Messiah yet to be, though he never met God face-to-face. His belief was more powerful than his doubt, his spiritual sight stronger than his physical sight, his faith stronger than his mortality. Though he was too old to have a child, still his faith made him young enough to be the father of nations. “Abraham believed in God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” May the same be said of each of us on that final day.

Questions to Consider from Romans 4:

When have you tried to “go it alone”?
Who was your spiritual father (or mother)? How?
How have you seen the power of Faith in your life?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

Righteousness illustrated (4:1-25)
i. By faith not works
ii. By faith not rites
iii. By faith not the Law
iv. By faith in God’s promise

Finish the Verses for Romans 3:

"Blessed are they whose transgressions// are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." Romans 4:7-8

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

Being fully PERSUADED that what?
2 Part : Blessed are they whose WHAT?
Reference : According to Romans 4:16, he is the father of whom?
For our sins he was what?
Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him how?
3 Part : The promise comes by faith, so that it may be GUARANTEED to whom?
To all Abraham's offspring -- not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of who?
If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he what?
Since he was about a HUNDRED years old, his body what?
We have been saying what?
Situation: Who says it? When?: "Blessed are they whose TRANSGRESSIONS are forgiven, whose sins are COVERED. . ."
God gives life to whom?
Reference : According to Romans 4:17, what is written?
Faith has no value if what?
Reference : According to Romans 4:11, he is the father of whom?
Who had power to do what he had promised?
WHO in hope believed?
Reference : According to Romans 4:16, what comes by faith?
Situation: What says it?: "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for whom?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 3

2005-09-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

September 15 – September 21, 2005
(Read Romans 3 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 3 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Super-hero movies are all the rage these days with heroes such as Spider-Man, Batman, the X-Men, and others receiving the big-screen treatment that only ancient mythical heroes received previously. There are a few rules to a successful super-hero movie. First, the hero - of course - has to be larger than life. Second, he has to be someone we can relate to. And finally - and most importantly - he has to face his polar opposite in the main bad guy of the movie. For Superman, it is Lex Luthor - a man lacking all of the heroes power but more than making up for it in his ambition for personal gain. For Spider-Man, it is the Green Goblin - who is as insane and lacking of a grip on reality as Peter Parker is rooted in everyday concerns.

In scripture, we usually think of the good guy/bad guy battle as God vs. the Devil. But in Romans 3, Paul draws a very different parallel of the usual super-hero dual. He says it is God on the one side, and humanity on the other! Consider the following, in light of the good, righteous, and true God spoken of in Romans: “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know." (Romans 3:12-17) Talk about villains! And it is easy to forget that every one of us is included in that group: “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10) We are the bad guys in this story, and we all know the natural end of every good comic book movie - the villain is defeated in spectacular fashion.

But God does not allow Himself to be constrained by a human plot line. He has instead decided to offer the bad guys a shot to join the winning side! “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:21-24) Through Jesus Christ, we have a doorway to the good side, a way to redemption, and the deal is not just for a special few, but is for everyone. The most horrible person on the planet can turn and change sides, by simply turning themselves over to Jesus, where they can be transformed into something completely new.

Questions to Consider from Romans 3:

When have you been the “bad guy” in the story of your life?
When has “the poison of vipers” been on your lips?
Why would God decide to take in people like us, who have been villains like this?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

Condemnation against unfaithful Jews (2:1-3:8)
Condemnation against all humanity (3:8-20)
God’s Righteousness Revealed in Justification (3:21-5:21)
Righteousness explained (3:21-31)

Finish the Verses for Romans 3:

As it is written: "There is no one righteous,// not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Romans 3:10-12

Therefore no one will be declared righteous// in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 3:20

This righteousness from God comes through faith// in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

2 Part : There is only one God, who will JUSTIFY whom?
Much in every way why?
God PRESENTED him as what?
Reference : According to Romans 3:19, we know that what?
Some CLAIM that we say what?
3 Part : (All) are justified how?
He did what to demonstrate his justice?
Their THROATS are what?
Who UNDERSTANDS?
God PRESENTED him as a SACRIFICE of ATONEMENT how?
What is DESERVED?
Their TONGUES what?
Reference : According to Romans 3:9, not at all what?
Reference : According to Romans 3:12, not even one what?
Let God what?
Who have sinned?
2 Part : What MARK their ways?
2 Part : (Boasting is EXCLUDED) on what PRINCIPLE?
We UPHOLD the law how?
A man is justified by faith apart from what?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 2

2005-09-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

September 8 – September 14, 2005
(Read Romans 2 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 2 by John Roy, Pastor

A few years ago, a movie was produced and shown in theaters across the country. This time the good guys were LA detectives and the bad guy was the Minister of Diplomatic Affairs for the South African Consulate. A car chase opened the movie -- a red BMW crashed, the trunk door flew open, and one million dollars worth of South African krugerrands was discovered. It turns out that the red BMW was registered to the South African Minister. The detectives making the discovery were re-assigned another case, as the Minister claimed diplomatic immunity. He was then promptly escorted away from police headquarters by high level U.S. Government officials. Needless to say, our good guys kept one eye on their new assignment and one eye on the bad guys throughout the remainder of the movie. At the very end, after some innocent people were killed by the Minister and his partners, he showed his ID, claiming “diplomatic immunity” for the last time. Judgment took place and the Minister was finally punished.

Diplomatic immunity is an agreement between governments that ensures diplomats are given safe passage and are considered not susceptible to lawsuit or prosecution under the host country's laws. It is, in effect, a status of privilege. One can break the law and not be prosecuted (unless it is a really serious crime, like murder, drug smuggling, espionage, etc.).

As we read Romans 2, we see that this kind of privileged status is the very thing Paul is arguing against. Many Jews in Paul’s day believed they had, in essence, a kind of “diplomatic immunity” from the law. Not a particular country’s law, but rather, God’s law. Why? Because they were God’s chosen people, and they thought this put them into a special position with God. They thought their eternal salvation was secure, solely because they were descendents of Abraham.

Although Paul did not identify the Jews as being his subject yet, in verse 1, he begins his argument against that kind of flawed thinking. “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Paul then goes on until verse 16, with establishing the principles of divine judgment by which the Jew is clearly condemned. Then in verses 17-29 the Jew comes under the spotlight of God’s judgment and is found guilty. In Romans 2:21-22, this is what Paul writes, “you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” Then Paul addresses the very law that the Jews were praising as their own, “You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?”

Paul closes this portion of his argument by showing the difference between “spirituality” and “superficiality.” Or, another way of putting this, between “genuine” and “artificial.” “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.” It is the condition of the heart that makes the difference in your relationship with God. Not the status of your family, your school, or anything else in this life. To God be the glory.

Questions to Consider from Romans 2:

What kinds of things do people rely on for right standing before God?
When you stand before God, on what basis will you expect to spend eternity in heaven?
Does anyone in all of the world have a favored status with God and are immune from God’s judgment against breaking His law?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

Condemnation against unfaithful Jews (2:1-3:8)

Finish the Verses for Romans 2:

You, therefore, have no excuse,// you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Romans 2:1

God "will give to each // person according to what he has done." To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:6-8

A // man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:28-29

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

You show CONTEMPT for the riches of his kindness, TOLERANCE and patience, not REALIZING that what?
2 Part : You are STORING up wrath against yourself because of what?
Reference : According to Romans 1:10, by God's will what?
They are a law for themselves, even though what?
Nor is WHAT merely OUTWARD and physical?
All who sin under the law will be judged how?
3 Part : It is the power of God for the salvation of whom?
2 Part : Created things (they) what?
What is not from men, but from God?
2 Part : Who may be MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED by each OTHER'S faith?
Since they did not think it WORTHWHILE to RETAIN the knowledge of God, he what?
Reference : According to Romans 1:16, I am not what?
Who will live by faith?
Their THINKING what?
My gospel DECLARES what?
Who will condemn you?
You are convinced that you are a GUIDE for the BLIND why?
4 Part : They are a law for themselves why?
Who will be judged by the law?
Reference : According to Romans 1:17, what is written?

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Family Study Guide for Romans 1

2005-09-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

September 1 – September 7, 2005
(Read Romans 1 Online)
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Reflections on Romans 1 by Mark Chesner, Coach

Some of you may be aware that Matt and Jim work in the fire sprinker business, putting in those little metal things in the ceiling. Normally, a fire sprinkler is something we ignore, only to be noticed when we happen to be looking at the ceiling in a store or at school – usually when we are so bored that we are looking for anything to grab our attention. And even for people who own buildings with the things, they tend to only think about them when the annoying side comes out – leaks, drips, and regular inspection visits.

But when a fire bursts out, that is when you suddenly understand just what those little things can do. The little red bead in them bursts, a valve opens, and gallons of water pour out to quickly quench the flames that would otherwise overwhelm and destroy everything. A couple of years ago, there was a metalworking plant that developed a little fire due to momentary carelessness. But that “little problem” quickly became a major disaster because the lack of fire sprinklers in the building meant there was no way to stop the incredible heat from melting or igniting nearly everything in the building.

This is similar to the image I get when I read through Romans 1. After introducing himself, Paul talks about the gospel as “power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” because it is “in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.” So what?, you can almost hear long-time Christians saying to themselves. I know the gospel and I believe it, but pretty much it is something that just annoys me when I’d rather sleep in on Sunday. Well, Paul quickly goes on to answer the “So what?” by explaining the fire building right under our noses: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness… Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts… Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.”

Because God’s wrath has been quenched for us, we forget about the “fire” raging around us. We forget that our friends and even family may not know. But Paul has it constantly on his mind, and is going to lay out in Romans the problem with humanity, God’s solution to the problem, and the incredible kindness and grace of our God.

Questions to Consider from Romans 1:

Do you ever take the gospel for granted?
Why is it important that Paul establishes himself as “a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God?”
Does Paul leave anyone out of the gift of salvation?

Chapter Outline: (From Jim’s Introduction to Romans)

Introduction (1:1-17)
God’s Righteousness Revealed in condemnation (1:18-3:20)
Condemnation against pagan humanity (1:1-32)

Finish the Verses for Romans 1:

I am // not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16

For in // the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17

The wrath of God is // being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. Romans 1:18-19

For since the creation of // the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Sample Questions for Studying

Capitalized words are once-used-words

According to Romans 1:13, I do not want you to be what?
I serve whom with my whole heart?
What is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes?
3 Part : What have been clearly seen?
The way may what?
2 Part : I remember you in my PRAYERS how?
Paul, a servant of whom?
I have had what among the other Gentiles?
2 Part : I long to see you so that what?
Through Jesus Christ I what?
2 Part : From God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, what?
Who was a descendant of David, as to his human nature?
According to Romans 1:26, God gave them over to what?
The gospel he promised beforehand in what?
They INVENT what?
They DISOBEY whom?
(They) WORSHIPED and SERVED what?
According to Romans 1:16, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile what?
They did not think it WORTHWHILE to what?
Who was declared with power to be the Son of God?

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