By Michael C. Mack 1. If you were to tell the story of your people, what would the title be? Why? Read Acts 7:2-4, 8-10, 17, 33, 34, 45-47, 52, 53. 2. Make a pros and cons list for how the Israelites responded to God throughout this story. What would you put on each side? […]
By Dr. Mark Scott The first internal challenge to the church had been put to rest (literally) through the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Interestingly enough though, the apostles were revered for their miracles, and the church grew (5:12-16). Luke continues the account of the early church by telling of the second external […]
By David Faust When I was 17, a friend in the construction business gave me a summer job. I worked hard, but my skill level was average at best. (No one ever told me, “You know, Dave, you are so good at this you ought to consider a career in bricklaying.”) In that season of […]
By Michael C. Mack When is civil disobedience acceptable and appropriate? Read Acts 5:27-29, 33-42. There are two groups in this passage: the apostles and the Sanhedrin members. Match each group with the appropriate emotional response: blaming boldness, defiance, fury, joy, resentment, jealousy (also see v. 17). What do each group’s emotional responses tell you […]
By Robin Stanley Standing up for something you believe in is never easy. It requires more than you might believe of yourself. But, as we see through the testimony of the apostles and others, a single voice willing to amplify God’s voice, no matter the cost, empowers the weak and strengthens the community. Open Your […]
