Acts by Conrad Hilario (2016)

An introduction to the book of Acts. Time is spent explaining the Churches central mission ( the Great Commission) what that looks like in our lives and the role of the Holy Spirit.

Foreshadowing of the work of Christ in the Old Testament Jewish festivals explained briefly. Principles of an effective witness include: 1) the power of God; 2) giving credit to Christ for our changed lives; 3) being prepared to offer evidence; 4) highlighting God's grace; 5) explaining how we personally transact with God; and 6) being persistent.

The early Church was devoted to the truth, fellowship, and prayer. They were generous unified and grateful to God. The Biblical Church description is not too radical; it is healthy compared to cultural norms and priorities.

Peter and John heal a man born lame. They preach to the resulting gathered crowd. The leaders persecute them but are silenced by the good work of healing. Even though threatened further Peter and John respond with godly defiance. The believers pray for boldness.

The story of Ananias and Sapphira and the choice they made to try and deceive their fellow Christian workers. God prevented the corruption of the early church by hypocrisy. Satan still uses this "leavening" to try to discredit God and Christianity.

Satan seeks to discourage through persecution. Satan also seeks to destroy church unity and Christians must work to preserve our unity.

The Apostle Stephen presents his defense to the religious leaders threatening him. He reminds them that; 1. Temples cannot contain God; 2. Moses predicted Jesus; 3. The Jewish people reject the prophets.

Traditions of prejudice and going beyond what is written in scripture, end up being unnecessary barriers to God's love.

Wisdom for knowing Gods' will is drawn from Peters' explanation of his actions with the Gentiles. God has a will for us that we can know as we embrace God's values.

God doesn't promise to answer all of our prayers with affirmation. However, we can and should pray: 1. According to His will; 2. In faith; 3.With persistence; 4.Corporately (in groups); 5. Seeking answers; and 6. Remembering how He has answered us in the past.

Paul's first missionary journey spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and Antioch. Paul preached salvation through Jesus. A defense of modern missions is discussed.

God has left us evidence of Himself in the universe. We look at evidence from science supporting a design to creation.

The Jerusalem Council is used as a springboard to contrast Grace with being under the Law.

Paul and Silas travel to Philippi to share the Gospel message. God enlists us to carry out His mission as soon as we accept Christ. Some principles of our ministry include: 1) sharing Christ while being sensitive to the culture; 2) discipleship is the way to do this; 3) the Holy Spirit will lead.

Keep your eyes peeled for the person of peace. We are engaged in a fierce spiritual battle and we must maintain an attitude of joy and hope. God can use even the worst circumstances or suffering for His purpose.

We shouldn't hesitate from using Old Testament prophesy when talking to people about Christ. We shouldn't limit ourselves to talking to people just like us either. We should always be looking for ways to introduce Christ to people who do not know Gods' grace.

Sometimes those who are farthest away can be most receptive to God. Move on in a respectful way if people are not responding to the message of Christ. We shouldn't be afraid to share the message of Christ.

Paul spreads the Gospel in Corinth and God orchestrates a movement. Key features of God moving powerfully include: 1) God provides workers for the harvest (Apollos and Paul); 2) movements face spiritual opposition; 3) equipping workers fuels a movement; 4) spiritual movements encounter persecution, such as the church at Ephesus.