Acts by James Rochford (2016)

After an overview of the book of Acts, we learn from the author Luke what it looks like to wait for God. Waiting isn't passive, it involves: seeking God's direction, choosing His will, giving us courage, teaching patience, and it won't disappoint. The disciples needed to learn the lesson of God's timing and power. They would be used as God's witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Why are some people contagious for Christ? What causes some Christian groups to flourish and thrive? Can God really use someone like me? In this chapter, Luke answers these questions by explaining the impact the Holy Spirit brings to the church. He includes Peter's address to the crowd showing that this was God's plan all along.

The early church was the most dynamic group ever! Luke explains the seven traits that made this group of people vibrant and that the church today can have this too.

In these chapters, we see a case study on Christian confidence through Peter and John's interactions with the governing officials about healing a lame man. Five keys to confidence we learn from their example are: 1) don't take credit; 2) defend your faith; 3) be filled with the Holy Spirit; 4) commit to do good; 5) pray.

As the church is growing Satan attempts the tactic of hypocrisy to bring the growth to a halt. It is easy to judge Ananias and Sapphira for their hypocrisy, however, if we're honest we can see ourselves in them. In this teaching we learn 4 aspects of hypocrisy: 1) definition of hypocrisy; 2) problems with hypocrisy; 3) identifying hypocrisy; 4) battling hypocrisy.

Crisis, perseverance, and growth is the pattern seen in the early church. Philip and Stephen along with the other apostles experience external and internal attack through persecution and division. With God, they are able to overcome these. God doesn't grow His church despite crises, but actually through them.

Stephen, the first martyr, is brought before the Sanhedrin to give his defense. He uses Abraham, Joseph, and Moses as examples to explain that God is at work outside of "Holy places, spaces and races". Putting God in a box results in 1) a diminished view of God; 2) hypocrisy; 3) distraction and confusion; and 4) idols which replace and confine God.

The conversion of Saul to Paul is one of the clearest pictures of God's radical grace. After his conversion we see another picture of what it looks like to serve God under grace. Because of God's grace, this man went from seeking to imprison followers of Jesus to being one of Jesus' biggest influencers. Paul's life shows that God's grace is for anyone willing to accept it.

God builds His church through five snapshots in Ephesus: 1) Apollos, 2) John the Baptist's disciples, 3) lecture hall of Tyrannus, 4) spiritual warfare, and 5) reaction of the people. God moves through His Holy Spirit covertly and overtly while protecting His people.

Paul gives the Ephesian elders a moving speech to exhort them to lead faithfully. In this portrait of leadership from Paul, there are numerous lessons that apply to leading the church today.

Summary\r\nPaul goes to Jerusalem and is put on trial where he gives a defense for believing and teaching the message of Jesus. While Paul is in the middle of God's will he experiences suffering. Following Christ includes uncertainty, fear, rejection, and maybe personal harm.

Paul makes his defense before three Roman men; Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. Paul used evidence to explain his case while including the message of Jesus. Each of these men had a chance to hear and respond to Jesus' offer just like we do. Paul was focused on God's call and wasn't derailed by being in prison and on trial.

Luke details Paul's journey to Rome. Paul trusted God and proclaimed His goodness despite the many hardships he faced on his way to Rome. Upon arriving, Paul gave his defense to the Jewish leaders and Caesar trying to persuade them about Jesus. He continued to teach the Word with boldness and without hindrance.