Follow along as we read through God's word. You can choose the parts you want to read. Hopefully, you can do most of this on your phone, tablet, or computer.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. God, I just want to bow in humility before You now and bask in the wonder of being in Your presence.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Paul “saw the light” about Jesus. How did you “see the light” about him? What changes did it make? Do you think there is one special way everyone comes to Jesus? Why?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Paul had a dramatic experience of God on the road to Damascus. Have you or someone you know had a dramatic experience of God? What happened?
Do you think it is possible to “see the light” about Jesus without having a dramatic experience like Paul’s? Explain.
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Close your eyes and try to walk around your home or office blind. Imagine what Paul must have felt like until Ananias helped him regain his sight.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I confess that I, too, can be blind to You and Your plans for me. Open my eyes wherever needed.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Good God, I’m thankful that You want people of all backgrounds to have a relationship with You.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Peter had to overcome prejudice in order to welcome Cornelius. Are there prejudices (perhaps unintentional) that exclude people from your church fellowship?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
How would you describe the good news of the Gospel? Is it good news to you? Explain why.
Peter learned to accept Cornelius, someone very different, and not exclude him from fellowship in the early church. Do you think the church today is inclusive or exclusive? Why? What should it be like?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. The next time you go to church, either bring someone from a different background or make an effort to welcome someone you don’t know.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God to show you if you have any unconscious prejudices and, if so, to help you overcome them.
Before the Next Time: Set aside time soon to reflect on the significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth and growth of the church. What can you learn from the community life of the church and the way its members faced opposition? Ask God to show you any actions or changes you need to take as a result.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank God for the people in your life who have helped you to learn and grow in your spiritual journey.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Phillip felt a “nudge” from God to help the Ethiopian. Have you ever felt a “nudge” from God? How would you recognize it? What did you do about it?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Some people say “religion may be important but it should be kept private.” Do you agree? Explain.
The new church grew as people like Philip shared their faith. Have you ever shared your religious beliefs with another person? If so, what happened?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Prepare yourself to help someone spiritually by gathering 3–4 key Bible verses about faith in Jesus. Think through how you would best use each one in the conversation.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. God, I want to be alert to Your “nudge” and ready to help someone who wants to know more about You.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Why do you think people get angry, even hateful, when Christians speak out about their faith? Has that ever happened to you?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Why do you think the religious leaders were so threatened by Stephen’s sermon? What “threatens” the religious people you know? Why? Is it bad to be religious?
Have you ever been ridiculed or persecuted for what you believe? If so, share why and tell what happened.
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. What would be a clear but non-confrontational way that you could share your faith with a neighbor, friend or co-worker in the next few days or weeks?
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Ask God to show you how best to share what you believe with someone who is open to hearing it.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, some people might think I don’t have much but I’m thankful to have You and Your Word in my life.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Have you ever had a conflict with authority over a matter of faith? What was the result? What principles guide the way you act in such a challenging situation?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Share your view of the church. What should it be like? Why does it exist?
What would you suggest as the best “church growth strategy”? Explain.
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blognotes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
The birth of the church and its early history was a period of remarkable growth. The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and enabled the disciples to continue doing many of the miracles that Jesus had done. The Holy Spirit also enabled the church to form a strong community and to face opposition and persecution with boldness and faith. These early chapters of Acts contain much to challenge and encourage us who live so many centuries after these world-shaking events.
Purpose: To examine the events surrounding the birth and growth of the early church and discover what they might mean for us today.
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank You, God, that You sent Your Holy Spirit into the world to teach and lead us in Your ways.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. How did people react to the coming of the Holy Spirit on that Pentecost Day? What do people you know think about the Holy Spirit today? What do you think?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles that first Pentecost. What do you believe about the Holy Spirit? Does the Holy Spirit still "fill" people today? Explain.
Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit at work in your life? Galatians 5:16-26 If so, how?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. If you, like Peter, could speak to a large crowd about the Holy Spirit, what would you say? Take a moment today to outline your key points.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, help me to understand more and more about the Holy Spirit and what the Spirit means to my life.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blognotes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, how You continue to amaze me with the wonder of Your power and Your goodness!
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What “convincing proofs” could you offer someone that Jesus is alive today? Do you believe Jesus will return to earth some day? Why does it matter?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Imagine that you had witnessed Jesus’ ascension into heaven. How do you think you would have felt? Explain.
Do you think that Jesus will return to earth some day? If so, how does that affect the way you live now?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Look up into the sky and imagine that you were there that day that Jesus ascended into heaven. Imagine what it must have been like to witness that event!
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Thank God that Jesus is alive in heaven and has promised that he will return to earth someday.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, I come to You today with an open heart and mind, ready to listen and learn what You have for me.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Many people say the resurrection is just a “myth” or the result of wishful thinking. What do you think? Why is it important that it’s true?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
What is the most convincing evidence for you of the resurrection of Jesus?
Some people say that Jesus’ resurrection is the “lynchpin” of the Christian faith. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. When you are outside today, look for evidence of new life. How do you see examples of resurrection all around you? How do these examples remind you of Jesus?
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, it’s amazing and hard to comprehend but help me to take in the wonder of Your resurrection.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. As you pray, ask God to enable you to fully enter into this familiar but horrific account of Jesus’ death.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. In light of what Jesus did on the Cross, why do you think so many people still ignore him? Why should anyone care that Jesus died?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Why did so many people seem to hate Jesus? Do people still feel that way about him? Why do you think they feel that way?
What is the significance for you of Jesus’ death on the Cross?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Spend a few minutes today meditating on a cross (a picture or piece of jewelry, for example). Think about what Jesus did there and thank him for all that means.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I can’t begin to imagine what You went through on the Cross. How much You must love me!
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, when I face pressures and “trials” for my faith, help me to be strong and faithful to You.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time.
What do you think Peter was thinking that night? Have you ever been in a situation like that? Have you faced pressures to “deny” Jesus? What does it mean to deny him today?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
How would you explain the motives and actions of Caiaphas, Pilate and Peter during the arrest and trial of Jesus? What was their attitude toward him?
Pilate asked “what is truth?” Do you believe there is such a thing as “absolute truth”? Why or why not? How can we know?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Imagine you were in this story. What pressures would you feel? Would you defend Jesus? How? What you would say to the religious leaders and to Pilate?
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Thank God that, unlike Pilate, you know what truth is and that you know where to find it.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
The next 5 lessons will focus on the Cross of Christ
Our readings in this section cover Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion. But that, of course, was not the end of the story. Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death forever. After he rose, he continued to meet with his disciples until he ascended into heaven. While these passages are primarily historical narratives, they do contain many practical lessons for followers of Jesus in the 21st century, also.
Purpose: To take a fresh look at the death and resurrection of Jesus and what that means for his followers today.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, no matter what I read from Your Word today, I pray that I will attend to it well.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What does this passage say to you about Jesus? What does it say to you about Peter and the other disciples? About you?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Imagine you were at the Last Supper. What might you have felt and thought at this “first communion”?
What helps or causes you to “remember Jesus”? Explain how and why. Does anything ever cause you to “forget Jesus”? If so, explain how and why.
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. The next time you prepare to take communion, say aloud, perhaps as a whisper, the words Jesus spoke over the bread and wine.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Thank God for the Last Supper and for every “last supper” celebrated since that night.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord God, You alone are the creator and the true source of all life. I honor and thank You.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What does it mean to you to know that Jesus has power even over death? How does that knowledge affect the way that you think about your own death?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
What does the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead teach you about Jesus? What do you think those who witnessed it felt and thought?
How do you feel about your own death? Explain why you feel that way. What is your greatest source of hope for the future?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Memorize Jesus’ words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, when I face the death of a loved one, or my own death, help me be comforted by Your promise.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank You, Lord, for the many kinds of freedom You give me. I’m very grateful for all You do for me.
Read = Mark 5:1-20 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Do you believe in the existence of evil in the world today? Where have you seen or experienced it personally? How can this story help you deal with evil?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
What is your view of evil? How would you define it? What’s a clear example of evil in the world today?
The demon-possessed man was captive to a powerful force of evil. How is the power of evil generally portrayed in the media today? Is it accurate? Explain.
What does the healing of a demon-possessed man teach you about Jesus?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. If you see or experience an example of evil today or this week, stop and pray that Jesus’ power will quickly overcome and defeat it.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, You know the evil in the world. I’m powerless against it but I’m thankful that You’re not.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, continue to open my eyes and heart to the wonder of who You are and all that You have done.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Some people claim to be miraculously healed by God today. Others deny it happens. What do you think? Does God still heal miraculously? Have you seen it happen? What scriptures relate to your answer?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Why do you suppose the religious leaders were so skeptical about the blind man’s healing? Would you have been? Explain.
Why do you think so many people are skeptical about faith issues today? Is there any way to overcome that skepticism?
What does this miracle—the healing of the blind man—teach you about Jesus?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. The blind man, when healed, said “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” Sing or read aloud the first verse of the well-known hymn Amazing Grace.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Good Lord, I pray that You will heal me of any spiritual blindness so I can see You more clearly today.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Great God, I acknowledge You and Your Son, Jesus, as the God of all power, the God of miracles.
Read = Matthew 14:22-36 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What “storms” have you faced recently? How did you cope? How did your faith help you deal with any fear or danger? What have you learned to help in future storms?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
What does the miracle of Jesus walking on the water teach you about him?
Have you ever trusted God during a stormy period in your life? What happened?
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of a situation that is causing you fear or stress. With that in mind, say aloud several times, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, when those inevitable storms of life come to me, help me to remember Your presence and power with me.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Thank God that he feeds you the food you need each day and offers to feed you from his Word, also.
Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time.
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
What‘s your view of the miracles of Jesus? Do you believe they actually happened as reported in the Bible? Does it matter? Why or why not?
Thought of the Day: How is God working in your life? --Think about it!
Apply = information without application is fruitless. At each meal today, be sure to thank God for feeding you so generously. Consider making a generous donation to a local food pantry, also. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I am truly thankful for Your faithfulness in feeding me. Help me never to take Your care for granted.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
Unexpectedly, Shetara Sims came into $100. Ordinarily, that would instantly be swallowed up in the single mom’s daily expenses. After all, with only $7 left, feeding herself and her 12-year-old daughter was going to be a challenge. But something else weighed on her heart, too. A Kansas City police officer had been wounded in the line of duty and the department was accepting donations for the officer’s family expenses. And the KCPD had been angelic toward Sims when her oldest daughter had been killed in 2012. So, she and her daughter, Rakiya, managed an anonymous donation—that wouldn’t stay anonymous.
“To hear her call and just express thanks for no reason other than she’s thankful, it’s really impactful to us,” KCPD Sgt. Jake Becchina said. And the detectives got busy, starting a GoFundMe account and calling their mission, “Helping the Woman With A Heart of Gold.” Officers began donating. Strangers called in and donated. Since Shetara didn’t leave a name or phone number, when she made her gift, she assumed they wouldn’t be able to track her down. She was wrong and when they made contact, the KCPD turned over the GoFundMe campaign of $145,000. The Sims ladies visited the wounded officer’s colleagues at work and received the gratitude of the entire force. Although our efforts may seem small sometimes, God is able to do great things that reflect to His glory and goodness.
“Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.’
“He replied, ‘You give them something to eat.’
“They answered, ‘We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd’” (Luke 9:12-13 NIV).
It’s usually not difficult to see a pressing need. The suffering of others is clear to us, especially when we’ve faced hard times in our own lives. A serious challenge, though, is taking personal responsibility to make a difference. Our own resources and abilities seem so limited in the face of mountainous problems that seem to defy solution. In our time it seems the normal thing to do is to draw attention to the need, to urge the government at some level to intervene, to press others to get busy and address the situation. It’s rare for someone to take stock of meager resources and then determine to make whatever slight change might be possible.
Yet it is the voluntary, selfless initiative that God seems to bless. Whether it’s the power of a good example or the exposure of the problem or an indication of a possible solution, sometimes the slightest impulse will trigger an avalanche of grace. God truly wants His children to be selfless, giving, generous and kind. He has fashioned the universe in such a way that those traits tend to bless both the donor and the recipient and the ripples of grace expand and overflow in amazing directions. If we can hear the voice of our Lord say, “You give them something,” when trouble arises to our sight, we may do something small that grows to unimaginable power. Only God knows what He may choose to do when we heed His call to action!
You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:
Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, I thank You that You love me so much and that You’ll always hold on to me and never let me go.
Read = Luke 15:1-32 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What might these parables, especially the parable of The Lost Son, teach you about God? How does that make you feel? Does anything in these parables surprise you?
God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
How would you have felt and reacted if you were the father in the parable of The Lost Son? Explain why.
What do you think is the main point Jesus is making through the three “lost” parables in Luke 15? What impresses you most about them?
Thought of the Day: Who do you consider to be your neighbor(s) today? What is your responsibility towards that person or persons? --Think about it!
Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of something very special that you’ve ever lost and then found. Remember how you felt and then imagine how God feels when a “lost” person is found.
Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Praise God for his unfailing love and care for you, for all his children and for all creation.
For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.
