Acts 6:8‐15 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11Then they secretly instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ 12They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.’ 15And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Reflect
Stephen is described as being full of grace and power. Would anyone describe you this way?
What great wonders and signs might God want to do through you?
Have you ever been a false witness or instigated others to do this? Has anyone ever brought a false testimony against you?
Respond
Take steps to correct any past actions you’ve taken (e.g., false witness or instigation) or forgive those who have falsely accused you. Do this with grace and power.
Pray for those who are facing tough opposition or persecution because of their faith—that the power and grace of the Spirit might shine brightly.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Acts 5:17‐42- Wednes May 18 - Acts 6:1‐7 for Thursday May 19
Read Acts 5:17‐42 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, 18arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, 20‘Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.’ 21When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported, 23‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.’ 24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. 25Then someone arrived and announced, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’ 26Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
27When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ 29But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ 33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35Then he said to them, ‘Fellow‐Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. 37After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’
They were convinced by him, 40and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. 42And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
Reflect
When is the last time you experienced opposition for making learners and followers of Jesus?
What tension are you experiencing between obeying God versus human authority?
What plans in your life or in the life of your congregation are your own? What plans are of God?
Respond
Change one of your plans (personal or congregational) for God’s plans.
Pray for the boldness to shine brightly as a witness for Christ through your words and deeds. Give thanks no matter what reaction your testimony sparks.
For Thursday - May 19
Read Acts 6:1‐7 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. 3Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ 5What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Reflect
How do you account for the word of God continuing to spread? How is this first century context like and unlike our own?
How well is your church organized so that the Word of God, practical tasks and ministry are all lived out and lead appropriately?
By what criteria do you select and support leaders in your church?
Respond
If you are not actively serving in your faith community, get connected in an area that matches your spiritual gifts and passions.
If you are actively serving in your faith community, ask for feedback so that you are certain that you are serving in the right place given your giftedness and passions.
Pray to be so full of faith and the Holy Spirit that you can’t help but shine brightly. In that Spirit, pray that you would gracefully provide spiritual leadership to your congregation and the world.
Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, 18arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, 20‘Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.’ 21When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching. When the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council and the whole body of the elders of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22But when the temple police went there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported, 23‘We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.’ 24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed about them, wondering what might be going on. 25Then someone arrived and announced, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’ 26Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
27When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ 29But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ 33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35Then he said to them, ‘Fellow‐Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. 37After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’
They were convinced by him, 40and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. 42And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
Reflect
When is the last time you experienced opposition for making learners and followers of Jesus?
What tension are you experiencing between obeying God versus human authority?
What plans in your life or in the life of your congregation are your own? What plans are of God?
Respond
Change one of your plans (personal or congregational) for God’s plans.
Pray for the boldness to shine brightly as a witness for Christ through your words and deeds. Give thanks no matter what reaction your testimony sparks.
For Thursday - May 19
Read Acts 6:1‐7 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. 3Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ 5What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Reflect
How do you account for the word of God continuing to spread? How is this first century context like and unlike our own?
How well is your church organized so that the Word of God, practical tasks and ministry are all lived out and lead appropriately?
By what criteria do you select and support leaders in your church?
Respond
If you are not actively serving in your faith community, get connected in an area that matches your spiritual gifts and passions.
If you are actively serving in your faith community, ask for feedback so that you are certain that you are serving in the right place given your giftedness and passions.
Pray to be so full of faith and the Holy Spirit that you can’t help but shine brightly. In that Spirit, pray that you would gracefully provide spiritual leadership to your congregation and the world.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Acts 5:12-16
Read Acts 5:12‐16 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, 15so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
Reflect
What is the last sign and wonder you have witnessed? In your life? In your faith community? In our Annual Conference?
Why were believers being added more than ever?
How might you and your congregation better position yourself to be instruments of God’s healing?
Respond
Engage in an act of healing with Holy Spirit power and alleviate someone’s suffering today.
Pray that God might bring someone into your life today that needs some kind of healing or relief from suffering. Pray for the courage and insight to respond so that the healing power of the Holy Spirit shines more brightly.
Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, 15so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. 16A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
Reflect
What is the last sign and wonder you have witnessed? In your life? In your faith community? In our Annual Conference?
Why were believers being added more than ever?
How might you and your congregation better position yourself to be instruments of God’s healing?
Respond
Engage in an act of healing with Holy Spirit power and alleviate someone’s suffering today.
Pray that God might bring someone into your life today that needs some kind of healing or relief from suffering. Pray for the courage and insight to respond so that the healing power of the Holy Spirit shines more brightly.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Acts 5:1‐11
Read Acts 5:1‐11 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3‘Ananias,’ Peter asked, ‘why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!’ 5Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear
seized all who heard of it. 6The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.
7After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter said to
her, ‘Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.’ And she said, ‘Yes,
that was the price.’ 9Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the
Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry
you out.’ 10Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her
dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear seized the whole church
and all who heard of these things.
Reflect
Why is this story included at this point in the story of the early church?
What’s the big deal?
How transparent and truthful are you when it comes to your participation in the church?
Respond
Identify an area of your life that needs to be more transparent and truthful so that God is clearly more central. Do one thing today that can move you in that direction.
Pray for the Spirit to guide your every action so that you might shine forth God’s truths more brightly.
But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3‘Ananias,’ Peter asked, ‘why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!’ 5Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear
seized all who heard of it. 6The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.
7After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter said to
her, ‘Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.’ And she said, ‘Yes,
that was the price.’ 9Then Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the
Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry
you out.’ 10Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her
dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear seized the whole church
and all who heard of these things.
Reflect
Why is this story included at this point in the story of the early church?
What’s the big deal?
How transparent and truthful are you when it comes to your participation in the church?
Respond
Identify an area of your life that needs to be more transparent and truthful so that God is clearly more central. Do one thing today that can move you in that direction.
Pray for the Spirit to guide your every action so that you might shine forth God’s truths more brightly.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I Peter 1:13-25
Read 1 Peter 1:13‐25 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
13Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ 17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. 22Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. 23You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you.
Reflect
What does it mean to be holy?
What is the relationship between being purified and love?
How genuine and deep is your love for others in your church?
Respond
Make one adjustment in your thinking and behavior that allows you to be more disciplined and hopeful as described in verse 13.
13Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ 17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. 22Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. 23You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you.
Reflect
What does it mean to be holy?
What is the relationship between being purified and love?
How genuine and deep is your love for others in your church?
Respond
Make one adjustment in your thinking and behavior that allows you to be more disciplined and hopeful as described in verse 13.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Catch Fire in 50 Days
Read Acts 4:32‐37 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Reflect
Are you of one heart and mind with other believers?
What is the relationship between being filled with the Holy Spirit and the believers unity, sharing of possessions and powerful testimony?
How might you express your generosity more extravagantly?
Respond
Do one simple thing that brings your faith community a step closer to being of “one heart and soul.”
OR
Demonstrate your extravagant generosity today.
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’). 37He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Reflect
Are you of one heart and mind with other believers?
What is the relationship between being filled with the Holy Spirit and the believers unity, sharing of possessions and powerful testimony?
How might you express your generosity more extravagantly?
Respond
Do one simple thing that brings your faith community a step closer to being of “one heart and soul.”
OR
Demonstrate your extravagant generosity today.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Bible Study for Catch Fire in 50 Days
Acts 3:11‐16
Reflect
According to Peter, what was his role in the healing of the beggar?
What is the main content of Peter’s message?
What does it mean to do something “in the name of Jesus”?
Respond
Be on the lookout for what Jesus wants you to do today in His name.
Pray for God to reveal to you who God wants you to bless today to keep the fire of the Spirit’s
movement burning.
Reflect
According to Peter, what was his role in the healing of the beggar?
What is the main content of Peter’s message?
What does it mean to do something “in the name of Jesus”?
Respond
Be on the lookout for what Jesus wants you to do today in His name.
Pray for God to reveal to you who God wants you to bless today to keep the fire of the Spirit’s
movement burning.
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