Living for Christ

Are you willing to die for Christ? Are you willing to live for Christ? If so, are there fruits showing that you are a believer living for Christ? Today, we discuss these tough questions and look at the lives of a few who gave their lives for Christ and then look into our own lives for evidences of Christ at work in us. 

Are You Ashamed Of Christ?

In Acts 22, Paul gives a testimony of his great conversion. Paul begins by relating to the people and building common ground and respect. Then, he unashamedly shares how God greatly saved him as he traveled to Damascus to continue his persecution on the church. How convicting to see his boldness! Do you ever struggle with boldness or even feel ashamed of being part of Christ? If so, you are not alone. Today we discuss where we struggle in these areas, as well. 

Speaking Up

You are at your weekly Mom's group Bible study and some of the other moms in the group begin to comment about another mom who hasn't attended in a few weeks. They mention how she hasn't been in church lately either and begin to speculate what is going in her life. These moms say some things against both her and her husband and you see the conversation turning mean very quickly.

*How should you respond to the other moms?

*What are some ways you could be an encouragement to the mom who hasn't attended lately?

For My Good And God's Glory

We all know that all things are for my good and God’s glory. But that’s not always easy to see when you are in the midst of a trial. This week, we’ve been discussing the way that God used terrible persecution for the amazing and rapid spread of the Gospel in the early church. Today, we look at our own lives and discuss personal trials that we have went through and how God has used them. Please comment below and let us know how God has worked though trials in your own life. We’d love to praise God with you.

Saul's Great Passion

Today we take a deeper look at Saul's attempts to destroy the church. Knowing the details of his intensions against the church allows us to give even more praise to God. He changed this evil man into the new man, Paul, writer of much of the New Testament. Praise be to God who can change even “the chief of sinners” into the most famous missionary of the early church.  

His Ways Are Not Our Ways

Although, Saul was intended to destroy the church with his intense persecution, he greatly progressed the spreading of the gospel. Believers scattered abroad to share this message that was so life-changing people where willing to die for their belief in it.  God, once again, has plans that may not be easier, but are far better than we could imagine. Join us as we discuss this today. 

Women Imprisoned

After Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 7, Saul begins ravishing the church in Acts 8. Please take some time to read Acts 8:1-4, 9:1-2 and 22:1-5 as we will be in this section of Scripture for several days. These scriptures say that Saul went house to house, binding and dragging believing men and women to prisons. Today we take an in-depth study of the prisons that these men and women were put into. Knowing the conditions of these prisons really brings the truth of the Scripture to life. Listen along with us today and learn for yourself.  

Real Life~Real Answers

Biblical Hope

A friend of yours is living in some form of sin. She has openly admitted to you that she regularly takes part in this sin and has told you about her struggles in stopping this sin. She seems to be searching for some help to overcome this sin.

*How should you respond?

The Unknown

As we have been reviewing the story of the life of Moses, specifically his infancy and childhood, we have been reminded of many wonderful truths: God is in control at all times, He has a plan, and His ways are perfect. Have you ever experienced something that you did not understand at the time, only to realize later the situation was preparing you for something in the future?  We shared some testimony in our life regarding this and praise God for His work in our lives. What about you? What could you share with us?

Pharaoh's Daughter

In Acts 7, we get to read Stephen's speech given to high priest in response to accusations against him that he was blaspheming against God.  In his speech, he reminds the high priest of the history of Israel. In this history, he speaks of Moses and mentions Pharaoh's daughter. We would like to take some time to discuss this story, to be reminded that God can use even a pagan woman to fulfill His plan in the lives of His children. So join us in this discussion and tell us how you see God working through this woman to carry out His plans.

Real Life~Real Answers

Idols of the Heart

Bonnie calls you just sobbing, “It was negative, again!!!” You quickly realize she is talking about the results of the pregnancy test you knew she was excited to take.  You sigh and quickly pray that God would give you the right words to comfort your friend. Bonnie and her husband have been trying to have a baby for quite some time. Bonnie so desperately wants a baby. She stares at the other young women in church who have children and can’t wait until she can have a child of her own. When you talk with her, ALL she talks about is getting pregnant. She has ideas for names, for the nursery, how to raise the child. She even has started picking up maternity clothes and things for the baby. Her husband is supportive but is growing weary of the constant emotion involved. Bonnie is your best friend and you are grieved to see her so disappointed every month.

*As Bonnie’s friend, how should you answer this desperate phone call?

*What is unbiblical about Bonnie’s thinking?

*What must Bonnie focus on more than having a baby?

Taking Care of Widows

How do you take care of widows in your church? Why is it important?
Scripture makes it clear that widows are to be cared for by the church. 1 Timothy 5:3ff tells believers that they are to "Honor widows who are truly widows."  James 1:27 also tells us that true religion includes taking care of widows. Christ condemned those who "devoured widows" (Mark 12:40). How can the church practically care for the widows in their church? We gave a few ideas today:  cleaning, cooking, shopping, errands, calling them, praying for them, financial help....... The list could go on. We hope this discussion has been a help to you as you  consider how you can do your part to honor the widows in your church.

Am I TOO Busy?

The apostles in Acts 6:1-7 delegated the problem that had risen in the church to seven men who could take care of the issue. Certainly the apostles would have been able to handle it on their own; however, they realized that they could not take time away from their primary responsibility of prayer and the preaching of God's Word.

How do you keep the correct priorities in your life when life gets busy? How do you delegate responsibilities? Why is it hard to delegate? Have you ever evaluated your life to decide whether or not everything that you are involved in should be a part of your life?

These are good questions that we hope you'll take time to consider and pray over.

Real Life~Real Answers

Hope in God's Word

Evelyn has had a difficult few years. Difficult and strenuous pregnancies left her very tired to care for her husband and home. Then she found out her husband wants a divorce – He’s found another woman who he wants to be with and has already defiled the marriage relationship by sinfully acting upon his feelings for this other woman. Stunned and angry, she agrees to the divorce. A year later she is raising her 3 children alone and her mother passes away. Evelyn is in despair and feels no one at church can really understand what she is going through. She has tried to read her Bible because she has been told that God’s Word can help, but she isn’t finding any answers.

*What are some things Evelyn might be missing in her walk with God?

*If Evelyn is your friend, how can you “be there” for her to encourage her from God’s Word through these difficult days?

*What are some practical ways the church can rally behind Evelyn to encourage her with her physical needs (caring for children, working full time, time to rest, ect…)?

Biblical Problem Solving

In Acts 6:1-7, we encounter a problem in the early church. What we are about to read in this passage is an beautiful example about how a problem in the church can be handled in a biblical, God-honoring way.

The Problem: Widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  The Hellenistic Jews (not native to Jerusalem) raised the concern as it was their widows who were being neglected.

The Solution: The Apostles took charge of the situation and suggested a plan that pleased the congregation. Seven men with impeccable qualifications were chosen to handle the situation surrounding the directly.

The Result: The Word of God increased and the number of disciples were multiplied (vs. 7).

As we take this section of Scripture and meditate on it's truths, let us consider how God wants us to handle conflict. What a blessing that we have an example of how to handle problems within the church.

How Am I Doing Sharing the Gospel?

As we encounter the women in Acts 5:12-16, we see that they were involved with other believers in bringing people to be able to hear the Gospel as well as meet their physical needs. Their example causes us to consider how we are doing in sharing the Gospel on a day to day basis? Do we see people as Christ does - in need of salvation? Do we consider how God might use us to meet a physical need? What do you do when someone approaches you in the parking lot of a grocery store with a "story" about their need for food and/or money? In all interaction with people in our community and work place, we ought to be a light that shines the truth of the Gospel to those who need to hear it.  May the women's example in this passage cause you to consider your testimony for Christ.

Real Life~Real Answers

Leading With Criticism from Others

You've been given the task of heading up a specific ladies' ministry.  You've been a member of your church for five years, and there are many faithful ladies who have been serving in your church for many years...some up to 20 or more.  You accept the leadership of the ministry, and announce you are making a few changes, which you believe would make the events you are planning, more appealing to more ladies.  One lady who has been with the church for many years, becomes very upset about the changes and makes her opposition known.  You've already run it by the pastors, and several other ladies and they all approve and agree with you on the change. 

*What do you do in response of this lady’s opposition?  Do you keep things as they are?  After all, this lady has been a faithful member and servant of the Lord for many years, and this is a real bone of contention for her.

Believing Women

Acts 5:12-16 begins a section of Scripture where we see the marvelous hand of God working in the early church. There were many signs and wonders being done and more than ever before, believers (men and women!) were coming to salvation through Christ.  The Holy Spirit empowered these apostles and as a result, the Christians in Jerusalem were held in high regard, many came to know Christ and were healed of their illnesses. A marvelous picture of how when we are faithful to do what God has called us to do that God will bless, in His time, in His way and for His glory. How easy it would have been for the apostles to take credit for all that was happening, but they didn't. They knew that it would be through God alone that they would be able to perform such miracles. These events were even an answer to prayer (see chapter 4:29-30).  It is important to see that just as men were privileged to know Christ, women were as well. Luke mentions that women were part of this church in many instances and what a blessing it is to know that God holds women with equal value despite society which often considers men as superior.  What a blessing that the Gospel is for all!

Giving in Church

How do we view our giving at our local church? What is our heart attitude and what should our attitude be? With what is God concerned? These are fabulous questions to consider as we talk about giving in our church. Initially, we think of giving by financial means. Yet, we can also give to our church in time, energy, and our talents. The negative example with Ananias and Sapphira shows how what appears to be a good gift to the church can be sinful. So it is with our giving in our churches. If we are not giving with a pure heart out of motivation to glorify God, we might as well not give at all. All we do ought to be for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and in giving of our financial means, time, energy or talents we ought to give generously and faithful as God has lead.

Real Life~Real Answers

Modeling Forgiveness

Stephanie looked at her co-worker Lacy and told her how she couldn’t believe how forgiving Lacy was being to the boss who had treated her so wrongly. “How can you not take this situation to management and get your boss fired!” said Stephanie. Lacy was thrilled to finally have this opportunity to share Christ’s forgiveness with Stephanie.  Lacy shared how she believed God would judge her boss in His time. Lacy went on to say that God had forgiven her of many sins and she wanted to show God’s forgiveness to her boss. She moved on to share exactly how God had forgiven her, through the sacrifice of God’s Son, Christ on the cross. The conversation ended quickly as their break was over, but Stephanie had a lot more questions she was sure to ask Lacy.

*How was Lacy was ready to “give an answer” about her faith?

*What could Lacy do to follow up with Stephanie about their conversation?

*It’s not always easy to share Christ in the workplace. What are some ways in which you can show God’s love to your co-workers?

Just Too Busy: Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical

Joanne Kraft

Product Details

1. Paperback: 192 pages

1. Publisher: Beacon Hill Press

1. Language: English

1. Date of reading: May 2, 2012

Point: Joanne Kraft shows how detrimental overly-busy lives can be, and what her family did to be pro-active in that area.

Path:  Kraft explains what most of our lives look like. Busy, overworked, etc. She uses her own life and family as an example of where she was and what they did to change their situation. As a family, they had a whole year that they did not participate in extracurricular activities and they had one family field trip every month. She goes on to explain what her family members thought and even some roadblocks along the way.

Agreement: This book is a very accurate representation of our society and culture as a whole. I liked the idea of stepping back and evaluating all of our areas of involvement. I appreciated her dealing with the fact that many of the activities or possessions in life are not a “right” or a “need” but a desire. I also appreciated her emphasis on not living our lives based upon what other people think, but doing what you need to do in your life for God’s glory.

Disagreement: I would have liked to see more of a Gospel-centered focus in the book. Christ was mentioned, but it seems as though the main reasons given to slow life down and not attend all of the nonessential events were to enjoy your children before they move away rather than the glorification of Christ. I also would have appreciated a section in which the book really dealt with the heart of busyness. There were a couple of brief references to things that sounded slightly like psychology, but as always we need to read with discernment.

Personal App: I need to ask myself if I am too busy doing a lot of things that do not have eternal value. Also, what are my motivations for being involved in the areas in which I am?

Stars: 4 out of 5

I would recommend it.

A Wife's Choice

Was Sapphira correctly submitting to her husband in this situation?  We all agreed that she wasn't correctly submitting to him. For a more thorough explanation on biblical submission, we recommend The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. In her book she takes time to correctly explain a biblical view of submission and does address how a wife should respond when her husband asks her to sin (chapter 14).  A wife can love her Heavenly Father so much that she can be bold and strong to tell her husband no if he asks her to sin. She is never forced to sin, but can trust that God will provide a way for her to escape if she is put into a situation (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Sapphira certainly had the choice to honor God and did not have to choose to be a part of his deceitful plan. What about you? Do you make excuses about why you sin?  Have hope that as you immerse your mind in God's Word, the Spirit will help lead you to make godly choices that honor God!

Sapphira

In Acts 5 we encounter a familiar event in the early church: the lie of Ananias and his wife Sapphira. Please take some time to read verses 1-11 as we will be in this section of Scripture for several days.  It is important to note that at the end of chapter 4, we find a good example of a believer who sold his property and "brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet." This man was Barnabas.  Then we meet a couple who agrees together to sell their land. Outwardly this was a good thing; however, we discover their heart motivation was to deceive. They thought no one else would know their of their plan, we read that God knew and enlightened Peter to find out.  What was their sin? Lying, pride, greed, hypocrisy, the desire to be well-thought of in the congregation.... Their sin had the potential of hurting the entire church. Do YOU stop to consider how your sin could affect your church? It's a question I think we all must take time to consider.

Giving hope to others

We all know people who despair and we can be tempted to despair also. God's Word offers hope as we focus on His greatness and His goodness instead of the circumstances around us. Heartaches and hurts are real but thankfully the Lord has provided all we need to hope in Him. We share a lot of Scripture in today's session and we would love for you to share your favorite passages that encourage yo to hope in our loving Heavenly Father.

Fellowship, is it my burden or blessing?

Fellowship is a privilege, given by God. We can facilitate fellowship in our homes and be motivated as we remember the OPPORTUNITY to show the love of Jesus Fellowship is the essence of the Christian life—fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers in Christ. In the beginning, Adam was placed in the garden to enjoy friendship and communion with God. GOD CREATED US TO ENJOY FELLOWSHIP/COMMUNION/ INTIMACY WITH HIM! In Acts they fellowshipped by studying, praying, Communion, worshipping God together… communion. FELLOWSHIP REQUIRES HUMILITY…CAN’T BE THINKING ABOUT MY OWN OPINION…can’t want everyone to conform to me. The hearts of the Lord and his disciples/followers were knit together by a deep sense of love and commitment. Later the disciples discovered that their own hearts were strongly united out of their common loyalty to Jesus. Following the cross and the outpouring of the Spirit the church was born, that new society of people in fellowship with God and with one another.= THE CHURCH The depth of camaraderie among the first Christians is portrayed in the early chapters of Acts. Daily the believers met together in house groups for teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer (Acts 2:42, 46). So profound was their sense of togetherness that the Christians pooled their possessions and distributed them to brethren in need (vv 44, 45; 4:32–35). Perhaps the dominant characteristic of this early Christian fellowship was “love of the brethren… My first priority is fellowship with God. Then I can actively, faithfully participate in my local Church. Communion services, worship service, pray together, sing together… Hospitality! In my home, at church, at coffee shop… “Together” is key! Requires my time, $, planning, sometimes sacrifice. (Love is sacrifice) Wiersbe – Be Dynamic “The Christians we meet in the book of Acts were not content to meet once a week for a service. They met daily, cared daily, spoke of Jesus and souls were saved daily, searched the scriptures daily, Their faith was day to day reality NOT once a week routine.” FELLOWSHIP was not just a part of their lives – it was their life.

Praising God at all times, seriously?

Why is praising God ALWAYS the best choice in EVERY situation? If I am a women in God's Word I know the answer is that God tells me to "rejoice in the Lord always" Philippians 4:4. But seriously how do I practically praise the Lord - no matter what... Today we share many verses that help us as we seek to control our thoughts and thereby contol our emotions as we choose to praise our good God and thank Him for all things. How about you? How do you praise the Lord in the good times and the difficult times?

Pentecost

Luke describes the beauty and dynamics of the growing and developing church. He portrays the spontaneity, dedication, and devotion of the early Christians in relation to God in the worship services. Hard to imagine 3,000 solus saved in one day, imagine 3,000 baptisims! The priests and the scribes desired full control of the Jewish people. But when Jesus taught the Scriptures with authority AND TOLD THE PEOPLE THEIR SPIRTUAL LEADERS WERE VIPERS, HYPOCRITES…, they vigorously opposed him and eventually succeeded in killing him. From a Christianized culture, we have difficulty understanding the mental agony the Jews experienced when they decided to break away from the power and authority of their spiritual leaders, thier national heritage and thier mother's teachings. The significance of this? Devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching (LEARNERS!) & fellowship (UNITY!) & breaking bread (REMEMBERING CHRIST’S SACRIFICE) & prayers (WORSHIP!). A sense of awe filled the hearts of all believers because they experienced the presence of God in them and their midst.

Is the Holy Spirit at work in my life?

Now we are at the exciting time of Pentecost! The Holy Spirit has come just like Jesus promised! People are trying to figure out what is going on. Peter is preaching to thousands of people explaining who Jesus is and how they should respond to Jesus. In Acts 2:21 – ALL can be saved! Not just men and women – NOT JUST JEWS! ALL…Luke is laying out this new time – the time of the Church. No longer just the religious leaders which were all men – but now ALL had access to God! We do not live in a “class” society so it is hard for us to understand how Jesus changed the world. In Acts Luke makes no distinction between men and women. Both suffer persecution (8:3); both join the church (17:4, 12); and both teach (18:26). WHAT AN EXCITING TIME TO BE A WOMAN! So do I see evidences of the Holy Spirit at work in my life? Conviction of sin, hunger and thirst for God’s Word and His presence, JOY, confidence that I am God’s child, these are just a few of the many works that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in our daily lives.

DO I KNOW HOW TO DEVOTE MYSELF TO PRAYER?

DEVOTED TO PRAYER! Warren Wiersbe has written a commentary on Acts titled “Be Dynamic”; in his book he shows how prayer was VERY significant to the early church. In almost every chapter in Acts we can find God’s people praying and we know the women were part of these prayer meetings as here in chapter 2. Mary, the mother of Jesus was praying and worshipping and probably serving. This is the last time Mary is mentioned in the NT. Interesting when we consider Luke may have gotten some of his information and intimate details from Mary.

Real Life ~ Real Answers

Sharing the Gospel

Mr. Watson tells his wife, “I think we should invite the Johnson family over for dinner this week.” “Really?” Mrs. Watson replies. “They have 6 children and that would really stretch our food budget thin.” “I know,” said Mr. Watson, “but I have been thinking about how important it is that we try to get to know them in order to share the gospel with them. If we can stretch our budget in order to share Christ, isn’t it worth it?” Mrs. Watson thinks about what her husband says and knows she can’t disagree with sharing the gospel, but she is really worried about feeding a family of 8 and being setback with their food for the rest of the week.

What are Mrs. Watson’s challenges?

*What truths can she remember from Scripture to help her with her challenges?

*What may she practically do in the future to prepare for hospitality whether it is planned or unexpectedly?

Women in the Book of Acts

We are starting a new study today, women in the book of Acts! Come join us for the next two sessions as we ask some background questions in order that we might be able to understand Acts more accurately. What are you looking forward to learning in this upcoming study?

Women in God's Salvation Story

What a blessing to be able to look back through the book of Luke and see how God has used women in His Salvation Story! As we finish our study of the women in Luke, we ought to ask ourselves if we are loving and serving Christ. Many of the women sacrificed greatly for our Lord, are we?