Bible Study

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Reference:  Acts 22:17-22

Topic:  “Are you willing to share your testimony?”

The lesson aim is to encourage believers/saints/Christians to share their testimony with others, especially non-believers.  More importantly, church growth is driven by the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:8)  The breakdown in communication (the message) can be traced back to the inconsistency of the message.  (John 15:25-27; I Corinthians 1:21-24)  As disciples we are expected to share our experience with Christ as a witness.

The Apostle Paul is standing before the “council” to plead his case and make a defense to them regarding the accusations/charges brought against him.  (Acts 23:7-9a)  Paul approaches the matter very delicately and under the power of the Holy Spirit.  Paul has exhausted his energy trying to convince the Jews that his assignment was both authentic and bona fide. (Romans 8:28-31; 10:14)  Paul feels it necessary to share his testimony about the call of Jesus on his life.  He revisits the day he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and confesses that his life prior to this encounter was that of a persecutor of believers.  We must be willing to share the process and progress of our Christian journey.  We must also hear the voice of God as we step into the ring with non-believers.  The primary role of a “witness” is to be persecuted because of our connection to Christ.  However, there is one concern within the church that continues to hinder our progress.  Fear is one of the main reasons why the saints don’t share their testimony with unbelievers.

When was the last time you told your story?

Bible Study

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Reference:  Acts 19:1-7

Topic:  “How Long Should It Take?”

The lesson aim is to shed light on the myth that all saints are growing in the knowledge of the Lord.  More importantly, there is always room for growth.  We have to seek the knowledge of God. (Reference: Matthew 6:33; Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 11:6)

We should never assume that everybody in the “church” is a believer.  Nor should we neglect to teach the word of God because the number of folks present is not great.

When traveling long distances, there is a common question asked by children and even adult passengers, “are we there yet?”  This is the same question being posed to the saints at Ephesus by the Apostle Paul.  There is a perceived progress that should take place which denotes any growth that has been made while on this journey.  But if individuals have not made any progress in there study of God’s word, they may be lacking in their knowledge of who Jesus is.  At that point, another question remains unanswered. Can a person be in the church and not know Jesus? (Read verse 3) 

What are the differences in evangelism and/or kingdom building between now and then?

In today’s time, who has the role of Paul, Silas and Apollos?

Do you feel you have reached your goal in your journey with the Lord?