[Practical Application Review – Week 21]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us continue in the book of Acts.
Schedule – Week 21:
Please read and/or listen to Acts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
Consider our Practical Application Review process…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: Acts 12
Passage: (vv. 1-11)
Teaching: Simon Peter is miraculously released from prison by an angel. During this time, continual prayer was offered to God by the Church. Unfortunately, James (the brother of John) was killed earlier by the sword.
Application: Certain times, God’s people will live to see another day. Other times, we will have to say goodbye. Either way, let us trust God and get some sleep (even during our darkest moments) as Peter did.
Text #2: Acts 13
Passage: (vv. 1-12)
Teaching: The proconsul (Sergius Paulus) in Paphos called for Saul and Barnabas, desiring to hear the Word of God. A sorcerer (Bar-Shuma) withstood them, wanting to drive the proconsul from the faith. Paul rebuked the sorcerer, who became blind for a time.
Application: So important to share Jesus with others, even when some individuals will oppose your witness. Allow God’s Spirit to prove Himself to those who may need some reassurance.
Text #3: Acts 14
Passage: (vv. 1-20)
Teaching: While preaching the gospel in Lycaonia, Paul noticed a crippled man who appeared to have faith. Paul instructed him to get up and the man was healed. The people watching thought Paul and Barnabas to be gods. Shortly thereafter, enemies stirred the people and Paul was stoned.
Application: Following Jesus will include ups and downs. Mountain tops and valleys. Healing for the sick, but condemnation for us. Still, we are far better to remain faithful to our Lord Jesus. Remember, other people (including the sick) are in need.
Text #4: Acts 15
Passage: (vv. 1-21)
Teaching: Some Christians wanted the new believers (in a different region) to accept their way of life and practices. Paul, Barnabas and others were adamant about focusing only on what is most important (crucial to the Christian faith).
Application: Even today, Christians from various nations and cultures may cling to different preferences. May we all enjoy what our Heavenly Father has given us, right where we are planted. And let us be open to some differences (within the global body).
Text #5: Acts 16
Passage: (vv. 16-34)
Teaching: Paul commands an evil spirit to leave a young girl. Paul and Silas were severely scourged (flogged). In prison, they prayed and glorified God. All the prison doors opened and the jailer panicked. Paul stopped the jailer from killing himself. As a result, an entire household accepted faith in Christ.
Application: We may have to endure unimaginable pain and suffering. Let us do our best to always live within the will of God. And never forget, prayer is always a great tool, especially in moments when things seem helpless.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo