[Practical Application Review – Week 22]
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 22:
Please read and/or listen to Acts 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
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 17
Passage: (vv. 1-9)
Teaching: Paul and Silas preached about Jesus and His resurrection. Many were interested and followed them, which caused some jealousy among certain people. Paul and Silas not captured, but Jason and others were interrogated.
Application: I want people to know of my love for Jesus and my life work of sharing Him with others. My association with other Christian believers may cause them to get into trouble (on my account).
Text #2: Acts 18
Passage: (vv. 1-4)
Teaching: Paul came to Corinth and connected with Aquila and Priscilla for a time. Claudius Caesar had commanded all Jews to leave Rome. Paul lived and worked with them (of the same trade) and shared Jesus with others.
Application: At times, it may be better for us to relocate geographically. Possibly we may not have much of a choice. Let us do our best to always connect with people of faith.
Text #3: Acts 19
Passage: (vv. 8-12)
Teaching: Paul faithfully taught God’s Word and God performed great miracles through Paul. Even his clothes (pieces of garments) were placed on the sick who were healed (diseases cured and the insane restored).
Application: May our Gracious God do incredible things like this even today. Certain items from those of us who pursue our Creator faithfully could be shared with the sick and hurting. Let us always look to Him while doing everything in faith.
Text #4: Acts 20
Passage: (vv. 22-24)
Teaching: Paul was now preparing to travel to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit told him that bonds and afflictions await him. Paul’s desire was to finish his life calling and ministry work, testifying the gospel of God’s grace.
Application: Mindset is so critical. I wish to never forget why I am focused on helping other people. My own life work includes guiding individuals to our Lord Jesus.
Text #5: Acts 21
Passage: (vv. 1-6)
Teaching: While travelling, Paul met some believers in Tyre. So, he stayed with them for seven days. Every day, they warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. The group even escorted Paul and others to their ship, prayed and kissed one another good-bye.
Application: At times, we may strongly connect with other people of faith. Great new friendships can begin within a week (or so). May we cherish these loving people for life.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo