[Practical Application Review – Week 19]
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 19:
Please read and/or listen to Acts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
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 2
Passage: (vv. 1-11)
Teaching: At God’s appointed time (Pentecost), the Holy Spirit came to visit the Christian believers who were assembled. Each person was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke different languages. Those from other nations said they heard and understood what was spoken in their native languages.
Application: I choose to embrace the Holy Spirit and His gifts. Notice how others were inspired and blessed by what the Holy Spirit gave them to share with others.
Text #2: Acts 3
Passage: (vv. 1-10)
Teaching: Simon Peter and John enter the temple at the time of prayer. A man who could not walk was at the entrance begging. Peter and John together prayerfully spoke healing for this man. He was miraculously healed instantly.
Application: May I be bold in my own prayers for other people. No medical condition should ever be considered too difficult for our Awesome God and Creator.
Text #3: Acts 4
Passage: (vv. 1-22)
Teaching: Peter and John were arrested for publicly speaking about our Lord Jesus as the source of the man’s healing. When threatened, Peter and John spoke about whether they thought it right to listen to them more than to God.
Application: I side with Peter and John who felt they must go full-steam ahead sharing God’s love with others. So important to always follow our Lord God first. Any opposers to Him will have to accept that I am all in.
Text #4: Acts 5
Passage: (vv. 1-11)
Teaching: Ananias and Shapphira (husband and wife) lied about their recent transaction (price for land sold). Only part of the money was donated and the rest hidden. They both dropped over dead, lying both to God and His people.
Application: It is never wise to lie and hide things from God. Especially when He is the One encouraging our hearts to do good for other people. I choose to release anything that would be a blessing to someone truly in need.
Text #5: Acts 6
Passage: (vv. 8-15)
Teaching: Stephen, a devout believer, addressed some important issues with God’s wisdom and Spirit. Those who opposed him appointed false witnesses to speak out against him.
Application: Honestly, I have come to realize that not everyone is supportive of God’s holy people. Some seemingly hate anyone who represents the Christian faith, Church and Kingdom of God (for the betterment of humanity).
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo