[Practical Application Review – Week 20]
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 20:
Please read and/or listen to Acts 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
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 7
Passage: (vv. 51-60)
Teaching: Stephen (while on trial), said some things which offended the people. As Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayerfully pardoned (forgave) his persecutors.
Application: May I learn to love even those who condemn me and throw rocks my way. Some enemies of Jesus will likely be drawn into the faith (by our obedience to God and forgiveness of other people).
Text #2: Acts 8
Passage: (vv. 26-40)
Teaching: The Holy Spirit led Philip to meet the official who had charge of the treasure of the Ethiopian queen. Knowing the scriptures, Philip taught the man about Jesus and His salvation. The man said that he believed and requested to be baptized.
Application: Consider how much future good happened because Philip took the time for one person. Maybe this official was able to share his new faith back home in Ethiopia.
Text #3: Acts 9
Passage: (vv. 1-30)
Teaching: Saul, on a mission to persecute Christians, meets Jesus. The bright light causes blindness, which Ananias later prays for and Saul is healed. Though others were afraid, Barnabas brings Saul to meet the apostles.
Application: Saul was evangelized by Jesus. Then, healed and filled by the Holy Spirit from the prayer of Ananias. And connected to the community of other Christian believers by Barnabas. May every Christian become a part of the work.
Text #4: Acts 10
Passage: (vv. 1-23)
Teaching: An angel visited Cornelius, a centurion from Caesarea. He was considered to be righteous and God-fearing. His orders were to invite Simon Peter to come. Simon also saw a vision to convince him to go.
Application: I personally want to always be available to serve God and other people. Just by being willing and obedient as the Holy Spirit leads, so much good happens for everyone involved.
Text #5: Acts 11
Passage: (vv. 1-18)
Teaching: Other Jewish Christians questioned Simon Peter’s decision to visit a Gentile (non-Jew). Peter spoke about being directed by God (in a vision). The Christian community was definitely expanding out (into new territory).
Application: May we always be mindful that Jesus is welcoming people from all over the planet. All nations, languages, cultures, etc. – everyone is welcomed. You are too, my friend.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo