Reasons To Study Acts

Here's the thing: Sunday at Intern meeting, George asked about our thoughts for content next year and what to teach in the small groups. There were some suggestions, one specifically on foundations of our beliefs, but I stayed silent. I couldn't think of anything, but now I have. Over this past semester I've been casually reading Acts from time to time, more so recently due to my roommate Rachel's study of it with her friend. Needless to say, I think that's the book.

I haven't really thought this out yet, but I'm gonna compile a quick list of reasons for why:

1) Focus on missions/evangelism/outreach/the 'lost' sheep. Reading about the early church, the undeniable mandate of the Lord to 'go' and reading about lost souls coming to Christ is supposed to encourage us to go and speak of what we know is truth!

2) Reliance on the work of the Spirit. So many times we get caught up in our own ability and what we can do for the Gospel on earth! But reading through Acts, you can see how much prayer there was dedicated to their mission, how much reliance there was on the Spirit for boldness to act, and how in all things, the Spirit was guiding them. Even in Acts 16:6 the Spirit moved Paul not to speak! In all things on this earth we need discernment, and that from the Holy Spirit. Acts provides great examples of His power. Speaking of which.....

3) Miracles. I know. I know. As a people we try to rationalize everything, and Christians are no different. But let's face it: Miracles are completely irrational. There is NO empirical reason why the prisons would be shaken, how Paul escapes prison via an angel, and how the Spirit for real teleports Philip like 30 miles away (Acts 8). Truth is, this things have happened, are real, and John 14 says we will do even greater things through Him!! So, to know what our competition is (haha, just kidding) we need to know the history of it.

Well, that's kind of it. I'm sue there's more I'm not thinking of, but this is something I would be EXCITED about doing and working on! Maybe I'll write my own bible study on Acts....?

When Two Worlds Meet

Leslie Marie Shelton is an UNBELIEVABLY good piano player. I'm listening to her right now. Nice. (Shouts)

Where was I....? 3 months later, so much has happened. It is well documented in my journals. To continue on with things current...

Tuesday night is the immediate burden on my heart for prayer right now. Some people are getting together at my house to go reach the lost, treasure hunting style. I'm so excited for it. And that alone is a HUGE testament to the Lord's genuine, real change in my heart. How crazy to be excited, and anxiously anticipating evangelism!?! Lord I praise You for evidences of Your life-changing love! Haha!

Any who...Tuesday. I asked a friend of mine Justin if he could head over, and he said he might could bring some acc'ers. Nice. I'm excited for multiple reasons, mostly because it's another chance to watch the Lord use the power of the Holy Spirit to make Himself known. Here's the verse on my heart:

But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" 1 Co. 14:24

Something interesting about that verse, "secrets" is sometimes translated as "treasures." Does this verse have another meaning? :)

Okay, I'm done. Admittedly, this blog is a by-product of my procrastination.

Toodles!