Acts: The Spread of the Gospel

This study is taken from John MacArthur's "Acts: The Spread of the Gospel." My prayer and goal for this devo is that we will learn more about how the early church laid the foundation for what we possess today, and that we would allow God to use us to turn our world upside for Him!

This will be an exciting journey, so encourage others to join you! I'm looking forward to the interaction we will have on this blog as we study the book of Acts!

The devos will differ in format from day to day, but two things are constant: 1) a daily reading, and 2) additional Scripture passages that are in bold. Be sure to read any and all of the readings/bold verses that appear so that you can see the full picture of what is taught that day.

Remember, you can access any of the previous devos that have been posted from the "Blog Archive" section on the left side of this page.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Starting Over - Part 3 - Devo for 05/07/08

Reading
John 3:22-36

Responsive Questions
1. In your opinion, what motivates John the Baptist's disciples to raise the issue of Jesus' ministry (vv. 22-26)?
2. How would you summarize John's view of the character and ministry of Jesus (vv. 27-36)?
3. What are some ways you can demonstrate Jesus' superiority over all that you are and all that you own?

Applying Chapter 3 in Your Life
Think about a person you know who needs to hear the truth about Jesus and plan on spending time with them this week. During that encounter, what are some practical things you could share or do to direct that conversation to their need for Christ?
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Starting Over - Part 2 - Devo for 05/06/08

Reading
John 3:13-21

Responsive Questions
1. How does the story of Moses lifting up the snake in the desert illustrate our need and Christ's offer of salvation (vv. 14-15; see Numbers 21:4-9)?
2. What impresses you about God in verses 16 and 17?
3. What do you learn about yourself (as part of "the world") in those verses?
4. Verses 18 through 21 emphasize the importance of our personal response to Jesus Christ. How would you describe your response to him?
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Starting Over - Part 1 - Devo for 05/05/08

Reflective Question
1. What's the best gift you have ever received? Why was it so special?

Reading
John 3:1-12

Responsive Questions
1. How would you describe Nicodemus to a friend? What kind of person was he?
2. Jesus' reply to Nicodemus in verse 3 seems to have nothing to do with Nicodemus' statement in verse 2. Why do you think Jesus brings up the subject of new birth?
3. Why does Nicodemus respond to Jesus' explanation with such amazement (v.9)?
4. Why is Jesus likewise amazed at Nicodemus' ignorance (vv. 10-12)?
Posted by at 30 comments:

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Signs of God - Part 3 - Devo for 05/03/08

Reading
John 2:12-25 (yes I know this is the same reading as yesterday, but context is important)

Responsive Questions
1. Why don't the disciples immediately grasp what Jesus is talking about when he says, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (vv. 19, 22)?
2. If people were believing in Jesus because of the miraculous signs, why doesn't Jesus "entrust himself to them" (vv. 23-25)?
3. What does this passage reveal about Jesus' concern for his Father's reputation?
4. In what practical ways can you demonstrate in your life the same concern for the holy character of God?

Applying Chapter 2 in Your Life
1. Think about what aspects of your life Jesus may want to clean up or change - work or school habits, your words, your thought life, a relationship, your entertainment preferences. Would you welcome Jesus into those areas, or would you question his right to intrude?
2. Briefly list evidences in a person's life who welcomes Christ.
3. Briefly list evidences in a person's life who questions Christ.
Posted by at 19 comments:

Signs of God - Part 2 - Devo for 05/02/08

Reading
John 2:12-22

Responsive Questions
1. How does John's picture of Jesus in verses 15-16 fit with today's popular concept of him?
2. What is the significance of Jesus' claim that the temple is "my Father's house" (v. 16)?
3. Only the Messiah, God's promised deliverer, has the authority to cleanse the temple. The people recognize that fact and ask Jesus for a miraculous sign to confirm his identity (v. 18). How would the sign Jesus points to be particularly meaningful to them (vv. 19-22)?
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Signs of God - Part 1 - Devo for 05/01/08

Reflective Question
1. What initially convinced you that Jesus was more than a man?

Reading
John 2:1-11

Responsive Questions
1. If you had been a wedding guest, what do you imagine your reaction would have been to this miracle?
2. When the groom's parents run out of wine for their guests, Jesus' mother asks him to help (v. 3). What do you think Mary expects Jesus to do? (Remember, according to verse 11, Jesus had not performed any miracles.)
3. What does Jesus mean by his reply to Mary in verse 4?
4. According to verse 11, the purpose of Jesus' miracle is not to save the groom from embarrassment but to display Jesus' glory. What aspects of Christ's glory does this miracle reveal to you?
5. What area of your life seems like plain water right now?
6. How could Jesus transform that problem or relationship?
Posted by at 22 comments:
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