Lessons in Acts

Lessons in Acts

Acts 3:11-13

11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's.  12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?  13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. ”

Lesson: When God opens doors of opportunity for us to share the gospel with the lost, we must never neglect or take them for granted. Instead, we must seize these opportunities, as they might come only once. By doing so, we will see the results. NDJ

Acts 5:1-3

1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.  3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? ”

Lesson: Whatever we do for God and others must come from a heart that is sincere and selfless. Anything done with selfish or self-serving intentions is not acceptable to God.

Acts 7:55-60

But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.  Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.  And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Lesson: When we are opposed for sharing Jesus with others, even to the point where our lives are at stake, we must consider it a great privilege to suffer for and with Him for the sake of expanding the Kingdom. NDJ

Acts 11:22-24

22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 

Lesson: God has placed us in the church to be channels of encouragement and edification to others, especially to those who are weak or young in the faith. Let us be a blessing to others in the church, not a burden or a stumbling block.