Studies and Meditations for Unite 10-10-10: Begin the Study of Acts . . . The Friend of God

Ask the question as you study:

How can I make a difference in this world?

Meditate on the power that God has issued to the church..

Take time to do a brief overview of Luke/Acts . . . the quest . . . the plan and purpose of God.

Study Luke’s masterpiece of telling the story of Christ and the Church in Luke/Acts:

Luke

1:1–4	Introduction
1:5–2:52	Jesus’ birth and childhood
3:1–4:13	Jesus and John the Baptist
4:14–9:50	Jesus’ work in Galilee
9:51–19:10	Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem
19:11–21:38	Jesus’ teaching in Jerusalem
22:1–24:53	Jesus’ death and resurrection . . . hope for the world.

Acts—sequel

1:1–11	Introduction
1:12–8:3	Church (the ecclesia . . . the called out by God . . . Christ followers) is born: Jerusalem
8:4–12:25	Church supervised from Jerusalem
13:1–20:38	Church . . . Gentiles
21:1–28:31	Church the hope of the world

Underline the following as you study in the next 10 weeks.

1. Two cities: Jerusalem/Rome . . . what does each city represent?

2. Details about Peter and Paul . . . track their spiritual life, look at their growth in Christ.

3. Images: such as light and fire (example: Acts 2:3,4), prison, doors, road, etc.

Make note of the motifs such as community, journey, adventure, danger, rescue, etc.

Circle words relating to the power of God. Has the power of God changed?

Small Group Focus:

Study Acts 1:1–11 . Search God's Word ( http://www.searchgodsword.org/)

Meditate on the meaning of the name Theophilus . . . beloved . . . friend of God. See the connection to being named the friend of God: James 2:23; John 15:15

What was Jesus doing before He ascended to heaven?

What directions did Jesus give?

What does the baptism of the Holy Spirit mean? How do Ezekiel 11:19 and Isaiah 44:3,4 ; Ezekiel 47;John 7:37-39 connect to the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

What was the promise in Acts 1:8. . . the key to Luke/Acts

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth

How would you describe Acts 1:11. . . compare the perspective given to Daniel ( 7: 13,14)?

Focus on the radical shift in yourself and in the world as. . . the friend of God. How does it impact you and the world?

More for study during the week:

See Dr. Luke's radical shift in his perspective of life through Christ . . . death is conquered!

Map of the Roman Empire in 69 A.D.

Who is Luke as a companion to Paul? Study Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16

Think about the motif that the persecutor will not overcome: Acts 7:58; 8:1

Assignment: Read chapters 1-8 in the book of Acts. Underline the significant words. Write down a rough outline of the birth of the church. Describe the power of God that is revealed. What does that kind of power mean for Unite 10-10-10?