1 Thessalonians 1:1-10  (HCSB)Greeting1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.Thanksgiving2 We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers. 3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, ...  Read More

Acts 17:1-9  (HCSB)A Short Ministry in Thessalonica17 Then they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As usual, Paul went to the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Mes...  Read More

PaulGod saves sinners from all backgrounds and uses them for His glory.KEY TRUTH: Before his conversion Paul (Saul) persecuted followers of Christ (Acts 7:58; 9:1-4)KEY TRUTH: Christ confronted and converted Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)KEY TRUTH: Paul took the gospel to the Gentiles and planted churches (Acts 13-20)KEY TRUTH: Paul faced much opposition and hardship to spread the gospel (A...  Read More

1. What does Saul’s conversion experience in Acts 9, teach about God’s grace in salvation? What role does Ananias play in God’s grace to Saul? Why do you think God chose to include Ananias in Saul’s conversion experience?2. Saul began to proclaim Jesus immediately (vs. 20) after his experience. Why do you think we often don’t share our story immediately (or ever)? What encouragement can we take fr...  Read More

Phillipians 3:1-14 (HCSB)Knowing Christ3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you. 2 Watch out for “dogs,” watch out for evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh— 4 ...  Read More

Acts 9:24-31 (HCSB)24 but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall. Saul in Jerusalem 26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disci...  Read More

Acts 9:20-23 (HCSB)Saul Proclaiming the Messiah Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. 20 Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.” 21 But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief pr...  Read More

Acts 9:10-19 (HCSB)Saul’s Baptism 10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord!” he said. 11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his ...  Read More

Acts 9:1-9 (HCSB)The Damascus Road9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly fl...  Read More

THE GOSPEL IS FOR EVERYONEJesus’ fulfillment of prophecy affirmed that He is the Messiah.KEY TRUTH: God called Jonah and Peter to take the message of salvation to people who were different from them (Jonah 1:1-5; Acts 10:1-45)KEY TRUTH: God calls us to engage and take the gospel to people who are different from us (Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION A...  Read More

1.  How would you react if our Lord and Savior (through an angel, through the Holy Spirit or otherwise) spoke to you and asked you to go and do something? Well, we may not hear an audible voice of the Lord; however, His Word does call on those who believe in Him to tell others about Jesus Christ and what He has done in their life. How are you at passing along the Gospel to others?2. Do you pass al...  Read More

Acts 10:44-48  (HCSB)Gentile Conversion and Baptism44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of God. Then Pe...  Read More