THE CHURCH EXPANDSOur commitment to the gospel can serve as a testimony of its truth.KEY TRUTH: Faithfulness to the gospel is characterized by unwavering commitment (1 Thess. 2:1-2)KEY TRUTH: Faithfulness to the gospel is characterized by a pure heart (1 Thess. 2:3-8)KEY TRUTH: Faithfulness to the gospel is characterized by aconsistent witness (1 Thess. 2:9-20)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCU...  Read More

What does the phrase “meet them where they’re at” mean to you? In Acts we see Paul    meeting the Jews “where they’re at” in the synagogue by starting the conversation with the Old Testament and then showing them that Jesus is the fulfillment of OT prophecies. Were his interactions successful? How can we apply that same thought to people that we know? Is there someone that you need to “meet where ...  Read More

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (HCSB)Paul’s Desire to See Them17 But as for us, brothers, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. 18 So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord ...  Read More

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 (HCSB)Reception and Opposition to the Message13 This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the message about God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the message of God, which also works effectively in you believers. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, ...  Read More

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12  (HCSB)Paul’s Conduct2 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit with you was not without result. 2 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered, and we were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. 3 For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an in...  Read More

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