Acts and Romans

Acts and Romans

The book of Acts records the foundation, the beginning and the work of the Church by obeying the Great Commission. The promised Comforter – the Holy Spirit – arrived to live in believers, with signs that have never been matched. Jesus’ church expanded greatly during this time reaching many portions of the known world at the time.

The book of Romans is Paul’s theological masterpiece. Paul establishes the fundamental doctrine of justification, that is, the act by which God declares to the unrighteous as completely righteous by the work of Jesus Christ.

Introduction to Acts

This lesson introduces “The Acts of the Apostles,” discussing its beginning and end, its role as a historical biblical narrative, its purpose, main message, preaching contents, and major characters. Acts begins with Jesus giving the Great Commission and ascending to heaven and ends with Paul’s Roman imprisonment as he prepares to defend his faith before the highest Roman authorities. The Holy Spirit energizes all the apostles’ acts, bringing a Christ- centered, Scripture-centered, evangelistic proclamation, adding many people to the church.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "The Acts of the Risen Christ"

 

The Foundational Fingerprints of the Church

This lesson discusses the birth of the Church at the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. It also introduces the ten fingerprints of the Spirit empowered Church: Mission & Evangelism, Discipleship, Teaching, Fellowship, Worship, Holy Communion, Prayer, Unity, Diversity, Empathy, and Equality.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "The Visible Fingerprints of the Invisible Church"

The Exemplary Patterns of the Church

This lesson unfolds seven exemplary Church patterns in Acts as the Church develops under Holy Spirit’s influence and overcomes various issues, including persecution. The patterns are Giving, Civil Disobedience, Church Discipline, Spiritual Gifts, Martyrdom, Resisting Apostasy, and Healing.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "The Visible Patterns of the Invisible Church"

Patterns of Pentecost

This lesson discusses the fulfillment of the Great Commission through the Pentecost pattern. The Church grows well in Jerusalem, but stays there. After the martyrdom of Stephen, however, persecution drives them out into the world evangelizing as the Pentecostal pattern repeats itself among them. Saul, the persecutor, has an encounter with Jesus and is equipped and sent to the gentile world to fulfill the Great Commission of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, right to the very door of the Emperor.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "Patterns of Pentecost"

Making Disciples

This lesson gives us the account of the disciples overcoming their prejudices to preach the Gospel to the non-Jewish people and make disciples. Even Jesus ministered in non-Jewish dominant areas. When led by the Spirit, Phillip runs to the Ethiopian eunuch, ministers well, and fulfills the mission by giving baptism. He also ministers in Samaria. Peter overcomes his bias against gentiles and understands God’s impartiality. Holy Spirit falls on the gentiles even before Peter finishes his sermon and lays his hands on them. We should always remember the importance of baptism as an oath of life-long fidelity as a disciple of Jesus.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "How to Make a Disciple"

The Personal Pentecost of Paul

This lesson expounds on Paul’s Damascus Road experience and its lasting impact on Paul’s life, ministry, and teaching. At the feet of the resurrected Jesus, Paul experiences tenderness, meekness, and submissiveness to Christ and goes from a dangerous enemy of the Church to a devastating force for the Gospel. Paul is transformed into a new man with a new mission, perspective, and set of values. As a result of his experience, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, he plants churches worldwide and disciples many.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "The Personal Pentecost of Paul"

God Launches Paul into Ministry

This lesson discusses God’s process for preparing Paul for ministry after his conversion. After Paul’s Damascus Road experience, there is an amazing interaction between Jesus & Ananias and Ananias & Paul. Then Paul completes some years of training in Arabia. His official ministry begins when Barnabas brings him to Antioch. The Holy Spirit continuously directs Paul’s steps as to where he should and should not go.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "The Patterns of Pentecost Plant the Church"

The Preaching of Paul

This lesson explores Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, Ephesus, Miletus, and his controversial message to the Athenians in his famous “Sermon on Mars Hill.” His long-sustained ministry in Ephesus provokes him to give a powerful farewell sermon to the Ephesian elders at Miletus as he passes by on his way to arrest in Jerusalem.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "The Preaching of Paul"

Paul’s Trials

This lesson describes Paul’s experiences after his arrest in Jerusalem. When put on trial in Jerusalem, Paul escapes the Jewish plots against him by invoking his right to a trial before Caesar. This sets a harrowing journey in motion as Paul travels from place to place, facing judgment before various Roman rulers before landing in Rome under house arrest, preaching the gospel to anyone who will listen. Thus, Paul proves a fantastic example of a passionate missionary of Christ.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "Patterns of Paul"

Introduction to Romans

This lesson introduces Pauline epistles and the apostle’s first letter, Romans. Paul’s thirteen letters are arranged by size first into community letters, then personal letters. Paul writes the book of Romans as a personal letter of introduction to the Roman churches in the hope that he can make them a new home base for his missionary work farther west. Seeking to find and provide mutual benefit, Paul adapts the introduction of his theology of faith and salvation to address some of their own struggles reintegrating returning Jewish leadership after a period of exile from Rome by the Emperor.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "God and Man — Like It Is"

The Four Kings and the Four Laws

This lesson teaches us how unrighteous sinners can become righteous through Jesus Christ. Four kings vie for power in our lives—Sin, Death, Jesus, & You. Wherever Sin reigns, Death rules; however, through Jesus’ victory, You can be a conqueror. There are also four spiritual laws—The law of God activates the law of Sin and Death. But, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ sets us free from them. Finally, the law of Mindset helps us focus on the Spiritual things to overcome the habit of sin in our daily lives.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "The Four Winners and the Four Laws"

Therefore

This lesson teaches us how Paul uses the word “Therefore” to separate the major sections in Romans. The first three sections, chapters 1-4, 5-8, & 9-11, form the doctrinal part of the letter, teaching that God is the source, the power, and the purpose of all things. The application part begins with chapter 12:1-2. God allows us to give ourselves wholly to Him to be an accepted and willing part of His glorification. We must discover His will for our lives by turning our focus from the world to Him.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "So What!"

Practical Applications

This lesson explores a few applications of Paul’s theology in Romans. The Church is the body of Christ, and God equips each member with Spiritual gifts to benefit others. Paul encourages the Christians to live an exemplary life with zeal, humility, and stewardship. Paul solves some Jewish-Gentile tensions over food and calendars, and he advises the church to respect the laws and governmental authorities. Paul concludes the letter emphasizing his primary purpose: Reaching unreached areas with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To learn more, check out the below corresponding Audio Lesson: "Righteousness Reproduced in Rome"