This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Acts? The book of Acts is the second volume written by Luke. It continues where the Gospel of Luke ends, recording the work of the early apostles to spread the gospel in Jerusalem and the greater Mediterranean world. This historical account also documents how the early Church was built—person by person in city after city—through the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit.
How Acts Fits Into the Story: The book of Acts bridges the years between those who walked with Jesus firsthand and those who came to faith through their testimony. This book shows the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples, and how the Holy Spirit sustained, equipped, and grew the early Church. It also gives us context for much of the New Testament, especially Paul’s letters to the churches he helped establish during his missionary journeys.
Reflection Questions:
1. According to Acts 1:8, what is one purpose of the Holy Spirit? How does today’s reading expand your understanding of who the Holy Spirit is?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God that guides us closer to him!
Acts 1:8 makes me brave!!! The Holy Spirit gives us what we need to be a witness for Jesus!! The words, the non-words, the action, the inaction, everything!!
Thank you so much for your prayers. I am so comforted by them during this time of grief and sadness.
I sometimes forget that the Holy Spirit lives within me and gives me the power to accomplish all that God has called me to do. I pray that I would walk in that power all the days of my life.
I agree. I try to remind myself to call His name for discernment advice comfort.
I though I’d share an article written about the attributes of the Holy Spirit by Dr. Charles Stanley I case anyone wanted to read more. http://www.intouch.org/read/blog/11-special-attributes-of-the-holy-spirit#.XdUTyOV6RRE.mailto
I also attached one called, The Presence of the Holy Spirit, https://www.intouch.org/read/blog/the-presence-of-the-holy-spirt
@ Ashley, i am with your I do t k ow if these answer your exact question for sure. One part says that : Although we’re sealed and indwelt by Him when we’re saved, this is not the same as being filled. To be filled with the Spirit means we have surrendered our lives to Him, acknowledging that He owns us and has the right to lead us. When we are fully yielded and walking in obedience to His will, then He has full control and fills us with Himself.
God bless you as you share, Ashley and blessings and prayers for all.
Here is the Lord’s synchronicity in my life again. We started watching Louie Gigglio’s Passion City Church last year & my husband has enjoyed the sermons so even though we can go back to church we are still watching his sermons. Pastor Louie just finished a sermon series based on Acts 1:8 title To the Ends of the Earth. It was a powerful series about spreading the word I’d salvation through Jesus throughout the earth. The last two in the series were particularly good. One was actually given by Andrew Scott who talked about how the gospel spread when the first Christians fled persecution in Jerusalem. It spread faster then than in any other time because it was everyday people living their everyday lives and sharing their faith….being a light. He has a company that places Christians in everyday jobs around the world to “be lights”. The last sermon, just this Sunday, by Pastor Louie brought alive for me Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 1:21,”For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It’s all about living Jesus in big capital letters out loud, every day…being that light in our neighborhood, job, family. Thank you Kathy for the Madeline L’Engle quote.
Have a joyous weekend y’all. Praying for all the needs. Love & hugs
*10 am CST
I love Acts so much! I think it’s very amazing that each heard his own language being spoken! To me that means that the Holy Spirit speaks in a way each person can understand. I also love that the Holy Spirit teaches us and brings to remembrance the things that Jesus said. I did a study called “Jesus in me” by Anne Graham Lotz earlier this year on the Holy Spirit and it was really great, as I had not thought too much about this equally important member of the Trinity before then. What a great God that we serve that He would not leave us alone but give us all a part of Himself ! Praise Him! Thank you for all who have been praying, I feel as if I have much more peace taking this pregnancy day by day and trusting God with it! Our next appointment is still 1.5 weeks away and I pray in Jesus’ name this baby will continue us to be ok! Have a wonderful weekend sisters !