"A Study of the book of Acts" by Hiram Kemp - Part 1

June 7, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This episode is a recorded Bible class examining Acts chapter 1 and the kinds of challenges the church has always faced. Hiram and co-teacher Neal introduce the quarter-long study through the Book of Acts, framing the series around enduring struggles—division, false doctrine, societal pressure, leadership failure—and the ways the early church overcame them. The class includes interactive participation from attendees who ask questions and offer reflections, producing a practical, conversational tone. The discussion outlines a threefold purpose for studying Acts: to relieve believers by showing they are not the first to face hardship, to remind them to seek divine solutions in Scripture, and to resolve them to persevere. The instructor emphasizes the two sides of the church (God’s perfect, divine side and humanity’s imperfect side) plus the opposition of the world and connects Acts to Luke’s gospel and the triune work of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Acts 1 is explored for three main challenges: the challenge of waiting (especially for the promised Holy Spirit), the challenge of living and working in Jesus’ physical absence while awaiting his return, and the challenge of replacing fallen leaders (the story of Judas and the selection of Matthias). Scriptural cross-references—Luke, John’s teaching about the Spirit, Acts 2, Psalms, and New Testament pastoral instruction—are used to explain why the apostles had to wait, what the Spirit would provide (power, remembrance of Jesus’ teaching, gifts to confirm the message), and how the church should respond. Practical takeaways include what to do while waiting (devoted prayer and active preparation), the difference between passive waiting and biblically robust waiting, how to avoid the "church-hunter" mentality, and the importance of humility: recognizing personal shortcomings, relying on God, and continuing faithful service whether or not one is chosen for formal leadership. The class also touches on contemporary pressures (including a brief mention of modern challenges like AI) and how the same divine resources apply today. Listeners can expect a warm, instructional session with Scripture readings, group interaction, pastoral application, and clear next steps for the quarter: further chapter-by-chapter teaching through Acts, encouragement to seek the Spirit’s power in daily life, and a call to perseverance—be relieved, be reminded, and be resolved to press on in the work of the kingdom until Christ returns.   Duration 43:34