Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus

Nothing can stop God from carrying out His sovereign purposes in our lives. In part 23 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 27:1-28:31. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Departure for Rome (27:1-12) Shipwreck! (27:13-44) Ministry on Malta (28:1-10) Ministry in Rome (28:11-31) God’s Purposes and Power A “dangerously glorious” prayer… Applying the Text Ask God to be glorified in your life and then trust Him with the results.

Your personal life story can serve as a powerful tool for evangelism. Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 25:1 – 26:32. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Appeal to Caesar (25:1-12) Festus at a Loss (25:13-27) Defense Before Agrippa (26:1-32) The Power of Personal Testimony Applying the Text Have you seen the Light? Can you tell your faith story?

Paul is a good example for us of speaking truth wisely and courageously while trusting in God’s providential plan. In part 21 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 22:30-24:27. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Paul Before the Sanhedrin (22:30 – 23:10) The Plot Against Paul’s Life (23:11-35) Paul Before Felix (24:1-27) Wisdom… Courage… Trust  Applying the Text Ask for wisdom to speak truth well. Depend on the Spirit to speak truth courageously. Trust in God’s plan for you.

Following God’s will may sometimes mean embracing hardship, but God can use our testimony as a powerful witness of gospel hope in Christ. In part 20 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 21:1 – 22:29. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Journey to Jerusalem (21:1-16) Rejoicing and Rumors (21:17-26) A Confused and Angry Mob (21:27-36) A Testimony of Opened Eyes (21:37 – 22:21) Saved by Roman Citizenship (22:22-29) Embracing Hardship… Faithful Testimony Applying the Text Accept that obedience may bring hardship Expect to be misunderstood for your faith Craft your testimony well as it can be a powerful witnessing tool

The Apostle Paul shows us that a good spiritual leader is a Spirit-led humble servant who faithfully proclaims the Word in word and deed with courage and integrity. In part 19 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 20:1-38. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Macedonia and Greece (20:1-6) Eutychus (20:7-16) Farewell Speech (20:17-38) A Portrait of Spiritual Leadership consistent life (v. 18) humility (v. 19) passion (v. 19) perseverance (v. 19) courage (v. 20) public and private teaching (v.20) gospel focus (v. 21) sensitivity to the Spirit (v. 22-23) eternal perspective (v. 24) whole counsel teaching (v. 27) diligent watchfulness (v. 28) care for the church (v. 28) discernment (vv. 29-31) passionate admonishment (v. 31) not covetous (v. 33) hard working (v. 34) helping the weak (v. 35) generosity (v. 35) prayer (v. 36) Applying the Text Who do you lead? What one characteristic of leadership can you work on this week?

Accurate proclamation of the Word powerfully changes lives, but also stirs up opposition. In part 18 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 18:23 – 19:41. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Correction of Apollos (18:23-28) Correction of Ephesian Disciples (19:1-10) Confirmation of the Gospel Message (19:11-20) Consternation in Ephesus (19:21-41) Accurate Understanding and Proclamation of the Word Applying the Text Seek accurate understanding of the Word Correct error Rejoice as the Word changes lives Don’t be surprised by opposition

Followers of Christ need not fear, for He is always with us. Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 18:1-22. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Coworkers (18:1-4) A Night Vision (18:5-11) Another Tribunal (18:12-17) Return to Antioch (18:18-22) Hostile Environments Applying the Text God is always with us, even in fearful situations God calls us to be faithful, even in hostile environments God has a plan for people, even in deeply sinful places

Followers of Jesus should find common ground and engage with unbelievers in the marketplace of ideas. In part 16 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 17:16-34. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesThe Marketplace of Ideas Understanding the Text Reasoning in the Marketplace (17:16-21) Common Ground Engagement (17:22-34) Today’s Marketplace of Ideas  Applying the Text As God has made you… Get informed Seek common ground Prayerfully engage

The Word of God - faithfully proclaimed and carefully investigated - can turn the world, and worlds, upside down. In part 15 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 17:1-15. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Reasoning from the Scriptures (17:1-4) Violent Jealousy (17:5-9) Examining the Scriptures (17:10-15) Turning the World Upside Down Applying the Text Faithfully proclaim the Word Be a Berean Watch God turn worlds upside down

The Word of God opens hearts, unfastens bonds, and frees prisoners. Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 16:6-40. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesThe Sovereign Power of the Word of God Context for Our Text Understanding the Text The Macedonian Call (16:6-10) Opened Hearts (16:11-15) Stocks and Bonds (16:16-24) Unfastened Bonds and Open Doors (16:25-40) Closed Hearts, Fastened Bonds, Prison Doors The Sovereign Power of the Word of God Applying the Text Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Sing songs in the night.

God can work out His purposes even through our conflicts and disagreements. In part 13 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 15:36-16:5. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text The Jerusalem Council Understanding the Text A Sharp Disagreement (15:36-40) A Practical Decision (16:1-5) Conflict in the Church God’s Purposes Applying the Text Seek unity Pray for guidance Address sin and forgive Submit to authority Trust God

A healthy church upholds critical doctrines, and, promotes the law of love to help maintain unity. In part 12 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 15:1-35. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Dissension (15:1-5) Decision (15:6-21) Declaration (15:22-35) Critical Doctrines The Law of Love Applying the Text Are you a student of the doctrines of the faith? Do you choose love over liberty?

We are called to faithfully proclaim the good news, and, God sovereignly directs the spread and growth of the church. In part 11 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 13:1–14:28. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Commissioning (13:1-4) Cyprus (13:4-12) Pisidian Antioch (13:13-52) Iconium (14:1-7) Lystra (14:8-23) Antioch (14:24-28) Applying the Text Have you stepped through the door of faith? Are you “waving others in”?

Let us pray boldly and witness fearlessly since God’s mission and power are unstoppable no matter what opposition may come. Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 11:19-12:25. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Persecution (11:19 – 12:5) Intervention (12:6-19) Retribution (12:20-25) Applying the Text Pray boldly Witness fearlessly Rest in God’s sovereignty

The gospel of Jesus Christ transcends all ethnic and cultural barriers. In part 9 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 9:32-11:18. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text A Miraculous Healing (9:32-35) A Miraculous Restoration (9:36-43) A Terrifying Vision (10:1-8) A Perplexing Vision (10:9-23a) An Unlawful Association (10:23b-33) A Powerful Gospel Proclamation (10:34-48) A Glorious Extension (11:1-18) Applying the Text The good news is for even you! Proclaim the good news-even to THOSE people! Glorify God!

God’s grace can transform the lives of even the most unlikely people. In part 8 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 9:1-31. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text A Dramatic Conversion (9:1-9) A Chosen Instrument (9:10-19a) From Persecution to Proclamation (9:19b-31) Applying the Text Rejoice in God’s sovereign grace! Pray for God to do the humanly unlikely! Do not resist the gracious draw of the Spirit in your life!

God’s providential plans sometimes unfold in unlikely ways and in unlikely places, and remind us to trust in Him and be faithful witnesses. In part 7 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 8:1-40. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Persecution (8:1-3) Preaching (8:4-25) Providence (8:26-40) The Ways of God Applying the Text Trust and testify

As servants of Christ, we are called to imitate Christ. In part 6 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 6:1 - 7:60. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Seven Servants (6:1-7) Stephen Seized (6:8-15) Stephen’s Speech (7:1-53) Stephen’s Stoning (7:54-60) Imitating Christ Applying the Text Pursue the call to imitate Christ in attitude, word, and deed.

God judges sin in the church because it hinders the work of the Spirit and damages the testimony of the church. In part 5 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 4:32 – 5:42. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesFear of the Lord Context for Our Text Understanding the Text Loving Unity and Powerful Testimony (4:32-37) Hypocrisy, Judgment, and Fear (5:1-11) Signs and Wonders (5:12-16) Teaching and Preaching the Christ (5:17-42) Purity, Unity, and the Power of the Spirit Fear of the Lord Applying the Text Fear the Lord!

The Sovereign Lord can empower us to speak His word with all boldness no matter what opposition may come. In part 4 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 3:1-4:31. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesContext for Our Text Understanding the Text Healing in the Name of Jesus (3:1-10) Peter’s Portico Speech (3:11-26) Arrest and Council Speech (4:1-12) Predicament and Praise (4:13-22) Prayer for Boldness (4:23-31) We serve a risen Savior who…. is the Sovereign Lord sent His Spirit answers our prayers Applying the Text Pray for boldness!

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled prophecy, ushered in the last days, and is the key to eternal life as we repent and are baptized by faith into the body of Christ. In part 3 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 2:14-47. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Peter’s Pentecost Sermon: The Last Days (2:14-21) Peter’s Pentecost Sermon: The Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (2:22-36) Peter’s Pentecost Sermon: So What? (2:37-41) The Fellowship of the Believers (2:42-47) “Repent and Be Baptized” Repentance Baptism Applying the Text Repent and Be Baptized!

The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost marked the beginning of a profound expansion in God’s plan of redemption and in how He works within His people. In part 2 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 2:1-13. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text Tongues of Fire (2:1-5) Tongues of Praise (2:6-13) Descriptive Scripture vs. Prescriptive Scripture The Birth of the Church Tongues: Biblical Directives on a Controversial Topic Baptism of the Spirit vs. Filling of the Spirit The Ministries of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit… inspired the Scriptures convicts the world regenerates sinners baptizes those who believe into the body of Christ indwells believers seals believers enlightens believers leads the believer into righteousness gifts the believer for service intercedes for the believer testifies with our spirit that we are children of God guarantees the believer’s inheritance will raise the mortal bodies of believers Applying the Text Rejoice in the mighty works of God! Rejoice in the ministries of the Holy Spirit Be filled with the Spirit

The Lord Jesus Christ continues His ministry through Spirit-empowered witnesses everywhere. In part 1 of Acts: The Continuing Ministry of Jesus, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Acts 1:1-26. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesA Brief Introduction to Acts Author: Luke Date: About A.D. 62 A Brief Introduction to Acts-Primary Purpose: To provide and orderly and reliable account of the growth of the early Christian church, showing how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Rome. A Brief Introduction to Acts-Other Purposes: To emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit To show the fulfilment of Jesus’ commission To validate the legitimacy of Christianity To encourage believers To connect the Gospel of Luke and the early Church Understanding the Text The Pre-Ascension Ministry of Jesus (1:1-5) The Ascension of Jesus (1:6-11) The Fate of Judas (1:12-20) The Replacement for Judas (1:21-26) Applying the Text Are you a Spirit-empowered witness in this end of the earth?