Acts Lesson One - Jesus Changes Lives

ACTS Jesus Changes Lives

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Lesson #1 Acts: 2:29-47

Who Are These People?

They aren’t the same men. Oh, I know they look like it. They have the same names. The same faces. The same mannerisms. They look the same. But they aren’t. On the surface they appear no different.

Peter is still brazen. Nathanael is still reflective. Philip is still calculating.

They look the same. But they aren’t. They aren’t the same men you read about in the last four books. The fellows you got to know in the Gospels?

These are the ones, but they’re different. You’ll see it. As you read you’ll see it. In their eyes. You hear it in their voices. You feel it in their passion.

These men have changed.

The Book of Acts is about change, growth, and faith. It is my hope as we engage in these 12 studies, we will experience change and growth as we explore more about our faith.

Our Studies Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Lesson 7 Lesson 8 Lesson 9 Lesson 10 Lesson 11 Lesson 12

Jesus Changes Lives (Acts 2:29–47) We Are Witnesses (Acts 3:1–16) Tried and Tested (Acts 5:17–33) Getting Along with Others (Acts 6:1–15) Looking to Jesus (Acts 7:51–60) The Holy Spirit’s Leading (Acts 8:26–40) God’s Saving Power (Acts 9:1–20) Unity Among Believers (Acts 10:24–35) God’s Grace (Acts 15:1–11) Presenting the Gospel (Acts 17:16–31) Facing Problems and Pain (Acts 20:15–31) Living Your Faith (Acts 27:13–25)

1

Three Key Themes From Acts 1. The foundations of the early church were established in the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

2. The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to spread the gospel into the world as Jesus commanded.

3. The gospel is to stand independently of Jewish tradition and faith.

Three Key Parts Of Acts I. The Gospel in Jerusalem (1:1–7:60) II. The Gospel in Judea and Samaria (8:1–12:25) III. The Gospel in the Non- Jewish World (13:1-28:31) Lesson One

Jesus Changes Lives When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” ACTS 2:37–38

2

What’s Going On For almost two months, Jerusalem had been buzzing with plots, a headline crucifixion, rumors of a resurrection, transformed lives, visits from the risen Jesus, and his sudden departure to heaven. After Jesus left his followers gathered to pray in an upper room, and the Holy Spirit showed up! In the earlymorning hours of Pentecost, a new sound was heard in the temple courts: Galileans speaking various languages, praising God in tongues other than their own. A crowd gathered. Conclusions were reached. Then one of the disciples stood up and spoke. Peter, the transformed fisherman who had betrayed his Lord, delivered the first sermon, explaining from Scripture who Jesus really was and why he died. The results were remarkable.

Acts 2:29-47 New Living Translation 29 “Dear

brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here 3

among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. 31 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave.

32 “God

raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand 35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’

[a]

36 “So

let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

37 Peter’s

words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

4

38 Peter

replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” [b]

41 Those

who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

The Believers Form a Community 42 All

the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper ), and to prayer. [c]

43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great 5

joy and generosity[d]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Bible Study Questions 1. What did Peter say about David? How would this have resonated with the crowd? [Your Response Below]

2. What bold statements did Peter make in his sermon? [Record Your Response Below]

3. How did the people react to Peter’s declaration? [Record Your Response Below] 4. What instructions did Peter give to the people? [Record Your Response Below]

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5. What did Peter say to the crowds of onlookers about the Holy Spirit? [Record Your Response Below]

Application For Your Life 7. What changes has Jesus made in your life? [Record Your Response Below]

8. What circumstances caused you to open your heart to God? [Record Your Response Below]

9. Why do you think some people resist the convicting work of the Holy Spirit? [Record Your Response Below]

10. The Holy Spirit gave Peter boldness to speak the truth.

What ability or gift have you received from God? [Record Your Response Below]

11. How have you discovered the spiritual gifts God has given you? [Record Your Response Below] 12. How can you use your gifts to help bring others into God’s kingdom? [Record Your Response Below] 7

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