Song of Solomon 8:6-7 NIV

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 2 Acts 28:17-31 Summary: Last we heard, Paul was bitten by a snake on Malta but God protected him, and Paul arrived safely in Rome just as God had promised. Let’s listen in to hear what God had in store not just for Paul in Rome, but for all nations as well. Outline: Mission accomplished, but not concluded The Holy Spirit’s warning The unchained Word to all nations Verse: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Discussion Questions: 1. Does the ending of this book seem to leave unanswered questions for you? Why do you think it ends the way it does? 2. What is the important point of Paul's quote from Isaiah? Why is it needed still today? 3. What is Paul's message to these Jews in this passage (see esp. v 31)? What might that kind of ministry look like for us as aa church or you individually? 4. What are the main applications you could take away from the study of Acts?

Philippians 4:6-9 NIV

Philippians 4:6-9 NIV

John 21:9-19 -

Acts 28:1-16 To the Ends of the Earth, Part 1 Summary: Last week we saw God's powerful hand as He saved Paul and the passengers on a ship from a scary storm. But his trials aren't over yet! He gets bitten by a snake, but God protects him! Today let's look at the rest of the journey, where God protects and uses Paul as he lands on the island of Malta: Outline: 1. God's power 2. God's promise 3. God's provision Verse: Acts 1:8 ...And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think God protected Paul from physical harm (the snake bite)? Should we expect this now? 2. What do we learn about God's providence in this passage? How does he fulfill his promises to Paul? To you and me? 3. What was Paul's response when he came to fellow Christians in Rome? What might we learn here about the value of the bonds that Jesus creates between believers?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

Acts 27 Peril on the Sea Summary: Have you ever been on a boat? They can be a lot of fun! But if you've ever been on a boat in a storm, it can be really scary! Today let's listen as Paul continues to follow God's call. As a prisoner he sails on a boat that gets caught in a huge storm! Let's listen in and see how God preserves Paul and keeps his promises: Outline: Warning Promise Encouragement Love Verse: Acts 27:25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. Discussion Questions: 1. How would you compare this account to the account of Jonah when he flees to Tarshish? To Jesus calming the storm? What are the similarities and differences? Why is this helpful to compare these accounts? 2. How does Paul's confidence in God's will help you, even though you and I don't get specific words about the future? 3. If it was God's plan for Paul to preach in Rome, why might He have allowed this storm? What might that tell us about our own sufferings?

Job 42:1-6 NIV

Acts 25-26 Defense Before Kings Summary: A few weeks ago we talked about what it would be like to get in trouble for something you know you didn’t do. That is what’s happening to Paul in Acts 25-26. Let’s listen to his trust in God’s plan as he makes a defense before the King: 1. A certain verdict 2. A servant and witness 3. Almost persuaded Verse: Acts 26:16 (ESV): But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness... Discussion Questions: 1. How would you describe Paul’s defense? What do you see in it that helps us understand our calling as a servant and witness for Jesus in the world? 2. Why does Paul appeal to Caesar? How is God at work by his providence behind everything in this narrative? How might God be calling you to trust Him as you think about your own future?

Luke 18:31-34 NIV

Title: Vocation, Lizards, and Gospel Opportunity Scripture: Philemon (all of it) Main Point: God sends you, in your daily callings, into Gospel Opportunities. NT Opportunity Your Opportunities Application Questions 1. Where does your daily life intersect with people outside of Christ? 2. What opportunities do you have to represent Christ? 3. How will you live out the meaning of the Gospel in your daily calling? Verse: and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

True Religion Mathew 21:28-46

Esther 4:9-5:3

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 13

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 13 NRSV

Feel the Freedom of Identity in Christ 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Welcome our guest preacher, Matt Bohling. He will be sharing with us God’s Word as found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 4, verses 1 through 5. Let’s listen closely and see if you can complete the outline below as he speaks: 1. See creaturely judgement as a problem 2. Don't fall for self-justification 3. Feel the freedom of identity in Christ Memory Verse For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. -2 Corinthians 10:18

Acts 24 A Cheerful Defense Summary: Have you ever gotten into trouble when you knew you did nothing wrong? How did that feel? Paul the Apostle had that happen many times, when his fellow Jews lied to get him in deep trouble. Jesus suffered in this way too. Let’s think about it more: Outline: 1. A false charge 2. A cheerful defense 3. A powerful witness Verse: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Questions: 1. Have you ever been wrongly accused of something? How did it feel? Did you defend yourself? How? 2. How does Paul’s life reflect Jesus’ path again in this account? 3. How might the gospel have strengthened Paul to make his defense cheerfully on this day? How could the gospel of grace enable you to face false accusations?

1 John 2:1-17

Acts 23:12-35 Divine Protection Summary: Sometimes it is hard to see how God is at work in our lives, and we wonder if he is involved or not. Today in Acts we are going to talk about the word