Test Review/Class Recap
Introduction: The book of Acts is a book that demonstrates that the power of God is available to the church and its purpose is that we might reach the world with the Gospel.
The Supernatural is a lifestyle. News Flash: God’s power is still available. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.
Lesson 1 – The Need for Miracles
The purpose of miracles is to separate men from dead religion, superstition and fear, and convert them to the worship of the living God.
I. The Need for Miracles
Without miracles, we simply have a dead religion. So yes, there is still a need for miracles.
II. The Foundation for Miracles
A miracle is God’s love touching man’s need.
Arguments will NOT produce true believers. One miracle will do more to advance God’s Kingdom than years of theological debates.
Miracles are the proof that Christ has truly risen from the dead. Without the power/proof (2 Timothy 3:5), we simply have a dead/empty religion.
III. Miracles follow the Gospel
God confirms His Word with signs following (Mark 16:15-20)
Lesson 2 – The Power of the Message
I. Book of Acts
The Book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. The first part of the Book of Acts is primarily about Peter (Acts 1-12:24), and the second part of the Book of Acts is primarily about Paul (Acts 12:25-28:31)
Since Luke, the author, tells us what happened rather than what should happen today; the Book of Acts would be better described as descriptive rather than prescriptive. The Book of Acts is history, not law. For example, Luke tells us seven men were chose to wait on tables (Acts 6:1-6), but Luke does NOT tell us that churches should follow this example today.
The purpose and theme of the Book of Acts could be stated as tracing the progress of the Word of Jesus and the growth of the church from Jerusalem to Rome.
II. The message of the early church
The primary message of the early church was the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
We can expect the same results that the early church in the Book of Acts experienced if we hear like they heard, believe like they believed, pray like they prayed, act and they acted.
Lesson 3 - The Power of the Spirit
I. The Need for the Spirit
The signs and wonders as wrought by the Spirit represent the ‘witness’ of His life.
Mental arguments will ONLY produce mental believers. No mental arguments will ever produce true believers; hence the need for the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:1,4-5).
II. The Purpose of the Spirit
The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit causes believers to be witnesses of the resurrected Christ.
The purpose of the Spirit is to take the gospel with power to the nations. Acts 4:33
Reaching the lost is the true purpose of being filled with the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit enables us to speak in tongues, operate in the spiritual gifts, etc.
Lesson 4 – The Power of the Word
I. The Power of the Word
The early church was marked by the preaching of the Living Word which transformed lives.
The Apostles place a premium, utmost importance, on giving themselves wholly to receiving and administering the Word of God. The Apostles delegated the day to day affairs of the church to capable others. (Acts 6:2, 4).
God confirms His Word with signs following. Philip in Acts 8:5, 14-15 is one example of this.
II. The Prevailing Word
His Word is His power; keep speaking His Word. Jeremiah says His Word is like a hammer. (Jeremiah 23:29).
Keep sowing the Word. Sow the Word in the morning, Sow the Word in the evening. Ecclesiastes 11:6.
III. The Living Word
God sends His Word to heal us (Psalm 107:20).
The world was created and is sustained by the Word (2 Peter 3:5-7).
We know God through His Word (John 14:23). The more we know His Word, the more we know God.
God confirms His Word with signs and wonders (Mark 16:20).
V. The Active Word
The early church saw miracles when they spoke the Word (Act 4:31). Today’s church sees miracles when we speak the Word.
Lesson 5 – The Power of the Name of Jesus
I. Introduction to The Name of Jesus
II. The Glory of the Name
Everything that God is, stands for, and represents is found in the Name of Jesus.
The Name of Jesus includes every character trait of God including the seven Old Testament Redemptive Names of God:
Jehovah-Jireh “the Lord will provide [a sacrifice]” Genesis 22:13,14 (NT reference Ephesian 5:2)
Jehovah-Rapha “the Lord that healeth” Exodus 15:26 (NT reference Matthew 8:17, 1 Peter 2:24)
Jehovah-Nissi “the Lord our banner [our victory]” Exodus 17:8-15 (NT reference 1 Corinthians 15:57)
Jehovah-Shalom “the Lord our peace” Judges 6:24 (NT reference John 14:27)
Jehovah-Ra-ah “the Lord my shepherd” Psalm 23 (NT reference John 10:11)
Jehovah-Tsidkenu “the Lord our righteousness” Jeremiah 23:6 (NT reference 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jehovah-Shammah “the Lord is present” Ezekiel 48:35 (NT Reference Matthew 28:20).
III. The Authority of the Name
IV. The Power of the Name
If Jesus was dead, His Name would have NO power. Since Jesus is NOT dead (He is yet alive), Jesus’ Name STILL have power.
V. Resistance to the Name
VI. Conclusion
Everything is subject to the Name of Jesus, if you have faith in that Name; but repetitively repeating the Name of Jesus (without faith) will NOT give us victory over Satan.
The Name of Jesus gives believers access to the Father in prayer (John 16:23, 14:12-14).
Lesson 6 – The Power of Prayer
I. The Power of Prayer
aljalstands for, and represents is found in the Name of Jesus.
II. Examples of prayer in the Book of Acts
If Jesus was dead, His Name would have NO power. Since Jesus is NOT dead (He is yet alive), Jesus’ Name STILL have power.
III. Effective Prayer
The Name of Jesus gives believers access to the Father in prayer (John 16:23, 14:12-14).
Lesson 7 – God’s Heart for the World’
Lesson 8 – The Church
Previously Reviewed