The One Year Chronological Bible - Week 46 Reflection Questions

Week 46 (Nov 9-15): ??

As you read through these passages of the Bible, reflect upon these questions individually, through journaling, in pairs, or in small groups...

1. (11/9) In Acts 6:1-7, we read of the complaints of the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews and how this was to be resolved.  Seven men were chosen to work at this ministry.  What were the qualifications given for choosing them?  Do we use a similar model in choosing people in the church today?
2. In Acts 6:8-15, read of Stephen's arrest and the accusations against him.  Aspects of this trial should sound very familiar to us.  What are the similarities between Stephen's trial and the trial of Jesus?
3. In Acts 7, we read of Stephen's account of faith.  In this he boiled down all of the faith into this statement.  If you were to boil down all of Christian Faith into a statement of similar length, what would you say?  If you were to do a similar exercise for how God has moved in your own life, what would you say?
4. With the death of Stephen comes our introduction to Saul who approved of Stephen's execution.  Consider Stephen's death.  Compare and contrast it with the death of Jesus.
5.(11/10) In Acts 8:4 we read, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."  This was right after persecution broke out against the believers and yet they preached the word wherever they went.  We are not scattered nor persecuted in nearly the same way, but do we also preach the word wherever we go?  If so, what does this look like?  If not, why not?
6. In Acts 8:16 we read that the believers in Samaria had been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, but had not yet received the Holy Spirit.  Have you received that Holy Spirit?  If so, what was that like and what does it mean for you? If not, what would it look like for you to do this?  If you are unsure, how might you pray about this?
7. In Acts 8, Philip led the Ethiopian eunuch to faith from his reading of Isaiah.  As Christians, we tend to focus on the New Testament at Best and write off the Old Testament at worst.  Yet, it was with the Old Testament that the first believers came to faith.  What are the Old Testament stories or passages that are important to your faith?  If all you had was the Old Testament to lead someone to faith, what would this look like?
8. In Acts 9, we read of Saul's conversion.  After Saul is blinded, God sends Ananias to Saul, because Saul is God's chosen instrument.  In what ways has God chosen you to be His instrument in your life?
9.

 May the Lord bless and shape us through our individual reading and corporate study of His word this year.