Harvest Church of Minden

Mark 11:1-11 Celebrating the Triumphal Entry, we can see the incomplete expectations of the people in terms of the messiah. Do we too see Jesus for what we want him to be, or do we see him for who he truly is? 

Summarizes a whole book of the Bible can be challenging. What are some of the impactful and foundation verses that direct the theme and message of what we have gone over? A good exercise to try after reading the Bible.

Acts 28

For the conclusion of the book of Acts, it seems a little open ended, but we see the consistent theme that has run through the entire book of spreading the gospel message and telling people about the Kingdom of God as Paul arrives in Rome. This example shows the church how we need to live for the Kingdom for the glory of Christ

Acts 27 Following Paul's journey to Rome, storms wreak havoc on their plans. Paul guides them to the safe landing. In life challenges and storms will come, how will we respond? Will we try self-preservation, or we will trust in the word of God. 

Acts 25-26

Paul appeals to Caesar as the Jews and the Governor Festus continue to find fault or no fault and he remains imprisoned. He is able to share his testimony and the gospel message with Agrippa, Festus and many Roman officers and soldiers. Paul did not fear death, but was emboldened by the grace of God to share the truth of the prophets and Moses which point to Christ. 

Acts 23:25-24:27 Paul finally get formal accusations against him, and the chance to defend against those. His case is left in limbo as he awaits the testimony of Claudius Lysias; in the meantime, he continues to share the gospel message and preach Christ.

Acts 22:30-23:24 Paul goes before the Sanhedrin and is interrupted by the high priest in an indignant exchange. As arguments ensue, his hope is found in the words of Jesus. The same needs to be true for us as we face moments of contention within the secular world. Jesus is our hope, but the enemy will try to silence us and the spread of the gospel message. 

Acts 21:37-22:29

Paul courageously defends the faith before an angry mob by sharing his testimony and the commission to take the gospel to the gentiles. This is his first of 5 defenses.

Acts 21:1-36

Paul finishes his third missionary journey with the resolve to go to Jerusalem. He has two encounters where fellow believers try to discourage him as rumors and lies are being spread about him. However as he tries to live out the gospel message he is assaulted and arrested. Where does truth and Justice prevail amid the chaos?

Acts 20:17-38

Paul recounts his ministry in Ephesus to the elders and testifies to how he lived while among them. He warns and encourages them to hold firm to the gospel because the wolves will come in to pull people away. And that ultimately the resolve to follow the Lord may lead to hard circumstances.