Introduction and Lesson One › wp-content › uploads › ...podcast – download any podcast app, the LMCC Women and Dwelling Richly Facebook pages, and YouTube. Acts: Seeds of the

Introduction and Lesson One

Acts – Seeds of the Gospel

A Dwelling Richly Bible Study

Written by Jennifer Richmond

©2019,© Dwelling Richly

Acts: Seeds of the Gospel Dwelling Richly Bible Study Introduction ... 1 ...

Welcome! Power...confidence...deep, strong, crazy-bold faith – Want it? Missing it? This study

through Acts will open your heart and mind to what God has done, is doing, and will do through Christians who get it – the truth of the gospel. Acts: Seeds of the Gospel is a

verse by verse study through the real lives of men and women like you who wanted more and got more than they ever imagined. I started writing Bible studies so I could have focused time in God’s Word. First, I wrote for my own personal time, then began to share them with others, and now, here you are! So, welcome! In 1993 inspired to by the words from Colossians 3:16 to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” I began writing songs from Scripture and now have written over 30 Scripture-based songs and two dozen Bible studies that help us all to fulfill this verse. My desire is to help others engage in God’s word through reading, writing, memorizing, sharing, singing, and of course, studying its truths. I want to live out what it means to truly let the Word dwell in me deeply and to help others do the same by encouraging women to love God and His Word with heart, soul, mind, and strength. This study is designed to offer daily time and structure through the Word of God for the purpose of understanding better who God is and in so doing knowing ourselves and our purpose better. We’ll read, think, pray, write, consider, and apply the truths and concepts we find in the Word of God. But here’s the big goal, it’s great to grow personally, but we need to do more than grow...we must go! My prayer is to help equip you to be “able to teach” so you can in turn equip others. Join the online Bible study community, or study on your own. Amazing rewards await those who take the time to read and study God’s Word. You can complete the study on your own through these pages, or join the community and study together with a friend - either way, welcome! Let’s dive in and let God’s Word dwell in us richly! In Christ,

Jennifer Richmond [email protected]

562-755-4964

mailto:[email protected]


... Dwelling Richly Bible Study... Who we are . . .

...real women in every stage of life who are finding true hope in Jesus Christ

What we do . . .

…encourage one another to seek God for wisdom and hope

…support one another in life’s challenges and blessings

…share our strengths and weaknesses

…provide a haven of hope and encouragement, fun and friendship, and real answers

based on the truths of God’s Word

What to Expect . . .

…Make friends and deepen relationships

…Bible-based teaching

…Faith-building personal Bible study

…Daily Online Teaching to help you through each lesson in community

…Home Study Ten days in every lesson to guide you through the scripture.

We Meet. . .

…Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30am – September 24, October 8, 22; November 5, 19

…Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm – September 25, October 9, 23; November 6, 20

…Weekdays - 9am on Facebook – join Jennifer as she goes through each day of the lesson.

…Missed a talk? Want to join the daily Bible study? It’s all available at on the Dwelling Richly

podcast – download any podcast app, the LMCC Women and Dwelling Richly Facebook pages, and YouTube.


...Acts: Seeds of the Gospel... There will be 13 lessons in this study. Lessons 1-5 are September-November and will cover Acts

chapters 1-7. Lessons 6-13 are January-April covering Acts 8-28.

Lesson One – Meets: September 24, 9:30am or September 25, 6:30pm

September 24/25 Teaching: Welcome & Introduction o Home Study: Read and study getting the big picture view of Acts chapter 1-28 o Key Verse: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven

given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV)

Lesson Two – Meets: October 8, 9:30am or October 9, 6:30pm

October 8/9 Teaching - Big Picture of Acts. o Home Study: Acts 1:1-2:41 o Key Verse: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the

forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 (ESV)

Lesson Three – Meets: October22, 9:30am or October 23, 6:30pm

October 22/23 Teaching: Acts 1:1-2:41 o Home Study: Acts 2:42-4:22 o Key Verse: “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has

become the cornerstone.” Acts 4:11 (ESV)

Lesson Four – Meets: November 5, 9:30am or November 6, 6:30pm

November 5/6 Teaching: Acts 2:42-4:22 o Home Study: Acts 4:23-5:42 o Key Verse: “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

Acts 5:29 (ESV)

Lesson Five – Meets: November 19, 9:30am or November 20, 6:30pm

November 19/20 Teaching: Acts 4:23-5:42 o Home Study: Acts 6:1-7:60 o Key Verse: “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

Acts 5:29 (ESV) o Remember...we are on break until the second week of January. Complete your lesson

and register to join part two of the Acts study which starts up in January.

Over the Break. . . o Join the book study – details to come! o Look for registration to continue this study coming soon!


...Bible Study Tips... 1. Read and take notes in a Bible – a good ‘ol fashioned paper Bible...

New International (NIV), English Standard (ESV), or Christian Standard (CSB) versions – each of these are written at about a 6th grade reading level Avoid studying from a paraphrase -- The Message, Living Bible, etc. are all great for helping understand, but do your study and note-taking from a translation instead. NOTE: We will use the ESV for this study.

2. Use colored pencils to mark in your Bible –

-- key ideas

-- memory verses

--God/Holy Spirit

-- people

-- places

-- prophecy

– Jesus

3. Pray before you read the Bible. Ask God to help you understand what you are

reading. It’s amazing what happens when we just do that...pray. God is faithful!

4. Do your own thinking before looking to a commentary or study notes in your Bible.

Try to just use the cross-reference verses if you’re not sure what something means or

you want more information.

Join the weekday studies with Jennifer! You can follow along to every day of this study... ...YouTube.com/c/JenniferRichmond ... Facebook.com/JenniferRichmondBlog ... Facebook.com/LMCCWomen ...the Dwelling Richly podcast

https://www.youtube.com/c/JenniferRichmond

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferRichmondBlog

https://www.facebook.com/lmccwomen/

https://dwellingrichly.podbean.com/


...Small-Group Guidelines... God’s Word is our standard. We’ll use the Bible - not personal opinion, popular teachers, or church tradition - as our guide for everything. We are using the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible for this study.

We come from varying faith backgrounds, so please be thoughtful of denominational and religious differences. 'In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.'

Avoid commentaries or study notes in your Bible – do your own thinking. Trust God, pray, ask for wisdom then read and answer on your own.

We’re all learning. Be gracious and patient with yourself and with others. No one has it all figured out.

This is a Bible study – not a personal opinion share group. So, there are going to be “right” and “wrong”answers in keeping with the truth of God’s Word.

You don’t have to share, but if you did the reading and the study this week, why not chime in? We all benefit from one another’s thoughts and questions. I bet you have something great to share!

Discussion questions are written with care to move you through the previous lesson and prepare you for the lesson to come. Please read and answer them all and do not skip over or make up your own questions.

Didn’t finish the study this week? That’s ok. Life gets busy. You’re here! Yay you! This will be a good week for you to listen and perhaps jot down thoughts as others share.

Be considerate of how much you’re talking. Share your thoughts, and allow time for others to do the same – limit yourself to about 2 minutes maximum. Your group leader will help with that.

Watch the time. Teaching begins after small-group discussion at 7:45pm (evening) or 10:45am (morning). Leaders will wrap up the discussion five minutes before that.

...Small Group Discussion... This is lesson one of a 13-lesson study through Acts. Each lesson will give you ten days to help you read, write, study, memorize, create, and share your way through this amazing book! The lessons are organized like this:

Day One – Read and Write the chapter Days Two-Nine – Study a portion of the chapter Day Ten – Create & Share something you’ve learned and enjoyed through the chapter.

We meet every other week, so be sure to mark your calendar. When we meet we’ll have a time of fellowship, discussion over the previous chapter, then a time of teaching to recap and dig a little deeper into the chapter.

1. Finish this sentence: “My name is ________ my favorite season is __________ because....

2. What are you hoping to gain from this Bible study?

3. What do you feel is the easiest and the hardest part of doing a Bible study?

4. Through this study we will see that God grows seeds of truth in our lives and causes them to bloom into mighty things when we are faithful to His plans. Do you think there’s a difference between how the world sees truth and the way God wants us to see it? If yes, how so?

5. Pass around the Prayer and Connections Journal. Please feel free to share aloud as you write your prayer/praise in your group journal. If you have a prayer request that is more private, you can share with your group leader or our teaching leader, Jennifer after the study.

Take a minute to check in on Instagram or Facebook, share a photo of your group, tag a friend, and let

others know you’re at La Mirada Church with LMCC Women


... Notes ...

You can also listen to the recording of each talk on the Dwelling Richly podcast.

Lesson One zDay One

Acts: Seeds of the Gospel Dwelling Richly Bible Study Lesson One ... 7 ...

Read this First... then begin the study on page 8... Welcome to our first day together in the “Seeds of the Gospel” study through Acts! Are you excited and ready? Maybe you decided this study is going to be your best yet...you made sure to set aside time in your busy schedule so you won’t get swamped and let the lesson go to the last moment. Maybe it’s your first time every doing a Bible study and you have no idea what to expect. Wherever you are, whatever your expectations, here’s one thing that you can count on...I’m praying for you! Each lesson is laid out basically the same. Every step is designed to “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Begin each day with prayer, then meditate and memorize (write the key verse in the top box), dwell, reflect, and write the Word. “Write the Word” pages are included at the end of each lesson. As you begin, I want you to know two things:

1) You have an advocate! – Jesus himself is praying for you! Imagine that! It’s pretty amazing, don’t

you think? It’s true. You are doing a good thing by getting into God’s Word. Staying faithful and focused isn’t always going to be easy, so right here and now think about how cool it is that Jesus is advocating for you, cheering you on, making a way for you to do well in this venture!

2) You have an enemy! Yikes! That’s true too and it’s only discouraging if you forget #1! Satan, the

Bible says, is like a roaring lion “seeking whom he may devour”...that’s you! You may find that more than any other time in your life you have scheduling challenges, emotional weakness, mental fatigue, relationship issues...you name it...any thing at all to get in the way of you getting into the Word.

So, with these two things in mind, here are some practical tips for making sure you are successful in this study:

o Pray. Get armored up and tell God that you want His blessing as you schedule, study, think, and

get into His Word. God will always answer that kind of prayer with a big, fat, awesome, “Yes!”

o Partner. Connect with someone else in your group so you can have the encouragement and

accountability. Send encouraging texts, make calls, meet-up with your partners and encourage one another!

o Plan. You didn’t just show up to your last dentist appointment, you didn’t just miraculously find

time for that date with a friend, your car didn’t just magically repair itself while you were sleeping...you saw a need and made time to make sure it all happened. Plan now for the time you’ll spend in Bible study. It won’t just happen.

o Prioritize. I bet you brushed your teeth today. Maybe you even flossed. You probably went to the

dentist too at some point in the last year...why? You value your teeth and you want them to look nice and not fall out of your head. You made dental health a priority because you know the consequences are pretty ugly if you don’t. Guess what? Your spiritual health is even more valuable. Make it a priority.

Meditate & Memorize the Word – Acts 4:12

Lesson One zDay One

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus: Luke 24:13-53 z Tip: Join the online study! Jennifer teaches each day of the lesson. See page 4


1. Write Acts 2:14 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson. 2. Read Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1 – To whom were both books written? ___________________________

Theophilus

Scholars have deduced that the author of the third gospel and of Acts is Luke even though none of these books directly bear his name. The style of writing is the same, the language both is written in (Greek) is very advanced, and Luke’s

medical details all connect him as the author of both.

3. What can you learn about the author from reading the following: Luke 1:3 (about his goal and purpose in writing) “orderly sequence” (Acts 1:3) of the life of Jesus, after having had “carefully investigated everything from the very first” (1:3) according to what the “original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed down” Colossians 4:14 (about his profession) He’s a physician

2 Timothy 4:11 and Philemon 1:24 (about his partners) 2 Tim. “Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” Philemon 1:24 “...and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.” He was with Paul the apostle

4. Read Luke 24:13-53. What event has just happened? ___________________________________________________________________ The resurrection

How are the two disciples feeling at first? Discouraged, disillusioned, defeated

What happens to change their outlook? Jesus teaches them and reveals himself

What does Jesus tell them in verse 49? o A promise of what is to come: ________________________________________________________________ Sending you the promise of my Father upon you (also in John 14:26)

o A command of where to be: __________________________________________________________________ Stay in the city (Jerusalem)

o A sign of what will happen: ___________________________________________________________________ Clothed with power from on high

...Reflect on the Word... Have you ever tried to write out the details of an important event? The romantic glow of your first date? The story of how you met

your best friend? Your dream vacation? It’s hard to capture the experience and do it justice, isn’t it? Now imagine Luke trying to

relate the life of Christ, then going on to write an account of the explosion of the church from a nothing little spot in Jerusalem

to the farthest regions of the entire Roman empire! John said it well in his gospel, “Now, there are also many other things that

Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be

written.” (John 21:25 ESV). As we close this first day, let’s pray that God would help us grasp the glory and power of the gospel

and more so, that He would let that truth completely transform us in every corner of our lives – our marriages, friendships,

families, jobs...our communities and beyond.

Like the gossamer fluff of a dandelion, the seeds of the Gospel were caught up in the wind of the Holy Spirit and the Good News

was spread across the world. Our journey through Acts will bring us up close to this amazing account and inspire us to live boldly in Christ

like those early missionaries did.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Luke+24%3A13-53&version=ESV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A1-4%3B+Acts+1%3A1&version=ESV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4%3A14&version=ESV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A11%3B+Philemon+1%3A24&version=ESV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A13-53&version=ESV


Lesson One zDay Two

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus Acts 1:1-4:37 z Tip: Read each question before beginning.


1. Write Acts 2:15-16 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson.

2. Read Acts chapter one. I found it interesting that... Key people in this chapter are...

3. Read Acts chapter two. What is “the day of Pentecost?” (look up in your study notes or other resource) Describe the tone of Peter’s sermon in three words:

4. Read Acts chapter three. What does Peter offer instead of gold or silver? What is Peter’s admonition AND promise in verses 19 and 20?

5. Read Acts chapter four. How were the religious leaders responding to their preaching? Who was preaching? How were Peter and John described by the leaders? What does Barnabus’ name mean? ___________________________________________________

In these chapters, what do you

learn about...

God

Jesus/Lord

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Life

Other

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A1-4%3A37&version=ESV


Lesson One zDay Three

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus: Acts 5:1-8:40 z Tip: Use the footnotes in your Bible for clarification on names and places.


5. Write Acts 2:17-18 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson. 6. Read Acts chapter five.

What was the sin Ananias and Sapphira? Who was Gamaliel?

7. Read Acts chapter six. Who were the Hellenists? Describe Stephen.

8. Read Acts chapter seven. What happened to Stephen? Why?

9. Read Acts chapter eight. Describe each person in one or two words: Saul Philip Simon Ethiopian Underline the word “gospel” in this chapter.

10. Find the following on the map in the back of your Bible: Solomon’s Portico, Jerusalem, Samaria, Gaza, Azotus


learn about...

God

Jesus/Lord

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Life

Other



Lesson One zDay Four

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus: Acts 9:1-12:25 z Tip: Use colored pencils to help you as you read and study. See notes on pg 4.


1. Write Acts 2:19-20 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson. 2. Read Acts chapter nine.

Name three miracles from this chapter.

3. Read Acts chapter ten. What big shift happens in this chapter?

4. Read Acts chapter eleven. Find Antioch on your Bible map. Who was Agabus? Underline the word “Christian” in this chapter.

5. Read Acts chapter twelve. Who is Rhoda? How did Herod die?


learn about...

God

Jesus/Lord

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Life

Other



Lesson One zDay Five

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus: Acts 13:1-16:40 z Tip: Consider the impact of a location on how the people lived, their jobs, the culture, etc.


1. Write Acts 2:21-22 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson. 2. Read Acts chapter 13.

What spiritual disciplines are mentioned in Acts 13:1-3? What do Barnabas and Saul do on Cyprus?

3. Read Acts chapter 14. What Greek nicknames did Paul and Barnabas earn? Why?

4. Read Acts chapter 15. What agreement was made at the Jerusalem Council?

5. Read Acts chapter 16. Who’s the new kid joining Paul? Who does Paul visit after being in jail? ______________


learn about...

God

Jesus/Lord

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Life

Other



Lesson One zDay Six

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus: Acts 17:1-20:38 z Tip: Read a passage straight through before taking notes. Then read again for details.


1. Write Acts 2:23 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson. 2. Read Acts chapter 17.

Where does Paul travel in this chapter?

3. Read Acts chapter 18. What message does Paul receive from the Lord? How long does Paul stay in Corinth?

4. Read Acts chapter 19. Summarize Paul’s work in Ephesus.

5. Read Acts chapter 20. Describe the miracle that took place in Troas. Why is the emotional tone so dramatic at the end of this chapter?


learn about...

God

Jesus/Lord

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Life

Other



Lesson One zDay Seven

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus: Acts 21:1-24:27 z Tip: Knowing when the Jewish holidays take place will help you understand the context.


1. Write Acts 2:24 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson. 2. Read Acts chapter 21.

What was unique about Philip’s daughters? What does Paul convince the tribune to allow him to do?

3. Read Acts chapter 22. What was unique in the way Paul addressed the crowd? How is Paul able to avoid flogging?

4. Read Acts chapter 23. What family relation of Paul’s do we learn about in this chapter? What role does the tribune from chapter 21 continue to play in chapter 23?

5. Read Acts chapter 24. How does Paul describe his defense he is making before the governor? What nickname do this group of Christ followers get? _______________________________


learn about...

God

Jesus/Lord

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Life

Other



Lesson One zDay Eight

...Dwell in the Word... Scripture Focus: Acts 25:1-28:31 z Tip: Read aloud! It really helps bring a passage to life!


1. Write Acts 2:25-26 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson.

2. Read Acts chapter 25. What was Paul’s defense when he was brought before the tribunal? How does Festus seem to feel about the charges against Paul?

3. Read Acts chapter 26. What does Paul say is the reason he is on trial? How does Festus now feel about Paul?

4. Read Acts chapter 27. What is “the Fast” mentioned in verse 9 refer to? _____________________________ What does Paul promise in light of the storm at sea?

5. Read Acts chapter 28. Describe the circumstances of Paul’s close encounter. What stands out to you most from Paul’s final statement?


learn about...

God

Jesus/Lord

Holy Spirit

Spiritual Life

Other



Lesson One zDay Nine

...Dwell in the Word... Tip: Read with your heart as well as your mind. Connect to your emotions to help you relate to the people and events.


1. Write Acts 2:27-28 on your “Write the Word” pages at the end of this lesson. Congratulations! You wrote the first sermon from the book of Acts! Great job!

2. Looking back over your notes from Acts, what is something you already knew a little bit about but now have a better understanding of?

3. What encounter was the most emotionally compelling to you? Why?

4. If you could journey with Paul, which one of his missionary trips would you most like to have been on? Why?

5. As we move forward, we’ll be digging deeper into Acts, connecting each chapter with the epistles that Paul wrote as well as looking back to the Old Testament and the foundation for all that happened. What are you most interested in learning more about?


Lesson One zDay Ten

...Create and Share... Create and Share is a special wrap-up day in each lesson. It’s time to reflect and connect, create and share what you have learned

from your time in the Word. This day will be right in the happy space for some of you who are naturally creative and love to express

yourselves. It may be more challenging for those of you who are more reserved and less inclined to be artistic. Either way embrace

this day! Have fun, relax, breathe, try something new, and make a connection in a different way. You’ll be surprised how God will

open up your heart and mind to see and express in a whole new way.


Close your eyes and think through the chapters in Acts and the many accounts – the persecution, the miracles, the arguments and sermons, the personalities, the shocking encounters... As you think back through these accounts, which one has the strongest emotional impact on you? Which scene do you think would be the greatest faith-building moment for you? Close your eyes again and imagine a movie scene of that moment you recall from Acts. Think about the people there, the sounds going on, the lighting and even the camera zooming in on facial expressions. Imagine you are there in the crowd or you are there as one of the key people. What are you thinking? What are you feeling? How are you experiencing this moment? How will your life be forever changed because of what you have seen and felt in that moment? In the space below, describe or draw the scene.

When you finish writing or drawing, take a picture of your creation and share it with your study buddy, a friend, or on

social media to your Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube page. When you share on social, use the hashtags #LMCCWomen #DwellingRichlyBibleStudy and be sure to tag @LMCCWomen.

Create...

Share...

Acts: Seeds of the Gospel Dwelling Richly Bible Study Write the Word

Acts 2:14-28

Acts: Seeds of the Gospel Dwelling Richly Bible Study Write the Word

Acts 2:14-28

Documents

Introduction and Lesson One › wp-content › uploads › ...podcast – download any podcast app, the LMCC Women and Dwelling Richly Facebook pages, and YouTube. Acts: Seeds of the