Explore the Bible: Acts Chapters 1-12 Bible Study Book

Book excerpt: Explore the Bible: Acts--Chapters 1-12 Bible Study Book is a six-session study that will equip you and your group members to understand significant events in the early church, like Jesus' commission and ascension, Pentecost and the birth of the church, the persecution of the early Christians, Philip and the eunuch, Paul's Damascus Road conversion, and Peter's vision.First there were 12. Then 120. Suddenly there came an explosion of spiritual fire, and 3,000 were added. Then 5,000. Like the growth of a tiny seed into a giant tree, the church--called into being by Christ, planted in the gospel, and nourished by the power of the Holy Spirit--pursues to this day its mission of being witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. From its earliest times, the church has stretched upward in faith and outward in evangelism despite facing bouts of heated persecution and spiritual drought. God's kingdom marches relentlessly forward. By digging deep into Acts 1-12, today's Christ followers can reconnect with their dramatic early story, renew their passion to obey the Lord, and refocus their vision as His global witnesses.Session Titles: 1. Jesus Gives the Mission 2. The Church Is Born 3. Faithfulness in Persecution 4. Obedience to the Spirit 5. Transformation Through the Gospel6. Salvation Is for EveryoneFeatures: Biblically rooted and gospel-centered content Leader material (tips for leading a group and suggestions for guiding six group sessions) Text-driven, streamlined experience with God's WordBenefits: Contains historical background that provides a greater context for spiritual growth Presents reliable, biblical truth Increases leader's confidence and preparation Offers biblical insight for the Christian life today Includes provocative questions, scriptural support and text, application, and preparationGeneral Editor: Vance Pitman is senior pastor of Hope Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.