NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Acts 9
Discussion Questions:
— What are ways we can more clearly demonstrate that Christ is the One working through our church, that people may turn to Him?
— What truths can we learn from these miraculous events?
— What characteristics of God learned from this session do I need to remind myself of this week?
Food for Thought:
Miracles happen every day. We may not always see them, but they still happen. From the miracle of birth, to the healing of a bad back, to finances coming in for an unexpected surgery, God is in the work of miracles. Many times, He performs miracles through His people that they may proclaim the glory of God and the good news of Jesus.
In Acts, though the early church was being persecuted, it was also growing. It grew as it feared the Lord and relied on the Holy Spirit for strength and encouragement. It also grew because it understood the power and authority of Jesus Christ to do a work in the world and in the church. The disciples performed many miracles through the power of Jesus Christ during this time.
Peter was traveling from place to place sharing the good news of Jesus when he found a man named Aeneas who was paralyzed. Peter healed him while proclaiming that it is Jesus Who heals (Acts 9:34). In the very next story recorded by Luke in Acts, Peter even resurrects Tabitha, one of Jesus’ disciples (Acts 9:40). In both instances, Jesus was given the glory, and many came to believe in Him as Christ the Lord (Acts 9:35, 42).
The signs of a true miracle and act of God is that God is glorified, Jesus is lifted up and many come to believe in Him. Claims of miracles that do not do so can be questionable. God performed miracles through His people in the times of the early church to demonstrate and reveal the authority He had over all things, physical and spiritual.
Jesus’ most transformative miracle was dying for our sins and resurrecting to give us new life. We can trust in His power to do above and beyond all we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20) because He is God, all-powerful and sovereign. We can trust Him to accomplish His plan in us and in the world for His glory.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by Lifeway can be found at Lifeway.com/SundaySchool or ordered at Lifeway Christian Stores.
