Acts Study Guides and Videos
Devotional Videos and small group study guides.
Confidence in the Spirit
Paul's confidence was his faith. In Acts 23 Jesus told him he must be a witness in Rome. He was sure at that point that this storm and shipwreck would not be his demise. He was confident that the God that set him on this mission would provide a way for him to complete it. Even if he didn’t know what the next step would be, or all the details, he trusted that God had a plan. And that plan would be ministering to the people of Malta in the midst of his own crisis. The story of Acts does not end here. The spirit still lives on and works through God’s people. Where do you see the spirit working in your life?
Who is in YOUR Boat?
Pastor Spencer Fusselman • Jonah 1, Mark 4:30–41, Acts 27
Acts 27 Jonah 1 and Mark 4 all have stories in which a storm threatens a boat.. yet each had access to the Lord! Who is the captain of your ship? Download the study guide this week and drive deep into scripture with your family or small group today!
Almost Dangerous
October 31, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman
Paul's belief in the fact that God can, has, and WILL raise the dead, is the source of his boldness. In our lives when we are called to be as bold we ‘Almost’ get there. We narrowly miss the mark because too often we forget that God can raise the dead! Instead, we say “People don't change” and go on living in our own ‘Christian’ bubble separate from the world where we are safe, but we make no real impact. Paul's life was anything but safe, and as a result, he left a HUGE impact on the kingdom.
The Unseen Battle
October 25, 2023
Paul was the fearless warrior of God, though his warfare was not fought in the typical sense of the word. He saw the spiritual implications of his actions on a global spiritual battlefield. At the intersection of spiritual and physical Paul endured many hardships: beaten, whipped, shipwrecked, stoned, imprisoned, and left for dead, yet he endured through to the end. In fact, in 2 Tim 4:6 he tells us “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.”. He literally gave it his all, which begs the question, why aren’t we? Was Paul any different than you or me? Was he simply chosen to serve above and beyond while the rest of us are simply called to exist in our salvation? From prison, Paul wrote this to us, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” (Philippians 2:12) That said I don't think Paul would have advocated for a simple existence in the assurance of our own salvation, as there can be no reverence for our salvation, nor for the Lord, without devoted service. Instead, we are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Simply put, we are to serve God with reverence, rather than only going to work and sitting in Church once a week. However, in doing so, we will endure hardships. Paul’s key to enduring hardships was his confidence in his calling. He was sure that God had called him to his specific mission in Rome. Based on this confidence, that is the spoken, now written, word of God, he was able to make sound decisions that would further him on the mission he was called to. In Acts 25 he could have simply gone to Jerusalem and been a martyr for Christ and done SOME good. But if he had, we would not have 7 of the 13 books he wrote in the New Testament! By staying focused and enduring hardship he completed his mission and did the MOST good with his life rather than the least.
Truth on Trial Again!
October 16, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman
The Truth on Trial in the Roman courts again! Just as Jesus stood in a Roman court mocked by the Jews, now Paul stands trial again, mocked by the religious elite of Israel. As the trial opens up we see quickly that the prosecution moves to false whiteness and flattery to appeal to the ego of Felix - the judge. They’ve hired a professional smooth-talking lawyer, but brought no real evidence other than ‘we just don’t like him’. They accuse him of leading a cult against their religion and religious law. However, in Paul's defense, not only does he speak for himself, but he brings evidence of the truth. First, he was only free in Jerusalem for a few days, not long enough to turn the whole Jewish world upside down. Further, his time spent in Asia would have surely brought some upset Jews from that region to bear witness against him, but not one could be found. And finally, he refutes the accusation of starting a cult, but openly confesses his love for the Jewish Law, that is his love of God's word, and bearing witness to the hope he has in Christ through the fulfillment of that scripture. Notable points here demonstrate to us that the lie is always upset by truth while the truth has nothing to hide. The lie always wants to be the loudest voice in the room. Yet the truth is always confidently humble. Further, the lie is often afraid of the truth, and when mankind operates in fear, it can get volatile.
The Power of YOUR STORY!
October 4, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman • Acts 22, 1 Peter 3:15
In Acts 22 Paul had just barely escaped being beaten to death by a mob. Now in the custody of Roman soldiers, the unlikely heroes of the last chapter, Paul raises a hand to speak to the mob. Any normal human, as in not led by the Spirit, would have likely cursed them. But instead, Paul shared his testimony. He presented the truth of Christ by way of his story! It's interesting that Jesus chose to speak in story form (parables). Just as culture responds to stories. Every social media platform pushes a concept called “stories”. Scientifically speaking, storytelling creates a unique emotional bond between the teller and the listener. Knowing this, and designing us this way, it makes sense that God would have spoken to His people in the story of the Bible. Paul's story here sparked chaos, as well as interest. The Jewish mob almost believed him, until he mentioned Gentiles. Yet, the Roman commander was interested in the truth behind it all. On the Roman side, the presuppositions were laid to rest so the truth could be found. On the mob’s side, their arrogant preconceived notions of who God is and how He works clouded their ability to see the truth. Nonetheless, Paul's love for the lost, and his would-be killers, became the theme of our narrative in Acts 22. An analogy of how God’s love for His people shines brightest when we least deserve it.
Why Should they Follow YOU?
September 6, 2023
In Paul's final address to the elders (pastors) of the Ephesian church we see Paul openly invite scrutiny into his life. He boldly asks them to look at how he lived while teaching them to Love the church. Who else can say that? Can you say you lived with such integrity that you should be the EXAMPLE of a Christian in your world? It’s quite the challenge in our messy world but Paul asks us to “walk worthy of our calling” We are called to live life to a higher standard if we are ever going to make a difference. So, What examples has Paul left us with?
Acts 20 Part 1 - Why was this written?
August 30, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman
It's in the details of this opening narrative that show us the nature of our eternal God is much bigger than our finite human minds. His details are far to magnificent for us to truly take in. It is easy to overlook the details and just grab at the low-hanging fruit of the text. But as scripture shows us, we should be able to feed ourselves, further, we are to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) So EVERY word written in scripture has meaning and purpose for your life! So how does seeking God's purpose in the tiny details change the way you study? Should it?
Acts 19 - The GENUINE Power of God.
August 23, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman
Imagine being so little of a threat to the enemy, that not only do the demons not recognize you, but even Jesus doesn't acknowledge you as one of His own. “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (MT 7:22-23) Many people claim to serve God, some even profit as spiritualists, performing ‘miracles’ or imitating God. But as scripture shows, God’s power is bigger than anything in this world, and the forces of darkness will never be able to truly replicate it, or undo it. Real power comes from real authority. That is the authority of Christ.
Acts 18 Part 2
August 16, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman
Priscilla and Aquila take Apollos aside to correct him. As 2nd Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” Apollos had an incomplete understanding of the scriptures concerning Christ, and rather than rebuke openly they pull him aside and rebuke with love from the scriptures! The value of this approach is lost in today's generation of the ‘church’. Also, observe the humility of Apollos to accept such a rebuke. Do we often have that humility? Maybe a better question to ask is: Do we have total reverence for the Word of God as the supreme authority in our lives?
Acts 18 Part 1 - Fear Not, There's Work To Be Done!
August 9, 2023
There are 365 times in scripture that we are told not to be afraid, or some variation of it. It's almost like God knew that we would humanly struggle with fear and doubt as well as isolation. At the root of that fear and isolation, there is always an enemy that is pulling the puppet strings. His goal is to get you to STOP serving God, or worse yet, to have never started. How do you avoid the "Stinking Thinking" to accomplish God's will in your life?
Acts 17 Part 2 - No God, NO WISDOM
August 2, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman
No God… NO Wisdom Know God… Know Wisdom.. What's the difference? This week in Acts chapter 17 Paul found himself alone in Athens, a cultural center for worldlyness and Godlessness. it was said that it was easier to find a god (little g) there than a man in that day. They had gods for everything. Nearly every building statue, fountain or piece of art was a shrine or altar to a god but they had this one altar for The Unknown God. What can we learn from Athens? Check it out here!
Acts 17 - Can YOU Commit Treason?
July 24, 2023 • Pastor Spencer Fusselman
again the disciples are in hot water over claiming another lord other than Ceaser. As we look deeply into this topic we find that the purpose, or identity, of every believer is to ‘belong to’ Christ as opposed to ‘belonging to’ the world. As Romans 12:1 tells us “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” So the sanctification journey is a lifelong process of continual holiness. We are not perfected in this life, but we continually separate ourselves and our identities from the things of this world. And as we are separating ourselves we are continually leaning on God's Truth rather than man’s feeble wisdom.
Acts 16 Part 2 - Slaves and Modren Theology?
July 12, 2023
The human authors of scripture knew well and tried to emphasize a particular doctrine that often eludes us in the American Church, simply put, we WILL BE A SLAVE to something. We were designed by God to hear a spiritual voice and obey. As scripture shows, before Christ, we were slaves to sin. When we heard the voice of the enemy (see Gen 3) we were compelled to do what the demonic influence or oppression desired of us. We may often feel like it was our own desire we acted on, yet as we unravel the lies that imprison us, we often see that we are manipulated by spiritual forces of darkness. How do we choose to be slaves or bondservants of righteousness?
Acts 16 Part 1 - This doesnt make any sense!
July 12, 2023
Conflict is the friction that sharpens the blade. Many times God uses tension or friction to shift our focus to the direction in which he wants us to go. Just ask Jonah! In relationships, conflicts (when handled properly) can help us grow stronger together, but in ministry, the stakes somehow seem higher. However, in ministry, the same rules apply. If members of the body disagree on something it can still be used to evaluate God’s truth, evaluate our understanding of scripture, and seek the spirit in the way we should go. As we wrestle with Acts 16, we should evaluate ourselves, how we relate to God’s word and other people, and how easily we adapt to the spirit's will. God’s word has a unique ability to shape us, mold us, and transform us closer to the image of Christ every day. We may make our plans, but are we letting the Lord lead our steps? As Psalm 139 tells us: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Are we truly willing to wrestle with ourselves to discover and embrace God’s truth?