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Week #1: Week of January 10th
| Matthew |
Acts |
Quick Facts about the Book of
Matthew:
- Written by one of Jesus’ disciples
– Matthew (who was a tax collector)
- Originally believe to be the first Gospel
–though now many scholars believe Mark is the oldest.
Was written in the first century AD and was in completed for
within a few decades of Jesus’ death. A very fresh history.
- Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience (whereas
Luke wrote to a very Greek audience). Note the many references
to Old Testament prophecy (very important to Jews) and that
the genealogy in Matthew 1 only goes back to Abraham (the
Father of the Israelite people). Luke’s genealogy goes
all the way back to Adam to emphasize Jesus’ universal
impact.
- The famous Sermon on the Mount is found
in Matthew 5-7
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Quick Facts about the Book of Acts:
-Really titled the Acts of the Apostles (those
who saw the resurrected Jesus)
- Best history of the early church –
from a handful of believers in Jerusalem to 5,000 in just
a short time to having Christianity spread all across Asia
Minor and into Europe in less than one generation. Unprecedented
spread of a faith by a persecuted people through peaceful
means.
- First half focuses on Peter. The last half
focuses on Paul and his journeys.
- Was written by Luke who was a doctor and
went with Paul on several of his mission trips.
- Acts is really Part II of the Gospel of
Luke (continues the story) that we will read later this month.
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Discussion Questions
1. From Joseph’s responsiveness of going to
Egypt what do you learn about faith and obedience? How long would
it take you to say “yes” if God asked you to relocate?
(Matthew 2)
2. Who has been a John the Baptist in your life?
How did he or she prepare you to meet Jesus? Is there someone who
is pointing you to Jesus as you consider Him? (Matthew 3)
3. This past week, did you
feel more blessed or stressed? What can you do to be more focused
on God’s blessings in your life? (Matthew 5)
4. What causes you the most
worry? What is God saying to you through this passage about handling
your particular worry or disappointment? (Matthew 6)
5. In what specific way can you be an encourager
to someone in church leadership? In your family? Among your friends?
(Matthew 11)
1 . What have been your best experiences in group
prayer? How is praying with others for a common mission different
from private prayer about your individual concerns? (Acts 1)
2. What is the most persecution you have experienced
due to your faith? How did you take it? (Acts 4)
3. How did the Lord first get your attention? Was it in some dramatic
event or something more subtle? (Acts 9)
4. What was one of the biggest misunderstandings
about Christianity you had to overcome before you could believe?
(Acts 14)
5. What were some of the expected, extra-biblical
rules you were supposed to follow in the church where you grew up?
When you became a Christian? (Acts 15)
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