A Preface to The Acts, by Geoff Waugh

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A Preface to The Acts of the Apostles

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Contents

Introduction

Luke’s Preface – Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1

Issues raised in his preface

1  The Title of The Acts

The Acts of the Holy Spirit

The Kingdom of God

Revival

2  The Aim of The Acts

An orderly account of the origins and early spread of Christianity

An apologetic emphasis: Christianity was not politically dangerous

A reconciliation of Gentile and Jewish Christianity

An answer to Jewish opposition

A statement of the work of the Risen Lord by His Spirit through the Church

3  The Author of The Acts

Principal reasons supporting Lukan authorship:

1  Acts is by the same author as the Gospel of Luke

2  Similar style and vocabulary

3  Use of medical term in Acts

4  Luke was a companion of Paul

5  The “we-sections” in Acts suggest Luke

6  Luke’s name is missing: another would refer to him

7  Luke with Paul in Rome, where he could have completed the book.

8.  Luke, the man: Gentile; physician, historian, spiritual

Two others  theories regarding authorship

4   The Date of The Acts

Arguments favouring an early date, especially in the 60s

1  Conclusion of the story before the death of Paul

2. Luke’s two years in Rome would allow him to complete the work

3  The vivid descriptions of the “we-sections” suggests immediate recording

4  Details regarding Caesarea would have been collected or recorded early

5  No mention of the devastation of Jerusalem in 70 AD

6  No reference to Paul’s  letters

Arguments favouring a date about 75-85

1  Passages in Luke’s gospel which preceded the Acts

2  Synoptic issues affecting Luke’s earlier work

Arguments favouring a later date, about 95–100 AD

Luke may have used Josephus’ history published about 93 AD

5  The Sources of The Acts

1  The historical sections:

eye-witnesses

records in Jerusalem and Antioch

2  The biographical sections:

Luke’s diary

Paul

Other eyewitnesses

6  The Setting of The Acts

The Greeks:

Alexander’s conquests – a cosmopolitan society

The spread and use of the Koiné Greek – a common language

The Romans:

Stable world government

The Roman Peace

The System of Roads

The Slave Economy

The Jews :

Herod and his sons

The Roman Procurators: Pilate, Felix and Festus

The Scribes and Pharisees and Sadducees

The Jews of the Dispersion

Paul in this setting.

7  The Contents of The Acts

Historical and Biographical

Preparation for the witness  (1:1-26)

The witness in Jerusalem (2:1 – 8:3)

The witness in Judea and Samaria (8:4 – 12:25)

The  witness to Jews and Gentiles (13:1 – 28:31)

A Comparison and General Summary

An accurate history

Conclusion

A summary

Luke’s closing sentences

Appendix 1

Translations of Acts 1:1-9

Good News Bible

Today’s New International Version

J B Phillips Translation

The Message

The Amplified Bible

Buk Baibel (PNG)

Inter-linear Greek-English New Testament

Appendix 2

Renewal Journals and Books

Introduction

Luke and The Acts are two volumes of one astounding history – the story of Jesus and his church.  Luke, “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14), often travelled with Paul in their pioneering missionary journeys.  Luke gives us a concise preface in the beginning of his writings, and then introduces the second part of his story with a short introduction linking the two.

Luke’s own preface reads:  “The Author to Theophilus: Many writers have undertaken to draw up an account  of the events that have happened among us, following the traditions handed down  to us by the original eyewitnesses and servants of the Gospel.  And so I in my turn,  your Excellency, as one who has gone over the whole course of these events in detail, have decided to write a connected narrative for you, so as to give you authentic knowledge about the matters of which you have been informed” (Luke 1:1-4, New English Bible).

Continuing his connected narrative, he commences part two with a sentence linking both:  “In the first part of my work, Theophilus, I wrote of all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen, He was taken up into heaven” (Acts 1:1-2, NEB).

In his preface to the combined work, the author:

*  revealed his subject – the Word;

*  gave the sources of his information – eyewitnesses and ministers;

*  described his method – accurate tracing of the course of all things, writing them in order;

*  and declared the purpose –  that of giving certainty to Theophilus (Morgan, p.7).

So here in my book we explore these issues mentioned by Luke himself, and examine the title, aim, author, date, sources, setting, and contents of The Acts of the Apostles.

What a great story!  Luke traces the amazing growth of Jesus’ church from its beginnings in Jerusalem to its impact throughout the Roman Empire.

That story continues today.  We are part of it.  The God they worshipped is our God.  The Lord they served is our Lord.  The Holy Spirit they obeyed is in and with us.

This story of the Acts of the Holy Spirit continues today through the same Spirit of God.  It fulfils Jesus’ last promise:  You will receive power then the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The following sample verses describe the acts of the Holy Spirit in both Luke and The Acts.

The Acts of the Holy Spirit

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16).

And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4:1)

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region (Luke 4:14).

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD” (Luke 4:18-19).

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight (Luke 10:21).

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13).

This crucial theme continues in The Acts.

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen (Acts 1:1-2).

John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5).

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).

Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (Acts 6:3).

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke (Acts 6:10).

But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55).

Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).

Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot” (Acts 8:29).

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39).

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17).

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied (Acts 9:31).

While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you (Acts 10:19).

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him (Acts 10:38).

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word (Acts 10:44).

And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also (Acts 10:45).

Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? (Acts 10:47)

Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house (Acts 11:12).

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning (Acts 11:15).

Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:16).

For he [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord (Acts 11:24).

Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar (Acts 11:28).

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2).

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus (Acts 13:4).

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us (Acts 15:8).

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things (Acts 15:28).

Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia (Acts 16:6).

After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them (Acts 16:7).

When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:5).

He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”  And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:2, 6).

When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome” (Acts 19:21).

And see, now I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there (Acts 20:22).

the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me (Acts 20:23).

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles’” (Acts 21:11).

So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘ Go to this people and say:

“Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand;

And seeing you will see, and not perceive …”’” (Acts 28:25-26)

Then Luke concludes his story abruptly with, “Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”

His closing reference to the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ brings us full circle to how Luke began The Acts.  He tells us that the risen Lord taught his followers about the kingdom of God for 40 days and then promised them the power to continue teaching about the kingdom and demonstrating the kingdom, as Jesus had done.

This focus on the kingdom of God is another major theme in both Luke’s Gospel and The Acts.

Just as Jesus taught and demonstrated God’s kingdom on earth in the power of the Holy Spirit, so did his followers.

Author of A Preface to The Acts

Dr Geoff Waugh is the founding editor of the Renewal Journal and taught Ministry and Mission and Revivals at Trinity Theological College (part of the School of Theology at Griffith University) and at Christian Heritage College in Brisbane, Australia.

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The Life of Jesus: History’s Great Love Story – Blog
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A Preface to the Acts of the Apostles – Blog
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How to Minister Like Jesus  by Bart Doornweerd


How to Minister like Jesus


Bart Doornweerd wrote as a Dutch missionary with Youth With A Mission, working in Holland.

—————————————————

openness to the promptings of the Spirit

led to some powerful times of ministry

—————————————————-

Renewal Journal 5: Signs and Wonders PDF

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A Jesus the Model GlobeThis article is also a chapter in the book

Jesus the Model for Short Term Supernatural Mission:
Biblical Ministry and Mission

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*

In the summer of 1985 I was leading a four week Youth With A Mission (YWAM) training school for some fifty students in Holland. I had quit my job as a civil engineer and joined YWAM in 1977. A friend, and former YWAMer, Paul Piller from the Philippines, contacted me and offered to speak for a few days when he visited Holland.

I consented, although I wasn’t thrilled about his subject: healing. I knew one had to watch out for people who only wanted to talk about healing, faith, miracles, and demons.

I trusted Paul, but you never know what can happen to someone who has spent five years in the U.S. Paul had brought some others along: young fellows in T-shirts, blue jeans, and sneakers. I wondered why they had come. Were they going to sing or perform a drama?

As Paul began speaking, I relaxed. No screaming, no emotionalism. After the lecture, he and the young fellows moved around the group praying without saying much. One word stood out: ‘more’.

‘More of you Lord!’ They seemed unperturbed as certain things I was unfamiliar with started happening. Someone started weeping, others collapsed on their chairs, someone else stood shaking. After three days the place was turned upside down. People were filled with joy, received healing, delivered from demons, released from grief. I had hundreds of questions! I had tasted the new wine and I wanted more.

Paul suggested I go to a conference in Sheffield, England, led by a man named John Wimber. Off we went, with a number of YWAMers. I was ready for anything. My ‘holy frustration’ had reached a point where I was willing to let God do whatever he wanted.

I had been warned to get ready for change. God had spoken to me through the story in the second chapter of John’s Gospel – the wedding in Cana – where Jesus performed his first miracle of changing water into wine. Interestingly, the servants at the wedding were allowed to participate, because they filled the jars and took the newly transformed wine to the leader of the feast. Somewhere between the jar and the lips of that man, the water changed into wine.

The application for me of that story is that God is looking for people who want to co-operate with him in bringing this about. I had run out of wine, and now I wanted to see the Lord bring out his best vintage. I wanted God to restore my joy, and fill me with the Holy Spirit.

The conference was life-changing, even though I didn’t have any spine-tingling personal experiences or visions of ecstasy. Nevertheless God gave me a deep inner peace and an affirmation that the teaching I heard, and the ministry I was observing was from his hand.

Giving the Holy Spirit room

My wife and I and others returned home with a clear sense of purpose. Like the servants at the wedding in Cana, our part was to obediently draw out the water and faithfully carry it to others. God would change it into wine.

During the following months, I discovered how exciting life becomes when we give more room to the Holy Spirit! I tried to cultivate a greater sensitivity to God’s voice. My goal was to listen better to what he was saying, and act upon that in faith.

As John Wimber likes to point out, another way to spell faith is R-I-S-K. This new openness to the promptings of the Spirit led to some powerful times of ministry. My emphasis during individual counselling changed to less talk and more prayer. We also learned that demons are for real, but we have been given authority to drive them out (Matthew 10:8).

Though this new realm of ministry was exhilarating, we needed people from outside to help, advise, and direct us further. We invited people like Barry Kissel from the Anglican church in Chorleywood, England. He imparted to us much in the way of ministry skills.

At a certain stage in this new development I sensed the Lord said: ‘It’s time for you to begin modelling the ministry, like I did.’ After much hesitation, I announced we were going to start a training class with worship, teaching, and practical application. For the first lecture I had John Wimber on video. I led the practicum. The Holy Spirit ministered in a lovely way to a great many of the sixty who showed up. Some received comfort; others were healed. We decided to have a whole Saturday every month with those ingredients: worship, teaching, and ministry.

By word of mouth alone the group grew to about 350 after eight months. The team working with me had grown to about 30 persons. After each training day we evaluated, prayed, and discussed. I had learned the importance of multiplication. Your team can’t be big enough!

Passage to India

For the first two years of our marriage, my wife Marianne and I had worked with YWAM in Nepal, a country located between China and India, astride the Himalaya Mountains. For some time we had felt God was leading us back to that part of the world. In early 1989 we left for India with our three children. We ended up living in Bombay for almost four years. From the start I knew I was to invest myself in people. I constantly asked myself, ‘How can I give away what God has given me?’

I itinerated as a teacher in the discipleship training schools (DTS) which YWAM runs in different parts of the country. The theme that developed in my teaching was: ‘How to minister like Jesus.’ The teaching was simple, with lots of examples of how we should pray. After the lecture phase of the DTS, the students would go out for three months of outreach, usually involving evangelism and church planting. They came back with some amazing stories. For example:

The students were sent … to five different villages. At the end of two months they had established three fellowships in three different villages. Half the village where they stayed is ready to follow Jesus as Lord. Within the next three weeks 68 believers will be baptised. Despite all religious strongholds, barriers, Hindu militants and oppositions, God showed his mighty power through healings, and signs and wonders. Some people saw visions of Jesus hanging on the cross and showing them how much he loves them.

In that area the crops suffered from a disease. The farmers came and asked the team to pray to Jesus. The very next morning the people went to the field and discovered the disease had been totally wiped out. They came with great joy to confess their belief in Jesus since he had heard their prayers.

Once, while I was leading a small seminar, a local pastor named Garry walked in while I was praying for someone in front of the class. He left thinking, ‘I can do that.’

The first person he prayed for when he got home was his Hindu brother-in-law. For many years severe back pain had cost him many sleepless nights. The next day the brother-in-law returned, declaring the Lord Jesus had healed his back. He had slept through the night without waking up once.

Garry, who later became a good friend, had been having discussions with a strong Muslim about the Bible and the Koran. The argument always stopped where one would say ‘The Bible is the word of God’ and the other ‘The Koran is the word of God’. This time Garry took a different approach.

‘Can I pray for you?’ he asked, when he met the man again. Because Indians are among the most religious people on earth, this man, like almost everyone in India, was glad to receive prayer. As Garry put his hand on the man’s head and started praying the Muslim fell down and stayed on the floor for quite a while. Garry was puzzled! What next?

When the man got back on his feet, he shared what happened. While he was lying on the floor, he clearly heard a voice saying, ‘The Bible is the word of God!’ He went home with a Bible in his pocket.

Garry was on a roll. Wherever he went he prayed for people: in church, in the home groups, and especially in the streets while evangelising. In the time we worked together, several churches took root in the slums. People came mainly because they saw Jesus was more powerful than their own gods. Now Garry is going around equipping others to ‘minister like Jesus’.

‘Will this work?’

More and more I began to see the power of multiplication: invest yourself in a few people next to you and then let them go and do the same thing to others. You may never know the result until heaven, but it could be more powerful than the biggest healing crusade!

After a three week course, 25 YWAMers went back to their bases in different parts of the country. God had meet with us in special ways during those weeks, as we met together or as we went out to visit people and pray for them.

As two brothers went back to Varanasi, the holy city of the Hindus, they wondered, ‘Will this work back home?’ The first time they went into a Hindu village after their return, they started to worship Jesus. They intended to start a church there. Immediately the Holy Spirit started to come on people; demons manifested and were driven out. People saw the power of God and wanted to know more, providing an excellent opening to preach the Word of God.

While walking along the bank of the Ganges River, one of the brothers began talking to a Hindu priest. After a while, the Brahman complained about his headaches. Again, being highly religious, he was willing to receive prayer, even if it was offered in the name of Jesus. Under the power of God he fell down and after he got back up, his headache was completely gone. He sure wanted to know more about this powerful God!

Respect for God

India is more a continent than a country, with almost 900 million people who speak 1,600 different languages. Patrick Johnstone, in Operation World, estimates evangelical Christians comprise one per cent of the population, but the number is growing. Two thousand people groups have not been reached with the gospel yet. India must be reached by the spiritually equipped Indian church, but for a while non-Indian partners can help train and support Indian workers.

In YWAM, we have mixed teams of Indians and foreigners who plant churches, evangelise, and minister to the poor in various ways. Hindus and Muslims have great respect for God. The Hindus have millions of gods. Most Indians, especially the poor, are open to spiritual reality, and exercise great faith, upon hearing about a loving God who sent his Son to this world. In evangelism, miracles happen quickly and open many doors to preach the gospel.

I first experienced this in Bhopal, a city where some eight years ago a gas leak at the chemical plant killed at least 2,000 people. Today many still suffer the effects: eye problems, mouth sores and breathing difficulties. With a small team we visited the site where the calamity took place.

As some people gathered, one of us shared briefly who we were and our purpose for coming. One person was prayed for and got healed. More people came who wanted prayer. Some invited us to enter their huts to see those too sick to come out. We were busy for the next two hours to bless, comfort, and encourage. Many people received physical healing, saw visions of Jesus, were blessed with peace. We left many friends in this mainly Muslim community.

Of course, the nature of kingdom warfare is ‘attack – counter-attack’. The gospel does meet with opposition. Militant Hinduism is experiencing a revival. The north of India is hostile toward the gospel and to Western influence. To make one convert there is like making a hundred in the south.

An Indian friend of mine desired to work in Bihar, a state in the north, also known as ‘the graveyard of missionaries’. He had worked with me for sometime and learned more about how to minister in power evangelism. In Bihar, near the border of Nepal, he rented a home where he invited people. He shared with them, prayed for them and taught them how to pray for others. Many were blessed, healed, delivered, and came to salvation. A small church was established.

Across the border in Nepal, the spiritual atmosphere was different. Tremendous openings existed. Within a year almost a hundred people attended the newly started church! Approximately 50 churches have been planted in India by YWAM-trained workers through power evangelism.

More than eight years have passed since the visit of Paul Piller and since the conference with John Wimber in Sheffield. I have seen thousands of people who ran out of wine partake of ‘the best wine’ as I willingly brought them what I have: just plain water.

________________________________________________________________

(c) Equipping the Saints, First Quarter 1994, pages 11-14. Used with permission.

© Renewal Journal #5: Signs and Wonders, 1995, 2nd edition 2011
Reproduction is allowed with the copyright intact with the text.

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Renewal Journal 5: Signs & Wonders – Editorial

Words, Signs and Deeds, by Brian Hathaway

Uproar in the Church, by Derek Prince

A Season of New Beginnings, by John Wimber

Preparing for Revival Fire, by Jerry Steingard

How to Minister Like Jesus, by Bart Doornweerd

Renewal Blessings, Reflections from England 

Renewal Blessings, Reflections from Australia

The Legacy of Hau Lian Kham, by Chin Khua Khai

Renewal Journal 5: Signs and Wonders – PDF

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Kingdom Life

Kingdom Life in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

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Kingdom Life in The Gospels – Blog
Kingdom Life in The Gospels – PDF

Kingdom Life in Matthew – Blog
Kingdom Life in Matthew – PDF

Kingdom Life in Mark – Blog
Kingdom Life in Mark – PDF

Kingdom Life in Luke – Blog
Kingdom Life in Luke – PDF

Kingdom Life in JohnBlog
Kingdom Life in John PDF

A Preface to the Acts of the Apostles – Blog
A Preface to The Acts– PDF

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Kingdom Life in Matthew

Relational Bible studies on every Gospel reading for the year of Matthew in the Common Lectionary (Year A).

Part I, The life and ministry of Jesus: Preparation – the coming of Jesus the Messiah, Commencement – the figure of Jesus the Messiah, Christ’s design for life in God’s kingdom, The spread of God’s kingdom, The mystery of God’s kingdom, God’s kingdom on earth and the church, Authority and invitation, God’s kingdom fulfilled.

Part II, The death and resurrection of Jesus: Preparation for the passion of Jesus, Resurrection appearances of Jesus, Observations about Jesus, The coming of the Holy Spirit, The Godhead.

Kingdom Life in Mark

Relational Bible studies on every Gospel reading for the year of Mark in the Common Lectionary (Year B).

Part I, The life and ministry of Jesus: Preparation – the coming of Jesus the Messiah, Commencement – the figure of Jesus the Messiah, The mystery of the Son of God, The way of the Son of Man, The fulfilment of the mystery.

Part II, The death and resurrection of Jesus: Preparation for the passion of Jesus, Resurrection appearances of Jesus, The coming of the Holy Spirit, The Godhead.

Kingdom Life in Luke

Relational Bible studies on every Gospel reading for the year of Luke in the Common Lectionary (Year C).

Part I, The life and ministry of Jesus: Preparation – the coming of Jesus the Messiah, Commencement – the figure of Jesus the Messiah, Luke’s program for Jesus’ ministry, The Galilean ministry,The travel narrative – part one, The gospel within the gospel, The travel narrative – part two, The ministry in Jerusalem, the fulfilment of the ministry.

Part II, The death and resurrection of Jesus: Preparation for the Passion of Jesus, Resurrection appearances of Jesus, The coming of the Holy Spirit, The Godhead.

See also

Kingdom Life in John

Kingdom Life: John

Kingdom Life in John PDF

Introduction:  John an eye-witness    

Section 1:  Details exclusive to John      
1   Signs
2   Sayings
3   People
4   Times
5   Numbers
6   Places
7  General details

Section 2:   Relational Bible Studies      
Compiled from Kingdom Life in Matthew, Mark and Luke

Part 1: The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Part 2: The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

These 4 books now compiled into 1

Kingdom Life:  The Gospels

A Kingdom Life The Gospels

Kingdom Life in The Gospels – PDF

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GENERAL BLOGS INDEX 

BLOGS INDEX 1: REVIVALS (BRIEFER THAN REVIVALS INDEX)

BLOGS INDEX 2: MISSION (INTERNATIONAL STORIES)

BLOGS INDEX 3: MIRACLES (SUPERNATURAL EVENTS)

BLOGS INDEX 4: DEVOTIONAL (INCLUDING TESTIMONIES)

BLOGS INDEX 5: CHURCH (CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION)

BLOGS INDEX 6: CHAPTERS (BLOGS FROM BOOKS)

BLOGS INDEX 7: IMAGES (PHOTOS AND ALBUMS)

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The Leader’s Goldmine

The Leader’s Goldmine

The Leader’s Goldmine – PDF

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Now revised and available as EnCOURAGE: Love One Another

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Amazon – large size edition 8×11″

Amazon – small size edition 6×9″

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The Leader’s Goldmine

Hundreds of ideas for Christian groups

This book offers a huge range of activities arranged according to group activities. It provides a wide range of activities for many different kinds of groups. The final section, Integrated Studies on Themes gives four groups studies on each of the themes.

Contents:

How to use this book

Ideas for building relationships
Deep – ideas and attitudes
Deeper – ideals and values
Deepest – ideologies and commitments

Ideas for Bible studies and prayers
Bible passages
Bible study methods
Bible reading and relationship building
Bible readings and prayers

Ideas for church activities
Program emphases: Devotional, Educational, Creative, Serving, Social, Sporting
Witness and Sharing Weekend
Survey Questionnaire
Commitment Indicator
Interests Indicator
Gifts Check List

Ideas for all ages together
Activities involving young children and others
Activities involving older children and others
Family and church family questionnaires
Useful teaching activities
ABC of resource ideas
Simulation activities. Simulation Game: Build my Church

Ideas for integrated studies on themes
The Great Experiment,
Prayer,
Relationship,
Good News,
The Church,
Mission,
Finding New Life,
Living New Life,
Faith Alive
Great Chapters – Old Testament
Great Chapters – New Testament
Jesus

This book is available in Paperback and as a digital eBook (Kindle and PDF).

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Now revised and available as EnCOURAGE: Love One Another

EnCOURAGE – PDF
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Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit

Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit

Fruit & Gifts of the Spirit – PDF

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Personal and group studies, 63 pages. (1992, 2010)

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Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit:
Renewal Journal – a chronicle of renewal and revival: www.renewaljournal.com

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Great stories for messages, youth groups & study groups

A study and workbook to explore significant Bible passages on the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each topic can be a relational sharing study of that topic or a personal study for reflection and application to life.

Contents:

Part I: Fruit of the Spirit

1. The Spirit of Jesus

2. Fruit of the Spirit

3. Fruit of the vine

4. Fruit and growth

5. Fruit and gifts

6. The way of love

Part II: Gifts of the Spirit

1. God gives – we receive

2. Gifts to serve in power

3. Gifts to motivate us

4. Gifts to minister in unity

5. Gifts to manifest the Spirit

6. Gifts to use in love

Appendix: Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire

See also
 Living in the SpiritLiving in the Spirit

a-your-spiritual-gifts2Your Spiritual Gifts

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Living in the Spirit

Living in the Spirit study bookLiving in the Spirit

The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life

Living in the Spirit – PDF

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Review comments:

I find the study material to be balanced in theological emphasis and exceptionally well organized and presented. (Bishop Owen Dowling)

This book is not only good for personal use but also GREAT for group study. Even good for a Sunday School class. (SW)

If you are a Christian you need to read this book, it helps to understand the Holy Spirit and how he works in your life.  (Allen R Lancaster)

v-living-in-spirit-cropBook Trailer

Link: Detailed Contents with Photos from this book

Link: Appendix 1: Voices from History

Information: Originally published as an 80-page book in 1987, and reprinted in 1990 and 1991, this personal or group study book is now enlarged to 127 pages, and greatly improved. Some new sections have been added, and each chapter now begins with a powerful example of that chapter’s theme.

Thousands of copies of the earlier version have been used for personal and group study, including its use as a small group study book. Many home groups, cell groups or student study groups have found this survey of living in the Spirit both informative and inspiring. It invites a response from the reader, whether read alone or studying in a group. It offers fresh and challenging perspectives on living in the blessing, power, and anointing of the Holy Spirit, who always exalts Jesus as Lord.

Contents:

Introduction: new perspectives

1. Father, Son and Holy Spirit
God is One
The Father’s heart shows God’s love
Jesus reveals God’s love
The Spirit imparts God’s love

2. Born of the Spirit
The Spirit creates
The Spirit re-creates
God acts
We respond

3. Filled with the Spirit
The Spirit in God’s people
The Spirit in Jesus
The Spirit in the early church
The Spirit in us

4. Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit in us personally
The fruit of the Spirit in us communally
Growth in the Spirit personally
Growth in the Spirit communally

5. Gifts of the Spirit
Power for mission
Gifts for mission
Unity for mission
Love for mission

6. Ministry in the Spirit
Body ministry
Mutual ministry
Wholeness ministry
Freedom ministry

7. Led by the Spirit
The Spirit leads us
The Spirit leads gently
The Spirit leads personally
The Spirit leads corporately

8. The Spirit of the Lord
The Spirit of the Lord in Israel
The Spirit of the Lord in Jesus
The kingdom of God
The king: Jesus Christ is Lord

APPENDIX 1:   Voices from history     Tertullian, Augustine, Cyril of Jerusalem, Gregory the Great, Francis of Assisi, Walter Hilton, Thomas á Kempis, Teresa of Avila, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Thomas Goodwin, Richard Baxter, John Wesley, David du Plessis

APPENDIX 2:   Spiritual gifts questionnaire

APPENDIX 3:  Revival Books

PHOTOGRAPHS (see these on Amazon – “Look inside”) Photographs in this book show international revival teams from the South Pacific, living in the Spirit together, involved in mission in the islands and in Australia. These studies combine theological and biblical reflection with practical application. Many people have found these studies to be helpful and liberating.


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Detailed Contents with Photos from this book

Appendix 1: Voices from History

 See also
 

a-your-spiritual-gifts2Your Spiritual Gifts

 
Fruit & Gifts of the SpiritFruit and Gifts of the Spirit
Blogs and videos about recent revival movements:

God’s Surprises – Blog
God’s Surprises – PDF
Biographical stories of current revivals in over 20 countries
*

Jesus’ Last Promise – Blog and Video – Pentecost
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you
*

God’s Promise – Blog and Video – I will pour out my Spirit
Seeing God’s Spirit poured out in over 20 countries
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GENERAL BLOGS MENU

BLOGS INDEX 1: REVIVALS (BRIEFER THAN REVIVALS INDEX)

BLOGS INDEX 2: MISSION (INTERNATIONAL STORIES)

BLOGS INDEX 3: MIRACLES (SUPERNATURAL EVENTS)

BLOGS INDEX 4: DEVOTIONAL (INCLUDING TESTIMONIES)

BLOGS INDEX 5: CHURCH (CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION)

BLOGS INDEX 6: CHAPTERS (BLOGS FROM BOOKS)

BLOGS INDEX 7: IMAGES (PHOTOS AND ALBUMS)

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Keeping Faith Alive Today

Keeping Faith Alive Today


Group Studies on Prayer, Bible Reading and the Holy Spirit

Personal and group studies – for home groups & youth groups.

Keeping Faith Alive Today – PDF

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Looking for some practical, interactive group sessions on prayer, Bible reading and the Holy Spirit? Here’s a helpful group study book with sessions by Revs Nevin Vawser, Colville Crowe, and Geoff Waugh.

Keeping Faith Alive Today

is about building a strong devotional life –

a life in which prayer, Bible reading, and the presence

and influence of God’s Holy Spirit

are vital forces.

The studies combine discoveries

from the Bible and the experience of others

with discoveries from your own experience.

Here is an invitation

to discover in practice

ways of keeping your faith alive.

Contents:

Two Sessions on Prayer

by Nevin Vawser

1 New Ways to Pray

2 What Did I Discover?

Two Sessions on Using the Bible

by Colville Crowe

3 Try Reading the Bible

4 Share Your Experiences

Two Sessions on Life in the Spirit

by Geoff Waugh

5 Faith Alive in Personal Life

6 Faith Alive in Community

Highly recommended and widely used in Australia.

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Revival Blogs Links:

See also Revivals Index

See also Revival Blogs

See also Blogs Index 1: Revivals

GENERAL BLOGS INDEX

BLOGS INDEX 1: REVIVALS (BRIEFER THAN REVIVALS INDEX)

BLOGS INDEX 2: MISSION (INTERNATIONAL STORIES)

BLOGS INDEX 3: MIRACLES (SUPERNATURAL EVENTS)

BLOGS INDEX 4: DEVOTIONAL (INCLUDING TESTIMONIES)

BLOGS INDEX 5: CHURCH (CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION)

BLOGS INDEX 6: CHAPTERS (BLOGS FROM BOOKS)

BLOGS INDEX 7: IMAGES (PHOTOS AND ALBUMS)

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