Gather for womens online Bible Study as we discuss Acts: Awakening to God in Everyday Life by Melissa Spoelstra. In this womens online Bible Study we are learning to prioritize studying God’s Word. Womens online Bible study helps us create habits for gaining wisdom through Scripture. This is a perfect study for beginner Bible study or advanced Bible study- everyone is welcome.

This week Melissa Spoelstra writes, “As we look at the historical movements of the church, we see the pendulum has swung back and forth from an overemphasis on truth to an overemphasis on grace.” Where do you think we are today? Perhaps this is more about leadership in the church. What message are the leaders preaching? The church is concerned about offending others and being persecuted. Are the prophets in the modern church hiding? Are the pastors passing the responsibility to the small groups to confront the truth? The answer will depend on the denomination and the current atmosphere.

As we study the Book of Acts we see the apostles were unselfish in caring for others. This is where the Church can step up and serve. As you read in your Bibles this week, they helped one another. And so they organized their tithes and resources to help those who belonged to the Church. I wonder what would happen if we did this today? My church has a benevolence fund yet often helps outside the Church walls to serve the city. More people are receiving help from nonprofits and government programs, than they receive from their local churches here.

In our Acts Online Bible Study, we studied how the apostles spoke truth to spread the Gospel. Today, do people prefer comforting lies or Biblical truths? Perhaps they seek the Truth spoken in LOVE vs the truth spoken as judgment. Our hearts need to be pure and filled with the Fruit of the Spirit, just like the first apostles of the early church.

Open your Bible and read Acts 8:29 NLT: The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”  How might you respond when nudged by the Holy Spirit to approach a person of great authority? This reminds me of the time I approached my manager at my real estate office and confronted her about the Bible. At the risk of losing my position and career, I spoke the truth and have never regretted my decision.

Turn to Acts Chapter 8 and we encounter the sorcerer (v. 9-24) and the eunuch (v. 26-36). The sorcerer was kicked to the curb and the eunuch was baptized. These men had different outcomes because of their faith. The sorcerer wanted to profit from his faith and the eunuch wanted to know Jesus. To believe.

Acts 9:15 refers to Saul as a chosen vessel of God. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he (Saul) is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name…” Acts 9:15 NKJV

How do we recognize His vessels today? Remember, the first church apostles were able to see the heart of pride and greed in the sorcerer. As vessels for the Holy Spirit and Ambassadors for Christ, the first Church learned discernment. My prayer is that you will learn it too for God’s glory.

May His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.