Join us for Acts: Awakening to God in Everyday Life by Melissa Spoelstra for womens online Bible Study. For this study, Melissa suggests different learning options. Choose Basic Bible Study (five daily lessons), a Deeper Study (daily lessons with memory verses), or Lighter Commitment (do what you can with the time you have. You can’t go wrong when you decide to study at the Bible Cafe™ as we encourage women to study, connect, and grow.

Like a fresh ground coffee, active faith is wide awake. Not stale. Not packaged up for over a year until it’s ready to use. Maybe you’re like me and want an ACTIVE and FRESH faith for today. By the time we complete the Acts Online Bible Study, we will have awakened our faith.

Author Melissa Spoelstra adds insight to this study by using different commentaries. As your Bible Cafe™ Coach, I am non-denominational and like seeing through the “church windows” of different beliefs. It is interesting to see how different denominations will examine the same Scripture. And so, using different commentaries gives a macro view of interpretation. I find this method helpful in learning about the Christian faith.

What does “waiting on the Holy Spirit” look like, in your life right now? Perhaps you developed patience and waiting after the pandemic. Life became slower, time was less rushed, and things that have value were more appreciated. In this waiting season, I see the Holy Spirit preparing us for a new door and fresh faith. Awakened faith.

When I think about witnessing my faith and telling others about Jesus, I used to be shy and afraid to say His name. Years ago when I ran a Christian jewelry business, I avoided using the name Jesus on Twitter so I wouldn’t offend anyone. Today I realize my behavior offends God and He healed me from pride. Now as His servant, I witness my faith, tell my stories, and never hold back “Christ in me.”

Open your Bible and look at 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV: We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

As an ambassador for Christ, is your faith slumbering or awake? The Acts Online Bible Study is a great opportunity to wake up that faith so you can represent Christ more effectively.

Turn your Bible to Acts 2:2-4 NIV: Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

What audible and visible evidence of the Holy Spirit do you see in this passage? When you read Scripture, pay attention to these physical events.

In this passage, we hear a sound like the blowing of a violent wind and speaking in other tongues.

In this passage, we see tongues of fire (that)…came to rest on each of them.

Observe the Scriptures and don’t just read them like an ordinary book. Details matter in the Word.

According to author Melissa Spoelstra, “We don’t have to live powerless lives because there is power in the name of Jesus.”  Let us study the Bible, memorize verses, and use the name of Jesus as a Holy name. Apply what we learn.

In Acts 1:13-14 NIV, the eleven apostles “…went upstairs to the room where they were staying… They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” What are your observations about this passage? I noticed that one apostle is missing, there were twelve apostles and now eleven because of Judas the betrayer. I also observed they were praying constantly along with the women, and not isolated like religious traditions.  Mary was there and His brothers were there. Both family and friends gathered and prayed in this upper room.

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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.