October 1:   Acts 11 – What verse stands out to you in this chapter? Why is it important to you? “When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.’” (verse 18) The concerns and debate stopped with the report that God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. This was the turning point for the early church. The Jews had to accept those whom God had already chosen, even if they were Gentiles. The Gospel goes beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, then and now. What does this teach you about the acceptance of people that look different than you, and talk different than you, and have a different place in life? What does this teach you again about the inclusive nature of the Gospel? How will this affect your approach to building relationships in a very diverse world? What is God calling us to do as his followers in loving our neighbor?

October 2:   Acts 12 – What gets your attention in this chapter? How does it affect your life? “He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.” (vv. 2 & 3) Why did God allow James to die and yet miraculously save Peter? Life is full of difficult questions like this. Why is one child physically disabled and another child athletically gifted? Why do people die seemingly before realizing their potential? We live in a world of seeming confusion and the affect of sin/Satan on our lives. The promise of the Scriptures is that we can look beyond the seeming contradictions to the hopeful future that God has for us in heaven forever. In the meantime may that hope give us strength as we face these challenging questions. How do you respond to this story? What does it say to you?

October 3:   Acts 13 – What catches your attention about the missionary launch of the early church? How does it inspire you? How does it challenge you? “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (vv. 2 & 3) I liked these verses because they show sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to guide us. The Holy Spirit has plans for us as individuals and as a church. Why did Paul and Barnabas go as missionaries? The answer – because the Holy Spirit led them, and it seemed good to the people and the message was meant to be share with the world. The clear words in Acts 1:8 conclude with “to the ends of the earth.” We are called to the ends of the earth. We have a global God who cares about every culture, every country, every place, every person. How do you respond to the mission of the church? Is there anything in your life that you are doing to affirm the fact that God loves the world? What might God be saying to you about missionary work, service, support?

October 4:   Acts 14 – What stands out to you in this short chapter? What is happening in the missionary work of Paul and Barnabas? “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” (vv. 21-23) If this is the approach of expanding the Gospel, what do you learn from it? Have we done that at New Harvest and are we doing it? Paul and Barnabas went back to these cities to organize the churches with godly leadership. The church is the hope of the world. How can New Harvest be the hope of the world?

The Word of God is spreading to city after city in the first century with our chapters this week. I hope you receive a sense of excitement about how the Gospel was changing people in every place. The Holy Spirit was working, giving evidence of God’s presence and power, and people were receiving the glorious message of salvation found in Christ. Paul received a message from the Lord with these words, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” (Acts 18:9) Those would be good words for us even today.

October 5:   Acts 15 – What stands out to you in this chapter? How did the Jews and Gentiles understand their common ground as believers? “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” (verse 19) When someone responds to the Lord it begins a journey with Christ that includes obedience to commands given by God. It also includes the incorporation of new believers into the culture of any given church. James was encouraging everyone to be gracious. When there is snobbery or a judgmental atmosphere, the church begins to isolate itself from the potential to reach more people. How are we to respond to sinners? What is the process for helping a new believer grow? What are you doing to encourage new believers in their walk with God?

October 6:   Acts 16 – What impresses you about this chapter? What do you want to apply to your life? “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.” (vv. 25 & 26) Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten and placed in stocks in the inner cell. And the next thing we notice is that they are praising God and praying for the other prisoners. They teach us that no matter what our circumstances we can praise God. When others see our response to the hardest things in life, they will want what we have. What was the result of the story? What do Paul and Silas teach you and me about facing opposition and difficult circumstances?

October 7:   Acts 17 – What gets your attention? What do you learn about the expansion of the early church in these verses? “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (verse 11) Churches have used the title Berean because of this verse. The people received the message and examined the Scriptures to become stronger and with greater knowledge of what God has done through his Son Jesus Christ. The Bereans opened the Scriptures for themselves. They were eager for God’s Word. Not all the people responded this way. How about you? How much do you love God’s Word? How eager are you to examine its truth and apply it to your life?

October 8:   Acts 18 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’ So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.” (vv. 9-11) I love this message from God to Paul. The Lord is wanting to give us direction if we are sensitive to his leading. This direction was specific and verbal from God himself. The message is one for Paul, and is also one for us. There are people in this city who need to hear the message and will respond. They are ready and we are to be God’s instrument. Just like with Paul, so with New Harvest Church, we are God’s mouthpiece for some in this city that want him and need him. How does this message apply to you? What might God be saying to you through Paul’s vision two thousand years ago? Do you think these words apply today? Why? Why not?

October 9:   Acts 19 – What verse catches your attention? How might you apply it to your life? “When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed as one man into the theater.” (vv. 28 & 29) This is obviously a very intense situation. Paul’s preaching in Ephesus had been fruitful, but was also accompanied with opposition. One silversmith was able to stir up a riot against what Paul and his companions were trying to do for the sake of Christ. If you and I are afraid of opposition, it will stop us in our tracks because the devil is against what we represent and there are people who can easily become the instruments of the devil. How do you prepare yourself for opposition? What do you need from God to be more courageous, to move forward knowing that some will reject your message, and even you?

October 10: Acts 20 – How might you apply the message of this chapter to your life? What verse stands out to you? “When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.” (vv. 36-38) Paul’s relationship with these believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He cared for them and they cared for him. There was a meaningful connection that was based on support, prayer and a common mission. Christianity is a relational community of love in action. How has the community of Christ helped you? How are you involved with others who help you and you help them in their relationship with God? How is New Harvest like this? How could we grow as a loving community?

October 11: Acts 21 – What verse stands out to you? Why does it get your attention? “The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut.” (verse 30) This will be Paul’s story for the rest of the Book of Acts. He would share his message before political authorities, juries and religious leaders. He would not have the freedom to move out on his own ever again, yet he would continue to speak the message of Christ wherever he went. What does Paul’s story tell you? What do you learn from his life in this chapter? How might you apply that to your life?

The rest of the Book of Acts is about Paul on trial. We will learn about the Holy Spirit’s inspired courage for Paul to continue to speak boldly about Jesus. Even when his life is threatened and his future is uncertain, he uses the opportunity to point to Christ. One of my favorite lines is found in Acts 26:28 when Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” That is the summary of the Apostle Paul’s heartbeat for life. That is the very important mission that we all have.

October 12: Acts 22 – What impresses you about this chapter? What verse gets your attention? “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.” (verse 3) Paul presents his testimony by first establishing common ground. He understood where they were coming from. He comes from the same roots. We are called to build bridges to people in order to share the wonder of the Gospel. There is a saying that we can live by, “Earn the right to be heard.” How does Paul connect with the people he is speaking to? Where does he break the common ground and speak directly about Jesus? What do you learn from Paul’s example?

October 13: Acts 23 – What about Paul’s trial gets your attention in this chapter? What does it mean to you? “There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. ‘We find nothing wrong with this man,’ they said. ‘What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’ The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.” (vv. 9 & 10) The intensity of the situation cannot be underestimated. Paul was in a real battle. The spiritual warfare in his life is evident. He spoke about this in Ephesians 6:10-18. How was the devil at work against Paul? How does Paul respond to it? How does the story show that God is in charge?

October 14  Acts 24 – What catches your attention in this chapter? What verse stands out to you? “As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.’” (verse 25) Paul’s message to Felix became very personal. The words that Paul used were interesting because they were piercing Felix’s soul. Some people are glad to talk about the Gospel, but when it really gets down to their lives personally, they resist. But by Paul’s example, we are called to challenge people, even though it will make them feel uncomfortable. Conviction of the Holy Spirit makes one uncomfortable. How do you see that here? What do you learn from Paul’s courage to challenge Felix, the governor of that area? What do you take with you that you might apply to your life?

October 15: Acts 25 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” (verse 11) Every Roman citizen had the right to appeal to Caesar. This didn’t mean that Caesar himself would hear the case, but that the citizen’s case would be tried by the highest courts in the empire. Ultimately, Paul wanted to go Rome to preach the Gospel. He knew that his appeal would give him that opportunity. Paul was listening to the Holy Spirit. God had given Paul a word that he would go and testify to Rome (Acts 23:11) He then did all that he could to help that vision come true. How does Paul help answer his own prayer? What is our responsibility in regards to God’s call in our life?

October 16: Acts 26 – What verse stands out to you in this chapter? How might you apply it to your life? ” Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’” (verse 28) As I said already, this is one of my favorite verses. Paul used this opportunity to make a personal appeal to Agrippa and all those who were listening. “I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (verse 29) Paul was more concerned for the salvation of these strangers than for the removal of his own chains. His heartbeat is to see others come to Christ. Is that your heartbeat? How passionate are you to see people come to personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

October 17: Acts 27 – This is a fascinating story about Paul’s trip to Rome. What stands out to you? What verse catches your attention? Why? “Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’”(verse 23) Paul is very in tune with the Lord. God entrusted his message to Paul because Paul was trustworthy. The Lord will speak to us if we are willing to courageously follow through with what he tells us. Obedience leads to more direction from God. What is the Lord saying to you these days? How is he directing you? Are you obeying?

October 18: Acts 28 – In this final chapter, what verse stands out to you? Why does it impress you? “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” ( vv. 30 & 31) These last two verses culminate the exciting Book of Acts. Acts presents powerful miracles, wonderful testimonies and the wonder of spreading the Gospel. What stands out to you in this book? What do you still remember and want to apply to your life? How might the Book of Acts look for us at New Harvest as we conclude the year 2009 and prepare for another decade of Kingdom advancement?

We have read the whole New Testament except for Hebrews. I was looking at my notes and I realized that we had missed Hebrews, which is a powerful presentation on the supremacy of Christ. Throughout the book you will read about how Christ is greater than the angels, greater than Moses, greater than priesthood . . . the giver of the new covenant. With the motto, “Because of Jesus,” it is especially important for us to understand the Book of Hebrews and appreciate Jesus for who he is in our lives.

October 19: Hebrews 1 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What verse gets your attention? “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (verse 3) In one sentence we read the truth about Jesus. He is God himself. Colossians 1:15-20 has a similar presentation of the fullness of God that is in Christ. What does this say to you about Jesus? What does it mean that Jesus sat down at the right hand? How can you worship Jesus today?

October 20: Hebrews 2 – What verse stands out to you? How might you apply it to your life? “You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet. In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.” (vv. 7 & 8 ) God put Jesus in charge of everything. He is clearly higher than the angels. It is important to realize his true position and authority. He is the Lord of all and one day he will rule on earth as he does now in heaven. What does that mean to you? Why is it comforting to know that Jesus is ruling in heaven? What else do you learn about Jesus in this chapter?

October 21: Hebrews 3 – What jumps out to you from this chapter comparing Jesus with Moses? What does it mean to fix your thoughts on Jesus? How would that help you? “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (vv. 12 & 13) These have been some of my favorite verses because they talk about the power of encouragement. When we stay connected with each other and courageously speak “the truth in love” to each other this can keep us strong against the deception of sin and the subtle way that the devil wants bring us down. When we are isolated that is when we are most vulnerable. This coming Sunday Pastor Steve will speak on the importance of fellowship and community. How are you connected with others? What encouragement can you give those closest to you? What encouragement do you need from them?

October 22: Hebrews 4 – What stands out to from this chapter about Sabbath Rest? What verse gets your attention? “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (vv. 15 & 16) Again these are some of my favorite verses about an invitation to draw close to the Lord. Through our series on prayer we have learned that we can approach God. It likens our approaching God as entering into the throne room of grace. That is a marvelous picture of closeness with God and confidence in his power. Grace allows us to have access to the living God through Jesus Christ. What does this say to you about prayer? What does this say to you about temptation? How might you apply this to your life?

October 23: Hebrews 5 – What stands out to you from this short chapter? What verse gets your attention? “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (verse 12) I don’t want to sound critical but this verse really applies to today’s Christian culture. American Christians are often immature and unstable in their relationship with the Lord. I am sure in some ways I am too. We want to hear how much God loves us and how abundant his grace is towards us, yet now it’s time to go to the deeper truths of the Christian faith – truths like obedience and prayer and even sacrifice. Commitment to Christ moves people out of their comfort zones. How does God want to move you out of your comfort zone? How are you in moving towards the deeper truths and principles of the Christian faith?

October 24: Hebrews 6 – What verse gets your attention? How might God be speaking to you through it? “’I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” (vv. 14 & 15) Abraham waited patiently. It was 25 years from the time God had promised him a son to when Isaac was actually born. The Bible and the testimony of mature Christians encourage us to wait for God to act in his timing, even when our needs seem too great to wait any longer. Stepping into the deeper principles of the Christian faith is to learn the characteristics of patience and contentment. Abraham learned these things through waiting. What is God asking you to wait on? How would you describe your sense of contentment? Why?

October 25: Hebrews 7 – What do you learn about Jesus in this chapter? What verse stands out to you? “Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (vv. 23-25) I love the truth of these verses that presents Jesus as living and active still today. He is right now praying for you at the right hand of God. His offer of salvation lives on because he is alive. Christ’s continuous presence in heaven with the Father assures us that our sins have been paid for and forgiven. What does this say about Jesus? How does this help you understand Christ’s faithfulness and his continual activity in your life? Tell Christ how much you love him today in prayer.

We have the privilege of reading through the Book of Hebrews and appreciating the sufficiency of Christ. The backdrop of our reading for this week has to do with the Jews. Many Jews had come to Christ in the first century, yet were tempted to fall back into Judaism because that was even more familiar to them. Persecution that broke out also threatened their sense of security. They were tempted to fall back into legalism, following the religious requirements and giving up the race. Christ’s sacrifice was the ultimate fulfillment of all that the Old Testament sacrifices represented. Christ is sufficient for all things and supersedes the law and anything religion had to offer. The Hebrews were tempted to “lose their faith” in Christ and what He did for them. Join me as we read about the importance of endurance and keeping the faith.

October 26: Hebrews 8 – What verse stands out to you? Why does it get your attention? The majority of this chapter comes from the Old Testament. Jeremiah 31:31-34 is a very significant Old Testament prophecy. It forecasts the coming of the new covenant. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (verse 10) The most significant work of the Holy Spirit is to change us from within. We receive a new heart and have access to a grace-based relationship with God. When we are changed within we will be empowered to live for God. How do you understand the new covenant? What does this chapter teach about the new covenant? Under God’s new covenant God’s law is inside us. What does that mean? How are we empowered to live God’s principles?

October 27: Hebrews 9 – Which verse stands out to you? Why is this promise important to you? This chapter is a marvelous chapter about the significance of the blood of Christ. “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (verse 22) Why does forgiveness require the shedding of blood? This in no arbitrary decree on the part of a bloodthirsty God as some have suggested. There is no greater symbol of life than blood; blood keeps us alive. Jesus shed his blood – gave his life – for our sin so that we wouldn’t have to experience spiritual death. Jesus is the source of life not death. He gave his own life to pay for our penalty so that we might live. What does that mean to you? How important is forgiveness to the Christian life?

October 28: Hebrews 10 – What impresses you about this chapter? What do you learn from it? “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (verse 25) We gather together to share our faith and to strengthen one another in the Lord. This becomes even more important as we draw closer to the day of Christ’s return. As an aspect of the times that we live in, there will be opposition and persecution. We need to be together even more because of the battles of this life. How important is being together according to the teaching in Hebrews 10? What benefit do we receive from being together? Why is consistent worship and fellowship together important at New Harvest?

October 29: Hebrews 11 – What is said about these Old Testament characters? What do they have in common? What impresses you? What got your attention? “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (verse 6) God is not satisfied with a mere acknowledgement of his existence, he wants our faith to be personal so that it leads to a dynamic relationship with him. God assures us that all who honestly seek him, who act in faith, will be rewarded. How is your faith? How would you define faith? Why is faith so important?

October 30: Hebrews 12 – Which verse jumps out at you? Why do you think God has brought it to your mind? “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (vv. 10 & 11) This principle is so impressive to me. The Bible speaks of how God responds to his children. It is one of discipline, not necessarily punishment. Discipline is to direct us towards God’s best. The trials in life are meant to produce a strength within us that will cause us to want God even more. Who loves his child more – the father who allows the child to do what will harm him, or the one who corrects, trains and even disciplines the child to help him to learn what is right. God corrects you and me, giving proof of his love and his desire to work in you so that you become more like his Son. How do you understand God’s discipline? How has the Lord disciplined you? How does this help you understand life, even when you go through difficult times?

October 31: Hebrews 13 – Which verse stands out to you? How might you apply it to your life? “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (verse 17) I think of this verse because I know that it applies to my role as the Senior Pastor of our church. When I ask people to commit themselves of prayer this week I felt prompted by God to do so. There is a sense of responsibility as the leader about what I am to say to you and how I am to challenge your life. I am not accountable for you to obey it, but the response to Sunday with over 100 people coming forward was a great joy to me. Pray for me that I will be the leader God wants me to be so that New Harvest can be the church God wants us to be. Why is submission to leaders important? What does it say about you and me if we struggle with those in authority? What stands out to you most in the Book of Hebrews?