October’s memory verse:
“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4-11-12
Acts Chapter 6:
In chapter 6, as the disciples are increasing and the church is growing, we see that not everything is perfect and easy. There is persecution from the outside and dishonesty on the inside of the early church. There is tension among this community that must be worked out. Watch as we see the care and structure that is set in place to minister to others. And notice that the witness is not dependent on the twelve, but everyone, in order to get the gospel message out of Jerusalem.
Summary of chapter 4:
The tension is escalating quickly among Peter, John and the Jerusalem council.
With boldness, Peter and John proclaim to the council that they crucified Jesus of Nazareth and that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
The council is greatly annoyed and Peter and John are placed in custody and charged to not teach in the name of Jesus anymore. Peter and John reply with a big fat, “NO!” and while the crowd of people are praising God for the healing of the lame man, they are released.
The believers pray for the word to be spoken with boldness while the Lord does signs, wonders and miracles through them.
The fellowship of believers are united as one heart and shared everything despite persecution.
Summary of chapter 5:
One couple , Ananias and Sapphira discover that when the love of money and posessions take hold, evil is close at hand. Satan fills their heart and they lie to the Holy Spirit.
Great fear falls upon the church and many signs and wonders continue to be done among the people by the apostles.
The stong jealousy of the Saduccees and the high priest escalates even more, the apostles are arrested and put in prison.
During the night an angel appears and brought then out, telling the apostles to, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
The council, enraged, ‘disciplines’ them saying, “We told you not to teach in Jesus name!” But the apostles reply, “We must obey God rather than men.”
They were beat and released, and continued rejoicing because they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. Everyday they continued from house to house preaching and teaching Jesus.
This Year’s Memory Verse
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. “
Acts 1:8