Bible Searchers: 1991

The book of Acts (or more properly the acts of the Holy Spirit) is a very important book for those of us who are believers to study and understand. It gives the history of the way in which the Holy Spirit came down, indwelt believers and formed the Church, the body of Christ. A study of this precious book will help us to understand many things about the assembly and about what it means to be a believer in the Lord Jesus in this evil world. Acts is perhaps a little like Genesis in the Old Testament in that it presents an entirely new creation (the Church) which had never before existed. And like the creation of the world recorded in Genesis, it was through the power and action of the Holy Spirit that this wonderful thing was formed on the day of Pentecost.

We would like to spend a little time studying this book and learning (with the Lord’s help) some of the lessons that it contains. We pray that the result of this little study will be not only a better understanding of the Christian Church, but also that this study will perhaps encourage and help young believers in their practical Christian life.

1. The Lord Jesus was going to leave His beloved followers and ascend to glory. But He was not going to leave them alone and comfortless. What wonderful thing (called “the promise of the Father”) were the disciples instructed to wait for in Jerusalem? John 14:___

2. The book of Acts tells about the Spirit of God forming the Church, the body of Christ in this world on the day of Pentecost. The Church originally was totally made up of Jewish believers. What was one of the things that the apostles were expecting to happen to the nation of Israel? Acts 1:___

3. It is not the place of the Church to reign in power in this world because its Head, our Lord Jesus, is not reigning in power. But the apostles were told that they would receive power to do something in this world. What was that?

Acts 1:___

4. What did the Apostle Paul tell the church at Philippi that they as the “sons of God without rebuke” were to be doing in the midst of this dark world?

Philippians 2:___

5. One of the things that characterizes the Church is its total dependence upon its Head, the Lord Jesus, for everything. What were the early disciples doing while they waited at Jerusalem for the “promise of the Father,” even before the Church was formed on Pentecost? Acts 1:___

Elisha - 2 Kings 4: January 6, 1991

As Elisha went about serving the Lord, he went to a city called Shunem. A very wealthy woman lived there with her husband. Though she had no children she loved God and was very kind to Elisha because she knew that he was a servant of Jehovah.

In fact, she asked her husband to build a room so that when Elisha visited in that area he could stay there. Elisha appreciated what she had done and he promised her that she would have a son. One day after the lad had grown up, he was working in the field with his father when he got very sick. Not long after he was taken home he died.

His mother quickly called for Elisha to come and when he arrived, Elisha prayed to God that the boy would live. God answered Elisha’s prayer and he gave the boy back to his very happy mother.

We’ll stop and rest now in our journey while you look for the following verses:

1. The Lord Jesus said that only those who believed Him as simply as little ____________ would be able to enter heaven. Matthew 18:___

And

2. The disciples that were in the mountain with the Lord Jesus heard a voice saying that He was God’s beloved ____________ . Mark 9:___

And

3. A little ____________ was the only one who had food in a crowd of over 5000 people who were listening to the Lord Jesus talk. John 6:___

There

4. The Lord Jesus has told us to be merciful to others just like God our ____________ has been to us. Luke 6:___

5. The Lord Jesus visited a house in which the ____________ of Peter’s wife was very sick. Jesus healed her. Luke 4:___

And

The Book of Acts - Chapters 1 and 2: February 3, 1991

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down and indwelt all the believers (about 120) who were gathered together in Jerusalem awaiting the Father’s promise. This wonderful event was marked by miraculous signs so that there would be a complete testimony to the fact this was a work of God.

Now, though the Lord Jesus had ascended to heaven and was there at the right hand of the Father as a perfect Man, the Holy Spirit was on earth and indwelling all the believers, having formed them into one body, the body of Christ. This was the beginning of the time when the Jews, who had enjoyed God’s special blessings on this earth, were temporarily set aside as His special people. Nor were the Gentiles any longer to be hopelessly outside the sphere of God’s blessing because they were not of the stock of Israel.

But now there was the Church, the bride of Christ, made up of every believer in the Lord Jesus. And now it was with this body (not the Jewish nation under the law) that the only testimony to the true God existed in the world and so exists today. It will be good to remind ourselves here, however, that all of the believers in the early Church in Acts 2 were Jewish. The Spirit of God graciously bore with this condition and in His perfect time changed it so that eventually not only Jews but Gentiles, too, were made members of the one body of Christ.

1. The believers were together on the day of Pentecost with “one accord”. It was in this happy state that the Spirit of God descended and formed them into one body of believers united to the Lord Jesus in heaven. What was one of the very first desires that Paul expressed for the Corinthian church when he began to deal with their sad condition of worldliness? 1 Corinthians 1:___

2. Paul not only taught that the body of Christ was one and should act so that there would be no divisions, but he also admonished individual believers in the same way. What advice did he have for Euodias and Syntyche?

Philippians 4:___

3. The Lord Jesus had told the leaders of Israel that their law taught that truth was established by at least two witnesses (see John 8:17). In Acts 2, three distinct signs are recorded to give witness to the fact that this work was of God. What were they? Acts 2:___

4. The result of the miraculous gift of tongues given to the believers at Pentecost was that many people who spoke many different languages heard a wonderful message. What was the purpose of this message? Acts 2:___

5. To whom does Paul say that the Church makes known the “manifold wisdom” of God? Ephesians 3:___

Elisha - 2 Kings 4: February 3, 1991

Elisha visited a city named Gilgal. While he was visiting, there was a very bad famine in the land. Since nothing was growing, it was very hard to find food. But Elisha was concerned for the welfare of the sons of the prophets and in spite of the famine he commanded the great pot to be set on the fire and pottage (food which is similar to vegetable soup) to be cooked in it.

While this was being done one of the young men went out to gather some extra food to add to the pottage. What he gathered looked like good vegetables, but they were really poisonous gourds (similar to a cucumber). After the poisonous gourds were cut up and put in the pot, those who tried to eat it realized that it would cause them to die.

They cried to Elisha for help and he put meal (flour) into the pot and the poison was destroyed so that the sons of the prophets could eat it.

We will rest now while you find the following verses:

1. The young man who left home and had spent all of his money faced a terrible ____________ (a time when there is no food to eat). Luke 15:___

And

2. The Apostle Paul told Timothy that if we have ____________ and clothing we should be content. 1 Timothy 6:___

And

3. There is a terrible judgment of ____________ coming which will fall on all those who have not believed the gospel found in the Word of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:___

4. God has told us that men will ____________ once, but this will not allow them to escape the judgment. Hebrews 9:___

And

5. The Lord Jesus told a story about a woman who tried to hide a little leaven (yeast) in some ____________ (flour). Luke 13:___

The Book of Acts - Chapter 2: March 3, 1991

As with all works of God, the enemy Satan is immediately on the scene too, in some way attempting to stop the work. This happened on the day of Pentecost when some of the people who had seen and heard the wonderful signs mocked the believers by calling them drunken. This attempt of Satan to turn aside this wonderful new work of God gives opportunity to Peter to preach the first recorded gospel message of Church history.

The result of Peter’s faithful message was that the Spirit of God added three thousand souls to the newly formed body of Christ. The end of Acts chapter 2 describes a most blessed and happy condition of the believers in the Church, in spite of the attempts of Satan to destroy it.

1. Though mockingly accused of being drunken on “new wine” by the unbelievers, the Church indeed was enjoying “new wine.” (“Wine” often is used as a picture of joy in the Scriptures.) What was the condition of the believers in the early Church, described in Acts 2? Acts 2:___

2. The gospel message that Peter preached was a very sober and serious talk. Peter did not attempt to entertain his listeners as he preached this solemn message. There was great resulting blessing in the souls who were saved. Paul instructs the Thessalonian Christians that they were to display what character as those who were “children of the day”? 1 Thessalonians 5:___

3. Often Christians who seek to talk with others about the gospel do not know if their listeners are really serious about what they have heard. What did those who heard Peter’s message ask, which proved that they were serious about what they had heard? Acts 2:___

4. What public action confirmed that these Jews had truly believed the message that Peter preached? Acts 2:___

5. Though they were clearly condemned by Peter for the awful act of crucifying the Lord Jesus, how did the Jewish listeners receive the message of salvation? Acts 2:___

Elisha - 2 Kings 5: March 3, 1991

Perhaps the best-known story about Elisha’s life concerns a man named Naaman. Naaman was a very rich and powerful soldier in the Syrian army. He was second in command to the King of Syria. But he had something terribly wrong with him, a disease called leprosy. There was no way to cure this awful sickness which always ended in death.

The King of Syria loved his officer Naaman very much and wanted him to be healed. But he was not the only one who wanted Naaman to be healed. In Naaman’s house was a little girl who had been taken captive from Israel and was a slave there. She told her mistress (the woman who was in charge of her) that if Naaman would go to the land of Israel and see the prophet of God, Elisha, Naaman could be healed.

When the King of Syria heard this he commanded Naaman to go to Israel. Naaman took a valuable treasure of gold, silver and clothing as payment for being healed. He also took a letter from the King ordering Naaman to be cured from his leprosy. But the King of Syria sent his officer to the wrong person! He sent Naaman to the King of Israel rather than Elisha the prophet.

Before we find out what happened, let’s rest and look for the following verses:

1. A ____________ young man left Jesus, sad because he was told to give up all that he had. Luke 18:___

And

2. Anyone who had a ____________ found that the Lord Jesus could heal them from it. Matthew 4:___

And

3. The religious leaders of Israel lied about Jesus so that they could have Him put to ____________ . Matthew 26:___

Now

4. Anyone who was sick or had been possessed by demons was ____________ when they were brought to Jesus. Matthew 4:___

And

5. The Lord Jesus called anyone who had ____________ for himself, but had nothing for God, a fool. Luke 12:___

The Book of Acts - Chapter 2: April 7, 1991

The condition of the early Church described in Acts 2 might be called the “golden age” of the Church history in this world. Though all the members of the one body of Christ at this time were Jews and though, because of this, the things recorded have a strong Jewish character, we can learn many valuable lessons for the Church today.

1. The first character of the early Church recorded after the three thousand souls were added was that they continued in the “apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.” Many years after this, what was it that Paul told Timothy (shortly before Paul was martyred in Rome) he was to continue in? 2 Timothy 3:___

2. Paul also instructed Timothy to commit to others the things he had learned from Paul. Why was he to do this and what qualifications must those men have to whom these things were committed? 2 Timothy 2:___

3. Paul instructed Timothy to withdraw himself and his fellowship from certain men. What kind of words and doctrine were these men rejecting?

1 Timothy 6:___

4. The next thing that characterized the early Church was that they continued steadfastly in “breaking of bread” (the remembrance of the Lord’s death). What desire did the Lord Jesus express to His disciples at supper before He was crucified? Luke 22:___

5. Finally, it is recorded in Acts 2 that the early Church was characterized by prayer, which expresses dependence upon God. What does Paul tell the Ephesian Christians to do as soon as he has described the armor they were to wear in the spiritual battles in which they were engaged? Ephesians 6:___

Elisha - 2 Kings 5: April 7, 1991

When Naaman arrived at the King of Israel’s house with the letter from the King of Syria, the King became very upset. He knew that he was unable to cure Naaman’s awful disease even though Naaman had a lot of money to pay for the cure. The King of Israel thought that Naaman had come to him with this impossible request so that the King of Syria would have an excuse to start a war with Israel.

Elisha the prophet heard what happened and sent a message to the King telling him to send Naaman to his house and he would be healed. But when Naaman came to Elisha’s house a very strange thing happened. Elisha did not even come to meet the great man. He just sent a message telling the general to go to the river of Jordan and wash himself in it seven times. Then he would be healed.

Naaman got angry and wouldn’t obey! Perhaps his pride was hurt because he thought that Elisha would do some wonderful miracle to him in order to heal the disease. Finally, the servants of Naaman pleaded with him to obey the message of the prophet. When Naaman obeyed he was immediately healed and became a true believer in the God of Israel. Now let’s rest in our journey through the Bible and give you an opportunity to find the following verses:

1. The Lord Jesus told Peter to take the ____________ that he found in a fish’s mouth and pay the required tax with it. Matthew 17:___

Notwithstanding

2. What ____________ did the Apostle John write to all believers about one of the characteristics of God? 1 John 1:___

This

3. The Lord Jesus told the blind man to go and ____________ in the pool and he would receive his sight. John 9:___

And

4. The disciples were amazed that even the weather ____________ what Jesus commanded. Matthew 8:___

But

5. Timothy was to be an example to the ____________ in his Christian conduct. 1 Timothy 4:___

Let

Elisha - 2 Kings 6-14: May 5, 1991

After the story of Naaman we read of many more wonderful things that Elisha did, through the power of God, in order to help the rebellious children of Israel. God did not send Elisha to help His self-willed people because they deserved this, but He sent Elisha to them because He was showing great grace and love to them in just the same way that He shows grace and love to people today.

During Elisha’s life God allowed kings to rule over the two faithful tribes of Judah as well as the ten rebellious tribes of Israel. Some of the kings who ruled over Judah were very godly kings whose lives resulted in real blessing for the tribe of Judah. Sadly, however, the ten rebellious tribes of Israel never had a king who ruled over them who loved God and obeyed Him.

You may read about some of these kings in the chapters in 2 Kings listed above and also in the book of 2 Chronicles. The time finally came when Elisha died. A very wonderful thing happened after Elisha was buried. One day some men came to bury another man who had died. They put his body in the same sepulchre (grave) as Elisha was buried in. When the man’s body touched the bones of Elisha he came back to life.

After you rest and find the following verses, we will meet some of the godly kings of Judah as we continue on our journey through the Bible.

1. The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the strength he would need to live as a Christian could only be found in the ____________ that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:___

Thou

2. God promised wonderful ____________ to Abraham. Gentiles (people who are not Jews) can only receive this through the Lord Jesus.

Galatians 3:___

That

3. The disciples were amazed because the winds and sea ____________ the command of the Lord Jesus. Matthew 8:___

But

4. Mary the sister of Lazarus told the Lord that if He had been with them her brother would not have ____________ . John 11:___

Then

5. The rich young ruler wanted Jesus to tell him what he should do in order to inherit (obtain as a gift) eternal ____________ . Matthew 19:___

And

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: May 5, 1991

As the opposition to the early Church by the Jews grew more open, so did the signs and wonders by which God confirmed the truth and reality of the body of Christ, the assembly. In this chapter a most striking miracle takes place. The man born lame is healed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by Peter and John.

The miracle which followed caused real wonder and amazement in the people of Jerusalem. The apostles used this occasion to preach the gospel once again to those who were gathered there, and it is not long before the Jewish leaders seek to stop the message.

1. Peter and John told the beggar to “look on us”. As Christians we should be able to say the same to the world today. What are some characteristics that are necessary for a Christian to have so that the world might see a display of Christ in him? Philippians 2:___

2. Paul said that he was going through a great spiritual agony for the Galatian Christians (whom he called his little children) until what event happened to them? Galatians 4:___

3. What did the Apostle John say should characterize one who said that he belonged to Christ? 1 John 2:___

4. For what reason does Peter say that Christians are “peculiar people”? 1 Peter 2:___

5. Peter desired that believers would live their lives in honesty and godliness before those who speak evil of Christians so that what might result for God? 1 Peter 2:___

Hezekiah - 2 Kings 18, 19: June 2, 1991

After Elisha died there were many kings who ruled over the tribe of Judah. Many of these kings were good kings who feared the Lord. We are going to visit some of them. The first one was a good king named Hezekiah who showed that he loved Jehovah by the things that he did after he began to rule.

The first thing that Hezekiah did was to get rid of all the idols that the people were worshipping. Shortly after this a wicked king named Sennacherib carried away all the ten rebellious tribes of Israel. After this he came to attack the tribe of Judah over which Hezekiah was ruling.

This wicked king sent a terrible letter threatening the people and their king. The letter told the people not to trust in Jehovah or in Hezekiah because they could not deliver or protect the tribe of Judah. The letter also told a lie, for it said that the wicked Sennacherib would take the people to a better land than the one God had given them.

Now you rest while we find these verses:

1. The Lord Jesus ____________ for us when we were ungodly and unable to help ourselves. Romans 5:___

For

2. The wicked religious rulers of Israel wanted to kill the Lord Jesus but they couldn’t, because they ____________ what the people would do, for the people followed Jesus. Luke 22:___

And

3. The Christians at Thessalonica has turned to God from their worship of ____________ . 1 Thessalonians 1:___

For

4.The Apostle Paul was willing to suffer reproach for serving the Lord because his ____________ was in God. 1 Timothy 4:___

For

5. Annanias and his wife told a ____________ that cost them their lives. Acts 5:___

But

“And Ruth said . . . whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge.” Ruth 1:16

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: June 2, 1991

Peter and John told the beggar that they could not supply that which he was begging for (silver and gold). They did, however, have something which the beggar needed. But what they had to give could only be found through that rejected and despised man from Nazareth, Jesus Christ. This was significant, for the wonderful miracle of healing which was about to take place on this lame man was not based on what the world trusted in (wealth), but on what it despised and cast out, the divine Son of God. This presents a striking and solemn picture of the value that the world places on the person of Christ and on those things which belong to Him.

1. What value did men place on the Lord Jesus when the Jewish rulers paid Judas to betray Him? Matthew 26:___

2. The Apostle Paul had a very different value of his Lord. What value did he place on those things that he gave up in order to “win Christ”?

Philippians 3:___

3. The Lord Jesus encouraged His disciples to provide treasure for themselves in a place not connected with this world. Where is that place to be found? Luke 12:___

4. How many blessings do believers have given to them in Christ? Ephesians 1:___

5. Paul was sent to the Gentiles to preach the riches that are found in Christ. What is the value of these “riches of His glory”? Ephesians 3:___

Hezekiah - 2 Kings 18, 19: July 7, 1991

After the wicked king Sennacherib had threatened the people of God and blasphemed (cursed) Jehovah, the godly king Hezekiah humbled himself and told the prophet Isaiah to pray for the people.

Isaiah did this and God heard his prayer and sent word to the king that He would protect His beloved people against this wicked king.

The king of Assyria lost many men in one night when the angel of the Lord smote them in a terrible judgment. After this he returned to his home and two of his own sons killed him. What a terrible end to a king who had defied Jehovah!

Now we’ll wait while you look for the following verses:

1. The Lord Jesus was crucified by the ____________ hands of men who hated Him. Acts 2:___

Him

2. When the Lord Jesus came into this world He had to ____________ Himself even though He was God. Philippians 2:___

And

3. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples to ____________ for those who were mean to them. Matthew 5:___

But

4. God the Father has given all ____________ of this world unto His beloved Son, Jesus. John 5:___

For

5. The Jews were guilty of ____________ the Lord Jesus who was the Prince of Life. Acts 3:___

And

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: July 7, 1991

Peter and John healed a man through the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This was the name which was so despised by the Jews. Now before their very eyes they see a wonderful miracle performed through the power of that name. What a powerful testimony to these unbelieving people!

The lame man who was healed did several significant things. We first read that he went with Peter and John into the temple. We also see that he displayed the effects of the miracle by his actions. And finally he gave praise to God for what had happened to him.

All of this was observed by the people at the temple and it caused great wonder and amazement.

1. What is God’s estimation of the name of Jesus, which is so despised by this world? Philippians 2:___

2. What did Bartimeus do after Jesus restored his sight? Mark 10:___

3. What did the Samaritan leper do when he saw that he was one of the ten lepers whom Jesus had healed? Luke 17:___

4. The demon-possessed man of Gadara had wandered about the mountains without clothing, crying and hurting himself with stones. What was he found doing after he had been healed by the Lord Jesus? Mark 5:___

5. What does the writer of Hebrews encourage believers to offer to God through the Lord Jesus? Hebrews 13:___

Hezekiah - 2 Kings 20: August 4, 1991

Hezekiah reigned for several years and was very obedient and faithful to Jehovah. But after a time he got sick. The prophet Isaiah was sent to him with a very solemn message. Hezekiah was to get all of his business taken care of, for he was going to die from his illness.

When the king heard this he was very sad and began to weep and to pray and ask God to heal him. God very graciously heard his prayer and granted him 15 more years of life. The prophet Isaiah was sent back to the king with that message also. The king asked that he would be given a sign so that he would know that he was to be healed. God sent a sign to him by making the shadow of the sun go backwards for a little bit! Now we will rest once more while you look for the following verses:

1. The Apostle Paul commanded servants to be ____________ to their masters as though they were serving the Lord Jesus. Ephesians 6:___

Servants

2. The Apostle Paul was very thankful when a dear brother in Christ whom he loved, and who was so ____________ that he was ready to die, was healed. Philippians 2:___

For

3. The Lord Jesus said that whoever believed in Him would never ____________ . John 11:___

And

4. The young man who had come to Jesus to find out how to get eternal life went away ____________ when he learned that he was to give up his riches. Mark 10:___

And

5. Anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus will receive eternal ____________ and will never perish. John 3:___

That

“The king ... said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee.”

Daniel 6:16

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: August 4, 1991

Another very significant fact about the actions of the lame man who was healed is mentioned in Acts 3:11. We are told here that the lame man “held” Peter and John. He wasn’t holding them for support because earlier we learn that he was “walking” and “leaping” after he was healed. No doubt he was holding them because he did not want to be separated from those who had been such a blessing to him.

This is a wonderful lesson for us. If we really value the blessing that the divinely-inspired writings of Peter and John (and the other writers of the Scriptures) have been to us, that is, if we value the truth of God revealed in their epistles, we will be set free to walk a happy Christian path without lameness or stumbling. And we will show our value of the precious Word of God by “holding fast” to these Scriptures that have been used to free us from our crippled condition.

1. Onesiphorus valued the Apostle Paul so much that even though Paul was a prisoner in Rome he looked diligently for Paul until he had found him. What reward was Onesiphorus to receive for this love for Paul? 2 Timothy 1:___

2. What did Peter answer the Lord Jesus when He asked the disciples if they were going to leave Him, as many of His other followers had done? John 6:___

3. Why did Demas forsake Paul? 2 Timothy 4:___

4. Did the Asian believers hold fast to Paul? 2 Timothy 1:___

5. Was it possible for Christians to visit Paul when he was a prisoner in Rome? Acts 28:___

Josiah - 2 Kings 22, 23: September 1, 1991

Some time after the godly king Hezekiah had passed away God allowed another very good king to reign over Judah. This king’s name was Josiah. There are some very interesting things that we learn about Josiah. The first is that he was only 8 years old when he began to reign in Jerusalem. Perhaps some of you reading this are 8 years old.

The next thing we read is that he did that “which was right in the sight of the Lord.” What a wonderful thing to be able to say about someone. Josiah showed at a very early age that he loved the Lord and wanted to obey and please Him.

There is one more very solemn thing that we learn about Josiah. He was the last godly king that Judah had before they were carried away prisoners into a distant land by a fierce enemy. God allowed this to happen because they were rebellious and disobedient even though they had some good and godly kings ruling over them. We will stop for a while in our journey through the Bible so that you can find the following verses.

1. The Apostle Peter was called to the deathbed of a believer named Dorcas who we learn was always doing ____________ deeds. Acts 9:___

Now

2. God has shown us great mercy because He ____________ us.

Ephesians 2:___

But

3. Terrible judgments will happen to those who do not ____________ the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:___

4. The Apostle Paul was a ____________ of the Lord Jesus, but it was not because he had disobeyed the Lord. Ephesians 3:___

For

5. Christians are to treat their ____________ kindly by giving them food and drink if they need it. Romans 12:___

Therefore

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: September 1, 1991

There were many wonderful signs and miracles which marked the early Church. The power of the Spirit of God was at work in a very evident way and multitudes of people were blessed. We see a most wonderful miracle in Acts 3:1-11. Not only did this event provide a tremendous testimony to the truth and power of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Jews, but Christians today can learn beautiful and important moral principles. Every detail of this account is full of interest and guidance for believers today.

1. The miracle of healing which took place at the temple happened at the “hour of prayer” (about 3 p.m.). We have noted previously that prayer expresses dependence upon God. What else does prayer do? James 5:___

2. What happened to a group of early believers after they had enjoyed a prayer meeting together? Acts 4:___

3. How many times does the Word of God record our Lord Jesus in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before He was betrayed to be crucified?

Matthew 26:___

4. What encouragement and instruction does the Word of God give for how often believers should pray? Find two verses. Ephesians 6:___ and Romans 12:___

5. What encouragement about prayer did the Lord Jesus give when He spoke a parable to His disciples? Luke 18:___

Josiah - 2 Kings 22-23: October 6, 1991

We now meet Josiah, the king of Judah, ten years after he first started to reign. If you remember how old he was then, you will know that he is now 18. At this time in his life he did two very important and good things. We remember that he loved God and this is why he did these things.

The first thing he did was to hire carpenters and workmen to repair the “breaches” (holes in the wall) that were found in the house of God in Jerusalem. This house was called the “temple”. It is sad to learn that the people of God had let God’s house get into such a terrible condition. This happened, no doubt, because the people quit caring about the Lord.

During the time that the repair work was going on, the second thing happened. The book of the law (God’s Word to the Israelites) was found in the temple. Because the people had forgotten about God, they had also forgotten about His Word. But Josiah wanted to hear what God had to say and so he commanded that the law be read to him.

After we rest awhile as you look for these verses, we will see what Josiah learned from God’s Word.

1. The Apostle told the people that Jesus whom they had killed went about doing ____________ to people. Acts 10:___

How

2. We are to study the Bible carefully so that we will become good Christian ____________ who will not be ashamed. 2 Timothy 2:___

Study

3. The leaders of the Jewish nation admitted that wonderful miracles, that they could not deny, had been done in ____________ in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:___

Saying

4. We learn that faith comes by hearing the ____________ of God.

Romans 10:___

5. The Apostle James teaches Christians to be quick to ____________ but slow to speak and slow to get angry. James 1:___

Wherefore

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: October 6, 1991

The Word of God very carefully describes the condition of the man who was begging at the entrance to the temple and names the gate at which he lay. It is here that Peter and John, on their way to continue in prayer as faithful and godly Jews, meet him. But in asking an alms from them he is about to receive something far more wonderful.

1. The man who lay at the temple gate was born lame. He had never had the ability to walk or to do anything to help himself. He is a picture of the position of all men before God. But more particularly he is a picture of Israel and especially of the nation’s complete inability to keep the law. Can anyone be justified before God by keeping the law? Romans 3:___

2. The lame man was totally dependent on the kindness of others for his survival. The kindness and love of God have appeared to show men that their salvation is not gained by their works of righteousness. What has saved us? Titus 3:___

3. When the Lord Jesus was on earth He had come to a fig tree (also a picture of Israel) looking for fruit. What did He find, and what happened to the tree? Matthew 21:___

4. The only thing the lame man could do for himself was to call out to others for mercy and help. What does the Jew or Greek (Gentile) receive when he calls upon the Lord? Romans 10:___

5. The man calls out to Peter and John for help. Though they have no money, they do have something to give. What is to be our attitude as Christians towards helping others, whether or not they are believers? Galatians 6:___

“Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver.” Genesis 37:28

NOVEMBER 1991

Josiah - 2 Kings 22-23: November 3, 1991

The message that the young king Josiah heard, as the Word of God was read to him, made him very sad and concerned. In fact, he was so concerned that he tore his beautiful clothing. (People in Josiah’s day tore their clothing to show that they were very humbled and sad about something.)

Josiah had learned that the Lord was very angry at His people for their disobedience and rebellion, and he wanted to know what was to be done. He sent the high priest and some others to inquire of the Lord about the words that had been read.

The message came back to Josiah that indeed God was going to punish His people for their disobedience and their worship of idols. But this terrible judgment would not fall during the time that Josiah lived since his heart was tender towards the Word of God and he was truly repentant for what had happened.

Before we find out about the rest of Josiah’s life, we will rest while you look for the following verses:

1. The rich young ruler was ____________ when he heard the words of the Lord Jesus telling him to give away all his possessions to the poor.

Mark 10:___

And

2. Our Lord Jesus ____________ Himself when He became a man and went to the cross. Philippians 2:___

And

3. The brother of the prodigal son was ____________ when he heard that his father was holding a feast to celebrate the prodigal’s return home.

Luke 15:___

And

4. God’s Word faithfully warns us that though man dies, after this comes the ____________ . Hebrews 9:___

And

5. God desires that all men should ____________ of their sins.

2 Peter 3:___

The

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: November 3, 1991

The lame man had expected to receive some money from Peter and John. Instead, having told him they had none, in the name of the Lord Jesus he is healed of his lameness and is able to walk. It is most interesting to see that the Lord Jesus here is referred to as Jesus of Nazareth. No doubt this is because this was the lowly and despised character in which the Jews knew Him. The Spirit is showing through this miracle that the proud and haughty nation of Israel must accept the lowly and humble Jesus of Nazareth if they are to find any blessing.

The man is not only able to stand, but he walks and leaps, and as he enters into the temple his lips give forth praises to God for this wonderful deliverance. Again we see a picture of Israel in a coming day when, having accepted the once-rejected Jesus, the nation will finally enter into wonderful joy and happiness and will finally produce praises and worship acceptable to Jehovah.

1. Peter and John were able to tell the lame man to look at them. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples in the gospels that they were to let their light (testimony) shine in such a way that men would glorify God. What kind of a world is it in which we are to shine? Philippians 2:___

2. The blessing which the man was about to receive was not because of anything that Peter and John were in themselves. They were channels through which the healing flowed from the rejected Jesus of Nazareth. How did the Lord Jesus want His disciples to dispense the blessing which they themselves had already received? Matthew 10:___

3. The man expected to receive money, but he got something far better -something that fully satisfied his great need. How does the Apostle Paul refer to the riches of this world? 1 Timothy 6:___

4. How does Paul refer to the riches found in the Lord Jesus Christ?

Ephesians 3:___

5. Not only did the man leap and walk after he was healed, which fully displayed the power of God through the name of Jesus of Nazareth, but he went to the temple to worship and to praise the Lord. What question did the Lord Jesus ask about nine of the ten lepers that He healed? Luke 17:___

Josiah - 2 Kings 22-23: December 1, 1991

When godly king Josiah had heard the Word of God read to him, he repented of how the people of God had disobeyed the Lord. The Lord sent word to him that the terrible judgments that must fall on Israel would not come in his day. Josiah quickly proved by his works that he was truly repentant for the sins of Israel.

The first thing he did was to gather all the people to Jerusalem and make a covenant (an agreement) with God concerning the people’s obedience to the law. After this, all of the idols and the things connected with the idol worship of Baal were destroyed.

There were also very wicked people living in houses in the land of Judah, and king Josiah had them destroyed. Anything in the land of Judah that had been used in idol worship of Baal was destroyed by the king. Finally, the king had all the wicked, idolatrous prophets slain. The last and the most wonderful thing that Josiah did was to keep the passover, which had not been observed for a very long time.

Josiah’s life came to an end, and a short time later the people of Judah were carried captive into Babylon as the judgment which God had said must fall on their disobedience. Now we will look for the following verses as we rest in our journey:

1. Christians are to let their light (testimony) shine out by letting those around see their good ____________ . Matthew 5:___

Let

2. Even though the Lord Jesus was (and is) the eternal Son of God, as a man He learned ____________ through the things which He suffered here.

Hebrews 5:___

Though

3. The Thessalonian Christians turned to God from the ____________ that they had served. 1 Thessalonians 1:___

For

4. The Lord knew that during the observance of the ____________ He would be betrayed to be crucified. Matthew 26:___

5. There is hope even for those who have been taken ____________ by the devil’s snares. 2 Timothy 2:___

And

The Book of Acts - Chapter 3: December 1, 1991

The lame man who had been healed held onto Peter and John. He wanted to be with them. His healing was also the cause of great wondering among those who knew the man’s history. This gave Peter the opportunity to again preach a faithful gospel to the people of Jerusalem. But the rulers of the people had their hearts hardened even more and they sought to stop the testimony by putting the apostles in prison.

1. The people saw the lame man, now healed, walking and praising God. They were filled with amazement at what had happened. What was the reaction of those who observed the change that took place in the Gadarene man who was delivered from demon possession by the Lord Jesus?

Mark 5:___

2. The man who was healed held Peter and John because he wanted to be with them. What did the Lord Jesus tell the man whom He had healed of demon possession to do when he wanted to go with the Lord Jesus? Mark 5:___

3. Peter and John are quick to point out to those who heard them that the man was not healed through their personal power or holiness. To whom does the Apostle Paul attribute the results (“increase”) of his preaching?

1 Corinthians 3:___

4. Over and over in the book of Acts the people in Jerusalem and the Jews everywhere are reminded that blessing comes through the Lord Jesus Christ. What should every knee do now and what will every knee do in a coming day? Find both verses. Philippians 2:___ and Romans 14:___

5. Even though the apostles were put in prison, the message continued to bear fruit, for as many as two thousand more souls in Jerusalem were saved. What has God promised His Word will not do? Isaiah 55:___

“Ruth the Moabitess . . . gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.”

Ruth 2:2,17