DAY 15: Acts 8:26-40

An Ethiopian Believes the Gospel - Acts 8:26-40

The theme of the gospel going beyond Israel continues. The official was from a very distant Gentile (non-Jewish) country and would have been excluded from the community of Israel because he was a eunuch (Deuteronomy 23:1). We can imagine him perhaps resonating with the verse from Isaiah about a lack of descendants (8:33).

Read the passage from Isaiah (52:13-53:12). Why would this be a good passage to launch into speaking about Jesus?

Why do you think the eunuch went on his way rejoicing?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Fraser Family (Slovenia): Pray for the young people in their church to grow in faith and love for Jesus, and to persevere in their walk with him.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 14: Acts 8:1b-25

Persecution Leading to Proclamation - Acts 8:1b-25

Here we see Jesus working to bring the kingdom to Judea and Samaria according to his plan in 1:8. The key is in verse 4 - they ‘preached the word wherever they went’. Saul managed to spread a fire rather than put it out!

Samaria was a region between Jerusalem and Galilee and Jews normally had nothing to do with Samaritans (John 4:9) due to racial and religious prejudices. What does their acceptance of the gospel and the outpouring of the Spirit upon them demonstrate to the Christian Jews?

How can we preach the word like Philip?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for the church’s response to sudden global cuts in refugee support. Ask for wisdom, compassion, and generosity.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 13: Acts 7:20-8:1a

Stephen Tells it Like it is - Acts 7:20 - 8:1a

Stephen continues to answer the charges made at him concerning Moses, the temple and the law. How did the Jews’ fathers treat Moses (7:27, 35, 39)?

How does this compare with their treatment of Jesus?

How does Stephen’s speech challenge the idea that God could be bound by a single ‘holy place’ (6:13, 7:33, 44-50)?

What should true obedience to the law look like for the Jews now (7:37-38, 52-53)?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Linda McKerrell: Give thanks for recent opportunities to challenge people toward cross-cultural mission. Pray that seeds sown would bear fruit.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 12: Acts 6:8-7:19

Stephen Begins to Answer His Accusers - Acts 6:8 - 7:19

Look at 1:8 again. Jesus’ plan for gospel growth was that it begin in Jerusalem and go forth to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Now Jerusalem is filled with the apostles teaching (5:28) and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly (6:7). It’s time for the gospel to move on and the death of Stephen will get that started. Look ahead to 8:1 to see where the disciples were scattered.

What were the charges against Stephen?

The beginning of Stephen’s speech seems at first glance to be a long way from the point but he is setting the scene for his arguments about Moses. At the very least we can see that God is not attached to any particular place - he can be in Mesopotamia or Egypt, and the promise came before law. Why is this such good news to us Gentiles?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Give thanks that the end is in sight for the full New Testament translation. Pray for energy and perseverance in this final stage.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 11: Acts 6:1-7

The Priority of the Prayer and the Ministry of the Word - Acts 6:1-7

In these verses we return to themes of practical care among the believers that have been expressed in 3:44 and 4:32-5:10. Yet again there is some conflict among the believers. What are the priorities of the apostles (compare Samuel’s priorities in 1 Sam 12:23)?

Why were these priorities so important for the early church’s leaders? How do we prioritise them today at HBC?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. QUT Christians: Pray for Mid-Year Conference — that students (especially first-timers) would grow in faith, connect deeply, and respond to Jesus.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 10: Acts 5:12-42

Signs, Wonders, and Growing Persecution - Acts 5:12-42

This section picks up on the themes from 4:1-31 and even prayers from that earlier passage are answered here. Why do you think miraculous signs and wonders were important in God’s plan? What place do they have today (compare 1 Cor 1:22-25 and Hebrews 2:1-4)?

Look at the ‘gospel summaries’ of 5:20, 30-32 and 42. What do these tell us about ‘what the gospel is’?

Gamaliel speaks better than he knows! The gospel proclamation of the apostles is indeed a purpose or activity from God. In this case it will succeed despite imprisonment, floggings and commands not to preach.

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Thang Bwee: Pray for the church in Myanmar — that even amid civil war, Christians would stand firm, meet together, and love one another.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 9: Acts 5:1-11

First Conflict Among Believers - Acts 5:1-11

Until this point there has been perfect harmony among the believers (see 2:44-45, 4:32-37). What did Ananias and Sapphira do wrong? How did Peter interpret their actions?

In this passage hypocrisy is utterly condemned. Ananias is compared to Judas who also had Satan enter him (Luke 22:3). This passage also shows the divinity and personhood of the Spirit. The comparison between verse 3: ‘lied to the Holy Spirit’ and verse 4: ‘lied to…God’ shows how the Spirit is truly God. The way that the Spirit can be lied to or tested also shows that he is not an impersonal force but a Person.

Fear is a right response to God. Are there areas of hypocrisy in your life you need to repent of?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. J & R: Pray for a smooth transition as they relocate for ministry. Ask for affordable housing and good schooling options.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 8: Acts 4:23-37

Prayer Answered for the Work to Continue - Acts 4:23-37

The disciples respond to the initial persecution with prayer. How do they see Psalm 2 (quoted in 4:25-26) being fulfilled now?

What do they ask God for in prayer? How do we see this prayer answered (4:31, 33, 5:12, 21, 42)?

Read Ephesians 6:19-20 and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2. Clearly prayer is still needed! What can you do to increase the scope and persistence of your prayers for gospel growth?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Jared & Verena Bradley: Praise God for baby Samuel’s safe arrival. Pray for God’s provision and grace in this season of adjustment.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 7: Acts 4:1-21

Peter Testifies to the Authorities - Acts 4:1-21

Do you remember how Acts is about what Jesus continued to do after his ascension (1:1-2)? How have you seen Jesus at work so far in Acts? How is his work continuing in 4:1-22?

This is the first instance of conflict in Acts. read Like 12:4-10 and 21:12-19. How has Jesus prepared the disciples for conflict?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Griffith Christian Students: Pray for first-years feeling nervous about Mid-Year Camp. Ask for courage, connection, and conviction through the time away.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 6: Acts 3:1-26

Peter Testifies Again About Jesus - Acts 3:1-26

This passage provides an example of the ‘many wonders and miraculous signs’ of 2:43. How does Peter continue to testify about Jesus and the resurrection during and after the healing?

What are the various titles that are applied to Jesus? What do they tell us about him?

What must people do?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. UQ Evangelical Students: Pray for Meet Jesus Week in August — for bold evangelism and that many would hear and respond to the gospel.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 5: Acts 2:42-46

The People Who Accepted Peter’s Message - Acts 2:42-46

In a short space of time the number of believers grew from 120 (1:15) to over 3000. What did they do together according to verse 42? What might this look like in our context?

The apostles teaching would most likely have been the teachings of Jesus (recorded by Luke in his first book). What teaching of Jesus can you think of from Luke’s gospel that would lead to the attitudes and activities of the believers in 43-47?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Fraser Family (Slovenia): Pray that their listening skills would grow through language learning and that they would understand locals more deeply.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 4: Acts 2:14-41

Peter Witnesses to the Resurrection - Acts 2:14-41

What do the people surrounding the apostles think is going on (2:12-13)?
What is Peter’s explanation?

What prophecies have been fulfilled according to Peter?

What must people do? What is promised to them?

How do you see God at work in all the events described here (especially 2:23 and 39)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Ask God for wisdom as they navigate church planting support and engage churches in safeguarding children.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 3: Acts 2:1-13

The Spirit Comes as Promised - Acts 2:1-13

Pentecost, known as the Feast of Weeks, was celebrated 50 days after the grain was first harvested (see Deut 16:9-12 and Lev 23:15-16). In practice the feast occurred 50 days after Passover. Although the original intention of the feast was to rejoice in God’s redemption and provision of food, after the exile it was used to commemorate the day God gave the Torah to Israel at Mt Sinai. It was a day when Jews from far away gathered in Jerusalem (see Deut 16:16 and Acts 2:5).

Read 1:8 and 1:22b again. What should we expect now from the Apostles?

The many ‘people groups’ described in 9-11 give a foretaste of the eventual spread of the gospel. How has God worked by his Spirit to bring the gospel to you?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Linda McKerrell: Pray for the upcoming OMF QLD Conference (2 August) — that it would raise up new workers and stir fresh commitment to cross-cultural mission.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 2: Acts 1:12-26

Matthias, A New Witness - Acts 1:12-26

What are some of the themes or key words that this passage picks up from 1:1-11?

The apostles could have felt discouraged by the betrayal of Judas, yet Peter’s use of Psalm 69:25 and 109:8 shows how they saw in him the fulfilment of the Scripture. Judas proved to be an enemy of God and so suffered the fate of God’s enemies as described in these Psalms.

How do you see God at work in this passage bringing about his plans?


Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for Mark’s July trip to Asia — for health, fruitful discussions, and clarity in final checks of Galatians and Philippians.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 1: Introduction and Acts 1:1-11

Introduction

What has time spent with God got to do with happiness? Reading the Bible and praying to God can feel at times like a chore or duty that must be done before something pleasurable, such as sleep or breakfast, can be enjoyed. Yet the Bible constantly relates blessedness (another word for happiness or joy) with reading God’s word. ‘Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night’ (Ps. 1:1-2). ‘Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law’ (Ps 94:11). The reason for this connection between happiness and God’s word is that God is good and he wants good for his children. He communicates his will through his word and so by spending time with God, listening to him in his word, we are challenged and encouraged to align our thoughts, feelings and will with his and so take hold of the good he has in store with us.

 

These notes are provided to help you listen to God as he speaks to us in his word. Each reading also has a ‘Today’s Prayer Suggestion’ that will hopefully inform and broaden your daily prayers. Each reading and prayer time should take about 15 minutes depending on the length and difficulty of the passage. They can be used for your personal Bible reading or even with your spouse and family.

 

Since we rely on God for understanding it is right that we pray for his help in understanding what he says to us. A prayer used by Christians for this purpose in the past (and present) is the one from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer (2nd Sunday in Advent):


Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Setting the Agenda: Acts 1:1-11

Luke’s ‘former book’ is the Gospel of Luke. Read Luke 1:1-4. What is his purpose in writing book one and (presumably) book two?

What is the significance of the word ‘began’ in verse 1?

How do the expectations of Jesus and the disciples conflict in 6-8?


Acts 1:1-11 sets the agenda for Acts in many ways yet ends with a promise that remains unfulfilled by the end of the book. What does the return of Jesus mean for you?


Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. QUT Christians: Praise God for the students who studied 1 John last semester. Pray that FOCUS groups would form well for Semester 2 and grow in love for God and each other.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 39: Isaiah 39

Day 39

Envoys from Babylon: Ch 39

The events of this chapter come soon after the previous and is what leads to the crisis of chapter 36-37. This was the beginning of the alliance between Babylon and Judah in opposition to Assyria. What is wrong with Hezekiah welcoming the envoys from Babylon?

How does the Lord respond to this? What is in store for the people of Jerusalem in the future?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He reveals both glory and warning; thank Him that He invites us to walk in humility, not pride.

2. Give thanks for those that help us to get into and understand God’s Word. Pray that as we gather around the Word on Sundays and at Growth Groups that we would be growing in faith and love.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 38: Isaiah 38

Day 38

Hezekiah’s Illness: Ch 38

This chapter steps back to a time before the crisis of the previous chapters, to a much more personal account from the life of Hezekiah. How does Hezekiah respond to his illness? How is this in contrast to his response in the previous chapter?

How does the Lord respond to Hezekiah? How is this a reflection of what will ultimately happen to Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians?

Take some time to reflect on Hezekiah’s reflections on his illness. How does this fit with our own experiences?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He listens to our cries in weakness; thank Him that He gives life and hope even when we feel undone.

2. Continue to pray for the student leadership at Griffith Christian Students.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 37: Isaiah 37

Day 37

Jerusalem is Delivered: Ch 37

The situation is very dire for the people of Jerusalem. Sennacherib is at their doorstep with his entire army and is ready to lay siege to capture Jerusalem. How does Hezekiah respond to this situation? Where does he turn?

As we look at how Hezekiah responded to the situation he faced, what does it teach us about how we should approach the Lord and pray to the Lord?

How does the Lord fulfill what he speaks through Isaiah?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He hears the prayers of His people; thank Him that He delivers those who humble themselves and call on His name.

2. Give thanks for our NCK & NCY leaders. Pray that they might keep growing in their love for Jesus and in their love for sharing him with the next generation.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 36: Isaiah 36

SECTION 4: IN WHOM SHALL WE TRUST?

Day 36

Jerusalem Under Threat: Ch 36

This middle section of Isaiah turns to what was actually happening in Judah at the time of Isaiah’s preaching. We are placed right in the middle of the action when Sennacherib is laying siege to Jerusalem and Egypt is nowhere to be found to support Jerusalem.

What parts of the speech given by the commander of the Assyrian army are true?

How is this speech deceptive? How has the truth been twisted by the commander to try and convince the Jews to surrender?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He is trustworthy when human words fail; thank Him that His promises are sure even in times of fear and pressure.

2. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne. Pray for perseverance and good progress with translation work.

3. 3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 35: Isaiah 35

Day 35

Looking Forward: Ch 35

As we come to the end of this section of Isaiah, we again get a glimpse of what we look forward to. We see that it is the Lord who brings salvation to those who are blind and deaf. What will this future be like? What is it looking forward to?

This passage speaks about a “highway” which will be called the “Way of Holiness”. Where does this highway lead? Who will travel on it? How do we see this fulfilled in the NT?

Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. Praise God that He strengthens the weak and heals the broken; thank Him that He leads us on the Way of Holiness to everlasting joy.

2. Pray that our current teaching series in 1 Samuel would help us grow in our appreciation for Jesus and our understanding of the Old Testament.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!