Acts (2010)

Note: Due to technical difficulties, the first several minutes of the video are not available. However, the audio file (MP3) contains the entire class.

In our study of Acts, we are currently looking at what the Bible says about managing our resources. We are reminded that although God allows for flexibility within different cultures, His absolute social structures are universal and embedded in all of creation. Part of our personal responsibility is providing for others. In this lesson, we learn more of the righteous and gracious provisions for the poor.

In our study of Acts, we are currently engaging in a side study of economics - what the Bible says about managing our resources. In this lesson, we are reminded that although God allows for flexibility within different cultures, His absolute social structures are universal and embedded in all of creation. As we look at the Divine Institution of individual responsibility, we learn that the emphasis is on accountability in the areas of personal responsibility, property, and value. We learn that value is imputed by God to His creatures, but the value of His Word, God, and Jesus Christ are the only values of an intrinsic nature.

In our study of Acts, we are currently engaging in a side study of economics - what the Bible says about managing our resources. In this lesson, we look at Genesis 1 and 2 where we learn that universal absolute social structures are embedded in all of creation, and how we are to manage the resources we are given. As we study more about the Divine Institutions designed by God, we learn about the economics tied to these institutions and how the Trinity itself is economic. We are introduced to the concept of value and whether the Bible determines value subjectively or objectively.

As we continue in our study of Acts, the Biblical concept of labor, property, and value are in focus. With the many issues regarding these concepts in the forefront of today's headlines, it is important that we are certain we have the ability to use proper discernment - to think in a Biblical way. However, this can be very difficult when we live in a society with so many Romans 1:19 people.

In this lesson, we take a close look at the current events of the continued attack on the nation of Israel by the world. We learn the significance of Israel being the apple of God's eye. And we begin a review of the framework of society - the Divine Institutions created by God.

As we continue in our study of the Biblical concept of labor, property, and value, many questions arise. Is Christian socialism legitimate? How do we define value? The Bible clearly teaches that we are to labor, so how does the Bible relate to modern day economics? How we answer these questions determines how our society prospers.

Acts is a transition book. It is a narrative description of some very important concepts about the Christian life in the Church age, but it is not a prescription. We see the transition from the Age of Israel to the Church Age. We see the dispensation of the Mosaic Law transition into the dispensation of Grace. And we see the transition of the church from mainly Jewish to Gentile.

In this lesson we learn the Biblical concept of money, labor, and profit. We find out if the Bible says that "money is the root of all evil" and why the early Christians in Acts sold all their resources and layed them at the apostles' feet. Is this the example of what Christians are to do today?

The Importance of Prayer. Acts 4:25-37. October 11, 2011.

As we review the mechanics of effective prayer: confession, gratitude, thanksgiving, intercession, and petition, we see these components applied in a powerful way by the apostles in the way they pray. But as believers in the Church Age, are we to include each of these components every time we pray in order to have an effective prayer life? As we observe more of these early believers, their actions and decisions cause some questions to arise. What was their motivation? Were their actions in keeping with a form of socialism sanctioned in Scripture?

As we learn more about the importance of prayer, we are reminded of the impact our prayers have when we are focused and properly motivated.