Reading from James 1:1-18 NLT ~ Greetings from James, Faith and Endurance~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at James’ encouragement to people going through troubling times.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 18:1-28 NLT ~ In Corinth, Priscilla, Aquila, Apollos~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the pattern and big picture of what God was accomplishing through Paul and the other disciples.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 17:16-34 NLT ~ Paul Preaches in Athens~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the people of Athens and Paul’s engagement with them as he shares the Gospel.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 17:1-15 NLT ~ Paul Preaches in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas in Berea~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the pattern Paul finds himself in. Crowds being manipulated. Using charges of crimes against Caesar, as a weapon against the preaching of the Gospel.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 16:20-40 NLT ~ Paul and Silas in Prison~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the miracle for the jailor, and Paul identifying as a Roman citizen.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 16:11-19 NLT ~ Lydia of Philippi Believes in Jesus, Paul and Silas Dragged Before the Authorities~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The apostles obeying the city ordinance. The frustrating presence of the demonic and how Jesus responded to the demonic.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15:1-21 NLT ~ Paul’s Second Missionary Journey, A Call from Macedonia~ Scripture reading followed by brief discussion and encouragement.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15:1-21 NLT ~ The Letter for Gentile Believers, Paul and Barnabas Separate~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Recap of the council at Jerusalem. The prophets, Judas and Silas. The disagreement of Paul and Barnabas and what we can take away from their division.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15:1-21 NLT ~ The Council at Jerusalem~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the desire to make gentile followers look a certain way and follow the laws that no generation has been able to follow. The prohibition of items decided by the council would have kept gentile followers from participating in pegan worship ceremonies.

Reading Acts of the Apostles Chapter 14:21-28 NLT ~ Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch of Syria~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the encouragement for future struggles. Handing the elders over to the Lord. God is in charge. The encouragement from hearing a missionary’s report.