Scriptures reviewed: Heb. 7:11, 18; Heb. 8:6-13; Heb. 9:11-15

Discipleship Points: A number of scriptures illustrate the end of the law: if perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for under it people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise? Heb. 8:18 reads "there is an annulling of the former commandment due to its weakness and unprofitableness for the law made nothing perfect...on the other hand there is the bringing in of a better hope." Jesus is a better priest, continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood and saves to the uttermost.

Scriptures Reviewed: Gal. 4 (1-2 verses); Isa. 53; Heb. 7:20-28

Discipleship Points: Jesus fulfilled the various prophecies in Isaiah including the Lord had laid the iniquity of us all and He bore the sins of many. In Heb. 7:20-28 we saw many pertinent points including Jesus was made a priest by an oath, He is a priest forever, He has an unchangeable priesthood, He is able to save to the uttermost, and the law appointed high priests who have weaknesses but the oath which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

Scriptures Reviewed: Deut. 28, Gal. 3:19-4:7

Discipleship Points: Many measure their Christian life fully or partly based upon keeping commandments. These believers and others think mainly on the 10 Commandments. This seems spiritual until we understand there are 613 commandments. The scriptures in Galatians clearly show the Law (keeping commandments and such) was added because of transgressions, it cannot give live or righteousness and was a tutor to bring us to Christ. Once He came, we were no longer under a tutor.

Scriptures Reviewed: Acts 16:25-40; Acts 17:1-9

Discipleship Points: Two believers were faithful in their walk with the Lord, praising Him at midnight while locked in jail. Their efforts led to the salvation of others. The Lord produced a sign and wonder freeing from the jail. In Acts 17, Paul is faithful to preach in the synagogues, and a church is established in three weeks. Many were saved as Paul and others preached and taught the Bible they knew, a testament to al to study the Word.

Scriptures Reviewed: Acts 15:30-41; Acts 16:1-24

Discipleship Points: One comment is "it seemed good to remain there." This confirms why we pray about everything, i.e. stay with the peace. Chapter 15 ends with a disagreement, but not a complete disconnect. Verse 3 shows another reason to always pray: the Holy Spirit forbade some to preach in Asia, while a man in Macedonia asked for help. A slave-girl with a demonic spirit was set free, but the two disciples paid a price.

Scriptures Reviewed: Acts 15:1-29

Discipleship Points: There was a serious conflict between some brothers who taught circumcision was necessary for salvation and the apostles and others who said it was not necessary. The great joy over those who were saved was tempered by this dispute. Many today may not use circumcision but use another form of legalism. The apostles won out teaching that God gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit without circumcision, showing grace was the true answer.

Scriptures Reviewed: Acts 13 and various.

Discipleship Points: The power of faithfulness and its importance in the life of a believer.

Scriptures Reviewed: Acts 14:1-11; Matt. 8:16-17; Isa. 53:4-5.

Discipleship Points: Verses in Acts say "the disciples spoke the Word, with the Lord bearing witness with signs and wonders." Theses verses show the Lord manifests or produce signs and wonders. We encourage believers to ponder that if miracles come from the Lord they should be embraced. Another miracle, with no outward prayer, is found in Acts 14:8-11. One sad note comes from the 8-11 healing. Barnabas and Paul were almost hailed as "gods" yet soon after, the same townspeople were turned against the two, showing the fickleness of human nature.

Scriptures Reviewed: Luke 16:11-12; Matt. 25:14-30; Acts 13:30-35.

Discipleship Points: One who is faithful in little will be faithful in much. If someone is not faithful with worldly wealth, who would entrust him or her with the true riches. Sold out believers practice with the unrighteous wealth, so they can gain things of eternal nature. Tithing is an area many believers could improve in. No matter where one starts, i.e. 1 or two talents, a shepherd boy like David, et al, one can rise. Jesus did not see corruption, though all others do/did, so God has the ability to prevent corruption/do the miraculous.

Scriptures Reviewed: Acts 13:1-29

Discipleship Points: While ministering to the Lord, Paul and Barnabas were set apart. Paul dealt with Bar-Jesus, a false prophet. David was called a "man who would do all God's will" as part of Paul's sermon in the synagogue.