Weekly Guide：Week 33
September 09, 2018
Forward
We continue the reading of the Book of Acts this week.
Some said the Book of Acts is actually a book of Holy Spirit’s Acts in which the actions of the Holy Spirit can be seen all throughout. With the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we gain the ability to testify His work. Without Holy Spirit, nothing accomplishes. If we are busy serving without a moment for devotion in our lives, we’d jeopardize our services. For if we rely our services on our flesh, how are we to testify the work of Holy Spirit?
We are easily distracted and often substitute the work of Holy Spirit with other efforts. Extravagant showmanship may bring entertainment to satisfy the eyes and the ears with sight and sound. It may leave deep impressions and provide profound attractions. But how is that different from a ball game or a concert? Can it be sustained in life’s most difficult times? Nothing is brought forth without Holy Spirit. Our testimonies are from God, in His presence, with prayers and patience, until the Holy Spirit grants us visions and moves our hearts.
May God’s word renew you all every day!
Question
- How did the Holy Spirit raise the first church?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The Holy Spirit filled the apostles to enable them to speak in tongues of different native languages of the crowds declaring God’s wonders.
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Peter addressed the crowds that Jesus is the Messiah.
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About three thousand heard and accepted his message were baptized and added to their number that day.
Meditation: My Story
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Integrity - Would I feel being cut to the heart and come to God to ask for forgiveness if someone spoke of my past sins, whether intentionally or not? We all need someone who can point out our spiritual weaknesses. More importantly, we need to listen to Holy Spirit’s guidance.
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Fidelity - Peter said: “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” We would not turn a blind eye to the unbelievers if we understand from bottom of our hearts the corruptness. Do I truly understand the corrupt generation I’m in?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did the apostles, being filled with Holy Spirit, preach?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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Peter preached again and about five thousand men believed.
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Facing the high priest, Peter fearlessly spoke of Jesus as the only way to Salvation.
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All believers prayed together were filled with Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
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God’s grace worked in all believers that they shared everything they had and there were no needy persons among them.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Jesus is the corner stone and sets standard for all believers to follow. Do I often reflect my own conduct upon the examples set by Jesus?
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Fidelity -It is a unique characteristic of early church that all things were shared. Would I assist financially those who are struggling in their livelihood even if it means lowering my own comfort level?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Where would the early church go when it faced deception, imprisonment, and complaints?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The outcome of deceiving the Holy Spirit puts our hearts in awe and fear.
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The Lord enabled the apostles to perform many signs and wonders. More men and women believed and added to their numbers. Those who were sick or tormented by impure spirits were healed.
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Prosecution could not stop the apostles. To the opposite, they were encouraged to preach more.
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A Pharisee named Gamaliel wisely asked others not to fight against God.
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As disciples increased in number, the needs of church grew. So, seven were chosen to “wait on table.”
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” Have I obeyed human beings due to peer pressure for my conduct in work or life?
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Fidelity - Gamaliel wisely pointed out what comes from God cannot be stopped. Have I been oblivious of God’s hand behind the scene due to my ignorance, perspective, or personal interest? Let me humble myself and seek God’s will often.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did Stephen preach Jesus until martyred?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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God enabled Stephen to perform wonders and signs but was falsely accused for blasphemy.
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Filled with Holy Spirit, Stephen declared to those in Sanhedrin that they were living in sin just like their ancestors, always resisted the Holy Spirit, prosecuted prophets, betrayed and murdered the Righteous One.
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Stephen martyred.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Stephen, falsely accused by all, had shown us the aspects of angel. As a follower of Jesus and the light and salt of the world, do I reflect God’s glory?
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Fidelity - Before being martyred, Stephen asked God to forgive those who falsely accused him. Would I pray for those who are against my faith? Can I forgive them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did the gospel spread to the Gentiles?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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By Jesus’ name, Peter healed a paralyzed and raised a dead.
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Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to preach gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Holy Spirit poured onto the Gentiles for the first time.
Meditation: My Story
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Identity - Cornelius appeared to be a perfect man for he was devout, God-fearing, gave generously to those in need, and prayed to God regularly. However perfect in our eyes, he still needed salvation from Jesus! We are often being self-righteous for our good conducts and become judgmental of others. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to remind me, to show me the sinful side of myself.
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Fidelity - Jews consider the Gentiles as impure, unclean, and unworthy to be associated with. But, led by the Holy Spirit, Peter was willing to go into their house to preach gospel to them. Are there people around me need to hear the gospel? Pray and ask God to help me surrender myself, to rid of all my prejudices, to see their needs, and preach them gospel.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What changes to the church came about from persecutions?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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All disciples except the apostles were scattered from Jerusalem.
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Philip preached in Samaria and baptized an Ethiopian eunuch.
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Saul on the way to Damascus hunting for disciples was met by Jesus Christ.
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Ananias was sent by the Holy Spirit to put his hand on Saul. Saul regained his eye sight and was converted.
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Saul preached to the Jews to prove Jesus is Christ.
Meditation: My Story
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Walking with God - Philip was able to explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch and baptized him for he followed the guidance of Holy Spirit. We won’t hear God’s calling and walk with Him if we don’t give ourselves up to be close to Him and used by Him. Do I often seek for His presence? Am I willing to be a vessel of His?
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Community - Even for Saul, a person whose only goal was to wipe out the disciples, could be turned around by God and become His vessel. Pray to the Lord to open my eyes, my sight, to grant me faith to preach to those who stand in the way of truth!
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Fidelity - Ananias heard the Holy Spirit’s calling and put his hand on Saul who was infamous for his persecution of the disciples. Am I willing to let the Holy Spirit lead me serve in areas I don’t have the courage to? Pray to the Lord to strengthen me when I have little faith!
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What testimonies did Moses give to the Israelites, pleading to them to obey God's commands?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses reiterated again the great miracles and wonders of God from the past to appeal to the people to abide by the covenant with God. The commands were not too difficult for them or beyond their reach: "The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." However, if their hearts turn away from God and not obedient: "All the curses written in this book will fall on them." But when they and their children return to God and obey God with all their hearts and souls, then God will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What God wants from me is not hard to do. It is my choice to let go many things right in front of my eyes because the reward is that glorious crown waiting for me in heaven. Let me reaffirm my goal before God, to walk on that narrow but the righteous path to the eternal life.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were Moses' final words to Joshua, the priest, the Levites, and the elders? What did God say to Moses and Joshua?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses could not enter the promised land because God did not allow him and he was old. However, God brought up Joshua to lead the Israelites to cross the Jordan river, to go into the land of Canaan, to destroy the nations on that land. Moses encouraged Joshua in front of all Israel that God will be with him.
+ Moses commanded the Levitical priests and elders to read to all Israel the law every seventh year, the year of cancelling debts, so they can learn to fear God.
+ God said to Moses and Joshua that the people will forsake Him and break the covenant. He told Moses to write down a song "so that it may be a witness for me against them."
+ Moses finished writing the words of the Book of the Law and placed it beside the ark of covenant as a witness against Israel.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Moses passed on to Joshua the duty of leading the people to war and to go into the land of Canaan. The burden laid upon Joshua seemed to be unbearably heavy from man's point of view. However, like the faith he had when first scouted in the land of Canaan, Joshua had complete faith that God will fight for Israel. What prevents me from accepting God's calling? Pray to God to strengthen my faith in Him.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses write in the song? What were the blessings to the twelve tribes?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Chapter 32: Moses wrote the song by God's command to recall God's blessings, people's rebellion, the punishments that followed, and God's promises and redemption. The song proclaimed that God is the rock and He is the only God. Moses asked the people to take all the words to heart so they can command their children to obey. The words are not idle; The words are their life. God once again told Moses that he will not enter the land of Canaan for he did not uphold God's holiness at the waters of Meribah.
+ Chapter 33: Moses' blessing to the twelve tribes. It began with God's glory and ended with praises to the graces the people have received. It is such a blessing being chosen by God and His mercy can be seen easily through Moses' blessing even though Israel would eventually fail.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The rebellious people of Israel worshiped those useless false gods. We, too, often spend much energy pursuing those temporary pleasures and corruptible materials. Like the children who see only the sand on a beautiful beach, we forget the eternal treasure in heaven. Pray to God to help me see beyond my nose, help me see what He has planned for me in heaven.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How does God view the life of His servant?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses went up to Mount Nebo by himself. God let him see the entire promised land of Canaan on top of Pisgah. God buried Moses. Moses died at age of one hundred and twenty, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.
+ With Moses' passing, Joshua became the leader of the new generation. The Israelites listened to him.
+ Moses is someone God knew face by face. He was the greatest prophet of Israel. Lord sent him to do all kinds of signs and wonders in Egypt and to show the mighty power and awesome deeds in the sight of all Israel.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Moses did not lead the Israelites to go into the land of Canaan but still earned the highest approval from God. How do I view the success of my job, service, and parenting? Is my identity and value determined by the outcome of my work or by God? Is my satisfaction fulfilled by the world's view of success or by knowing God?
+ **Integrity** - God said to Moses: "you will not cross." Moses did not argue or rebel. When God not giving me what I want, do I view lightly His authority like Adam and Eve did by eating the forbidden fruit or do I obey like Moses did? Let me pray in front of God ask Him to give me an obedient heart.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Book of Joshua, the account of Israelites entering the land of Canaan to take possession the Promised Land.
### Question
How did God lead the Israelites after Moses' passing?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God called upon Joshua to succeed Moses and commanded him to lead Israelites to go into the land promised to their ancestors.
+ God continued to be the main character in the Book of Joshua.
+ See how important God viewed faith and covenant from the calling of Joshua.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - God told Joshua repeatedly "be strong and courageous" because He will be with them. Am I staying put because I rely on myself or am I strong and courageous because I have faith in God?
+ **Fidelity** - Compare the scene where God called upon Joshua to lead the Israelites to the scene where Jesus commissioned disciples in Matthew 28. Think about my life and faith. Am I staying on the east side of Jordan River where life is easy and safe or am I stepping out of my comfort zone to take up the great commission?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the first thing the Israelites prepared for before going into Canaan?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Joshua sent spies to Jericho. God saved the spies through the lowly prostitute named Rahab.
+ The spies brought back the news that Jericho was filled with fear. Compare this to scouts' report in Numbers 13-14 and how it affected the Israelites.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Rahab was a Gentile yet God used her to save His people. I was once among the Gentiles but God chose me. Compare my life before and after knowing God. How has it transformed through my new identity? Pray and ask God to continue transform me.
+ **Integrity** - I was a Gentile, I am imperfect, and I am still rebellious and full of sins. Reflect on my past identity and give thanks to the Lord. Atone to God and ask Him to remove my ugly mask. Ask the Lord to give me a spiritual buddy, to pray with me, to lift each other up, to grow and sanctify together.
+ **Fidelity** - It can be seen from Rahab's story that God is not biased against the Gentiles who believe and have faith in Him. Are there Gentiles around me? Can I treat them with grace and love them like God treated Rahab?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the Israelites continue to go to war for lands after Joshua had passed?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Israel had no more leader after Joshua.
+ After consulting with the Lord, the tribe of Judah and Simeon went with God to obtain and destroy completely Jerusalem, Hebron, and other cities. But they were not able to drive out the Canaanites who had chariots fitted with iron. Caleb drove out Anak was given Hebron as Moses had promised. The tribes of Joseph, with God, attacked Bethel.
+ Othniel captured Kiriath Sepher and married Caleb's daughter as wife. He then became the first judge God had raised.
+ Benjamites, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, and Danites weren't able to drive out the Canaanites but pressed them into forced labor.
+ Lord's angel said to the Israelites for they did not drive out the Canaanites, did not break their altars, and made covenant with them, so the Canaanites will not be driven out and will become traps and snares to the Israelites. The people wept aloud.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The Israelites compromised and did not drive out the Canaanites because: 1. They benefited from slavery; 2. They were afraid of the iron chariots. Their compromises became their traps in later days. Do I often compromise because of the worldly gains or the pattern of the world is too powerful for me to rely on God to fight for me?
+ **Fidelity** - With his complete faith and reliance on God, Caleb gotten the inheritance through Moses the promise from God. When I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith, there will be the crown of righteousness in store for me. Pray to God to take my vision away from the worldly gains and fixate on the glorious crown in heaven.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What kept recurring during the time of Judges?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The new generation of Israelites who knew nothing of what God had done for them turned away from God and started to worship foreign gods. The Lord brought them disasters and put them in the hands of raiders as He had sworn to them.
+ The Israelites were in great distress so God raised up judges to save them out of the hands of those raiders.
+ After the judges died, the Israelites returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors. The Lord left some nations to teach them warfare and to test if they would obey the Lord's commands. But the Israelites disobeyed by living among those people, served their gods, and intermixed with them in marriage.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The Israelites had a tight grip on God when they were in distress and yet they relied on Baals for their worldly indulgence. We are just like them. We want God's salvation and yet could not let go of money, power, fame and pride. Let me go in front of God and let Him be my Lord, let Him take control of my life.
+ **Fidelity** - The previous generation of Israelites saw what God had done for them and feared God. But they did not pass that onto the next generation and caused the later generations to turn away from God. Let me recite to my children what God has done for me to help them know God, to experience God, and to understand that God is not their parents' alone, but their God, as well.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who were the four judges God raised up first?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ God put the Israelites into the hands of Canaanites and caused them suffering because they turned away from God to serve other gods. God raised up judges to save the Israelites when they cried to the Lord. However, they became corrupted as soon as peace came.
+ God raised up Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah as judges.
+ Deborah, the female judge, encouraged Barak to rely on God to battle and defeat the army of Hazor which had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron. Another woman, Jael, drove a tent peg through the temple of Sisera, the commander of Canaan's army who fled the battle field, which led to the end of Jabin king of Canaan.
+ Deborah and Barak sang a song to praise the Lord for His victory against army of Hazor.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - With an insignificant oxgoad, Shamgar struck down six hundred Philistines. His ordinary oxgoad became extraordinary like Moses' staff because God was with Shamgar. We must be equipped with the armor from God in order to battle "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Let me rely on God and His armor when I face challenges.
+ **Fidelity** - As Miriam sang song to praise the Lord at the Red Sea, Deborah and Barak sang praising song to commemorate the victory God had won for them. We must often count the blessings and praise God for His deeds to bring more lost souls to Him.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the fifth judge battle the huge army of Midianites and won with only three hundred men?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Israelites again behaved sinfully after a time of peace and were put in the hands of Midianites.
+ The angel of God came to Gideon and burned all offerings as proof that he was called upon by God. Gideon built an altar and called it "The Lord is Peace."
+ Gideon, obeyed God regardless of the danger, demolished the altar his father had built to Baal then built an altar to God. Baal was not able to defend for himself.
+ Before fighting the Midianite army, God showed Gideon twice that He was in control with dry/wet wool fleece.
+ God cut down the number of Gideon's already small army to just three hundred men. God enabled them to defeat the Midianite army and killed one hundred twenty thousand. (Judges 8:10)
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Gideon disregarded the danger of being stoned to death to destroy Baal's altar. We may also face misunderstanding, disrespect, insults, and even personal danger when testifying for our Lord. Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith and help me to live out a holy life.
+ **Fidelity** - Gideon obeyed God's command to cut his already small army to just a mere three hundred while the Midianite army was one hundred thirty five thousand in number. God did this to show that it was He made possible the impossible. If we rely on ourselves, we'd move forward only when we have an apparent advantage but retract otherwise. Let God help me to focus on Him, the rock that never fails.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was the late generations influenced by the ephod Gideon built for the victory over the Midianites?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ephraimites complained because they weren't called to fight the Midianites. Gideon comforted them by being humble.
+ Gideon and the three hundred men kept pursuing the remaining fifteen thousand Midianites. The two Midianite kings were killed and their entire army fled.
+ Gideon punished the men of Sukkoth and Peniel for their refusal to help Gideon's men.
+ Gideon refused to rule over the Israelites but with the Midianite gold he built an ephod which became a snare.
+ After Gideon's death, Israelites turned away from God to worship Baals and failed to show any loyalty to Gideon's family.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - After winning the war over Midianites, Gideon did not build an altar to God but an ephod to commemorate his victory. Have I remembered to glorify God for the victories I experienced or did I steal the glory for myself?
+ **Fidelity** - The Sukkoth and Peniel may not have believed that three hundred men could defeat fifteen thousand and thus refused to help Gideon. When choosing between the seemingly weak side of God and the seemingly strong side of the world, is my choice based on my fear in going against the popular culture? Pray and ask God to help me and strengthen my heart so that I can live out a life that pleases God.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened after Abimelek, a son of Gideon, was crowned king?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Gideon's son Abimelek crowned himself as king. He murdered his seventy brothers and only the youngest, Jotham, escaped. Jotham shouted to citizen of Shechem to warn them that they would be consumed by fire.
+ Animosity came between Abimelek and citizen of Shechem. Three years later, Abimelek was killed by a millstone dropped by a woman on a tower while attacking Thebez.
+ After Abimelek, God raised up Tola and Jair as judges.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - We all wish God to punish as soon as possible the evil doers such as Abimelek. However, God gave him three years. We are all sinners, under God's patience. Let me be grateful to God's patience and face my own weakness and sins in earnest.
+ **Fidelity** - Gideon appeared to be very successful with his victory over the Midianites. But, he was a complete failure in raising his son Abimelek. What have I been lacking in raising my children to walk God's path?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses