Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Dr. Jay Strack is the president and founder of Student Leadership University and has inspired over 15 million students on middle school, high school, and university campuses. Acclaimed by leaders in the business world, religious affiliations, and education realms as a dynamic speaker, he speaks and writes with compelling communication. Scott Dawson began the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association in 1987 by giving simple testimonials, speaking at youth rallies and church revivals. Since then SDEA has grown into an outreach organization that has allowed him to speak to over 500,000 people, influencing their lives by proclaiming the peace and hope found in Christ. Scott and his wife, Tarra, have two children. Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama

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out of the shadows and into the world

Thomas Nelson

Contents

Introduction...................................................................7Lesson 1: Out of the Shadows (Luke 24).........................................11Lesson 2: Into the World (Acts 1 and 2)........................................25Lesson 3: Ministry at the Gate (Acts 3 and 4)..................................37Lesson 4: The Prize Is Worth the Commitment (Acts 6 and 7).....................51Lesson 5: Blinded by the Son (Acts 9)..........................................67Lesson 6: Kidnapped by Angels (Acts 12)........................................77Lesson 7: They Turned the World Upside Down (Acts 17)..........................91Lesson 8: Emerge and Engage (Acts 26)..........................................109

Chapter One

out of the shadows

Luke 24

>> PURPOSE

In the very last chapter of his gospel, Luke wants us to know that God came into history through the Person of Jesus Christ, in order that we might see and investigate the God who performs the supernatural as He reaches out to His creation.

>> BACKSTORY

Luke wants us to know that in order to save the world Jesus chose not to save Himself from the pain and suffering of the cross. Jesus lived the only perfect life, impacting us two thousand years later. He invested His life into His twelve disciples and other followers by teaching, equipping, and mentoring them. Luke ends his gospel with an account of those who were eyewitnesses to the miracles of Christ. They hid behind locked doors, burdened with fear, doubts, and uncertainties after the world turned on Jesus. As they remembered the words of Christ, these believers emerged from the shadows and found confidence. (Adapted from the Impact Bible)

"This ending point becomes the starting point for Luke's sequel, known as the Acts of the Apostles. The story isn't really over; it's just begun. The life and ministry of Jesus that Luke has just recounted is the mustard-seed stage of the kingdom of God that continues to grow and grow and grow. Now it's time for this Kingdom to fill the world. If Luke's gospel is about what Jesus began to do and teach, then Luke's sequel is about what the risen Jesus continues to do and teach through His followers for millennia." (The Voice, page 1285)

>> CHARACTERS

Luke: The author of the Book of Luke; a physician and a co-worker with Paul. An educated man who interviewed those who were eyewitnesses of the life and works of Christ, then wrote their stories for the generations to come. He was not one of the original disciples.

Mary Magdalene: Healed by Jesus of seven demons.

Mary, the mother of James and wife of Clopas: Possibly a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Joanna: The wife of Chuza, Herod's finance minister.

The Disciples: Eleven of the twelve men who traveled with Jesus and were eyewitnesses to His power. They personally saw the miracles and were discipled by Jesus' words.

Jesus: The resurrected Christ; He appears three times in this chapter.

Angels: Messengers of God sent to the women to announce the Resurrection.

>> THINK: PUT YOURSELF IN THE STORY!

Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary of Clopas went to the tomb, but they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Two angels came and told them, "He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' And they remembered His words" (Luke 24:6–8).

The women took this message to the disciples, who were hiding in the shadows behind closed, locked doors, and then Peter ran to see it for himself. He saw the empty tomb, but doubt and uncertainty ruled him, even though Peter had seen the miracles and power of Christ firsthand.

Two of the early followers traveled to a nearby town called Emmaus, and as they walked, Jesus appeared, but they did not recognize Him. Jesus asked the men why they were sad, and one answered, "Are you the only person in Jerusalem who doesn't know that the chief rulers delivered Jesus, a prophet mighty in deed and word, to crucifixion? We thought He was the one who would save Israel. Now His body is missing and they say He is alive." Jesus patiently began to teach them, again, all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures concerning Himself. They asked Him to stay for dinner, and as He blessed the bread, their eyes were opened and they knew Him.

Immediately, they returned to Jerusalem, found the other disciples, and told them, "The Lord is risen indeed!" (Luke 24:34). As they were telling them this news, Jesus appeared out of nowhere and said, "Peace to you" (v. 36). Instead of rejoicing, the disciples were afraid, and Jesus asked, "Why do doubts arise in your hearts?" (v. 38). He showed them His hands and feet, and then reminded them again: "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things" (vv. 46–48).

>> DREAM: JUST IMAGINE IF ...

1. The disciples focused on His death (the negative shadow), not on the words that promised His resurrection (the positive emergence). What they saw—His death—became more powerful in their minds than the truth they knew—His resurrection. Is there something you "see" (for example, insecurity, rejection, family pressure, gossip, loneliness) that is stronger in your mind than the truth you already know?

What sin habits do you see that are so rampant they seem normal even though you know they are not?

Give an example of something in media or music that teaches a different view of sexual intimacy than what the Word of God does. How is it made to look normal or mainstream?

Read the instruction in 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober-minded. How would you compare this command with culture's much more casual attitude toward drug and alcohol use?

2. Describe a time when you felt confused or scared. It could involve a family situation, peer pressure, health issue, money problem, friendship, or anything else.

With that in mind, is there any biblical principle or Bible verse you remember that would change how you feel about your confusion and fear? What is it? Write it here as you remember it.

3. Have you heard that women were not valued in biblical times? Maybe you have even been told that women are devalued in today's churches?

Read Luke 24:1 and 10. Who was first told of the Resurrection?

Why do you think were they were the first ones Jesus entrusted with the news?

What do you think this shows about Jesus' attitude toward women and His level of respect for them?

>> LEAD: EARN THE RIGHT

1. In Luke 24:25 Jesus called the disciples slow of heart. What do you think this means? How does it affect leadership?

In this digital age, with Scripture readily available on your phone, tablet, or computer, why is it still important to memorize Scripture?

King David, a man after God's own heart, said this: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that...