God Delivers Peter

Sunday, November 1, 2015
Acts 12:1-11 KJV 

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What things did King Herod purpose to do and succeed in doing? What motivated his actions? (v.1-4)
2) What did the other disciples do while the Apostle Peter was in prison? (v.5)
3) Who, and what, kept Peter bound? (v.6)
4) Who, or what, visited Peter during the night and what was done and said to the apostle? (v.7-10)
5) What did Peter think was happening to him and what did he think after he came to himself? (v.9c,11)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever been miraculously delivered from an impossible situation? If so, briefly describe what happened.

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Lord will allow us to go through difficulties to reveal Himself as our deliverer after He enables us to overcome the situation.

The Freeing God

Saturday, October 31, 2015
Acts 12:12-18 KJV 

12 And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened [the door], and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the Apostle Peter had been awakened in prison and escorted out by an angel, what did he do and what were the other disciples doing, at that time? (v.12)
2) Who did Peter encounter after he knocked at the door of the gate and how did that person respond? (v.13-14)
3) How did the other disciples respond to the young girl's report? (v.15)
4) What did Peter continue doing and what did the disciples find after opening the door? (v.16) 
5) What was Peter's response to the other disciples and and what how did the soldiers respond the following morning? (v.17-18)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever been miraculously delivered from a seemingly impossible situation? If so, briefly describe what happened?

LIFE LESSONS
7) Nothing can abort the plan of God for the lives of those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

Trusting the Spirit

Sunday, October 25, 2015
Act 11:1-18 KJV 

1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning, and expounded [it] by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: 13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the apostles and disciples hear about the Gentiles in Judea? (v.1) 
2) What happened to the Apostle Peter when he went to Jerusalem? (v.2-3)
3) How did Peter respond? (v.4-17)
4) How did the Jewish disciples respond to what the Apostle Peter told them? (v.18)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever refused to share Christ with anyone because of their ethnicity or economic station in life? If so, why?
6) Has you ever been challenged about the people that you shared Christ with? If so, why?

LIFE LESSONS
7) Our Lord died for everyone and expects His followers to share Him with whoever He sends our way.
8) We share Christ through our testimony and are witnesses to the love of Christ through the giving of our time, talent and/or treasure.

Peter Takes Another Risk

October 17, 2015
Acts 10:24-38 KJV 

24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him]. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I [unto you] without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How did Cornelius react before and after the Apostle Peter arrived in Caesarea? (v.24-25)
2) How did Peter respond to Cornelius' greeting and who else did he find assembled in Cornelius' house? (v.26-27)
3) What did Peter say to those assembled in Cornelius' house and what did he ask them? (v.28-29)
4) What was Cornelius' response to Peter? (v.30-33)
5) What did Peter tell those assembled about God and the Lord Jesus Christ (v.34-38)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Who first witnessed to you about Jesus Christ?
7) What did they say that convinced you of your need for Him in your life?
8) Have you ever refused to share Christ with an unbeliever? If so, why?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Holy Spirit emboldens and inspires believers to share the Gospel in ways that will convince them that Jesus is real, convict their hearts of sin, and compel them to give their lives to Christ.

Peter Follows Through

Friday, October 16, 2015
Acts 10:17-23 KJV 

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what [is] the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged [them]. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Peter doing while the men Cornelius sent to him were waiting his house? What did they want from the Apostle? (v.17-18)
2) Who alerted Peter that Cornelius' men were outside his house and what was he told to do? (v.19-20)
3) What did Peter do next and how did he respond to the visitors? (v.21)
4) What did the men tell Peter? (v.22)
5) What did Peter do for the men that night and on the following morning? (v.23)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Has the Holy Spirit ever asked you to do something that made no sense to you? If so, how did you respond.

LIFE LESSONS
7) The only correct response to the leading of the Holy Spirit is obedience, whether we understand what He is doing, or not.

Peter is Stretched

Thursday, October 15, 2015
Acts 10:1-16 KJV 

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band], 2 [A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for [one] Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all [these] things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the Scripture tell you about Cornelius? (v.1-3)
2) What did Cornelius see in a vision, what was said to him, and how did Cornelius respond? (v.4-8)
3) What did the Apostle Peter see and hear in a vision and what was his response to what he heard? (v.9-16)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Has the Lord ever asked you to do anything that you were opposed to doing? If so, briefly describe what happened.

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord will, at times, ask His people to do things that grow our faith in Him.

Peter Takes a Risk

Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Matthew 14:22-33 KJV 

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After feeding the five thousand, what did Jesus constrain his disciples to do? (v.22)
2) What did Jesus do after the multitudes departed? (v.23)
3) What was happening to the ship that the disciples had boarded? (v.24)
4) How and when did Jesus go to them and how did they respond when they saw Him? (v.25-26)
5) What did Jesus say to them to calm them? (v.27)
6) What did Peter say to the Lord? (v.28)
7) How did the Lord respond and what did Peter do? (v.29)
8) Why did Peter begin to sink and what did the Lord do in response? (v.30-31)
9) When did the wind cease and what did the disciples do and say to the Lord, in response? (v.32-33)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) What do you do when everything seems to be going wrong in your life?
11) What risks are you willing to take, to draw closer to our Lord, in faith?

LIFE LESSONS
12) Our first response during troubling times should always be to pray to the only One who has the power to assail our fears and to right whatever is troubling us.
13) The Lord allows storms in our lives to test our faith in Him.
14) The Lord expects us to hold fast to our faith in Him, no matter how dire our circumstances may appear to be.
15) When we keep our focus on the Lord, we will not be overwhelmed by the trials and troubles of this life.

Prevailing Truth

Saturday, September 19, 2015
Act 4:5-12 KJV

5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who gathered to question the Apostles Peter and John, the day after their arrest? (v.5-6)
2) What did they ask them? (v.7)
3) Who responded, how did he differ from those he responded to, and what did he tell them? (v.8-12)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever had to defend your faith in the Lord Jesus? If so, briefly describe what happened.

LIFE LESSONS
5) The indwelling Holy Spirit emboldens us and grants us divine wisdom to share Christ with others.  

No One Else

Friday, September 4, 2015
Act 4:1-12 NIV 

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After the lame man was healed at the gate Beautiful, who confronted Peter and John? What were the apostles doing, at that time? (v.1)
2) Why did these men confront the apostles? (v.2)
3) What did the men do to the apostles? (v.3)
4) What happened to many who heard the apostles message and what was the impact on Christianity? (v.4)
5) Who met the next day? Where? (v.5-6)
6) What did they do to the apostles? (v.7)
7) What did Peter tell them and who (or what) was He under the influence of? (v.8-10)
8) What did Peter tell them about Jesus and salvation? (v.11-12)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Who, or what, emboldens you to share your testimony with unbelievers?

10) Would you share the gospel with unbelievers even if doing so would cost you your reputation, your relationships, your standing in the community, and/or your life?

LIFE LESSONS
11) The indwelling Holy Spirit enables believers to boldly share the gospel of Jesus Christ with non-believers, at any cost!

Oh, You of Little Faith

Sunday, December 28, 2014
Matthew 14:22-36 KJV

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; 36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What three things did Jesus do after feeding the five thousand? (v.22-23)
2) What happened to the ship? Why? (v.24)
3) What did the disciples see and how did they respond? (v. 25-26)
4) What did Jesus say to them? (v.27)
5) How did Peter respond? Why? (v.28-30)
6) What did Jesus do and say to Peter? (v.31)
7) What happened next? (v.32-36)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) What is your typical response to trouble? Describe one such time?
9) How do you typically respond when the Lord delivers you out of trouble?

LIFE LESSONS
10) At times, it is the Lord's will for His children to go through trouble to grow our faith.
11) The safest place on earth to be is in the center of God's will.
12) The best and only acceptable response to God, in troubled times or good, is worship.