Issues In Perspective

Paul creates an alternative way for the Gentiles of Athens to think about the spiritual world. Today, this still challenges the thinking & views of a non-theological society.

Paul's visits to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens are powerful & fruitful in bringing more Greeks to faith.

The Second Missionary Journey continues: events at Philippi & Thessolonia, including the jailing & beating of Paul & Silas.

Dr Eckman leads discussion of Paul's Second Missionary Journey.

The First Church Council writes a letter to Gentile believers, encouraging their behavior for the sake of the Jews they are trying to reach with the Gospel. Excellent in-depth side discussion of Personal Liberty vs a Christian obligation to new or non-believers.

Paul, Barnabas, & Peter go to elders of the Church in Jerusalem, to dispute the false doctrine being taught, and educate them we are justified by Faith alone, & not by our works or the keeping of laws & traditions.

Continued discussion of Paul & Barnabas' first missionary journey, performing miracles & sharing the Gospel

A review of Paul's message to the Jews at Persidian Antioch, plus additional discussion of "sustaining grace vs saving grace", and God's divine sovereignty vs Man's responsible freedom.

Paul speaks to Jews at Persidian Antioch, sharing how Jesus in the Messiah they've been awaiting.

The first Missionary journey of Paul: encountering false prophets in Cyprus, and sharing the Gospel with Jews in Persidian Antioch.

The Church at Antioch faces continued persecution from King Herod - including the death of James, and the arrest of Peter. Despite these acts, the Church continued to grow & believers multiplied throughout the region.

Dr Eckman leads discussion of the growth & influence of the Church at Antioch, under the guidance of Barnabas & Saul.

Acts 10:30-11:15

Peter is further enabled for ministry through the resurrection of Tabitha, and his vision at Joppa, which helped him to see that when the Holy Spirit comes, the old Jewish laws are set aside & the New Order of Jesus has begun.

Continued discussion of Saul's conversion from a Jewish leader who persecuted Christians, to a believer proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.

Phillip's actions at Samaria show how everyone is equal at the cross; Simon seeks the Holy Spirit for ungenuine purposes; Phillip preaches on the Gaza Road.

Luke writes on dividing up the work & duties of Church leadership; the disciple Stephen is accused of blasphemy by Jewish priests.

Discussion of God's swift judgement on matters of deceit; As the church grows, the apostle preach at the temple and endure persecution as they proclaim God's Word.

Dr Eckman discusses the bold healing & preaching of Peter & John; the apostles face persecution, as unity & numbers in the Church grow.

Peter continues his case that Jesus is the Messiah that the Jewish people have awaited.

Peter encourages those at Pentacost to repent & be baptized; The miracle & the message of the Healing of the lame man.

Dr Eckman discusses Peter's sermon at Pentacost: how proves that what happened is a fulfillment of Joel, and he demonstrates by using the Old Testament that Jesus in the Messiah.

The Holy Spirit comes over those gathered at Pentacost; Peter addresses the crowd, proclaiming another fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Matthias replaces Judas amongst the Apostles; the Holy Spirit comes at Pentacost.

Dr Eckman begins a new study of the book of Acts. Written by Luke, Acts concerns the very vital period in Christian history between the resurrection of Jesus and the death of the apostle Paul; a time when Christian ideas and beliefs were being formulated and when the organization of the church into a worldwide movement was being developed.