Good From Bad
I have good news. God is able to work through bad situations and events and bring something good from them. The early Church in the book of Acts was faced with difficulty and persecution. Opposition rose up against the early believers wherever they went. Paul was stoned at Lystra, yet God spared his life and he continued to preach, and strengthen and encourage people in the faith. Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement that sent them in separate directions. God used this to spread the gospel even more widely. Now two missionary teams were traveling and spreading the hope of the Gospel. Paul and Silas were thrown into prison and a Philippian jailer and his family were saved and baptized. The more that persecution arose, the more widely the gospel was proclaimed. Nothing could hinder the working of God’s grace. God’s plan could not be stopped!
Week 18
Bible Reading Plan
Weekly Content Questions
Every week, you'll see the same five content questions. Use them as a guide as you read the scriptures. Pray for consistency in your Bible reading.
Who are the main characters in this text, and is there anyone you can relate to?
Is there anything from this text that we are to do (obey, believe, heed, or follow)?
What do you learn about God in these chapters, and how has that changed what you believe about Him?
What do these passages reveal about human nature, sin, and our need for God?
What’s the Good News found in this text?
Application Questions
Every week, you'll see five unique application questions. Use them to help live out what you're learning in scripture. Pray for life transformation.
- How does jealousy bring into question God’s wisdom and goodness? When has jealousy motivated you to do or say something?
- If you believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, how does your life reflect that? What life evidence displays your belief?
- When faced with trials, how do you react? Do you trust in God’s wisdom and power or do you tend to struggle with worry and fear?
- This week, how can you strengthen fellow believers and encourage them to continue in the faith?
- When has fear held you back from sharing the gospel? How does the book of Acts encourage you to persevere?
Final Thought
Jesus knew that God’s redemption plan would involve pain and suffering, yet he did not turn away from the cross. The cross is the ultimate proof that God can bring good things out of bad things. That is good news!