Dan Gould

Category: Bible Challenge

  • Acts 2:14-40

    “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?

    38 Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles[f]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!’” v. 37-40

    After Peter’s powerful, Spirit-filled message, the people were deeply moved and asked, “what should we do?”  This is the basic question we must ask.  It is not enough to be sorry for our sins.  We must repent ask God to forgive us, and then live like forgiven people.  Has God spoken to you through His Word or through the words of another believer?  Like Peter’s audience, ask God what you should do and then obey. – NLT Life Application Study Bible

    Peters first Sermon was powerful.  Why? The truth was told, people were convected of Sin and responded with repentance, and many about 3,000 are baptised and added to the church that day.  The Gospel is so powerful!  How are you responding to it?

  • Acts 2:1-13

    “On the day of Pentecost[a] all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,[b] as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” v. 1-4

    What am awesome experience!  Have you ever been in a place where you knew God was?  This is that moment that Jesus, and the prophets have talked about, one that the disciples were told to wait for, and now, as promised, the Holy Spirit came and came with power like a mighty roaring wind. The Holy Spirit empowered the believers to do something they could not do on their own.  In this case, to specifically speak in other languages (tongues).  The believers were able to share the Gospel with all that were gathered and did gather because of this event.  Many people believed this day, while others walked away saying that those people must be drunk!  They totally missed what God was doing in their midst.

    Why did the Spirit come in this way?  Does the Spirit always come in this way? Here are some answers:

    Why tongues of Fire? Tongues symbolize speech and the communication of the Gospel (Good News).  Fire symbolizes God’s purifying presence, which burns away the undesirable elements of our lives and sets our hearts aflame to ignite the lives o others.  On Mount Sinai, God confirmed the validity of the Old Testament law with fire from Heaven (Exodus 19:16-18).  At Pentecost, God confirmed the validity of the Holy Spirit’s ministry by sending fire.  At Mount Sinai, fire came down on one place; at Pentecost, fire came down on many believers symbolizing that God’s presence is available to all who believe in Him.

    God made his presence known to this group in a spectacular way – roaring wind, fire, and his Holy Spirit.  However, God doesn’t always reveal Himself in this way. Be very cautious of thinking this is the only way God reveals Himself.  Elijah experienced a great wind, and earthquake, and finally fire, but God’s message wasn’t in any of those things!  Gods message came in a gentle whisper.  God may use dramatic methods to work in your life – or He may simply speak in a gentle whisper.  The key is to know when and how God is speaking and listen!     -NLT Life Application Study Bible

  • Acts 1:12-26

    “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus—from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” v 21-22

    Peter, who Jesus called the rock, steps out as the leader of the approximate 120 believers to address the issue of finding a replacement for Judas.  Judas betrayed Jesus as the scripture prophesied would happen, but scripture also said that someone would have to replace him.  So, Peter actually leads the first Church Business meeting stating the standards of the new apostle and taking a vote.  Matthias was chosen and I am sure they fellowshiped with food afterward.

    This may not seem important but it really is.  Notice how small the gathering of believers was.  We are talking about 120 people, who had a love for Christ, lets be honest, some probably more than others, but they still gathered together in unity.  This is the group that spent the most time with Jesus.  This is the group that would take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.  We are believers today, because this group didn’t drop the ball, they didn’t give into the pressures of this world, they remained faithful to Christ by carrying the Gospel to others.

    The Question – Who will be believers tomorrow because of your impact today? Let’s not forget the responsibility we have as Christ Followers!

  • Acts 1:1-11

    “‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”  Acts 1:8

    This verses is used a lot when talking about missions, but Jesus intent in saying this is that we, the disciples then and now, will have the power needed, given by the Holy Spirit, to be representatives for Christ to this world . . . all of it.  We have a great responsibility to bring the Good News of Jesus to the world around us.  But we don’t have to do it in our own strength.

    In the book of Act, Luke continues the story he began in his Gospel, covering the 30 years after Jesus was taken into heaven.  During that short time the church was established, and the Good News of salvation was spread throughout the world, even to the capital of the Roman Empire.  Those preaching the Good News, though ordinary people with human frailties and limitations, were empowered by the Holy Spirit to take it all over the world.  In the book of Acts we learn about the nature of the church and how we, like these early believers, can turn our world around! – NLT Life Application Study Notes

    May we wait on the Lords timing, just as the Disciples were instructed to do, so we can move in the Power of the Holy Spirit, and not our own power!  Teach us Lord, Empower us Lord,  Impact the world around us Lord, not for our own kingdom, but for your Eternal Kingdom!


  • Matthew 28:16-20

    16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

    18 Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” v. 16-20

    When someone is dying or leaving us, his or her last words are very important.  Jesus left the disciples with these last words of instruction; They were under his authority; they were to make more disciples; they were to baptize and teach these new disciples to obey Christ; Christ would be with them always. – NLT Life Application Study Bible

    Jesus was sending the disciples to the entire world (aka all nations) not just a group of people.  However, this command was not just for the twelve and the people that were gathered there.  This command is for all who profess to be Christ Followers.  Meaning you have surrendered and committed your life to Christ.  We hold a high responsibility.  Jesus has no plan B.  We are the “A” team that God is using to tell others about Himself.

    We are to go, whether it is next door or to another country, and make disciples.  It is not an option but a command to all who call Jesus “Lord”.   We are not all evangelist in the formal sense, but we have all recieved gifts that we can use to help fulfill the great commission.  As we obey, we have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us. – NLT Life Application Study Bible

  • John 21:15-25

    “After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?[a]‘

    ‘Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.’

    ‘Then feed my lambs,’ Jesus told him.

    16 Jesus repeated the question: ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’

    ‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter said, ‘you know I love you.’

    ‘Then take care of my sheep,’ Jesus said.

    17 A third time he asked him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’

    Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, ‘Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.’

    Jesus said, ‘Then feed my sheep.’

    18 ‘I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others[b] will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.’ 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, ‘Follow me.’” v. 15-19

    I still remember the first time I heard this passage.  I was in college and a senior had asked a couple of us freshman if we wanted to do a Bible Study.  To be honest, we weren’t vary faithful to Experiencing God, the discipleship stuff we were using but I will never forget this passage that John shared with us.  When he read it, it was like no big deal really but as he started to explain the Greek, I was blown away.  Jesus has such High expectations for us and the requires everything we are, but many times our response is one of affection instead of dedication.  Here are the application notes to this passage today from the NLT Life Application Study Bible,

    Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him.  The first time Jesus said, “Do you love (Greek agape: volitional, self-sacrificial love) me more than these?” The second time, Jesus focused on Peter alone and still used the word translated into the Greek, agape.  The third time, Jesus used the  word translated into Greek, phileo (signifying affection, affinity, or brotherly love) and asked, in effect, “Are you even my friend?” Each time Peter responded with the word translated into the Greek as phileo.

    Jesus doesn’t settle for quick superficial answers.  He has a way of getting to the heart of the matter.  Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him.  How would you respond if Jesus asked you, “Do you love me? Do you really love me? Are you even my friend?”

    Today, how will you answer these last three questions?  May our desires and our actions collide so Jesus can be ultimately glorified!

  • Luke 24

    “The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, ‘Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[b] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.’” v.5-7

    The Importance of the Resurrection taken from the Life Application Study Bible notes:

    The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the central fact of Christian history.  On it, the church is built; without it, there would be no Christian Church today.  Jesus’ resurrection is unique.  Other religions have strong ethical systems, concepts about paradise and the afterlife, and various holy scriptures.  Only Christianity has a God who became human, literally died for his people, and was raised again in power and glory to rule his church forever.

    Why is the Resurrection so important?

    1. Because Christ was raised from the dead, we know that the kingdom of Heaven has broken into earth’s history.  Our world is now headed for redemption, not disaster.  Gods mighty power is at work destroying sin, creating new lives, and preparing us for Jesus’ second coming.
    2. Because of the Resurrection, we know that the death has been conquered and we, too, will be raised from the dead to live forever with Christ.
    3. The Resurrection gives authority to the church’s witness in the world.  Look at the apostles’ most important message was the proclamation that Jesus Christ had been raised from the dead!
    4. The Resurrection gives meaning to the church’s sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
    5. The Resurrection helps us find meaning even in great tragedy.  No matter what happens to us as we walk with the Lord, the Resurrection gives us hope for the future.
    6. The Resurrection assures us that Christ is alive and Ruling his Kingdom.  He is not a legend;He is alive and real.
    7. God’s power that brought Jesus back from the dead is available to us so that we can live for him in an evil world.

    Christians can look very different from one another, and they can widely varying beliefs about politics, lifestyle, and even theology.  But one central belief unites and inspires all true Christians: Jesus Christ rose from the dead!

  • John 20

    “One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),[c] was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’

    But he replied, ‘I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.’

    26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’

    28 ‘My Lord and my God!’ Thomas exclaimed.

    29 Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’” v. 24-29

    Have you ever felt like Thomas, wanting to believe but for some reason not believing until you see some form of evidence?  I know I have.  Thomas has been told the greatest news, and for some reason he doubts it until he actually sees the Resurrected Jesus 8 days later and is able to touch his nail scared hands and pierced side.  What a powerful moment, what a humbling moment.

    Have you ever wished you could actually see Jesus, touch Him, and hear His words?  Are there times you want to sit down with Him and get His advice? (always) Thomas wanted Jesus physical presence.  But God’s plan is wiser.  He has not limited himself to one physical body; he wants to be present with you at all times.  Even now, he is with you and me in the form of the Holy Spirit.  We can talk to Him, and we can find His words in the pages of the Bible.  He can be as real to us as he was to Thomas.

    Today, carve out some time to just sit with God.  Don’t rush through an agenda or a quiet time.  Just be with Him.  I think so many time we feel like we have to do something to be with God.  But invite Him in and He will meet with you and reveal Himself to you in a powerful way!

  • Luke 23:32-49

    “Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull,[a] they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

    34 Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’[b] And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.[c]

    35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’ 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38 A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

    39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, ‘So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!’

    40 But the other criminal protested, ‘Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.’ 42 Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’

    43 And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” v.32-43

    Thought this was some neat insight toady from the NLT Life Application Study Bible Notes,

    The dying criminal had more faith than the rest of Jesus’ followers put together.  Although the disciples continued to love Jesus, their hopes for the Kingdom were shattered.  Most of them had gone into hiding.  As one of his followers sadly said two days later, “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel” (24:21).  By contrast, the criminal looked at the man who was dying next to him and said,  “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”  By all appearances, the Kingdom was finished.  How awe-inspiring is the faith of this man who alone was beyond the present shame to the coming glory!

  • Mark 15:6-23

    “So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.

    16 The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. 17 They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. 18 Then they saluted him and taunted, ‘Hail! King of the Jews!’ 19 And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. 20 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.” v.15-23

    When you look at Jesus life, what he taught, how he lived, who he poured himself in to, and the many miracles he performed, it is shocking that he would die the way he did.  As Jesus stiood before Pilate, the crowd and the Pharisees yelled “Crucify Him!” Crucifixtion was the Roman penalty for rebellion.  Only slaves and non-Romans could be crucified.  Pilate feeling the pressure already gives in to the crowds demands and ordered Jesus to be flogged and crucified.

    But what happened to all the people Jesus had impacted, where were the Disciples, and the crowds that welcomed Him just a couple of days earlier?  In a matter of 24 hours several people had sold Jesus for numerous reasons.

    • Judas – Sold Out Jesus for 30 gold coins.  Why, we can only speculate.  One thought is that he wantd to force Jesus in to the role of Ruler King the people thought the Messiah would be.
    • The Pharisees – Sold Out Jesus because of Pride and Jealousy.  They had tried to trick Jesus several times and were tiered of Him making them look like fools.
    • Pilate – Sold Out Jesus for Political Gain.  Knowing that he was already in the hot seat, he didn’t want to cause a riot that would affect his advancement in the Roman Government.  So he gave into the crowd even when he saw the real issue in the Pharisees jealousy.
    • The Disciples – Sold Out Jesus because of fear.  Even though they were the closest to Him and knew Him the best, they were fearful that they may be next.
    • The Crowds – Sold Out Jesus to Popularity.  The crowds were there when it benefited them.  It’s easy to be swayed by the opinions of others and the crowd that had gathered this day was pretty insistent on Jesus being crucified.
    • You and Me – Sell out Jesus to _______________________.

    Lets be honest, there are areas in our life that we sell Jesus out also.  It can range from a variety of things to only a couple of things.  Take some time today to think of the things that cause you to sell Jesus out.  If we never identify them we aren’t able to confess them and ask God for help.

    Father help me to not be a sell out, but to be sold out to you in all the areas of my life not just some of them!