Acts

In Acts 15, we see a conflict of authority and a conflict of doctrine. We live in a lawless age in which Christians reject authority. Acting in Jesus' name without the blessing of the church is dangerous.

In Constantinople, 100,000 Christians maintained 50,000 poor, all the clergy, and 3,000 widows and orphans, all through the tithe.

Prayer is the condition of divine operation.

All believers are to defend as well as proclaim the gospel. Apologetics is not an elite task for scholars and pastors.

Discipleship often involves facing a difficult impasse which requires waiting for God's deliverance and salvation.

God prepares us in advance for a purpose and calling, by our education, trials, family, and experiences.

True preaching is not just communication; it's the word of life transforming us and creating new conditions of life. The law of God requires care for orphans and widows, and so the early church undertook ministry to practical needs. Both ministry of the Word and the ministry of compassion are high and holy work.