Speaker: Douglas Huffman
Interpreting and Applying the Book of Acts
The Book of Acts—probably a favorite of us all. We are rightly drawn to its vigor, its courage, its hope, its Christ-centeredness, its Holy Spirit power, its advance of the gospel, its heroes and anti-heroes. There are so many things to aspire to in this book, and so many perils to avoid. No wonder it’s a frequent focus of our sermons, lessons, personal meditation, and strategic methods.
Yet do we know how to read Acts well? We tend to read portions of it with great care, extracting principles for this or that aspect of following Jesus. But do we read it as a whole? Do we understand its unfolding message from beginning to end? Do we read it in light of Luke’s first volume, The Gospel of Luke? And what about our pick-and-choose method of applying Acts? We seem to be quick to use it to support such things as deacons, disciple-making, regional gospel influence, team ministry, and missions. But we are slow to use it to support choosing of leaders by lot, speaking in tongues, pooling of personal possessions, healing, and visions. On what basis do we choose? How can we know if we are applying Acts soundly?
These are some of the issues we will be considering at our Fall Teaching Conference. Doug Huffman, who has thought hard and written well on Acts, will be our teacher. If you’ve heard Doug teach, you know he combines careful study, clear communication, an earnest heart, and a love for Christ’s church and mission. Whether you are a pastor, church staff member, elder, or ministry leader, we invite you to come be enriched personally and ministerially.
NCD Staff